The Hoffmann parallax: a prospective study to determine the benefit of Hoffmann's sign.

Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of age-related spinal cord dysfunction worldwide. Despite the widespread use of provocative physical exam maneuvers in the workup of DCM, the clinical significance of Hoffmann's sign is controversial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the diagnostic performance of Hoffmann's sign for DCM in a cohort of patients treated by a single spine surgeon.

Perforated ileus after L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case report presentation.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) as a result of anterior lumbar spinal surgery can result in colonic perforation. ACPO is often treated successfully with conservative measures, reserving surgical intervention for severe cases. The most severe cases can result in colonic perforation with a concomitant high mortality rate.

Use of CT-arthrography and ultrasound in ACL surgery during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan: a case report and practice recommendations.

The availability of magnetic resonance imaging is severely limited in a deployed environment. However, advanced imaging for diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal soft-tissue injuries in theater does exist. Computed tomography (CT), arthrography, and ultrasound are readily available at Role 2 and 3 Medical Treatment Facilities in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

ACL reconstruction in a deployed environment in support of operation enduring freedom: a surgical technique.

Military orthopaedic surgeons in deployed environments along with orthopaedic surgeons working in more austere environments often find themselves without surgical equipment that they are normally accustomed to having in the operative suite. Today's U.S.

Biomechanical evaluation of a new AxiaLIF technique for two-level lumbar fusion.

Single level axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) using a transsacral rod through a paracoccygeal approach has been developed with promising early clinical results and biomechanical stability. Recently, the transsacral rod has been extended to perform a two-level fusion at both L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (AxiaLIF II). No biomechanical studies have been conducted on multilevel fusion using the AxiaLIF technique.

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy: wound care and nursing implications.

The management of chronic, nonhealing, draining wounds is challenging for the wound, ostomy, and continence nurse and other health care providers involved in skin integrity care. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy has proven cost efficient, safe, and effective as a treatment modality in wound care. The background, description, mechanisms of action, indications for use, and nursing implications of VAC therapy are presented.