Spine
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Cohort study with follow-up after at least 1.5 years. ⋯ On the long-term, decompressive laminectomy in selected octogenarians results in decreased disability, decline of analgesics usage, and increased quality of life.
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A prospective clinical and radiologic investigation of two groups of patients presenting with either acute back pain only or acute leg pain only, yet similar restriction in straight leg raising (SLR). ⋯ Acute low back pain associated with significant restriction in SLR is likely to be caused by a disc prolapse compressing the anterior theca.
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Case report. ⋯ Both surgical and nonsurgical management has been advocated for these tumors. The cord compression at presentation forced us toward surgical management. It is likely that observational data are the only evidence available for clinical decision-making. In this case, we were able to obtain good access to the front of the upper thoracic spine by a supraclavicular approach. Tiny plates are available to maxillofacial surgeons that can be adapted for use in the spines of small children.
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Light microscopy study of the lumbar spinal meninges of a murine model of Marfan syndrome. ⋯ These morphologic findings in the Marfan phenotype mouse mimic the findings of disordered elastic-fibers in other Marfan tissues and demonstrate gross attenuation of the tissue architecture, corroborating the theory that dural ectasia in Marfan syndrome results from hydrostatic pressure on weakened dura. These changes may be due in part to transforming growth factor beta overactivation and gelatinase-A-mediated elastolysis and collagen breakdown.