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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Leg length inequalities (LLIs) can result in an increased energy consumption, abnormal gait or osteoarthritis of the hip. In a previous study we simulated different LLIs of up to 15 mm and evaluated their effects on the pelvic position and spinal posture. We found a correlation between LLIs and resulting changes of the pelvic position. Despite suggestions in the literature we were not able to detect significant changes of the spinal posture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the amount of LLI that would in fact alter the spinal posture. ⋯ Our study has shown for the first time that LLIs >20 mm will lead to significant changes in the spinal posture of healthy test subjects. However, these changes were only found in frontal (surface rotation and lateral flexion) spinal parameters, but not in sagittal parameters. Here for the kyphotic angle only a tendency to decreasing angles was noted. We have also found a significant correlation between different leg lengths and changes of the pelvic position. Further, females and males seem to react in the same way to LLIs.
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Observational Study
Drug resistance patterns in 111 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis spine.
We report the largest study conducted till date of drug resistant tuberculosis in spine analyzing the drug susceptibility patterns in 111 cases of proven drug resistance. ⋯ It is recommended to do routine biopsy, culture and drug sensitivity testing in all patients of tuberculosis spine to guide selection of appropriate second-line drugs when required. In cases of non availability of drug susceptibility testing despite repeated attempts, it is suggested to use data from large series such as this to plan best empirical chemotherapy protocol.
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Surgery for spinal metastasis is often associated with significant morbidity. Despite a number of preoperative scoring systems/scales and identified variables that have been reported to predict complication risk, clinical studies that directly evaluate this issue using multivariate analysis are scarce. The goal of our study was to assess independent predictors of complication after surgery for spinal metastasis. ⋯ Patients older than 40 years or patients who have metastatic lesions involving three or more contiguous vertebral levels appear to be at higher risk for complication. Patients older than 65 years have the greatest likelihood of complication.
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We present an uncommon and yet interesting congenital anomaly and discuss the difficulties with diagnosis and controversies in management. C1 arch deficiency is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of neck pain in children. ⋯ No definitive guidelines exist for the management of this congenital anomaly. Indications for surgical intervention prior to any neurological disturbance are unclear, and restricting a child from partaking in healthy activity may not be necessary. We discuss the anomaly and identified management strategies as reported in the literature so far.
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This study was undertaken to assess the change of psoas and paravertebral muscles in patients with degenerative scoliosis. ⋯ Hypertrophy of the muscles on the convex side is suggested as the explanation of this asymmetry rather than atrophy of the muscles on the concave side as muscle atrophy is known to be associated with increased fatty infiltration.