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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Corrective three dimensional (3D) effect of different braces is debatable. We evaluated differences in in-brace radiographic correction comparing a custom thoracic-lumbo-sacral-orthosis (TLSO) (T) brace to a Chêneau type TLSO (C) brace using 3D EOS reconstruction technology. Our primary research question was the 3D effect of brace on the spine and in particularly the apical vertebra rotation (AVR). ⋯ By utilizing a novel 3D reconstruction technology, we were able to demonstrate that braces differ in their immediate effects on the spine. Although clinical relevance should be evaluated in a future trial we feel that the ability to measure treatment effects in 3D, and especially the transverse plane, is an important tool when evaluating different treatments.
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Aging spine is characterized by facet joints arthritis, degenerative disc disease, bone remodeling and atrophy of extensor muscles resulting in a progressive kyphosis of the lumbar spine. ⋯ Finally, we propose a three-step algorithm to analyze the global balance status and take into consideration the presence of the compensatory mechanisms in the spinal, pelvic and lower limb areas.
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Comparative Study
Disc prosthesis replacement and interbody fusion in the treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease: comparative analysis of 176 consecutive cases.
The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to determine whether disc prosthesis replacement can be equivalent or superior compared with the disc interbody fusion. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that the use of disc prosthesis is a safe and effective alternative to interbody fusion.
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We propose to evaluate the complication rate in minimally invasive stabilization (MIS) for spine fractures and tumors, as a common alternative to open fusion and conservative treatment. ⋯ Minimally invasive stabilization of selected spine pathologies appears to be a safe technique with low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. MIS reduces hospitalization and allows a fast functional recovery improving the quality of life.
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Observational Study
The prognosis of self-reported paresthesia and weakness in disc-related sciatica.
To explore how patients with sciatica rate the 'bothersomeness' of paresthesia (tingling and numbness) and weakness as compared with leg pain during 2 years of follow-up. ⋯ During 2 years of follow-up, patients considered paresthesia more bothersome than weakness. At 2 years, the percentage of patients who reported bothersome paresthesia was similar to the percentage who reported bothersome leg pain. Based on patients' self-report, paresthesia and weakness are relevant aspects of disc-related sciatica.