Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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In this paper, the authors aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) associated with dural ossification (DO) and to identify improved methods for preoperative diagnosis. ⋯ The tram track sign and Sato classification were found to be useful for preoperative diagnosis of DO and for determining the surgical procedure to be performed. Dural ossification had no effect on postoperative neurological recovery.
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Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an important cause of new-onset daily persistent headache. Cerebellar hemorrhage has been identified as a possible feature of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The authors reviewed the MR imaging studies from a group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension to assess the presence of cerebellar hemorrhage. ⋯ Chronic cerebellar hemorrhage should be included among the manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The severity is variable, but the hemorrhage generally is asymptomatic. The underlying spinal CSF leak is ventral and mostly of long duration.
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In this study, the authors' goal was to investigate the long-term progression of disc degeneration and the participating mechanisms induced by needle puncture in a rat caudal disc model. ⋯ This study demonstrates that needle puncture into a tail disc in the rat induces a rapid and progressive disc degeneration process without spontaneous recovery. Changes in gene expression profiles of the disc matrix molecules as well as anabolic and catabolic factors at early time points further delineate the mechanism of disc degeneration in this newly developed animal model.
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Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has neuroprotective effects on the CNS. The authors have previously demonstrated that G-CSF also exerts neuroprotective effects in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing migration of bone marrow-derived cells into the damaged spinal cord, increasing glial differentiation of bone marrow-derived cells, enhancing antiapoptotic effects on both neurons and oligodendrocytes, and by reducing demyelination and expression of inflammatory cytokines. Because the degree of angiogenesis in the subacute phase after SCI correlates with regenerative responses, it is possible that G-CSF's neuroprotective effects after SCI are due to enhancement of angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of G-CSF on the vascular system after SCI. ⋯ These results suggest that G-CSF exerts neuroprotective effects via promotion of angiogenesis after SCI.