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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Claudication is a typical symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Differential diagnosis of PAD and LSS is often difficult due to the subjective natures of symptoms and atypical signs. The authors aimed to determine the usefulness of ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement for the differential diagnosis of PAD and LSS when the etiology of claudication is uncertain. ⋯ ABI is a recommended screening test for the differential diagnosis of lower leg claudication when clinical symptoms are atypical.
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The curve pattern of idiopathic scoliosis is important for making decisions concerning bracing. However, whether the curve pattern changes during brace treatment have not been fully documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of curve pattern during brace treatment in skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ Changes in curve pattern can occur during brace treatment. Patients with less skeletal maturity and those treated with a Boston brace are more susceptible to this phenomenon.
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The authors report an extremely rare cause of cervicomedullary cord compression by anomalous ectatic vertebral arteries. ⋯ Anomalous course of the vertebral artery can result in symptoms of high cervical cord compression. Vasculopexy can result in lasting cure from symptoms.
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Isolated intraspinal extradural tuberculous granuloma (IETG) without radiological evidence of vertebral involvement is uncommon, especially rare in cervical spine. ⋯ The isolated IETG, although a rare entity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the intraspinal mass, especially in patients with spinal cord compression and a history of tuberculosis. If there is a progressing neurological deficit, a combination of surgical and anti-tuberculous treatment should be the optimal choice.