Bulletin (Hospital for Joint Diseases (New York, N.Y.))
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Case Reports
Anterior vascularized rib strut graft in the treatment of Pott's disease in the young child.
Two young children suffering from acute thoracic kyphosis due to vertebral tuberculosis (Pott's disease) are described. One patient presented with recent onset spastic paraplegia due to cord compression. Anterior decompression and stabilization with a vascularized rib strut graft was performed in both patients. The neurological recovery in the compromised patient was remarkable; spinal stability was achieved in both patients, thus avoiding the necessity for a posterior spinal fusion.
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Spinal imaging has rapidly evolved into a complex diagnostic field requiring specialized expertise. While many imaging modalities reveal portions of a topographic map of the spine necessary for surgery, only magnetic resonance imaging emerges as the imaging modality of widest and most efficacious first choice. ⋯ The authors present a logical approach to spinal imaging--an algorithm--based on etiologic classification and aimed at conserving medical resources and developing an optimal diagnostic pathway for spine injury and disease. Spine surgeons are urged to incorporate the interpretative insights of radiologists into the diagnostic process.