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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The authors studied the surface electromyographic (EMG) spectrum of the paraspinal muscles of 350 subjects. They were classified by their history as normal (n=175), chronic low back pain (n=145), or past history (n=30). They pulled upwards on a floor-mounted load cell at two-thirds of their maximum voluntary contraction for 30 s, while the EMG was measured from the paraspinal muscles at the L4/L5 level. ⋯ All of the variables of the chronic group were significantly different from the normal group, except the median frequency slope, RMS slope and mode. Half-width, age and maximum voluntary contraction were shown to be independent predictors of back pain classification. Half-width classified the subjects with a sensitivity of 0.65 and a specificity of 0.75.
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We studied the brace effect on the spinal profile in idiopathic scoliosis, using a MR procedure visualising the complete scoliotic spine in any vertical plane, while rotating it 180 degrees on the longitudinal axis of the patient. Thirty-eight female patients (mean age, 14.5 years) were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were an idiopathic scoliosis, a Cobb angle greater than 20 degrees , age of 10-17 years and bracing with a Cheneau brace. ⋯ MR analysis showed that the brace effect is a translation process, straightening the profile of the scoliotic spine in all vertical planes. MR animation allows visualising the brace effect on the spine in scoliosis based on a 3D data set, without additional radiation exposure. It showed the straightening effect of the brace leading to a flattening of the sagittal spinal profile.
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Controversy exists about the indications, advantages and disadvantages of various surgical techniques used for anterior interbody fusion of spinal fractures in the thoracolumbar junction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stabilizing effect of an anterolateral and thoracoscopically implantable screw-plate system. Six human bisegmental spinal units (T12-L2) were used for the biomechanical in vitro testing procedure. ⋯ After bisegmental anterolateral stabilization a sufficient reduction of the movements was registered for flexion/extension and lateral bending. However, the observed slight increase of the range of motion in the transversal plane may lead to loosening of the implant before union. Therefore, the use of an additional dorsal fixation device should be considered.