Human error can be a factor in any medical diagnosis -- even for highly trained experts and involving something as black and white as an MRI. Studies show that there may be a two per cent error rate in MRIs of the spine. The most common mistake is to label something as being on the right side when it was on the left.

Spine surgeons (both orthopedic and neurosurgeons) often use bracing for their patients after fusion of the neck or low back. But with today's evidence-based practice, there's been a question about this practice. Is it really needed? Is there any evidence to support external immobilization of this type? Or is it just a matter of doing what we've always done because we've always done it?

You've probably heard about the recent recalls on baby food, pet food, and peanut butter. But have you ever heard of a recall on allograft (donated) bone? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report almost 60,000 allograft tissue samples were recalled over the last 15 years. All of those were musculoskeletal tissue specimens.

My 79 year old father has Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis. He has recently been diagnosed with a Sacral Insufficiency Fracture (SIF), likely precipitated by a fall that occurred a couple weeks ago. He was in the hospital for several days for diagnosis and pain management, during which time one of the doctors mentioned that they might consider sacroplasty (injection of a glue/cement like substance into the fracture to stabilize it and reduce pain). From the reading that I have done this procedure is often used on elderly, osteoporodic patients with success.

Originally had C5-6 ACDF, 3 years later needed 2 more levels done for significant spondylo and retrolithesis of C3-4,C4-5, plus herniated discs at those levels. Was told the cervical ligaments were so lax that fusion was urgent.

Now 2 yrs later, developed significant upper neck pain (before it was arm pain only) that didn't respond to NSAIDs, ROM exercises, etc. Went to new Ortho spine doc and Xrays show significant arthritis at C1-2, told to stop ROM exercises and just do comfort measures. I'm 62, use my head ROM a lot in my job. Have the usual OA in hands.

Safety experts suggest that a broken nose is a small injury compared to the spinal fractures that can occur without the air bags. And since motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of spinal injury in the United States, disabling air bags is not advised.

Guidelines regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics (antibiotics given to avoid an infection rather than to treat one) in spinal surgery help spinal surgeons in using the antibiotics for the best outcomes possible. The authors of this article discuss how the guidelines came to be and graded the recommendations to show how effective the guidelines are.

You would think that the increased safety measures in motor vehicles these days would mean fewer injuries after accidents. But, in fact, the number of spine fractures has actually gone up. With the use of both a seat belt and an air bag, it seems like the opposite should be true. Why is that?

An accurate patient history after motor vehicle accidents is important when planning the best and most appropriate treatment. Anyone with a prior history of neck or back pain may need a different approach. Social research confirms that anyone with a psychologic profile, history of alcohol or other drug use, or mental illness will likely need special attention.

Talk with the physician who made the diagnosis. There is a familial risk for ankylosing spondylitis meaning it does have a hereditary component and seems to occur within families. Studies show there are both genetic and environmental factors. About 65 per cent of the cases have a genetic basis. The physician can assess the risk of AS and related diseases in the family and make recommendations.