Spine
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Comparative Study
The sensitivity and specificity of electrodiagnostic testing for the clinical syndrome of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Prospective, masked, double controlled diagnostic trial. ⋯ This first masked study in the 60-year history of needle electromyography also introduces anatomically validated needle placement, quantified and reproducible examination of the paraspinal muscles, and dual control populations to EDX research in spinal disorders. EDX has statistically significant, clinically meaningful specificity for spinal stenosis and detects neuromuscular diseases that may masquerade as stenosis.
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Prospective observational study with a 2- to 3-year follow-up. ⋯ The delayed muscle reflex response significantly increases the odds of sustaining an LBI. These delayed latencies appear to be a preexisting risk factor and not the effect of an LBI.
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Prospective consecutive series. ⋯ Even if the clinical expectations were met, some patients were still dissatisfied. Patients with spinal stenosis (Group 2) seem to have more unrealistic expectations than patients with disc herniation (Group 1).
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Comparative Study
A new stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion device: biomechanical comparison with established fixation techniques.
Established lumbar fixation methods were assessed biomechanically, and a comparison was made with a new stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody cage device incorporating integrated anterior fixation. ⋯ The Test-device alone provided similar and the Test-device and TS higher stability than the pedicle screw constructs evaluated. These results support progression to clinical trials using the Test-device as a stand-alone implant.
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Comparative Study
Pathomechanism of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy: a multidisciplinary investigation based on clinical, biomechanical, histologic, and biologic assessments.
A multidisciplinary study involving clinical, histologic, biomechanical, biologic, and immunohistologic approaches. OBJECTIVE.: To clarify the pathomechanism of hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. ⋯ Fibrosis is the main cause of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and fibrosis is caused by the accumulation of mechanical stress with the aging process, especially along the dorsal aspect of the ligamentum flavum. TGF-beta released by the endothelial cells may stimulate fibrosis, especially during the early phase of hypertrophy.