Spine
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A porous tantalum implant (Hedrocel, Implex Corp., Allendale, NJ), designed to assist interbody lumbar fusion, was tested biologically in an experimental model. A total of 11 female Danish landrace pigs received 3 levels of anterior lumbar interbody fusion at L2-L3, L4-L5, and L6-L7. Each level was randomly assigned one of the procedures: (1) implantation of PT-ring with pedicle screw fixation (PSF), (2) implantation of a porous tantalum ring (PT-ring) stabilized anteriorly with staples, or (3) implantation of carbon fiber cage (CF-cage) stabilized anteriorly with 2 staples. Each implant was filled with autogenous iliac crest bone graft. ⋯ Interbody fusion using a PT-ring cage packed with autologous bone achieved higher interface healing and more reliable fusion when fixated with supplementary pedicle screws than did fixated anteriorly with 2 staples. A lesser amount of bone graft was required, and bone remodeling was enhanced in the PT-ring when compared to the CF-cage.
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Retrospective study. ⋯ PVCR is an effective alternative for severe rigid scoliosis. It is a highly technical procedure and should only be performed by an experienced surgical team.
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A prospective evaluation of cardiopulmonary tolerance to maximal exercise in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. ⋯ Although patients with mild or moderate scoliosis do not exhibit cardiopulmonary restrictions in basal static conditions, they do show a significant lower tolerance to maximal exercise. Respiratory inefficiency together with lower ventilation capacity and lower VO2 max may be responsible for reduced exercise tolerance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Exercise deconditioning in scoliotic patients cannot be attributed to brace treatment.
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A retrospective cohort study. ⋯ Adequate correction was maintained throughout an average follow-up of 4.5 years, and solid fusion was obtained in all patients. Anterior strut grafts, supplemented with posterior fusion with instrumentation provide a good treatment alternative for the treatment of kyphosis deformity of the spine as a result of various etiologies.
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Retrospective review. ⋯ ALO and minimal segments fixation appear to hold promise for the treatment of thoracic or thoracolumbar OK, and may be safer with fewer complications. A larger series with more patients and surgeons is needed for confirmation.