Thoracic and lumbar fractures associated with skiing and snowboarding injuries according to the AO Comprehensive Classification.

Background: The incidence of spinal fractures varies from 1% to 17% in alpine skiing injuries. Distinctions have been made regarding the differences in the mechanisms of injury and fracture types between skiing and snowboarding. Although fracture patterns have been described, there have not been any detailed descriptions of the specific fracture types and subgroups.

Observer agreement in assessing flexion-extension X-rays of the cervical spine, with and without the use of quantitative measurements of intervertebral motion.

Background Context: Flexion-extension X-rays are commonly used to identify abnormalities in intervertebral motion, despite little evidence for the reliability of the information that clinicians derive from these test.

Purpose: Quantify observer agreement on intervertebral motion abnormalities assessed with and without the use of computer-assisted technology.

Study Design: Assess interobserver agreement among clinicians when they evaluate cervical flexion-extension X-rays using the methods they now use in clinical practice, and compare this to observer agreement when the same clinicians reassess the X-rays using computer-assisted technology.

Lumbar isthmic defects in teenagers resulting from stress fractures.

Background Context: An accepted classification of spondylolysis exists. However, etiology remains controversial. There are several reports supporting acquired stress fractures in the etiology of this condition, although radiographic evidence of an acquired fracture in a given individual is very rare.

Disc herniation after lumbar fusion.

Study Design: Eight patients with a herniated disc after lumbar spinal fusion are reported. Their clinical features, imaging studies, and management are reported.

Objectives: To identify the incidence and features of disc herniation above a spinal fusion, and to describe their management.

Analysis of circumferential lumbar fusion outcome in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

This study reviews the results of circumferential fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease who are at high risk for achieving spinal fusion. The fusion rate was 100% and the satisfactory clinical outcome slightly more than 50% in a patient population known to have high risk factors for a poor outcome.