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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Comparative Study
Long vs. short fusions for adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis: does balance matters?
Surgery of adult scoliosis was based upon coronal plane radiographical analysis using Cobb angle measurements, but recently it has been demonstrated that sagittal spinopelvic alignment plays a critical role in determining the final outcome. The aim of this paper is to compare the clinical and radiological results of 81 patients affected by adult scoliosis, treated with short or long fusions, and followed for 2-5 year follow-up. ⋯ Surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis improved balance and alignment of the spine, and also the coronal plane in terms of Cobb angle. These results were associated to a consistent clinical improvement and an acceptable rate of complications.
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To examine the association between COMT and OPRM1 gene polymorphisms and pain and disability at baseline and long-term follow-up in patients treated for chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Results suggest that genetic factors are partly responsible for the variation in disability levels in patients presenting with chronic LBP being considered for surgery; in contrast, genetics has no influence on the long-term outcome of treatment.
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To analyze changes in sagittal spinopelvic parameters (SSPs) after surgical treatment of Scheuermann's Kyphosis (SK). ⋯ We confirm the positive effect of surgery by Ponte osteotomy and posterior spinal fusion on TK and LL in patients with SK. In our experience, pelvic parameters did not change after surgery.
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To evaluate the impact of pre-existing disc degeneration and its extent on future adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) after lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF). ⋯ Adjacent segment discs with pre-existing degeneration had a higher likelihood of ASDeg progression compared with normal discs, especially for those classified as UCLA grade C.
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To evaluate the relative position between lumbar plexus and access corridor of minimally invasive lateral transpsoas lumbar approach, as well as the approach safety. ⋯ With respect to the SCPL of disc, a trajectory of guide wire or a radiographic reference landmark to place working channel, lumbar plexus lies posteriorly to it from L1-L2 to L3-L4 level and shifts anteriorly to it at L4-L5 level, while genitofemoral nerve locates anteriorly to the SCPL from L2-L3 to L4-L5 level. Neural retraction may take place during sequential dilation of access corridor especially at L4-L5 level.