A change in lumbar lordosis can affect the outcome following lumbar fusion, and intraoperative positioning is a prime determinant of the postoperative lordosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the change in lordosis and sacral slope (SS) following axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF). We retrospectively reviewed 81 patients who underwent a 360 lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5/L5-S1 (two-level procedure) or solely at L5-S1 (one-level) for degenerative disc disease and spondylolithesis utilizing the AxiaLIF with posterior segmental instrumentation. For the two-level procedures, 25 patients had the AxiaLIF placed first and 27 had pedicle screws placed first. For the one-level procedures, 11 patients had the AxiaLIF placed first and 18 had pedicle screws placed first. Standing lateral preoperative radiographs were compared to standing lateral postoperative films. Lumbar Cobb angles were measured at L1-S1, L4-S1 and individual lumbar levels. SS was measured for sacral version.Purpose
Method
The patient-physician relationship is a complex interaction and the importance of effective communication is well documented. The importance and implications of effective physician-patient communication is highlighted by the implementation of Communication Skills as a core competency by ACGME. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anonymous surveys completed by orthopaedic clinic patients to assess their visit experiences and whether they would recommend their physician to a friend or family member. Data were collected from patients exiting SIUs Division of Orthopaedic Surgery outpatient clinics through the completion of an anonymous survey. The survey was distributed on a sample of days between 2002 and 2004 and again in 2009. Responders were asked to complete the survey and return it prior to leaving the office. Participating surgeons were aware of the project occurring but did not know the dates on which surveys would be collected from their clinic patients. All surveys were scanned for data entry and if there was any difficulty with the scanning process then the data was entered manually.Purpose
Method
