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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Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) allow more frequent outpatient lengthenings to better mimic the physiological growth. The assessment of distractions with radiographs raised concerns regarding ionizing radiation exposure in growing children. The aim was to assess the necessity of radiographs after every lengthening of MCGR. ⋯ Radiographs taken after routine lengthenings of MCGR are not likely to reveal any significant finding, since only 0.9% of planned radiographs displayed a mechanical complication. Exposing growing children to radiation with an intention of checking the MCGR device after every lengthening could not be justified. Obtaining post-lengthening radiographs with a decreased frequency and after a significant complaint or clinical finding may be considered.
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Analyze the modifications in the "safe zones" of T4-L4 vertebral bodies relative to aorta according to patient positioning, as well as in the relationship between the aorta and the vertebrae. ⋯ Patient positioning during spinal surgery significantly modifies T4-L4 vertebral safe zones relative to aorta. These variations should be taken into account when analyzing an MRI performed in supine if the patient is undergoing surgery in a different position, to avoid vascular-related injuries.
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To evaluate if there are differences in thoraco-lumbar disc characteristics between elite skiers and non-athletic controls as well as between different types of elite skiers, with diverse training histories, using a novel quantitative MRI method. ⋯ Differences in quantitative disc characteristics were found not only between elite skiers and non-athletic controls but also between subgroups of elite skiers with diverse training histories. The differences in the disc measures, reflecting tissue degradation, are likely related to type and intensity of the physical training. Future studies are encouraged to explore the relation between disc functionality, training history and pain to establish adequate prevention and rehabilitation programs.
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To assess the comparative accuracy of commonly utilised index radiological measurements in the prognosis of infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) and build a parsimonious prognostic model utilising these measurements. ⋯ Of the three analysed index radiological parameters commonly used by surgeons in the prognosis of IIS, we found that the Cobb angle is the most accurate predictive measure. Further, neither addition of the RVAD nor convex RVA provided significant further prognostic value in a multivariate model of progression. However, not even the Cobb angle model was accurate in all cases; emphasising caution should be applied when relying on index radiological measurements to predict IIS outcomes.
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Four-rod instrumentation and interbody fusion may reduce mechanical complications in degenerative scoliosis surgery compared to 2-rod instrumentation. The purpose was to compare clinical results, sagittal alignment and mechanical complications with both techniques. ⋯ III.