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
-
To compare, in a case-control study, clinical characteristics of patients with low back pain (LBP) with and without Modic 1 signal changes on MRI. ⋯ Characteristics of patients with LBP and Modic 1 changes on MRI consist of an inflammatory pain pattern and pain with lumbar extension. Level of evidence 3b.
-
It is assumed that whole body vibration (WBV) improves muscle strength, bone density, blood flow and mobility and is therefore used in wide ranges such as to improve fitness and prevent osteoporosis and back pain. It is expected that WBV produces large forces on the spine, which poses a potential risk factor for the health of the spine. Therefore, the aim of the study was to measure the effect of various vibration frequencies, amplitudes, device types and body positions on the loads acting on a lumbar vertebral body replacement (VBR). ⋯ The force increase due to WBV is caused by an activation of the trunk muscles and by the acceleration forces. The forces produced during WBV are usually lower than those produced during walking. Therefore, the absolute magnitude of the forces produced during WBV should not be harmful, even for people with osteoporosis.
-
The influence of individual factors on patient-reported outcomes is important in the interpretation of disability and treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess how physical impairments, psychosocial factors, and life style habits were associated with neck disability based on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), in patients with cervical radiculopathy scheduled for surgery. ⋯ Assessments of physical impairments and psychosocial factors in patients with cervical radiculopathy could improve the description of neck disability and the interpretation of treatment outcomes in longitudinal studies.
-
Anterior cervical disectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a highly effective and safe method for spinal cord and cervical root decompression. However, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) remains an important cause of postoperative morbidity. The true incidence and recovery course of postoperative VCP is still uncertain. This study is a report on VCP after ACDF to evaluate the incidence, recovery course, and possible risk factors. ⋯ In our study, only 0.47% documented prolonged postoperative VCP, while most patients recovered within 9 months. However, if symptoms last longer, there could be almost permanent VCP (0.16%). In our study, choking and dysphagia subsided mostly within 6 months, but hoarseness remained. The exposure of the C67 level obviously was a risk factor for postoperative VCP.
-
To assess the correction effect of hemivertebra resection for unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae by measuring corresponding parameters in both coronal and sagittal planes on series posteroanterior and lateral radiographs and report the related complications. ⋯ In the patients with unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae, hemivertebra resection allows for excellent correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes, and great care should be taken to reduce the rate of complications.