Spine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Epidural steroid following discectomy for herniated lumbar disc reduces neurological impairment and enhances recovery: a randomized study with two-year follow-up.
We randomized 200 patients after lumbar discectomy to receive epidural steroid or none with a 2-year follow-up. ⋯ Epidural methylprednisolone enhances recovery after discectomy for herniated disc disease without apparent side effects.
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A retrospective study. ⋯ In this series, 9 of 76 (12%) of patients with odontoid fractures also had a lower cervical spinal injury. Surgical stabilization was the choice of treatment as it facilitated early rehabilitation and reduced complications. We propose a new algorithm for treatment according to neurologic complications, segmental instability, and reducibility of the luxated lower cervical spine.
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Retrospective study. ⋯ Elderly patients who underwent spine surgery for spinal stenosis had reduced mortality compared to the corresponding portion of the general population. Therefore, surgery for spinal stenosis is a justifiable procedure even in elderly patients.
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Retrospective review. ⋯ Use of ketorolac after spinal fusion surgery in humans, limited to 48 hours after surgery for adjunctive analgesia, has no significant effect on ultimate fusion rates.
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We evaluated 2 types of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells and nerve fibers innervating rat lumbar intervertebral discs. ⋯ Rat L5/6 intervertebral discs were innervated by multisegmental levels of DRG. Most DRG neurons innervating the discs were positive for 2 types of NGF receptors.