Spine
-
In vivo study on cervical spine motion. ⋯ The current study demonstrated that for the comparison of functional outcome after different therapies of C2 fractures clinical measurements do not serve for reliable data on total neck rotation and particularly atlantoaxial rotation and the percentage of C1-C2 rotation of total neck rotation. The use of dynamic CT-scans in the analysis of functional outcome after C2 fractures is strongly recommended.
-
Comparative Study
The association between Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores and scoliosis severity changes at a clinically relevant threshold.
Cross-sectional correlation study. ⋯ Deterioration in SRS-22 scores is mildly associated with increases in the severity of the internal deformity. HRQOL is stable until the curve reaches a maximal Cobb angle threshold at approximately 45 degrees where HRQOL declines linearly with increasing internal deformity. The association between HRQOL and scoliosis severity is low, but is better explained by segmented rather than linear models.
-
Comparative Study
Biomechanical evaluation of short-segment posterior instrumentation with and without crosslinks in a human cadaveric unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture model.
This study evaluates the biomechanical characteristics of spinal instrumentation constructs in a human unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture model simulated by corpectomy. ⋯ Crosslinks, when added to short-segment posterior fixation, improve stiffness and decrease motion in axial rotation, but do not restore baseline stability in this corpectomy model. Short-segment posterior fixation is also inadequate in restoring stability in flexion with injuries of this severity. Short-segment posterior instrumentation alone can achieve baseline stability in lateral bending, and crosslinks provide even greater stiffness.
-
Comparative Study
Thromboprophylaxis in traumatic and elective spinal surgery: analysis of questionnaire response and current practice of spine trauma surgeons.
A survey on thromboprophylaxis in spinal surgery and trauma was conducted among spine trauma surgeons. ⋯ A basis for a consensus protocol on thromboprophylaxis in spinal trauma was attempted. No more than mechanical prophylaxis was recommended before surgery for non-SCI patients or after surgery for elective cervical spine cases. Chemical prophylaxis was commonly used after surgery in patients with SCI and in patients with elective anterior thoracolumbar surgery.
-
Comparative Study
Effects of perioperative blood product use on surgical site infection following thoracic and lumbar spinal surgery.
Retrospective case-control review. ⋯ Our findings support current theories that blood transfusions may have modulatory effects on the immune system of the recipients. Our specific study in spine patients may contribute to the expanding literature on allogeneic blood transfusions and the risk of nosocomial infections and encourage surgeons to favor a more restrictive policy with regard to transfusions.