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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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Blood loss and operative duration using monopolar electrosurgery versus ultrasound scissors for surgical preparation during thoracoscopic ventral spondylodesis: results of a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.
Monopolar electrosurgery is the gold standard for surgical preparation in thoracoscopic spine procedures. However, use of ultrasound scissors could decrease blood loss, accelerate the preparation time and improve patient safety, while minimizing operative costs. This trial compares both preparation techniques for ventral thoracoscopic spondylodesis. ⋯ Primary and secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between the two preparation techniques. The use of either ultrasound scissors or electric scalpel offers safe and effective preparation for thoracoscopic spine surgery.
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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.