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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Operative decompression is indicated for progressive neurological deterioration in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). However, the best timing to ensure clinical recovery has not been determined because of the lack of a suitable method. 10 s step ("step") test is an easily performed physical test to assess the severity of CCM, particularly for the severity of lower limb dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the predictive value of preoperative step test results in relation to the results of expansive laminoplasty in patients with CCM. ⋯ Preoperative step test results significantly reflected the effective results of JOACMEQ-L and were predictive of improved lower limb function after laminoplasty in patients with CCM. Patients with a score of greater than or equal to 14.5 can experience effective lower limb functional recovery.
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The basis of disc degeneration is still unknown, but is believed to be a cell-mediated process. Apoptosis might play a major role in degenerative disc disease (DDD). The aim of this study was to correlate the viability of disc cells with the radiological degeneration grades (rDG) in disc herniation. ⋯ According to the different rDG, quantitative changes were obvious in healthy and "balloon" cells, but not for cell death. At the moment it can only be hypothesized if "balloon" cells are part of a repair strategy and/or cause of disc herniation.
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To evaluate whether a synthetic bone chip made of porous hydroxyapatite can effectively extend local decompressed bone graft in instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). ⋯ Porous hydroxyapatite bone chip is a useful bone graft extender in PLIF when used in conjunction with local decompressed bone.
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Reporting financial disclosures has become standard practice in both journal publications and during oral forum at scientific meetings. Despite this, the effect of reporting a financial disclosure of any member of an authorgroup, on the tone of the conclusion of an article has gained little attention. This study was performed to determine what effect reporting a financial disclosure has on the conclusion of an article. ⋯ Reporting a financial disclosure is a potential source of bias. Authors with disclosed financial relationships less often publish articles with a neutral/negative conclusion. This source of bias should certainly be taken into account during the critical appraisal of articles, particularly when the quality of the literature is being assessed.