Stiffperson syndrome (SPS) is manifested by increased tone of the trunk muscles that gradually spreads to the limbs. The mechanism underlying this muscle hypertonia involves derangement of the inhibitory action of gaminobutyric acid (GABA) at cortical and spinal levels with subsequent continuous motor unit activity. A cocontraction mechanism with a board-like abdomen and painful lumbar hyperlor...

A 57-year-old woman with neglected high congenital dislocation of the right hip (Figure 1) and a severe dysplasia of the left hip had progressive pain in both hips, leg-length discrepancy and limitation of motion. On the right side there was a subtrochanteric pseudoarthrosis after an osteotomy performed when the patient was 10 years of age. The patient was admitted to our department and the phy...

The aim of this study was to investigate joint mobility, segmental and general spinal mobility and their interrelationship in 607 women working as homecare personnel. Joint mobility (mainly peripheral) was estimated using the "Beighton" score. Spinal posture and mobility were measured by Debrunner's kyphometer. Passive segmental mobility and pain provocation were estimated manually. Reliability...

Seven patients treated in infancy by a lumbar theco-peritoneal shunt for idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus presented later in childhood after developing a characteristic orthopaedic syndrome. This included a severe, rigid and progressive lumbar hyperlordosis, severe bilateral restriction of straight leg raising and abnormalities of stance and gait. Four of the patients, who had severe hype...

Clinical features suggestive of hypermobility syndrome and a positive Trendelenburg sign are described in a painting "The Three Graces" (1638-1640) by Peter Paul Rubens, Prado, Madrid. The most obvious findings are scoliosis, positive Trendelenburg sign, and hyperextension of the metacarpal joints, hyperlordosis, and flat feet. The sitters, presumably Hélène Fourment (second wife of Rubens) and...

BACKGROUND To assess the radiographic results in patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), particularly the changes in segmental lordosis in the fusion segment, whole lumbar lordosis and disc height. METHODS Twenty six cases of single-level TLIF in degenerative lumbar diseases were analyzed. The changes in segmental lordosis, whole lumbar lordosis, and disc height ...