Oxford Cobbometer Versus Computer Assisted-Software for Measurement of Cobb Angle in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Objective: The objective was to compare Cobb angle measurements performed using an Oxford Cobbmeter and digital computer software (Surgimap) in a series of 83 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.

Methods: Two independent observers measured the Cobb angles for 123 curves on 83 consecutive long radiographs of patients with AIS using both Oxford Cobbmeter and digital computer software (Surgimap). The measurements were repeated a week.

Endplate Changes with Polyetheretherketone Cages in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective radiographic analysis.

Purpose: The aim of the current study is to assess endplate changes after the use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

Overview Of Literature: A few recent reports had revealed endplate abnormalities due to PEEK cages, which may lead to nonunions.

Two-body wear behavior of human enamel versus monolithic zirconia, lithium disilicate, ceramometal and composite resin.

Purpose: To investigate and compare the surface roughness (SR), weight and height of monolithic zirconia (MZ), ceramometal (CM), lithium disilicate glass ceramic (LD), composite resin (CR), and their antagonistic human teeth enamel.

Materials And Methods: 32 disc shaped specimens for the four test materials (n=8) and 32 premolars were prepared and randomly divided. SR, weight and height of the materials and the antagonist enamel were recorded before and after subjecting the specimens to 240,000 wear-cycles (49 N/0.

The Sagittal Thoracic Modifier Component of the Lenke Classification System in Moderate and Severe Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Reliability and Reproducibility of Measurements Among 5 Observers.

Study Design: A prospective radiographic study.

Summary Of Background Data: As the importance of the spinal sagittal profile becomes increasingly evident, there is a need to ensure that the measuring methods used to evaluate thoracic kyphosis (TK) are both accurate and reproducible.

Objective: The purpose of the following study was to determine the intraobserver and interobserver variability of measurements of the sagittal profile in moderate and severe thoracic scoliosis.

The Outcome of Radiofrequency Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures in Osteoporotic Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Purpose: The study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency (RF) kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in osteoporotic patients.

Overview Of Literature: Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty are established procedures for the treatment of osteoporotic VCFs.

Comparison between Oxford Cobbmeter and digital Cobbmeter for measurement of Cobb angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare Cobb angle measurements performed using an Oxford Cobbmeter and digital Cobbmeter in a series of 20 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.

Methods: Four observers measured major Cobb angles on 20 standing postero-anterior radiographs of AIS patients with both Oxford Cobbmeter and digital Cobbmeter (iPhone Cobbmeter Application). The measurements were repeated a week after the original measurements.

Computer tomography assessment of pedicle screw placement in thoracic spine: comparison between free hand and a generic 3D-based navigation techniques.

Introduction: Although pedicle screw fixation is a well-established technique for the lumbar spine, screw placement in the thoracic spine is more challenging because of the smaller pedicle size and more complex 3D anatomy. The intraoperative use of image guidance devices may allow surgeons a safer, more accurate method for placing thoracic pedicle screws while limiting radiation exposure. This generic 3D imaging technique is a new generation intraoperative CT imaging system designed without compromise to address the needs of a modern OR.

Obscure pathology of pulled elbow: dynamic high-resolution ultrasound-assisted classification.

Aim: Pulled elbow or nursemaid's elbow is a radial head subluxation caused by a sudden pull on the extended pronated forearm. Children with pulled elbow usually respond dramatically for reduction, yet others show delayed improvement with no clear pathologic explanation. The aim of our study is to propose an explanation for the varying clinical response after the reduction of pulled elbow aided by ultrasound classification of the underlying pathology and its impact on management.

Etanercept compared to intraarticular corticosteroid injection in rheumatoid arthritis: double-blind, randomized pilot study.

Objective: To compare etanercept (anti-tumor necrosis factor-α) with intraarticular (IA) corticosteroid injections to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Patients with RA who had persistent monoarthritis received etanercept or IA corticosteroid injections. Efficacy was compared at Weeks 4 and 24.

Computer tomography assessment of pedicle screw placement in lumbar and sacral spine: comparison between free-hand and O-arm based navigation techniques.

