Four-year results of a prospective single-arm study on 200 semi-constrained total cervical disc prostheses: clinical and radiographic outcome.

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have described encouraging outcomes after cervical total disc replacement (cTDR), but there are also critical debates regarding the long-term effects of heterotopic ossification (HO) and the prevalence of adjacent-level degeneration. The aim in this paper was to provide 4-year clinical and radiographic outcome results on the activ C disc prosthesis. METHODS A total of 200 subjects underwent single-level activ C (Aesculap AG) implantation between C-3 and C-7 for the treatment of symptomatic degenerative disc disease.

[Acute spinal cord compression].

Paralysis of the lower limbs or both the upper and lower limbs, even partial, is a frightening symptom that will quickly bring the patient to emergency call service. The symptom is a sign of functional disturbance of the spinal cord, possibly resulting from a quickly developed process narrowing the spinal canal. A correct and non-delayed diagnosis and urgent release of the spinal cord from the compressed state are the cornerstones of successful treatment.

Early and late re-operations after anterior cervical decompression and fusion during an 11-year follow-up.

Background: Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) may necessitate acute and late re-operations. Published long-term follow studies after ACDF are scarce.

Objective: Our goal was to give a detailed description of early and late re-operations after ACDF in an 11-year follow-up.

[Brain concussion].

Brain concussion is a common disturbance caused by external forces or acceleration affecting the head. It may be accompanied by transient loss of consciousness and amnesia. Typical symptoms include headache, nausea and dizziness; these may remain for a week or two.

[Limb amputations in the treatment of neuropathic pain--insanity or evidence-based medicine?].

Neuropathic pain is a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging problem. Its most typical manifestation is persistent burning pain that may be aggravated by surgical procedures, even by minor ones. Therefore the presumed pros and cons of surgical therapy of a patient suffering from neuropathic pain should be weighed with exceptional care in order to avoid unnecessary operations that could worsen the pain problem.