PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION: RESULTS OVER 47 MONTHS OF FOLLOW-UP.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the clinical-functional results of a new surgical technique, Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PELIF), in patients with a clinical diagnosis of low back or sciatic pain and segmental instability who were submitted to surgery using this technique assisted by the attending physician.

Materials And Methods: Patients completed a consent form and were clinically and radiographically re-assessed by independent evaluators using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Score in the pre- and postoperative periods. Their medical records were also reviewed for surgical time, length of hospital stay, need for blood transfusion, return to work, and radiographic fusion evaluation.

Calcinosis universalis: a rare diagnosis.

Calcinosis universalis is characterized by the deposit of calcium salts in skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons and muscles. Most cases become apparent during the first decade of life. Clinical aspects may vary from arthralgia to movement limitation, with calcification of soft tissues.