0000000000218953

AUTHOR

Gerrit Steffen Maier

Misdiagnosis of Thoracolumbar Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injuries and Use of Radiographic Parameter Correlations to Improve Detection Accuracy

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To evaluate radiological parameters as indicators for posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries in the case of limited availability of magnetic resonance imaging. Overview of Literature Traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fractures with PLC injuries can be misdiagnosed on X-rays or computed tomography scans. This study aimed to retrospectively assess unrecognized PLC injuries and evaluate radiographic parameters as indicators of PLC injuries requiring surgery. Methods In total, 314 patients with type A and type B2 fractures who underwent surgical treatment between 2001 and 2010 were included. The frequency of misdiagnosis was reassessed, and radiograp…

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The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with vertebral fragility fractures

Hypovitaminosis D has been identified as a common risk factor for fragility fractures and poor fracture healing. Epidemiological data on vitamin D deficiency have been gathered in various populations, but the association between vertebral fragility fractures and hypovitaminosis D, especially in males, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) in patients presenting with vertebral fragility fractures and to determine whether patients with a vertebral fracture were at greater risk of hypovitaminosis D than a control population. Furthermore, we studied the seasonal variations in the serum vitamin D levels of tested patients in ord…

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Risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures and outcome after conservative therapy

Abstract Purpose The prevalence of osteoporosis has continuously increased over the past decades and it is set to increase substantially as life expectancy rises steadily. Fragility or osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis often occur after low energy falls e.g. from standing, however, some patients present with assumed insufficiency fractures of the pelvis without a previous trauma. Osteoporotic fractures impose a tremendous economic burden and these fractures deserve attention as they lead to a decrease in mobility with an increase in dependency and are associated with a high rate of mortality. To date, little is known about potential risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures. Furthe…

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Biological responses to individualized small titanium implants for the treatment of focal full-thickness knee cartilage defects in a sheep model.

Abstract Background The present study aimed to evaluate the functional, radiological and histological outcome of a customized focal implant for the treatment of focal full-thickness cartilage defects in sheep. Methods The study used magnetic resonance imaging data as the basis for construction of the titanium implant using a three-dimensional printing technique. This was then placed on the medial condyle of the knee joint in eight sheep and left in place in vivo over a period of six months. Following euthanasia, the local biological response was analyzed using micro-computed tomography, light microscopy and histological evaluation (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score). The v…

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Vitamin D and the Elderly Orthopedic Patient

Abstract Vitamin D is a key player in calcium homeostasis and bone health. Beyond these well-known effects, new data suggest that vitamin D deficiency potentiates a variety of chronic disease states, including diabetes, cancer, and depression. Extremely low vitamin D levels have been associated with osteomalacia and impaired muscle function, both core elements in the field of orthopedic surgery. Good muscle function and healthy bones are essential for fast rehabilitation and positive outcome after orthopedic surgery as well, especially for elderly patients seeking good physical function. Physical function is important for the preservation of independence in daily life and for the prevention…

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Biomechanical testing of different posterior fusion devices on lumbar spinal range of motion.

Abstract Background Recent minimal-invasive posterior fusion devices are supposed to provide stability and obtain fusion in combination with interbody cages in the instrumented segment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the primary stability of two minimal-invasive posterior prototypes compared to an established spinous process plate and standard pedicle screw instrumentation. Methods Seven fresh frozen human cadaver lumbar spines (L2–L5) were tested in a spinal testing device with a moment of 7.5 Nm. Spinal stability was determined as mean range of motion (RoM) in the segment L3/L4 during extension-flexion, lateral bending and axial rotation. The RoM was measured during five cond…

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