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
-
Congenital cervical stenosis (CCS) occurs when the bony anatomy of the cervical canal is smaller than expected in the general population predisposing an individual to symptomatic neural compression. No studies have defined CCS based on the normal population. The diagnosis is currently made based on clinical impression from radiographic studies. The aim of this study is to establish parameters that are associated with CCS, based on anatomic measurements on a large sample of skeletal specimens. ⋯ Based on our study of a large population of adult skeletal specimens, we have defined CCS at each level. Values of SCD < 13 mm and IPD < 23 mm are strongly associated with the presence of CCS at all levels.
-
To investigate relevant change on the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) and which questionnaire is the most responsive in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP). ⋯ Relevant change on both NPAD and NDI assessed with MDC and MIC resulted in different cut-offs and consequently with different amounts of certainty that the patient is improved. Responsiveness of NPAD and NDI was similar.
-
The purpose is to study rates, trends, geographic variations and outcome of lumbar spine surgery in the Belgian population during the last decade. ⋯ Regional variations highlight professional uncertainty and controversy. The study results point to the need for peer comparisons and surgeon feedback.
-
Dynamic stabilization of the spine was developed as an alternative to rigid fusion in chronic back pain to reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. Dynamic neutralization system (Dynesys, Zimmer CH) is one of the most popular systems available, but some midterm studies show revision rates as high as 30 %. Some late infectious complications in our patients prompted us to review them systematically. Propionibacterium recently has been shown to cause subtle infections of prosthetic material. ⋯ The high rate of late infections with low-grade germs and the frequency of screw loosening signs made us suspect a lack of integration at the bone-screw interface. Surgeons should be suspicious if the patient presents a combination of new or increasing pain and signs of screw loosening, and aggressive revision is recommended in these cases.
-
To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements (n-3FA) on bleeding during posterior spinal arthrodesis. ⋯ The n-3FA use did not contribute to higher perioperative blood loss during spinal arthrodesis.