Spine
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Comparative Study
Host bone response to polyetheretherketone versus porous tantalum implants for cervical spinal fusion in a goat model.
In vivo assessment of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and porous tantalum (TM) cervical interbody fusion devices in a goat model. ⋯ The TM implants supported bone growth into and around the implant margins better than the PEEK devices. TM's open cell porous structure facilitated host bone ingrowth and bone bridging through the device, which could be beneficial for long-term mechanical attachment and support in clinical applications.
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We reviewed existing methods for identifying patients with neck and back pain in administrative data. We compared these methods using data from the Department of Veterans Affairs. ⋯ Gaps are evident in existing methods and a new framework to identify patients with neck pain and back pain in administrative data is proposed.
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Review Case Reports
Unstable pathological fracture of the odontoid process caused by Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
A case report and literature review. ⋯ Immobilization and systemic chemotherapy with close observation are adequate for the management of patients despite the unstable pathological fracture of the odontoid process.
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Retrospective, radiographical analysis of mathe-matical formulas used to predict sagittal vertical axis (SVA) after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). ⋯ Preoperative planning for PSO is essential to optimize postoperative spinal alignment. Mathematical models that do not consider pelvic parameters and changes in unfused spinal segments poorly predict optimal postoperative alignment and may predispose to poor clinical outcomes. The Lafage formulas, which incorporated PT and spinal compensatory changes, best predicted optimal SVA.
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Retrospective clinicoradiographic analysis. ⋯ With long fusions to the sacrum, one should anticipate more perioperative complications, a higher pseudarthrosis rate, and perhaps more revision surgery than short fusions. Short fusions may result in a more proximal junctional kyphosis, only rarely requiring revision surgery.