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Costs for spinal fusion vary substantially by region, with costs being lowest in the Midwest and highest in the Northeast, according to the new research by Dr. W. Ryan Spiker and colleagues of University of Utah, Salt Lake City. They write, "This data sheds light on the actual cost of common surgeries throughout the United States, and will allow further progress towards the development of cost effective, value driven care."

New Data on 'Actual Costs' of Common Spine Surgeries The researchers analyzed 2012 Medicare data on the costs of two common types of spinal fusion surgery: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

Depending on whom you ask or what scientific paper you read last, spinal manipulation is either a mercifully quick, effective treatment for low-back pain or a complete waste of time.

It turns out everyone's right.

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that spinal manipulation--applying force to move joints to treat pain, a technique most often used by chiropractors and physical therapists--does indeed have immediate benefits for some patients with low-back pain but does not work for others with low-back pain. And though on the surface this latest conflict might appear to muddy the waters further, the results point to the complexity of low-back pain and the need to treat patients differently, says lead author Greg Kawchuk.

Scientists have identified a new protein (C5orf30) which regulates the severity of tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, stiffness and damage to the joints of the feet, hips, knees, and hands.

Severe, rapidly progressive, RA, diagnosed in 1999, and severe damage to finger joints by 2005 are shown.
Credit: University College Dublin

Following the discovery published in the scientific journal PNAS, rheumatoid arthritis patients most likely to suffer the severest effects of the condition can now be identified early and fast-tracked to the more aggressive treatments available.

Tahini is a seed butter made from sesame seeds that are hulled, ground, and toasted. It is commonly used in North African, Greek, Iranian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

It is a major ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush (a dip similar to hummus, made with eggplant rather than chickpeas).

This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown of tahini and an in-depth look at its possible health benefits, how to incorporate more tahini into your diet and any potential health risks of consuming tahini.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis who had a total knee replacement were found to be at greater risk of heart attack, particularly in the first month after surgery.

The study, published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, reveals such patients may also be at increased long-term risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis in the US, affecting around 13.9% of adults aged 25 and older and 33.6% of those over 65.

For patients with radiculopathy or spinal stenosis, epidural corticosteroid injections are unlikely to provide effective pain relief, according to the study.

Lead study author Dr. Roger Chou, of the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, and colleagues publish their findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

1. Long-term NSAID use associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk

Long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. The findings of a population-based, case-control study are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common non-skin cancer in the world. Colorectal neoplasms have a long progression, making colorectal cancer an obvious target for preventive interventions.

Migrating tumour cells produce a protein that aids them to set up home in bones, as University of Freiburg researchers show

Cancer cells that migrate to the bone acquire a unique trait: They start to express the protein cathepsin K. Researchers from the University of Freiburg and the BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies have now solved why it is important for the migrating cells to produce this protein. Polymer chemist Prof. Dr. Prasad Shastri and the pharmacist Jon Christensen discovered that cathepsin K activates another protein, which helps the cancer cells to alter their microenvironment so that they are able to develop into tumours.

The researchers say their findings show the importance of encouraging people of all abilities to be active through life.

Previous research suggests the better our physical performance in middle age, the more likely we are to retain our independence and cope with everyday activities in old age, such as carrying our shopping and getting dressed.

Researchers who study this area usually employ a number of tests - such as handgrip strength, balance, chair rises, jumping height (a measure of leg strength), and back strength - when measuring physical performance.