Journal of orthopaedic science : official journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association
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Clumsiness and numbness of the upper extremity is one of the most common complaints of patients with cervical myelopathy. However, most previous evaluations after cervical laminoplasty have only been based on physicians' points of view. We used Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) self-report questionnaire, which was designed to measure physical function and symptoms in people with upper-limb disorders to evaluate functional outcomes after laminoplasty. ⋯ QuickDASH was useful in evaluating upper-extremity functional outcomes after cervical laminoplasty.
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Locking plates are an internal fixation material useful in the treatment of bone fractures, which provides effective stabilization between the plate and locking head screws (LHSs) via the locking mechanism. However, difficulty in removing LHSs is relatively common, and such cases can require long surgical procedures or use of special removal equipment. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and risk factors for difficult removal of LHSs. ⋯ This study suggests that (1) the use of LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter is a necessary condition for difficulty in screw removal, and that (2) longer time from internal fixation to removal, and (3) younger age, are risk factors for it. When removing LHSs with a 3.5 mm diameter, appropriate instruments and sufficient training are necessary.
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The anti-seizure drug pregabalin is currently used for peripheral neuropathic pain, including degenerative lumbar disease with a neuropathic component. Although there are many reports associated with pregabalin, treatment outcome in low back pain (LBP) patients with depression remains uncertain. This study investigated the outcomes of pregabalin in LBP patients with depression. ⋯ This investigation indicated that pregabalin is safe and effective for reducing both LBP and mood disturbance in patients with depression.
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We investigated the effects of bite-size horizontal mattress stitch (distance between the limbs passed through the tendon) on the biomechanical properties of the repaired tendon. ⋯ Whereas a 4-mm bite fixed the tendon more tightly but at the cost of decreased ultimate strength, a 10-mm bite conveyed greater ultimate strength but with increased gap and strain. These results suggest that for the conventional double-row repair, small mattress stitches provide a tighter repair, whereas large stitches are beneficial to prevent sutures from pulling through the tendon after surgery. For suture-bridge rotator cuff repair, large stitches are beneficial because the repaired tendon has a higher strength, and the slightly mobile medial knot can be tightened by lateral fixation.
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The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) is useful for measuring fear-avoidance beliefs in patients with low back pain (LBP); however, no psychometrically validated Japanese version is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the FABQ for use with Japanese workers with LBP. ⋯ This analysis showed that the Japanese version of the FABQ is psychometrically reliable and valid to detect fear-avoidance beliefs in Japanese workers with LBP.