Spine
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This is a retrospective review on the application of the authors' technique of atlantoaxial lateral mass plate and screw fixation on a rare subset of patients having mobile and reducible atlantoaxial subluxation in the presence of occipitalized atlas. ⋯ Although lateral mass plate and screw fixation in the presence of occipitalized atlas is technically a relatively difficult and anatomically a precise surgical procedure, the firm and segmental stabilization that it provides offers an optimum situation for bony fusion.
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Comparative Study
Occupational gonadal and embryo/fetal doses from fluoroscopically assisted surgical treatments of spinal disorders.
Simulation of lumbar spine fluoroscopy used during surgical treatments of spinal disorders on a humanoid phantom and monitoring of the scattered radiation levels. ⋯ Radiogenic genetic and embryo/fetal risks resulting from occupational exposure due to fluoroscopically assisted surgical treatments of spinal disorders are well within tolerance levels provided that rigorous confinement to all pertinent occupational dose constraints is established.
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This is a case report. ⋯ Epidural emphysema secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum is benign and self-limiting. However, the life-threatening causes should be considered and ruled out.
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Comparative Study
Complications associated with lumbar laminectomy: a comparison of spinal versus general anesthesia.
A case-controlled, comparative study of 400 patients undergoing lumbar surgery, treated with either spinal or general anesthesia. An independent observer analyzed outcomes. ⋯ For patients undergoing decompressive lumbar surgery, spinal anesthesia is at least comparable to general anesthetic with respect to complications. Specific advantages to spinal anesthesia include decreased nausea and antiemetic requirements, reduced analgesic requirements, and reduced overall complication rate.
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Comparative Study
Changes in recruitment of the abdominal muscles in people with low back pain: ultrasound measurement of muscle activity.
Ultrasound and electromyographic (EMG) measures of trunk muscle activity were compared between low back pain (LBP) and control subjects in a cross-sectional study. ⋯ This study reinforces evidence for changes in automatic control of TrA in people with LBP. Furthermore, the data establish a new test of recruitment of the abdominal muscles in people with LBP. This test presents a feasible noninvasive test of automatic recruitment of the abdominal muscles.