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Spine Thoracic
Study Reviews Results of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Posted August 31st, 2006 by MattVertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are two treatment methods for vertebral spine fractures. During a vertebroplasty procedure, cement is injected into the fractured bone. Once the cement hardens, the bone is held steady and can start to heal. With kyphoplasty, a deflated balloon is inserted inside the body of the bone. It is inflated and cement is injected inside the balloon. Kyphoplasty helps restore the normal heighth of the bone.
I'm 25-years old and I've had Scheuermann's disease for the last 10 years. It looks like it has stopped getting worse. The doctor is advising me to have surgery to fuse the spine. What would happen if I don't do this?
Posted August 9th, 2006 by MattAs you know, Scheuermann's disease is a forward curvature or kyphosis of the upper back area. Males and females are affected equally. Less than 10 per cent of the population is affected by this condition. The exact cause is unknown.
Comparing Two Methods of Spinal Fusion for Scheuermann's Disease
Posted August 9th, 2006 by MattSevere forward curvature of the upper spine is called Scheuermann's disease. Surgery to fuse the spine in a more upright, functional position is often needed. In this study, two methods of spinal fusion for Scheuermann's disease are compared. The results are reported in terms of X-ray findings and post-operative complications.
Our 45-year old son had decompressive surgery on his spine for a condition called OPLL. Right after the operation his legs were numb. He's back in surgery now. Can this kind of paralysis be reversed?
Posted July 20th, 2006 by MattOPLL stand for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. OPLL is a condition in which the long ligament along the back of the spinal column ossifies or turns to bone. Pressure on the spinal cord from this problem brings the patient to the surgeon for treatment. But removing the ligament isn't always easy or successful.
I'm going to have surgery to remove part of the big ligament along the back of my spine. The section from T6 to T8 has turned to bone. The surgeon has warned me that paralysis is a possibility with this operation. Can I do anything ahead of time to prevent this from happening?
Posted July 20th, 2006 by MattParalysis is a major risk after surgery of this type. Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do personally to affect the outcome.
Review of Surgical Treatment of OPLL
Posted July 20th, 2006 by MattIn this study, doctors from Japan present the results of surgery for a condition called thoracic myelopathy. Myelopathy is any damage or pressure on the spinal cord. Thoracic refers to the mid-portion of the spine between the cervical (neck) spine and the lumbar (low back) spine.
Our 17-year-old son has a condition called Scheuermann's disease. The doctor has advised surgery to fuse his upper back. How much correction will he get?
Posted June 29th, 2006 by MattScheuermann’s disease (SD) is a spinal condition that starts in childhood and results in excessive kyphosis. Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. In SD, the child or teenager looks like he or she has a "hunchback." The section of spine affected is the thoracic spine from below the neck to the bottom of the rib cage.
Effect of Surgery on Spinal Curves in Scheurermann's Disease
Posted June 29th, 2006 by MattPatients with Scheuermann’s disease (SD) are the focus of this study. In SD there is an increased forward curve of the thoracic (mid to upper) spine. Forward curvature of the spine is called kyphosis. Too much or excessive forward curvature is called hyperkyphosis.
Cause of Cement Leakage After Vertebroplasty
Posted June 29th, 2006 by MattVertebroplasty is an accepted form of treatment for fractures of the vertebral body. A long thin needle is passed into the main part of the bone. A special X-ray called fluoroscopy helps the surgeon guide the needle to the correct spot. Bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra. Sometimes the cement leaks out of the bone.
My mother fell and hurt her back six months ago. She's tried everything to ease the pain. Last week she had an MRI that showed a vertebral compression fracture. Is it too late for her to have the new cement treatment to glue it back together?
Posted May 11th, 2006 by MattThe best course of treatment and its timing for vertebral fractures remains unknown. Many doctors advise a course of nonoperative treatment first. Pain medications, back braces, bed rest, and exercise are given a good try before using surgery.
The trade off is the strength, function, and motion lost with rest and inactivity. This puts the patient at increased risk for weakness, balance problems, and falls. Side effects from long-term use of medications can also be a problem.