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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Lateral mass (LM) fixation has become a standard in cervical spine instability treatment; however, maximal biomechanical stability combined with low morbidity remains a challenge. We evaluated our own patient cohort for bicortical screw placement and complication rates and investigated optimal screw trajectories with preoperative multiplanar computed tomography (CT) scans. ⋯ The optimal LM trajectory varied for each subaxial segment. The knowledge of LM geometry allows for safe, long and even bicortical screw placements using preoperative sagittal CT imaging evaluations.
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To determine if adding flexion and extension MRI studies to the traditional neutral views would be beneficial in the diagnosis of cervical disc bulges. ⋯ A significant increase in the degree of cervical disc bulge was found by examining extension views when compared with neutral views alone. Kinematic MRI views provide valuable added information, especially in situations where symptomatic radiculopathy is present without any abnormalities demonstrated on traditional neutral MRI.
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To elucidate the methodological reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in three spine journals from 2010 to 2012. ⋯ This study shows that the methodological reporting quality of RCTs in the spine field needs further improvement.
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Multicenter Study
Do X-ray-occult fractures play a role in chronic pain following a whiplash injury?
Whiplash trauma in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) may involve various painful soft tissue damages, but weeks/months later a minority of victims still suffers from various long-lasting and disabling symptoms, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). The etiology is currently unknown, but X-ray-occult fractures may be one cause in some cases. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the association between occult fractures, as seen on bone single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), with neck-, head- and arm pain. ⋯ Occult fractures do not seem to play a role for development of chronic pain after whiplash.
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Little data are available regarding the influence of psychiatric factors on chronic dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between psychiatric factors and the development of chronic dysphagia in patients after anterior cervical spine surgery. ⋯ The presence of a psychiatric problem seems to be an important risk factor of chronic dysphagia in patients with cervical disc herniation. The study shows that psychiatric factors should be evaluated prior to surgery to determine the risk of chronic dysphagia.