Transpedicular screw fixation has been accepted worldwide since Harrington et al. first placed pedicle screws through the isthmus. In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that pedicle screw insertion accuracy could be significantly improved with image-assisted systems compared with conventional approaches.

[First experience and preliminary clinical results with the cervical disc replacement DISCOVER].

Aim: The Discover (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA, USA) is a newly developed device for cervical disc replacement that is available since 2007 in the EU. To date there are no clinical studies on the Discover. Preliminary clinical and intraoperative results from a pilot study should be compared with data for other commonly used prostheses.

Comparison of a minimally invasive procedure versus standard microscopic discotomy: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial.

A Prospective randomised controlled study was done to determine statistical difference between the standard microsurgical discotomy (MC) and a minimally invasive microscopic procedure for disc prolapse surgery by comparing operation duration and clinical outcome. Additionally, the transferability of the results was determined by a bicentric design. The microscopic assisted percutaneous nucleotomy (MAPN) has been advocated as a minimally invasive tubular technique.

Analysis of reoperations after surgical treatment of degenerative cervical spine disorders: a report on 900 cases.

Unlabelled: Surgery on the degenerative cervical spine disorders aims at decompression of the neural structures and restoring the physiological profile of the cervical spine. The aims of internal fixation are to gain primary stability, introduce a bony fusion and to correct the shape of the spine. The present study will give answers to the following questions: 1.

A less invasive posterior approach for the management of extended secondary epidural abscess technical note.

Spondylodiscitis is considered to be the main cause of epidural abscess. In this report, the authors present their concept for the management of the extended epidural abscess that occurs in combination with spondylodiscitis. It consists of debridement and fusion for spondylodiscitis together with epidural abscess drainage using a microscopically assisted percutaneous technique.

Rheumatological manifestations of hepatitis C: incidence in a rheumatology and non-rheumatology setting and the effect of methotrexate and interferon.

Objectives: To evaluate hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients followed in a rheumatology department and to compare them with a similar population of HCV-positive patients who had never seen a rheumatologist, in order to describe the rheumatological symptoms present and the effects of methotrexate and interferon-alpha therapy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of clinical, radiological and biological data on 21 rheumatology patients (Group I) presenting symptoms consistent with a chronic inflammatory arthritis with a known HCV infection and compared them with 41 members of an HCV support association (Group II).

Results: Symptoms of myalgia, sicca syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon or paraesthesias were similarly frequent in the two groups.

A less invasive approach technique for operative treatment of lumbar canal stenosis. Technique and preliminary results.

Unlabelled: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of a less invasive approach for the operative treatment of lumbar canal stenosis. Using transmuscular dilatation this technique minimises surgical trauma. Through a working channel with a 11 mm outer diameter and under operative microscope guidance, decompression of the neural elements can be achieved.

Reoperation rate after instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report on 1680 cases.

Study Design: Retrospective study on the incidence of reoperation in patients previously treated by instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Objectives: To answer the following questions: Reoperation rate after PLIF? And is there any influence of the length of fusion on the reoperation rate?

Summary Of Background Data: The use of different techniques demonstrates that there is currently no ideal procedure for lumbar fusion. The instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) shows a comparable success rate to the so-called 360 degrees fusion techniques (combined dorsoventral spondylodesis) without the need of an anterior approach.

A new technique for the treatment of lumbar far lateral disc herniation: technical note and preliminary results.

A newly designed technique for a minimally invasive approach to the laterally herniated disc is presented. Fifteen patients suffering from far lateral disc herniation (extraforaminal) were operated according to this technique. Through a small skin incision (1.

A new minimally invasive posterior approach for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy: surgical technique and preliminary results.

Degenerative cervical disorders predominantly lead to anterior spinal cord compression (by bony spurs at the posterior margin of the vertebral body or by degenerated disc), which may be central and/or foraminal. In a smaller percentage of cases, there is encroachment of the canal mainly from posterior by bulging yellow ligaments or bony appositions, resulting in compression syndromes of roots or spinal cord. The aim of this work is to present a minimally invasive posterior approach avoiding detachment of muscles for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy.