Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy in asymptomatic and chronic low back pain subjects.

Purpose: To examine ligamentum flavum thickness using magnetic resonance (MR) images to evaluate its association with low back pain symptoms, age, gender, lumbar level, and disc characteristics.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-three individuals were part of this IRB-approved study: twenty-seven with chronic low back pain, and thirty-six as asymptomatic. All patients underwent MR imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine.

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical investigation comparing PCM cervical disc arthroplasty with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. 2-year results from the US FDA IDE clinical trial.

Study Design: Prospective, multicenter, randomized Food and Drug Administration approved investigational device exemption clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the PCM Cervical Disc compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of patients with degenerative spondylosis and neurological symptoms at 1 level between C3-C4 and C7-T1.

Summary Of Background Data: Cervical disc arthroplasty in the treatment of symptomatic cervical spondylosis has been studied in other series.

Lumbar spinal stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis affects many patients and is one of the most common reasons for spinal surgery in the elderly population. New research and surgical innovations have resulted in a better understanding of the disease and its diagnosis and treatment. To select the optimal treatment approach for each patient, it is helpful to review patient presentations, diagnostic workups, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, evidence-based outcomes, and the pathophysiology of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Proposed mechanism for retinal tears after LASIK: an experimental model.

Objective: To demonstrate axial length changes associated with anterior shift of the lens/iris diaphragm and anterior vitreous base in human cadaver eyes during suction ring application preceding Moria LASIK, and to propose that these changes may be associated with anterior retinal tears.

Design: Human eye study.

Materials: Eight human eye bank eyes ranging in age from 65 to 73 years.

Treatment of organ confined prostate cancer with third generation cryosurgery: preliminary multicenter experience.

Purpose: Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate is 1 approach to the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Third generation cryosurgery uses gas driven probes that allow for a decrease in probe diameter to 17 gauge (1.5 mm).