Spine
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Comparative Study
Training and evaluating spinal surgeons: the development of novel performance measures.
Cohort study. ⋯ Four variables, 3 involving process measures and 1 an outcome measure, can be used to distinguish between novice and expert spine surgeons using a simple lumbar spine pedicle cannulation task, providing evidence of their construct validity. Knowledge of these differences may be useful in objective evaluation of surgical competence and providing precise feedback during the training of this skill, thereby enhancing learning.
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To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of thoracic and lumbar epidural lipomatosis associated with Paget disease of the spine. ⋯ Paget disease of the spine may rarely be complicated by spinal epidural lipomatosis and may be considered in patients with paraparesis and symptoms of spinal stenosis.
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A novel approach combining a rodent disc herniation model with electrophysiologic recordings of thalamic evoked responses. ⋯ The study demonstrates that NP application onto DRG increases afferent fiber evoked responses in the thalamus and in view of the opposite effects of AT application suggests that these effects may be specific for NP. The results show that NP affects sensory transmitting pathways within a few minutes, possibly due to rapid and reversible alterations in the neuronal excitability. The study thus introduces a rodent model for studying sensory afferent evoked thalamic activity related to DRG injury which may be used to evaluate analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief in disc herniation and neuropathic pain patients.
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Multicenter Study
Minimal clinically important change for pain intensity and disability in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
Cohort study. ⋯ In subacute and chronic patients, improvements in LBP of