The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Dural ectasia in the lumbosacral spine is a common feature of Marfan syndrome and is associated with low back pain and surgical complications, but its natural history is unknown. ⋯ During this 10-year period, the natural history of dural ectasia in adults with Marfan syndrome was not associated with a significant increase in ODI scores, dural ectasia size, or with the development/progression of spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical evaluation of stand-alone lumbar polyether-ether-ketone interbody cage with integrated screws.
Stand-alone interbody cages with integrated screws potentially provide a biomechanically stable solution for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) that alleviates the need for additional exposure for supplemental fixation, thereby reducing the chance of additional complications and morbidity. ⋯ Biomechanical testing revealed that the stand-alone cage with integrated screws provides more immediate stability than a cage alone and provides equivalent stability to ALIF constructs with supplemental fixation in lateral bending and axial rotation. Additional flexion-extension rigidity of the anterior cage maybe realized by the addition of a spinous process plate that was found to be as stable as supplemental bilateral PS.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the biomechanical effect of pedicle-based dynamic stabilization: a study using finite element analysis.
Recently, nonfusion pedicle-based dynamic stabilization systems (PBDSs) have been developed and used in the management of degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. Still effects on spinal kinematics and clinical effects are controversial. Little biomechanical information exists for providing biomechanical characteristics of pedicle-based dynamic stabilization according to the PBDS design before clinical implementation. ⋯ Implanted segments with PBDSs have limited ROM when compared with the intact spine. Center of rotation and stress distribution differed according to the design and materials used. These biomechanical effects produced a nonphysiological stress on the functional spinal unit when they were implanted. The biomechanical effects of current PBDSs should be carefully considered before clinical implementation.