European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Comparative Study
A two-cage reconstruction versus a single mega-cage reconstruction for lumbar interbody fusion: an experimental comparison.
Interbody cages are used as an adjunct to anterior lumbar interbody fusion, but exposure and insertion of two cages can be difficult. A biomechanical study was performed to compare the stability and exposed surface for fusion obtained with interbody reconstruction using two traditional cylindrical cages (18-mm diameter) vs. a single expanded mega-cage (24-mm diameter). A single-cage technique could result in safer exposure, shorter operating time, and less cost. ⋯ The stiffness with a single anterior mega-cage was significantly lower in flexion compared with two standard cages. However, in all other modes of testing the constructs were statistically equivalent, although neither construct was significantly stiffer than the intact specimen. Additionally, the single mega-cage provides an equivalent cancellous bed for fusion as compared to dual cages. While this study is not sufficient to recommend human application, these results and our previous experience with the successful in vivo use of a single cage in rhesus monkeys [4] suggest that the single expanded anterior cage may be an acceptable concept although subsidence risk needs further investigation. The potential advantages of a single mega-cage (safer for the foramen, safer for the vessels, more consistent decortication and possibly cheaper) further suggest that examination should be given to this method as an approach to anterior interbody reconstruction in selected patients.
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The aim of this study was to define the influence of whiplash injuries on the perceived condition of health 3 years after injury. We evaluated remaining symptoms and the use of health services. Insurance companies provided reports and medical certificates from traffic accidents in Finland in 1998, for those injured who had agreed to take part in the study. ⋯ Although some of the injured had improved in the long term, some reported that their health condition was worse after 3 years than at the 1-year follow-up. The percentage of respondents reporting a significant health deterioration remains unchanged 3 years after the whiplash injury. These findings illuminate the importance of early recognition of risk factors for long-term disability and the primary treatment and rehabilitation procedures.
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A 13-year-old male achondroplastic dwarf with fixed thoracolumbar kyphosis was treated by segmental pedicle screw fixation, posterolateral fusion combined with one stage two level posterior column resection. Preoperative and postoperative kyphosis angles were 97 and 32 degrees, respectively. Combination of segmental pedicle instrumentation with posterior column resection is a treatment option even in immature achondroplastic patients.
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We studied the relationship between whiplash injury and personality in 40 whiplash patients who admitted the hospital within 8 h from the car accident and 80 age- and gender-matched controls. For this purpose we used the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). ⋯ According to our results personality symptoms related to whiplash injury is probably not a secondary phenomenon. Whiplash patients were normally developed in character, i.e., self-directedness (SD), and CO (cooperativeness) and therefore in general are capable of coping with their somatic problems.
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To date, only three cases of artificial disc prosthesis dislocation have been reported in the literature. We present in detail two additional cases of prosthesis dislocation and discuss the surgical interventions undertaken that resulted in a good clinical outcome in both patients.