Spine
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Measurement of changes in cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of nerve tissue markers, total proteins, and immunoglobulin after compression of nerve root or application of nucleus pulposus in a pig model. ⋯ The neurofilament protein and total protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid may have diagnostic importance in cases wherein clinical findings are not clearly related to the radiologic changes and vice versa. These protein markers also may be useful tools in different experimental models.
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A prospective analysis of the relative influence of pain-specific and performance-specific cognitive variables on lifting tasks using empirically derived measures. ⋯ Data suggest that what patients believed they could achieve accurately determined their actual spinal function, independent of their sense of control over pain or their distress. Approaches to low back disorders emphasizing perceived pain control as a central cognitive determinant of disability were unsupported.
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An analysis of the vascular anatomy relative to the underlying discs in the lower lumbar spine performed by using radiologic studies. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that a laparoscopic approach to the L3-L4 intervertebral disc will seldom be accomplished without significant retraction of the aorta. Access to the L4-L5 space will be accomplished readily in approximately one third of the patients. In the others, it will require significant vascular dissection. The L5-S1 space, conversely, will be readily accessible by the authors' definitions without significant vessel dissection in the majority of patients.
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Biography Historical Article
William Cheselden: anatomist, surgeon, and medical illustrator.
William Cheselden was Great Britain's foremost surgeon/scientist in the first half of the 18th century. Cheselden directly challenged the Company of Barber-Surgeons' exclusive right to control dissection in London by being the first to conduct a regular series of anatomy lectures and demonstrations outside of the Company's Hall. He incorporated his lecture syllabus into a handbook of anatomy, The Anatomy of the Humane Body, which was used by students for nearly 100 years. ⋯ Cheselden used his personal funds and political skills to urge Parliament to pass legislation for the dissolution of the combined Company of Barber-Surgeons and the establishment of separate and distinct Surgeons' and Barbers' Companies. After disjoinder of the two groups on May 2, 1745, Cheselden served as one of the Wardens of the new Company of Surgeons--a predecessor of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. In 1746, Cheselden, who helped design the first Surgeons' Hall, served as the Company's Master.