The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Revision Discectomy after Single-level Lumbar Discectomy.

Diabetes currently affects over 25 million Americans, with the elderly carrying much of the disease burden. It's well known that diabetes increases the risk of surgical complications, but few studies have analyzed its effects on reoperation rates after single-level lumbar discectomy. Data was obtained using the commercially available Explorys software, which houses de-identified data for several healthcare systems.

The Effect of Obesity on Revision Discectomy After Singlelevel Lumbar Discectomy.

The prevalence of obesity has been rising, creating a major public health concern. While several studies have shown obesity to increase the risk of surgical complications, few have analyzed its effects on reoperation, specifically after singlelevel lumbar discectomy. Data was obtained using the commercially available Explorys software that houses deidentified data for several major healthcare systems.

The etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the most common form of scoliosis, is unclear. Researchers with divergent perspectives have tried to better define this etiology. Genetics, growth hormone secretion, connective tissue structure, muscle structure, vestibular dysfunction, melatonin secretion, and platelet microstructure are major areas of focus.

Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion at L4-L5: an anatomic evaluation and approach classification.

Study Design: An anatomic classification system was devised on the basis of operative reports and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography from 139 patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion involving L4-L5.

Objective: To devise a classification system for laparoscopic exposure of the L4-L5 disc space that would allow prediction of the safest approach for any given vascular configuration.

Summary Of Background Data: The laparoscopic technique has gained acceptance at L5-S1 but has been less successful at L4-L5.

Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion with rhBMP-2: a prospective study of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Study Design: To prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion with rhBMP-2.

Objectives: It was hypothesized that discogenic pain could be treated successfully with an anterior lumbar interbody fusion performed laparoscopically using rhBMP-2 as a replacement for autogenous bone.

Summary Of Background Data: The traditional surgical treatment of discogenic pain involves painful incisions of muscles, with potential loss of integrity and strength.

Patient outcomes after minimally destabilizing lumbar stenosis decompression: the "Port-Hole" technique.

Study Design: A prospective evaluation of the outcome of a decompressive procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis designed to preserve spinal stability.

Objectives: To determine whether decompression could be achieved without subsequent fusion for spinal stenosis with and without degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Summary Of Background Data: The traditional surgical decompression of spinal stenosis involves removal of the posterior elements.

Management of patella fractures associated with central third bone-patella tendon-bone autograft ACL reconstructions.

Patella fractures are an acknowledged complication of cruciate ligament reconstructions that use bone-tendon-bone autografts. Two fracture patterns are seen: a nondisplaced longitudinal patellar fissure fracture recognized interoperatively and the classic displaced transverse fracture that disrupts the extensor mechanism. Rigid fixation techniques are described for each fracture type that minimally affect rehabilitative efforts.