Spine
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An anatomic study of sacral inclination, pelvic incidence, pelvic lordosis, and disc degeneration in cadaveric lumbar spines. ⋯ The findings of this study show a relationship between the sacropelvic geometry and the degree of L5-S1 disc degeneration as well as L4-L5 facet degeneration in spondylolytic specimens. This relationship may prove useful in predicting the course of disc degeneration in patients with spondylolysis.
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A genetic association study of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) gene with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in a Chinese population. ⋯ The single-nucleotide polymorphism SNP-418G/C (rs8179090) in the promoter region of the TIMP-2 gene was not associated with the occurrence of AIS. However, it may predict curve severity of thoracic AIS. Hence, the TIMP-2 gene is a disease-modifier gene of thoracic AIS.
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Epidemiological study using national administrative data. ⋯ Frequency, utilization, and hospital charges of spinal fusion have increased at a higher rate than other notable inpatient procedures, as seen in this study from 1998 to 2008. In addition, patient demographics and hospital characteristics changed significantly; in particular, whereas the average age for spinal fusion increased, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased.
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An investigation of mechanical destabilization of the lumbar ovine intervertebral disc (IVD) inducing IVD degeneration (IVDD) as determined by multiparameter outcome measures (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], IVD composition, biomechanical testing, gene profiling, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting). ⋯ Lumbar IVDD was reproducibly induced with a 6 × 20 mm(2) annular lesion, with focal dysregulation of MMP gene expression, cell cloning in the inner AF, loss of NP aggrecan, and disc height. Loss of aggrecan from the NP was not attributable to increased proteolysis in the interglobular domain by MMPs or ADAMTS.
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We used a severe contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) model and electrophysiologic, motor functional, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic examinations to analyze the neuroprotective effects of delayed granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment. ⋯ Delayed G-CSF treatment at the subacute stage of severe contusive SCI promoted spinal cord preservation and improved functional outcomes. The mechanism of G-CSF's protection may be related in part to attenuating the infiltration of microglia and macrophages.