The use of outcomes instruments in the assessment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Outcomes research is becoming an increasingly vital aspect of modern medicine. With current cost containment measures, the need for effective and reproducible treatment options is essential. The methodology associated with these outcomes studies is varied.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) model can provide results comparable to cadaveric models.

The in vitro biomechanical models using a cadaveric spine specimen have long been used in understanding normal and abnormal functions of spines as well as for strength and stability testing of the spine specimen or spinal construct. Little effort has been made to describe the similarities or differences between UHMWPE and cadaveric models. Eight cadaveric lumbar spines were harvested generating six FSU and three corpectomy models.

Anatomic consideration for standard and modified techniques of cervical lateral mass screw placement.

Background Context: Posterior screw placement techniques have been previously described. Each technique differs with respect to starting point, lateral angulation and sagittal orientation.

Purpose: To examine the potential for injury to critical anatomic structures, such as nerve roots and vertebral arteries, during posterior cervical screw placement and to determine safe screw placement.

Factors involved in the decision to perform a selective versus nonselective fusion of Lenke 1B and 1C (King-Moe II) curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: A retrospective evaluation of 203 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Lenke 1B or 1C (King-Moe II) type curves.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of inclusion of the lumbar curve in the treatment of this type of deformity as well as radiographic factors associated with lumbar curve fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: In patients with structural thoracic curves and compensatory lumbar curves, many authors have recommended fusing only the thoracic curve (selective thoracic fusion).

A multicenter study of the outcomes of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcome instrument.

Study Design: A multicenter study of the outcomes of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS 24).

Objective: To evaluate the patient based outcome of the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: A paucity of information exists with respect to patient measures of outcome regarding the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The mechanical effects of suture anchor insertion angle for rotator cuff repair.

Twelve matched pairs of humerii were instrumented with suture anchor at 90 degrees, 75 degrees, 45 degrees, and 30 degrees relative to the cortical border at the junction of the greater tuberosity and articular surface. Two fixtures were inserted into each specimen at different angles and loaded to failure. Suture anchors failed at an average of 171, 219, 169, and 192 N with 90 degrees, 75 degrees, 45 degrees, and 30 degrees insertion angles, respectively.

Histologic characterization of acute spinal cord injury treated with intravenous methylprednisolone.

Objective: Many substances have been investigated for attenuation of spinal cord injury after acute trauma; however, pharmacologically only steroid administration has shown clinical benefits. This study attempts to characterize local spinal cord histologic response to human dose equivalent (HDE) intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) administration in a rodent model of acute spinal cord injury.

Design: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups.