The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Validity of the new Backache Index (BAI) in patients with low back pain.
The Backache Index (BAI) is applied to patients with low back pain (LBP) in order to help therapists, doctors, and surgeons perform physical examinations easily. It is carried out within a short space of time (<2 min) without using inclinometric instruments. ⋯ The BAI appears to be a reliable and valid assessment of overall restricted spinal movements in case of LBP and discriminates between successful and unsuccessful treatment outcome.
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Multicenter Study
Assessment of injury to the posterior ligamentous complex in thoracolumbar spine trauma.
Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC), consisting of supraspinous ligament (SSL), interspinous ligament (ISL), ligamentum flavum (LF), and the facet joint capsules is thought to contribute significantly to the stability of thoracolumbar spine. Currently, no consensus exists on radiographic imaging parameters that may indicate injury to the posterior ligamentous complex. ⋯ Plain radiographic findings were felt to be most helpful in determining PLC injury by the members of the Spine Trauma Study Group. Physical examination findings and history of the mechanism of injury were ranked lower than imaging studies. Future analysis should focus on indicators of PLC injury when plain radiographic findings are either subtle or not present.
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Instability of the cervical spine is a common problem in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The natural course of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine is well documented. However, the true prevalence of occult fractures of the odontoid process in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not known. ⋯ Occult, atraumatic fractures of the odontoid process may be found in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. This injury should be suspected if previously asymptomatic patients complain about new onset of neck pain without significant trauma.