Neurologic evaluation in thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

A standardized and universal neurologic evaluation is of essential importance in defining the prognosis, treatment, and long-term results in patients with spinal cord injury. The American Spinal Injury Association was the first to publish a neurologic classification in 1992. This classification, which was subsequently submitted to numerous revisions, was also adopted by the International Medical Society of Paraplegia and by the national scientific associations of many other countries. In Italy, too, the ASIA/IMSOP form has been accepted as a standard for neurologic evaluation, but with the exception of specialized centers, it is still not well-known. The authors critically analyze the international terminology and its translation, they define the technical aspects of the neurologic examination in relation to priorities, and to the specific goals. Finally, they report several thoughts deriving from clinical practice in the Spinal Unit of Florence.

[2 familial cases of cranio-metaphyseal dysostosis]. / Considerazioni su due casi familiari di disostosi cranio-metafisaria.

The authors describe two familial cases of cranio-metaphyseal dysostosis. The clinical and radiographic features of the cases are analyzed, and the type of treatment used reported.

[Heterometry of the lower limbs: clinico-statistical findings on the incidence and correlation with lumbago symptoms]. / Eterometria degli arti inferiori: rilievi clinico-statistici sulla incidenza e sulla correlazione con la sintomatologia lombalgica.

The incidence of the lower limbs discrepancy has been evaluated in a group of 200 growing subjects and 200 adults. In the two groups the incidence and the entity of the lower limbs discrepancy is substantially similar. In the subjects examined no correlation has been found between lower limbs discrepancy and low back pain.