Early versus late stabilization of the spine in the polytrauma patient.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objective: To determine whether early spinal stabilization in the multiple trauma patient is safe and does not increase morbidity or mortality.

Summary Of Background Data: There is no consensus regarding the timing of surgical stabilization of the injured spine, especially in patients with multiple trauma.

The effect of an anterior cervical operation for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy on associated headaches.

Background: Headaches related to the cervical spine have been reported by various authors, and modalities of treatment are as varied as their speculated causes. The purpose of this study was to determine if anterior cervical reconstructive surgery (cervical arthrodesis and disc arthroplasty) for the treatment of radiculopathy or myelopathy also helps to alleviate associated headaches.

Methods: We conducted a post hoc analysis of study cohorts combined from prospective studies comparing the results of Prestige and Bryan cervical arthroplasty devices and those of anterior cervical arthrodesis with allograft and anterior instrumentation.

Comparison of single-level cervical fusion and a metal-on-metal cervical disc replacement device.

Cervical fusion is the common treatment for cervical disc disease but can cause secondary disorders. The Prestige ST cervical disc prosthesis (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN) was designed to preserve spinal motion to potentially limit the secondary disorders. In this article, we report 2-year results from a single-center study comparing use of this device with use of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Anatomic consideration for standard and modified techniques of cervical lateral mass screw placement.

Background Context: Posterior screw placement techniques have been previously described. Each technique differs with respect to starting point, lateral angulation and sagittal orientation.

Purpose: To examine the potential for injury to critical anatomic structures, such as nerve roots and vertebral arteries, during posterior cervical screw placement and to determine safe screw placement.