The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Obtaining adequate purchase with standard pedicle screw techniques remains a challenge in poor quality bone. The development of alternate insertion techniques and screw designs was prompted by recognition of potential fixation complications. An expandable pedicle screw design has been shown to significantly improve fixation compared to a conventional screw in poor quality bone. ⋯ PMMA cement augmentation of the expandable pedicle screw may be a viable clinical option for achieving fixation in severely osteoporotic bone.
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Comparative Study
Is galvanic corrosion between titanium alloy and stainless steel spinal implants a clinical concern?
Surgeons are hesitant to mix components made of differing metal classes for fear of galvanic corrosion complications. However, in vitro studies have failed to show a significant potential for galvanic corrosion between titanium and stainless steel, the two primary metallic alloys used for spinal implants. Galvanic corrosion resulting from metal mixing has not been described in the literature for spinal implant systems. ⋯ The results from this study indicate that when loaded dynamically in saline, stainless steel implant components have a greater susceptibility to corrosion than titanium. Furthermore, the galvanic potential between the dissimilar metals does not cause a discernible effect on the corrosion of either. Although the mixture of titanium alloy with stainless steel is not advocated, the results of this study suggest that galvanic corrosion is less pronounced in SS-Ti mixed interfaces than in all stainless steel constructs.
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Despite the many published randomized clinical trials (RCTs), a substantial number of reviews and several national clinical guidelines, much controversy still remains regarding the evidence for or against efficacy of spinal manipulation for low back pain and neck pain. ⋯ Our data synthesis suggests that recommendations can be made with some confidence regarding the use of SMT and/or MOB as a viable option for the treatment of both low back pain and NP. There have been few high-quality trials distinguishing between acute and chronic patients, and most are limited to shorter-term follow-up. Future trials should examine well-defined subgroups of patients, further address the value of SMT and MOB for acute patients, establish optimal number of treatment visits and consider the cost-effectiveness of care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Preemptive analgesia for postoperative pain relief in lumbosacral spine surgeries: a randomized controlled trial.
Administration of analgesic medication, before the actual onset of painful stimulus, is more effective than that after the onset of painful stimulus. This is the principle of preemptive analgesia. Although it is often considered superior to other forms of analgesia, its role in postoperative pain relief after lumbosacral spinal surgery has not been fully investigated. ⋯ Preemptive analgesia with a single caudal epidural injection of bupivacaine and tramadol is a safe, simple and effective method for postoperative pain relief.