Severe 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.

OPLL 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.

Paralysis is a major risk after surgery of this type. Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do personally to affect the outcome.

In 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.

Scheuermann’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.

Patients 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.

Vertebroplasty 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.

The 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.

Vertebroplasty is the injection of a cement-like substance into the fractured vertebral bone. The goal is to strengthen the bone and reduce pain for the patient. With osteoporotic or brittle bones, the cement can leak out.

Problems can occur when this happens. The first problem is that the surgery may be considered a failure. If the cement doesn't give at least a partial repair of the fracture, then the patient may continue to suffer from the pain.

Bone fractures are common in the aging population. Anyone with osteoporosis or bone tumors is especially at risk. Vertebral (spine) fractures are painful and lead to deformity and reduced quality of life. Injecting cement into the fractured spine called vertebroplasty is one treatment option.