Growth hormone treatment and the risk of adolescent scoliosis: A large matched cohort study.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the risk of developing adolescent scoliosis among recipients of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH).

Methods: This registry-based cohort study included 1314 individuals who initiated rhGH treatment since 2013, treated during 10-18 years of age for at least 6 months. This group was matched to a comparison group of 6570 individuals not treated with rhGH.

Early surgery for thoracolumbar extension-type fractures in geriatric patients with ankylosing disorders reduces patient complications and mortality.

Background Context: The management of trauma patients with ankylosing spinal disorders has become an issue of increasing interest. Geriatric patients frequently sustain unstable extension type vertebral fractures with ankylosed spines. In this population, studies have shown that early surgery for other injuries such as hip fractures may reduce patient complications and mortality.

Scoliosis in RETT Syndrome: A National Referral Centre Experience.

Study Design: This was a retrospective case series.

Objective: The objective of this study was to discuss the treatment challenges in scoliosis patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) in a national referral centre for RTT. We describe structural characteristics of curves, age of onset, genetic mutation, ambulation status, and treatment through RTT progression.

Do drains help reduce the risk of complications after thoracoplasties in posterior spinal fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Purpose: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the rib prominence is a major cosmetic concern which can be improved using thoracoplasties. We sought to determine if the use of deep drains helps minimize the development of pleural effusions after thoracoplasties.

Methods: Retrospective study of 45 patients with AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and thoracoplasties.

Soft Landing technique as a possible prevention strategy for proximal junctional failure following adult spinal deformity surgery.

Background: This cross sectional study describes a "Soft Landing" strategy utilizing hooks for minimizing proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). The technique creates a gradual transition from a rigid segmental construct to unilateral hooks at the upper instrumented level and preservation of the soft tissue attachments on the contralateral side of the hooks. Authors devise a novel classification system for better grading of PJK severity.

Limitations of Plain Film Radiography in Identification of Hyperextension Fractures in Patients With Ankylosing Spinal Disorders.

Study Design: Efficacy study.

Objectives: To elucidate the limitations of radiography in patients with spinal ankylosing disorders (SAD) with an emphasis on thoracolumbar injuries, which have been less focused upon.

Methods: We searched our hospital's emergency room database for patients who underwent a total spine computed tomography (CT) following a diagnosis of SAD on radiographs following a minor fall.

Surgical Treatment of Flat Back Syndrome With Anterior Hyperlordotic Cages.

Background: Traditional correction for flat back syndrome is performed with a posterior-based surgery or combined approaches in revision cases.

Objective: To evaluate outcome from anterior surgery with the use of hyperlordotic cages (HLCs) in patients with flat back syndrome.

Methods: All patients operated with or without prior posterior lumbar surgery were studied.

Technical Consideration for TLIF Cage Retrieval and Deformity Correction With Anterior Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Revision Surgeries.

Introduction: Symptomatic pseudoarthrosis after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) could result in sagittal malalignment. Revision posterior surgery with TLIF cage removal poses a challenge intraoperatively. The authors have proposed salvage anterior approach for cage removal and have discussed unique experience with the correction in their deformity patients.

Outcomes of multilevel vertebrectomy for spondylodiscitis.

Background Context: The incidence of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) continues to increase in the United States, highlighting the need to recognize unique challenges presented by these cases and develop effective methods of surgical management. To date, no prior research has focused on the outcomes of PVO requiring two or more contiguous corpectomies.

Purpose: To describe our experience in the operative management of PVO in 56 consecutive patients who underwent multilevel corpectomies (≥2 vertebral bodies) via a combined approach.

Comparison of acetabular fracture reduction quality by the ilioinguinal or the anterior intrapelvic (modified Rives-Stoppa) surgical approaches.

Objective: To compare the reduction quality, surgery time, and early postoperative complications between the 2 following surgical approaches: the ilioinguinal and the anterior intrapelvic (AIP or modified Rives-Stoppa).

Design: Retrospective study.

Patients: Comparison of 122 patients operated in our center between 1996 and 2003 with the ilioinguinal approach and 103 cases operated between 2004 and 2011 with the AIP approach.

Reassuring the medical students' disease--health related anxiety among medical students.

Background: Studying a specific illness could lead medical students to an incorrect interpretation of certain physical symptoms, so that symptoms which were previously considered normal are now regarded as a true sign of an illness.

Aim: To examine the appraisal of self-health state, the existing fear of morbidity and the level of health-related anxiety among medical students throughout medical school.

Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to first through sixth year medical students at the Tel-Aviv University Medical School.