Spine
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Cadaver study. ⋯ Transpedicular measurement of peak breakaway torque is technically feasible and predicts reliable local bone strength and implant failure for dorsal spinal instrumentations in this experimental setting.
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Community-based cross-sectional analysis of the relation between symptoms of psychopathology and back pain (BP) or neck pain (NP) in rural southwest Ethiopia. ⋯ In the first known study about the relation between psychopathologic symptomatology and BP and NP in a rural context in a developing country, the prevalence of BP and NP were comparable to published data in developed and developing countries. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were correlates of BP and NP, and symptoms of PTS were a correlate of BP. Comparative studies about the relation between psychopathology and chronic pain conditions between rural and urban contexts in the global south are needed.
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Observational Study
Appropriateness criteria for surgery improve clinical outcomes in patients with low back pain and/or sciatica.
Prospective, controlled, observational outcome study using clinical, radiographic, and patient/physician-based questionnaire data, with patient outcomes at 12 months follow-up. ⋯ In comparison to previously reported literature, our study is the first to assess the utility of appropriateness criteria for low back surgery at 1-year follow-up with multiple outcome dimensions. Our results confirm the hypothesis that application of appropriateness criteria can significantly improve patient outcomes.
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A retrospective analysis of 9 patients who underwent a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniations. ⋯ This modified contralateral approach offered a wide exposure of intervertebral foramen region and allowed to remove the herniated disc material with minimal resection of osseous and ligamentous structures. Successful results were achieved in all patients treated by this technique.