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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The core outcome measures index (COMI) for the back is a questionnaire that evaluates five domains and has been translated into several languages and validated for different populations. We aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate it in European Portuguese for use in patients with degenerative lumbar disease. Additionally, we aimed to establish the minimal clinically important change score (MCIC). ⋯ The cross-culturally adapted COMI questionnaire is a valid clinical assessment tool for European Portuguese-speaking patients with degenerative lumbar disease, with an MCIC of 2.1 points.
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Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is the safest and most effective technique for odontoidectomy. Nevertheless, this kind of approach is yet not largely widespread. The aim of this study is to share with the scientific community some tips and tricks with our ten-year-old learned experience in endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO), which remains a challenging surgical approach. ⋯ Considering our experience, EEO represents a valid and safe technique to decompress neural cervical structures. Despite its technical complexity, mainly due to the use of endoscope and the challenging surgical area, with this study we encourage the use of EEO displaying our experience-based surgical tips and tricks.
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Since childhood exposure to radiation has been demonstrated to increase cancer risk with increase in radiation dose, reduced radiation exposure during computed tomography (CT) evaluation is desired for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the radiation dose of dual-source CT using a spectral shaping technique and the accuracy of the thoracic pedicle screw (TPS) placement for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with AIS. ⋯ Spectral shaping DSCT with a tube-based tin filter allowed a 75% radiation dose reduction while achieving TPS insertion accuracy similar to procedures based on conventional CT without spectral shaping.
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Advancement in all surgery continues to progress towards more minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches. One of the platform technologies which has helped drive this trend within spine surgery is the development of endoscopy; however, the limited anatomic view experienced when performing endoscopic spine surgery requires a significant learning curve. The use of intraoperative navigation has been adapted for endoscopic spine surgery, as this provides computer-reconstructed visual data presented in three dimensions, which can increase feasibility of this technique to more surgeons. ⋯ Using navigation with endoscopy in spine surgery can potentially expand this technique to surgeons who have yet to master endoscopy as the assistance provided by the navigation can alleviate some of the complexities with anatomic understanding and surgical planning.