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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Does lumbar fusion lead to accelerated adjacent segment disc degeneration (ASDD) or is it explained by genetics and aging? The influence of genetics on ASDD remains to be explored. This study assesses whether the disc space height adjacent to a fused segment is associated with candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). ⋯ Age was the most significant determinant of adjacent segment disc space height followed by genetic factors, specifically inflammatory genes. Fusion explained a statistically significant but small proportion of the total variance. Much of the variance remained to be explained.
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To translate quality of life questionnaire of the European foundation for osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-31) into a simplified Chinese version, and test its reliability and validity in osteoporosis patients from mainland Chinese population. ⋯ The simplified Chinese version of the QUALEFFO-31 is a reliable and valid outcome measure of functional status in patients with osteoporosis. This Chinese version of the QUALEFFO-31 can be utilized for future clinical studies in mainland China.
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To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). ⋯ This systematic review demonstrates that smoking promotes the development of LDH.
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Osteoporosis is considered to be a relative contraindication for anterior screw fixation of odontoid fractures because of reduced screw purchase. In the presence of osteoporosis, the most frequent mode of implant failure is via cut-out through the anterior wall of C2. Under in vitro conditions, cement-augmented odontoid screws show significant biomechanical advantages as compared to non-augmented screws. Against this background, we present our prospectively collected data on cement-augmented anterior screw fixation of osteoporotic odontoid fractures in elderly patients. ⋯ Additional cement augmentation for anterior odontoid fracture repair is technically easy and safe. In elderly people with osteoporotic odontoid fractures, the procedure seems to be a useful supplementary option.