Latest on Scheuermanns Disease
In this article, surgeons from the Combined Orthopaedics Residency Program at Harvard Medical School put together a review of the evaluation and management of Scheuermann's kyphosis for adults. They included discussion of who is affected, cause of the disease, pathogenesis (what happens with this condition), and clinical presentation (signs and symptoms).They also bring us up to date on what is known about the natural history of this condition (i.e., what happens over time). Both nonsurgical and...
Can Scoliosis Be Improved Through Bracing
Can idiopathic scoliosis (IS) be improved through bracing? That is a question that has been studied and debated for years. There are plenty of studies that conclude it is not possible, especially when the curve is more than 45 degrees in a growing child. But the results of this study may bring new information to that conclusion.Idiopathic scoliosis refers to a curvature of the spine that has no known cause. The child does not have a neurologic or neuromuscular problem like muscular dystrophy or ...
When To Operate on Rib Fractures
Did you know you can die from a rib fracture? Broken and displaced with jagged edges, a fractured rib from chest trauma can puncture the lungs leading to multiple problems. Having more than one rib fracture increases the risk of complications (including death). And in fact, one-fourth of all deaths caused by trauma involve the chest and rib fractures.In this review, surgeons from the University of Minnesota Hospital discuss the importance of diagnosing and treating severe rib fractures. Most pat...
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Benefits Outweigh Risks?
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a bad deal all the way around. They cause pain, disability, and even death. The patient can end up with a stooped posture, which then cuts down on their air flow and lung function. The pain keeps them on the couch, in the recliner, or in bed. The resultant immobility can put the person at risk for pneumonia and deadly blood clots.Compression fractures are the most common type of fracture affecting the spine. A compression fracture of a spine bone (verte...
Observation of Stable Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Results in Good Quality-of Life Later on in Life
Do you have questions about scoliosis? This article discusses the quality of life of adults who used braces to correct their scoliosis when they were younger.
Review of Staple Use in Curve Correction for Idiopathic Scoliosis
This article will be of interest to you as it reviews the use of vertebral body stapling to correct this curvature.
Does Exercise Cause Scoliosis?
Curvature of the spine called scoliosis can occur with no known cause. When older children and teens are affected, it's called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Despite our many advances in medicine, science, and technology, we still don't know what causes AIS.
Patient Activation Related to Adherence to Physical Therapy After Spine Surgery
Patients should participate in physiotherapy after having spinal surgery on the lower back for degeneration injuries in order to help improve the success of the surgery, recommends the North American Spine Society. Because surgery can be done a considerable amount of time after the back pain has begun, by the time the patient has had surgery, there is a good chance that the muscles in the back have begun to weaken due to limited use. If you are feeling pain, you try to avoid making certain movem...