Interdisciplinary perspectives on mechanisms and management of low back pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most pervasive and costly problems facing medicine today. In addition to personal suffering, CLBP accounts for a greatly disproportionate amount of consumer health care over-utilization, employee absenteeism, lowered work productivity, disability and compensation payments. Recent research in the area has called attention to the complex nature of the problem and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to identification and management.

Symptomatic atlantoaxial subluxation in persons with Down syndrome.

In a prospective study 40 of 236 individuals with Down syndrome were found to have atlantoaxial instability. Whereas most of the 40 affected children were asymptomatic, seven patients exhibited various neuropathology. Historical data, neurologic findings, radiologic interpretations, and surgical management of these seven patients are described in detail.

Treatment of spinal cord compression: a retrospective analysis.

Epidural spinal cord compression from metastatic disease is a common neurological complication of cancer. The incidence is probably increasing owing to continual advancements in the treatment of cancer that have led to prolongation of life and a greater probability of secondary involvement of the spinal cord. A problem often encountered by the oncologist treating patients with epidural spinal cord compression is the recurrence of compression by metastatic tumor both in and out of the original treatment field.

Herniated thoracic disc at T1-2 level associated with Horner's syndrome. Case report.

A case of symptomatic herniation at the first thoracic disc level is reported. The patient presented with hand weakness, Horner's syndrome, and pain radiating along the medial aspect of the upper extremity. Myelography demonstrated a smooth lateral defect at T1-2.