Spine
-
Comparative Study
Metallic artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging of patients with spinal fusion. A comparison of implant materials and imaging sequences.
Devices for spinal fusion were compared with respect to their influence on magnetic resonance images. In addition, different magnetic resonance pulse sequences were evaluated to elicit their susceptibility to imaging artifacts. ⋯ By choosing appropriate spinal fusion devices as well as pulse sequences, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging examinations can give acceptable results, in spite of the presence of metallic implants.
-
Dissection and observation of the dorsal root ganglion of the second cervical spinal nerve bilaterally. ⋯ The C2 dorsal dorsal root ganglia are all proximally placed and occupy most of the foramen height, which may render the C2 ganglion vulnerable to entrapment.
-
Reinforcement of thoracolumbar burst fractures with calcium phosphate cement. A biomechanical study.
A biomechanical study on the stabilization of thoracolumbar burst fractures. ⋯ This hydroxyapatite cement compound augments anterior column stability in a burst fracture model. This technique may improve outcomes in burst fracture patients without the need for a secondary anterior approach.
-
The study group consisted of 53 patients who underwent 75 operations for spine metastases. Patient and tumor demographic factors, preoperative nutritional status, and perioperative adjunctive therapy were retrospectively reviewed. ⋯ The results indicate that preoperative protein depletion and perioperative administration of corticosteroids are risk factors for wound infection in patients undergoing surgery for spine metastases. Perioperative correction of nutritional depletion and cessation of steroid therapy may reduce wound complications.
-
A longitudinal observational study of primary care patients with low back pain. ⋯ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often augmented by muscle relaxants, are a standard medical treatment for back pain in primary care. In this observational study, patients prescribed medications, particularly muscle relaxants, reported less severe symptoms after 1 week than those receiving no medications. However, randomized trials are needed to determine which medication or combinations of medications are most effective.