Spine
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Pinealectomy was used to induce scoliosis in Broiler chickens, and a histologic investigation of the pinealectomized chickens was performed. ⋯ The results show that the incidence of scoliosis using pinealectomized Broiler chickens is sufficient to study histologic changes of the vertebral body before onset of scoliosis. We found that the osteoclast number and trabecular thickness increased in pinealectomized chickens after 3 days after surgery, just before scoliosis began to develop, and that no change in the growth plate occurred. This suggests that there is no association between changes in the growth plate and the development of scoliosis. However, the change in osteoclast number may have an association with the development of scoliosis, through changes in bone modeling.
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We investigated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by immunohistochemically detecting phosphorylated ERK (pERK) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord. ⋯ Profiles of pERK induction in neurons after DRG injury were similar between the DRG and spinal cord, whereas pERK induction in the satellite cells was more long lasting. The pERK induction in Schwann cells in the DRG was late onset and the most long lasting.
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Segmental arteries were interrupted bilaterally at up to three levels to study the influence on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and function in dogs. ⋯ Interruption of bilateral segmental arteries at three levels did not damage spinal cord function in dogs, suggesting that in patients, preoperative embolization at three levels to reduce blood loss during surgery for spinal tumors would not compromise spinal cord function.
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Review Case Reports
Reduction of severe adolescent isthmic spondylolisthesis: a new technique.
The case of a 14-year-old boy with a severe-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent reduction and stabilization using this technique is described. ⋯ In severe-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, isolated posterior fusion, even when supplemented with internal fixation, is not sufficient to prevent deformity progression. Therefore, a combined anterior and posterior fusion is necessary. Reduction of the deformity leads to restoration of normal sagittal alignment with an excellent cosmetic result. Reduction without release of posterior structures may lead to neurologic deficit. This 3-stage shortening procedure can provide sudden reduction of deformity with minimal risk of neurologic deficit. The procedure is technically demanding, and should be performed by spinal surgeons who are familiar with the principles of anterior and posterior fusions.
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Comparative Study
A revised scoring system for preoperative evaluation of metastatic spine tumor prognosis.
A semi-prospective clinical study was conducted. ⋯ The prognostic criteria using the total scores from our revised scoring system were useful for the pretreatment evaluation of metastatic spinal tumor prognosis irrespective of treatment modality or local extension of the lesion.