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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Robotic-assisted spine surgery is an emerging field that is growing in utilization. Intraoperative robotic surgical units cost upwards of $600,000 for medical facilities to purchase. Despite significant cost barriers, these devices are highly marketable for hospitals and physicians. ⋯ Robotic-assisted lumbar fusion is on the rise. Patients who had private insurance, were diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, and who had lumbar fusion via the anterior approach were more likely to undergo lumbar fusion using robotic assistance.
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Multiple studies have analyzed the outcome after thoracic Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT). The results seem reproducible with most studies reporting coronal correction rates around 50% and a tether breakage rate near 20% at two years follow-up. There is a paucity of data on lumbar VBT, and no study has yet analyzed the radiographic outcome after lumbar VBT in a double tether technique at two years follow-up, which was the aim of this study. ⋯ VBT in the lumbar spine resulted in 50% coronal curve correction two years post-operatively despite a tether breakage in 90% of patients.
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Low back pain (LPB) is mostly left untreated (LBPuntreated) and may increase the injury risk due to associated behavioral-health difficulties (BHDs) among adolescents. This study assessed the association between LBPuntreated (vs. treated LBP (LBPtreated)) and injuries and the mediating role of BHDs among younger adolescents (10-16 years). ⋯ LBPuntreated is common and associated with injuries partly due to BHDs (which may alter physical/mental capabilities, risk perception/awareness, and vigilance) among younger adolescents. Our results may inform healthcare providers that they can detect/treat LBP and BHDs to prevent their aggravation and injuries.