Less invasive reduction and fusion of fresh A2 and A 3 traumatic L 1-L 4 fractures with a novel vertebral body augmentation implant and short pedicle screw fixation and fusion.

The aim of this clinical study was to report on the efficacy in reduction and safety in PMMA leakage of a novel vertebral augmentation technique with PEEK and PMMA, together with pedicle screws in the treatment of fresh vertebral fractures in young adults. Twenty consecutive young adults aged 45 ± 11 years with fresh burst A3/AO or severely compressed A2/AO fractures underwent via a less invasive posterior approach one-staged reduction with a novel augmentation implant and PMMA plus 3-vertebrae pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Radiologic parameters as segmental kyphosis (SKA), anterior (AVBHr) and posterior vertebral body height ratio (PVBHr), spinal canal encroachment (SCE), cement leakage and functional parameters as VAS, SF-36 were measured pre- and post-operatively.

Balloon kyphoplasty versus KIVA vertebral augmentation--comparison of 2 techniques for osteoporotic vertebral body fractures: a prospective randomized study.

Study Design: Prospective, parallel-group, controlled comparative randomized study.

Objective: This study compares the efficacy in sagittal vertebral height and wedge deformity restoration, polymethylmethacrylate cement leakage safety, and functional outcome of balloon kyphoplasty (BK) versus KIVA (a novel vertebral augmentation technique) implant for the augmentation of fresh osteoporotic vertebral body fractures.

Summary Of Background Data: Minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures have been widely used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Posterolateral versus circumferential instrumented fusion for monosegmental lumbar degenerative disc disease using an expandable cage.

Background: Theoretically, 360° instrumented fusion has been considered to offer better radiological correction than PLF. Despite numerous publications, this correlation is still weak with several controversies in the relative literature.

Purpose: This prospective randomized study was designed to compare the radiological segmental results, complications and outcome of 360° instrumented fusion with the use of a single diagonal expandable PLIF device versus posterolateral pedicle screw fixation in monosegmental lumbar DDD and to show that the use of an novel expandable cage is associated with low PLIF-related complication rate compared to conventional cages reported previously.

Backpacks, back pain, sagittal spinal curves and trunk alignment in adolescents: a logistic and multinomial logistic analysis.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study using logistic and multinomial logistic analysis.

Objectives: To investigate the influence of backpack carrying on spinal profile shoulder and trunk.

Summary Of Background Data: No similar investigations.

The role of rigid vs. dynamic instrumentation for stabilization of the degenerative lumbosacral spine.

Purpose Of The Study: This is a prospective comparative randomised study to compare the immediately postoperative effects of a rigid versus dynamic instrumentation for degenerative spine disease and stenosis on the standing sagittal lumbar spine alignment and to investigate if a dynamic spine system can replace the commonly used rigid systems in order to avoid the above mentioned disadvantages of rigid fixation.

Material & Methods: 15 randomly selected patients received the rigid instrumentation SCS and an equal number of randomly selected patients the dynamic TWINFLEX device for spinal stenosis associated degenerative lumbar disease. The age of the patients, who received rigid and dynamic instrumentation was 65 +/- 9 years and 62 +/- 10 years respectively.

Color Doppler ultrasonography for evaluation of internal mammary artery application in adolescent female patients with right-convex thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: Prospective comparative study.

Objective: To establish the use of Color Doppler Ultrasonography to investigate internal mammary artery.

Summary Of Background Data: Breast asymmetry in female adolescents with right convex idiopathic scoliosis was supposed to be linked with anatomic and functional asymmetry of the internal mammary artery that is the main supplier to the mammary gland.

Zweymueller with metal-on-metal articulation: clinical, radiological and histological analysis of short-term results.

Background: This is a prospective study.

Method: . A total of 266 consecutive patients, who received 350 third-generation Zweymueller-SL total hip arthroplasties with metal-on-metal articulation for primary or secondary osteoarthritis, was followed and evaluated clinically, radiologically and histologically.

Effectiveness of transfixation and length of instrumentation on titanium and stainless steel transpedicular spine implants.

This study compares the effectiveness of transfixation on the stiffness of two pedicle screw-rod constructs of different manufacture, implant design, and alloy, applied in one-and two-level instability. Four screws composed of either stainless steel or Titanium were assembled in pairs to two polymethylmethacrylate blocks to resemble one-and two-level corpectomy models and the construct underwent nondestructive torsional, extension, and flexion loading. In every loading test, each construct was tested using stainless steel or titanium rods of 4.

Effects of thoracolumbosacral orthosis on spinal deformities, trunk asymmetry, and frontal lower rib cage in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Objectives: To document immediate and late changes in shape and balance of the thoracic and lumbar spine and lower rib cage on the frontal plane induced by treatment with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO).

Summary Of Background Data: The effect of TLSO on lateral plane of spinal deformity, frontal lower rib cage, trunk balance, and natural history are poorly understood.