Spine
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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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Retrospective review of clinical cases. ⋯ No correlation was found between RF values and greater risk of recurrent infection. Removal of implants is unnecessary in acute infections, provided the infection does not return. CSIS is an effective method for treatment of postoperative wound infections following instrumented spinal fusion avoiding the need for secondary closure.