Accuracy of 837 pedicle screw positions in degenerative lumbar spine with conventional open surgery evaluated by computed tomography.

Background: The spatial and directional accuracy of the positioning of pedicle screws in the lumbosacral spine with conventional open surgery assessed by computed tomography (CT) has been published in several studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses with a short-term follow-up. Inaccurate pedicle screw insertion may cause neurologic symptoms and weakens the construct.

Methods: The data of 147 patients operated on with transpedicular screw fixation based on anatomical landmarks, supported by fluoroscopy, by a senior neurosurgeon in our clinic between 2000 and 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.

[An unusual etiology for pain in the back, hip and leg in a young woman].

We present a 28-year old woman, suffering from low back and right leg pain for 5 years, with motor and sensory deficits of the leg. Disc herniation, hip related pain, depression, and even an osteoid osteoma were suspected during the years, and several imaging studies had been undertaken. Based on an ENMG-study a lesion affecting the right L5-nerve root distal to the ganglion was suspected.

Role of albumin coating of tympanostomy tubes: long-term clinical evaluation.

Objective: Our previous work has shown that albumin coating of tympanostomy tubes prevented adhesion of proteins or bacteria on the tube surface in vitro and in a 9-month prospective follow-up study. This study was continued until all tubes were extruded.

Study Design: A prospective, clinical trial.

Albumin-coated tympanostomy tubes: prospective, double-blind clinical study.

Objectives: Coating an implant with albumin prevents adhesion of proteins, bacteria, and platelets and thus may lead to its improved and prolonged function. Previously, we have demonstrated the inhibition of binding of fibronectin, one of the most adhesive glycoproteins, on human serum albumin (HSA)-coated tympanostomy tubes and the durability of this binding inhibition in a 8-month trial. We have also demonstrated that the HSA coating inhibits the binding of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to titanium plates.

Is there a connection between the clinical response after an external fixation test or a subsequent lumbar fusion and the pre-test intervertebral kinematics?

Study Design: Evaluation of a possible correlation of clinical symptoms of chronic low back pain (LBP) patients before and after application of external spinal fixation (ESF) with three-dimensional motion patterns.

Objective: To determine whether the intervertebral kinematics in chronic LBP patients correlate with pain relief after stabilization of the suspected painful segments.

Summary Of Background Data: Chronic LBP is a complex clinical entity with mechanical, biochemical, and psychosocial components.