Spine
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Cross-sectional study of 37 patients to measure serum levels of nickel and chromium after posterior spinal arthrodesis using stainless steel implants. ⋯ Elevated levels of nickel and chromium can be measured after posterior instrumented spinal arthrodesis. The levels diminish rapidly with time from surgery but still remained above normal levels 4 years after surgery. Long-term implication of this metal ion exposure is unknown and should be studied further.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical comparison of transarticular facet screws to lateral mass plates in two-level instrumentations of the cervical spine.
In vitro biomechanical comparison of transarticular facet screws to lateral mass plates in two level instrumentations of the cervical spine. ⋯ This study proves that transarticular facet screws and lateral mass plates are equivalent in two-level instrumentations of the cervical spine. This is the first biomechanical study to test transarticular facet screws in this context.
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A case-control study using radiograph findings and the PCR assay with regard to the susceptibility and the severity of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL). ⋯ The present results suggest that the IVS20-11delT variant of the NPPS gene and the A861G variant of the leptin receptor gene are associated with more extensive OPLL, but not with the frequency with which it occurs.
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An in vitro biomechanical study on lumbar intervertebral joints. ⋯ The posterior elements of the lumbar spine are more efficient in resisting anterior and posterior shear loads. However, the anterior column will exhibit similar load-displacement characteristics if subject to greater deformations. The sum of the normalized mean shear loads of the anterior column and posterior elements sustained at maximum intact deformation is significantly different from the shear load sustained by the intact spine at the same deformation. A simple concept of load sharing between the anterior column and the posterior elements may not be valid.
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A retrospective review of spinal deformity in patients with congenital heart disease surgically treated through a median sternotomy before the age of 8 years. Assessment was done on chest roentgenograms at skeletal maturity. ⋯ There is a high prevalence of scoliosis in patients with congenital heart disease surgically treated through a median sternotomy. The prevalence of scoliosis increases in patients operated at an earlier age.