Spine
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Comparative Study
Selective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha prevents nucleus pulposus-induced histologic changes in the dorsal root ganglion.
The possibility to prevent nucleus pulposus-induced structural changes of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by selective tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibition was assessed in an experimental model in the rat spine. ⋯ Infliximab may prevent the histologic damage induced by nucleus pulposus. When rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of infliximab at the beginning of disc herniation, the histologic damage seemed to be reduced in comparison with the nontreated rats.
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Comparative Study
Transpedicular screw placement evaluated by axial computed tomography of the cervical pedicle.
We evaluated the trajectory of transpedicular screws in the cervical spine using axial computed tomography (CT). ⋯ Axial CT measurements should facilitate transpedicular screw fixation in the cervical spine. We believe that the screw insertion angle should be close to 50 degrees, which is the mean pedicle transverse angle from C3-C6. The entry point of the pedicle screw should be located as laterally as possible in the posterior surface of the lateral mass.
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Comparative Study
Occupational gonadal and embryo/fetal doses from fluoroscopically assisted surgical treatments of spinal disorders.
Simulation of lumbar spine fluoroscopy used during surgical treatments of spinal disorders on a humanoid phantom and monitoring of the scattered radiation levels. ⋯ Radiogenic genetic and embryo/fetal risks resulting from occupational exposure due to fluoroscopically assisted surgical treatments of spinal disorders are well within tolerance levels provided that rigorous confinement to all pertinent occupational dose constraints is established.
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This is a retrospective review on the application of the authors' technique of atlantoaxial lateral mass plate and screw fixation on a rare subset of patients having mobile and reducible atlantoaxial subluxation in the presence of occipitalized atlas. ⋯ Although lateral mass plate and screw fixation in the presence of occipitalized atlas is technically a relatively difficult and anatomically a precise surgical procedure, the firm and segmental stabilization that it provides offers an optimum situation for bony fusion.
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This is a case report. ⋯ Epidural emphysema secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum is benign and self-limiting. However, the life-threatening causes should be considered and ruled out.