Spine
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Correlation study. ⋯ The implementation of multidisciplinary, nonsurgical spine clinics coincided closely with a significant reduction in the rate of lumbar disc surgery. The observed reduction seems most likely to be causally associated with educational activities and improved patient care provided by the clinics.
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A prospective evaluation of the effects of backpack carriage on the pulmonary function of schoolgirls without spinal deformity versus those with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ Pulmonary function may be more sensitive to backpack load than previously considered, especially when study participants with AIS are being considered, and the recommended loading limit of 10% body weight may not be applicable to schoolgirls with AIS.
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A candidate gene association study in a longitudinal cohort. ⋯ Our results suggest a role for genes regulating inflammatory pathways in the radiographic progression of spine degeneration. This could prove a fruitful area for future therapeutics for the spine and other joints.
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Retrospective observational study. ⋯ Osteoporotic vertebral fractures with no sign of vertebral collapse on initial radiographs do indeed exist. They are analogous to occult stress fractures well known in other skeletal sites. They must not be misdiagnosed as malignant lesions.
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Retrospective study. ⋯ The treatment of choice of spinal hydatidosis is surgical removal of the affected vertebrae combined with posterior stabilization, followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Recurrence is very frequent.