Spine
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Dimensional measurement of cervical neural foramen at various positions, using reformatted computed tomography. ⋯ The present results are consistent with those of previous in vitro studies and may explain the clinical observation that cervical extension aggravates symptoms in patients with cervical radiculopathy and that flexion often relieves them.
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Three-dimensional intervertebral motions of the subaxial cervical spine during head rotation were investigated in healthy volunteers using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ We investigated intervertebral motions of the subaxial cervical spine during head rotation using a three-dimensional imaging system, and obtained the first accurate depictions of in vivo coupled motion. These findings will be helpful as the basis for understanding abnormal conditions.
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Case Reports
Epidural abscess and discitis complicating instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case report.
A case of epidural abscess and discitis following instrumented PLIF using a single carbon fiber interbody cage is presented. ⋯ There is a paucity of literature on epidural abscess and discitis as complications associated with PLIF. In this case, the infection persisted despite surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics. The patient ultimately required removal of the interbody implant and posterior instrumentation. The patient developed solid posterolateral arthrodesis despite the presence of deep infection, which led to early implant removal 4 months after the initial surgery. This case underscores the potential importance of concomitant posterolateral fusion, particularly following wide laminectomy and facetectomy required for PLIF.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Does it matter which exercise? A randomized control trial of exercise for low back pain.
Multicentered randomized controlled trial. ⋯ Consistent with prior evidence, a standardized mechanical assessment identified a large subgroup of LBP patients with a DP. Regardless of subjects' direction of preference, the response to contrasting exercise prescriptions was significantly different: exercises matching subjects' DP significantly and rapidly decreased pain and medication use and improved in all other outcomes. If repeatable, such subgroup validation has important implications for LBP management.
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A review of the literature on macromechanical factors that accelerate disc degeneration with particular focus on distinguishing the roles of immobilization and overloading. ⋯ It is concluded that probably any abnormal loading conditions (including overload and immobilization) can produce tissue trauma and/or adaptive changes that may result in disc degeneration. Adverse mechanical conditions can be due to external forces, or may result from impaired neuromuscular control of the paraspinal and abdominal muscles. Future studies will need to evaluate additional unquantified interactions between biomechanics and factors such as genetics and behavioral responses to pain and disability.