Spine
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical comparison of lumbosacral fixation using Luque-Galveston and Colorado II sacropelvic fixation: advantage of using locked proximal fixation.
Biomechanical evaluation of sacropelvic fixation strategies as they apply to neuromuscular scoliosis. ⋯ The 2 methods of sacropelvic fixation provided similar construct stiffness, although the Colorado II method had less L5-S1 motion on flexion-extension testing, and the Galveston construct tended (although not statistically) to be stiffer in torsional loading. The addition of a pair of L1 pedicle screws increased the construct stiffness for both constructs by approximately 50%.
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A retrospective case control analysis of 48 cases of postoperative infection following spinal procedures. ⋯ Aggressive treatment of patients undergoing complex or prolonged spinal procedures is essential to prevent and treat infections. Understanding a patient's preoperative risk factors may help the physician to optimize a patient's preoperative condition. Additionally, awareness of critical intraoperative parameters will help to optimize surgical treatment. It may be appropriate to increase the duration of prophylactic antibiotics or implement other measures to decrease the incidence of infection for high risk patients.
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The connective tissue structures in the posterior atlanto-occipital region were investigated using E12 sheet plastinations and confocal microscopy. ⋯ The connective tissue structures that connect the spinal dura to the RCPm muscle in the PAO interspace are the RCPm fascia and tendinous fibers and perivascular sheathes.
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A prospective cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the Scoliosis Quality of Life Index (SQLI). SQLI is a 22-item self-reporting health-related quality-of-life questionnaire for idiopathic scoliosis patients. ⋯ SQLI is reliable and valid and demonstrates satisfactory distribution of scores. SQLI is a promising instrument in the assessment of AIS patients.
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Comparative Study
Facet tropism and interfacet shape in the thoracolumbar vertebrae: characterization and biomechanical interpretation.
Thoracolumbar facet and interfacet linear dimensions were measured and analyzed. ⋯ Facet tropism is a normal characteristic in humans, yet it varies along the thoracolumbar spine.