Spine
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Retrospective study. ⋯ Distal fusion level should be extended to at least lower end vertebra (LEV) -1 in type 1A-A and type 1A-D curves, while it might be necessary to go down to LEV in the type 1A-B and 1A-C. It seems that LEV might be a reliable guide to select ideal distal fusion level in Lenke type 1A curves.
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Retrospective chart review. ⋯ After adjusting for demographic, oncologic, neurologic, operative, and health factors, Charlson score was the most robust predictor of 30-day complications. A Charlson score of two or greater should be considered a surgical risk factor for 30-day complications, and should be used to risk-stratify surgical candidates. If complications are anticipated, medical staff can prepare in advance, for instance, scheduling aggressive ICU care to monitor for and treat complications. Finally, Charlson score should be controlled for in future spinal metastasis outcomes studies and compared to other comorbidity assessment tools.
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An in vivo study to develop a goat large-animal model for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. ⋯ A comparison of the various injuries inflicted showed that the use of a 4.5-mm drill bit resulted in the most significant histologic changes.
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We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with nonadolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent open vertebral stapling for treatment of spinal deformity. ⋯ More than half of the patients in our series have undergone or are scheduled to undergo further spinal surgery, at an average of 2 year after anterior vertebral stapling. It is unclear if progression may be related to the young age at surgery, the relatively severe average preoperative curve magnitude, the nature of the underlying scoliosis, or a combination of these.
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Synthesis and analysis of presentation and discussion highlights, with a focus on emerging trends and promising new directions in primary care research on low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Although the field of primary care LBP research often seems to progress slowly, the Forum highlighted several important, promising developments that could substantially improve LBP research and primary care practice.