The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Thoracic myelopathy caused by multilevel (three or more levels) ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is rare. Little is known about its clinical features, and the surgical outcomes along with its related factors are also unclear. ⋯ Laminectomy with partially internal fixation is safe and effective in treatment of patients with symptomatic multilevel OLF. The results of our study show that preoperative JOA score and preoperative duration of symptoms were important predictors for the clinical outcome.
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Although innumerable studies have analyzed the multiple aspects of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, no study has focused on the clinical features related to spine pain in patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). ⋯ Pain-related behavior evaluation of patients with osteoporotic VCF during their movements on the examining table may allow to suspect, or even diagnose, the presence of a fracture, particularly in the initial 4 to 6 weeks after the occurrence. Even orthopedic surgeons not particularly familiar with spine care may be able to suspect the injury during physical examination.
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No study has determined time trends of neck pain and low back pain (NP&LBP) in the 20th century in Spain. ⋯ The prevalence of NP and NP&LBP, but not LBP, has decreased in the last years in Spain. NP&LBP were associated with similar sociodemographic and lifestyle habits in 2009 compared with 2006.
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The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is defined as the smallest change in an outcome that a patient would perceive as meaningful. The Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) group proposed defining the MCID as a 30% improvement in self-reported pain or function. However, this MCID threshold has not been validated against an objective physical measure. ⋯ Despite extensive use of the MCID to evaluate effects of treatment in spinal disorders, this is the first empirical documentation of the validity of the IMMPACT's 30% change criterion compared with an objective physical anchor.