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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This investigation aimed to examine the extent to which case-based discussion with experts could influence the audience's opinions on the treatment of patients during a continuing medical education event for spine surgeons. ⋯ On the basis of our results, case-based discussion driven by experts, as a form of teaching, has a measurable effect in terms of changes in the learners' opinions.
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Spondylodiscitis refers to infections of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral body. Although it is still considered a rare condition, its rate is projected to increase. Mortality rate is considered to be low, but an estimated one third of the survivors experience residual disabilities. Literature shows that uncomplicated spondylodiscitis can be adequately treated by early antibiotic therapy and immobilization. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of conservative treatment in patients with haematogenous spondylodiscitis. ⋯ Conservative approaches are safe and effective for patients without complications. A delayed diagnosis and MRSA infections are related to poor clinical outcome among patients treated by conservative treatment; this must be carried out scrupulously with close patient monitoring.
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The investigation was based on finite-element simulations. ⋯ The use of cages is crucial to ensure anterior support and decrease loads and stresses on the posterior instrumentation.
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Despite the awareness and familiarity of almost every medical professional with the cauda equine compression syndrome (CES), risk factors for a poor prognosis of the disease remain elusive. Even the relationship between subsequent outcome and the time elapsed from the time of appearance of symptoms to surgery taking place remain obscure. The aim of our study, therefore, was to analyze a relatively large population of our own patients studied consecutively, to identify outcome predictors for CES and to propose a clinical score for CES symptoms (Berlin CES score). ⋯ Although we analyzed a relatively large cohort, we were not able to identify single parameters that were capable of reliably predicting the outcome of patients with CES. Nonetheless, we were able to show that consideration of multiple parameters of symptomatology would enable an improvement in making a prognosis. In conclusion, we propose establishing a simple semi-quantitative clinical score of the main symptoms of CES.
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The aim of this study is to understand how many anchor sites are necessary to obtain maximum posterior correction of idiopathic scoliotic curve and if the alloy of instrumentation, stainless steel or titanium, may have a role in the percent of scoliosis correction. ⋯ When stainless steel instrumentation is used non-segmental pedicle screw constructs seem to be equally effective as segmental instrumentations in obtaining satisfactory results in patients with main thoracic AIS. When the implant alloy used is titanium one, an implant density of ≥60% should be guaranteed to achieve similar results.