Deep Sternal Wound Infection after Open-Heart Surgery: A 13-Year Single Institution Analysis.

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcome for patients with or without muscle flap reconstruction after deep sternal wound infection due to open-heart surgery.

Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study, including patients who developed deep sternal wound infection after open-heart surgery in the Western Denmark Region from 1999 to 2011. Journals of included patients were reviewed for clinical data regarding the treatment of their sternal defect.

Sagittal spinal balance after lumbar spinal fusion: the impact of anterior column support results from a randomized clinical trial with an eight- to thirteen-year radiographic follow-up.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To analyze the long-term clinical impact of anterior column support on sagittal balance after lumbar spinal fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Several investigators have stressed the importance of maintaining sagittal balance in relation to spinal fusion to avoid lumbar 'flat back,' accelerated adjacent segment degeneration, pain, and inferior functional outcome.

Adjacent segment degeneration after lumbar spinal fusion: the impact of anterior column support: a randomized clinical trial with an eight- to thirteen-year magnetic resonance imaging follow-up.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To analyze long-term adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after lumbar fusion on magnetic resonance imaging and compare randomization groups with and without anterior column support.

Summary Of Background Data: ASD can be a long-term complication after fusion.

Interchangeability of the EQ-5D and the SF-6D in long-lasting low back pain.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the interchangeability of the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and the Short Form 6D (SF-6D) in individuals with long-lasting low back pain to guide the optimal choice of instrument and to inform decision-makers about any between-measure discrepancy, which require careful interpretation of the results of cost-utility evaluations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 275 individuals who had spinal surgery on indication of chronic low back pain. EQ-5D and SF-6D were mailed to respondents for self-completion.

The positive effect of posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion is preserved at long-term follow-up: a RCT with 11-13 year follow-up.

Introduction: Few studies have investigated the long-term effect of posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion on functional outcome.

Aim: To investigate the long-term result after posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion with and without pedicle screw instrumentation.

Methods: Questionnaire survey of 129 patients originally randomised to posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion with or without pedicle screw instrumentation.

Circumferential fusion improves outcome in comparison with instrumented posterolateral fusion: long-term results of a randomized clinical trial.

Study Design: Prospective randomized clinical study with a 5- to 9-year follow-up period.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the long-term outcome with respect to functional disability, pain, and general health of patients treated by means of circumferential lumbar fusion in comparison with those treated by means of instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Circumferential fusion has become a common procedure in lumbar spinal fusion both as a primary and salvage procedure.