European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a significantly critical pathology that can eventually cause serious myelopathy. Ossification commences in the vertebral posterior longitudinal ligaments, and intensifies and spreads with the progression of the disease, resulting in osseous projections and compression of the spinal cord. However, the paucity of histological studies the underlying mechanisms of calcification and ossification processes remain obscure. The pathological process could be simulated in the ossifying process of the ligament in mutant spinal hyperostotic mouse (twy/twy). The aim of this study is to observe that enlargement of the nucleus pulposus followed by herniation, disruption and regenerative proliferation of annulus fibrosus cartilaginous tissues participated in the initiation of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of twy/twy mice. ⋯ Since genetic mechanisms could play a role in human OPLL, the age-related enlargement of the nucleus pulposus in the twy/twy mouse may primarily occur as a result of overproduction of mucopolysaccharide matrix material induced by certain genetic abnormalities.
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Study aim was to find out if patients with Lenke type 1 curve exhibit smaller pedicles and specific pedicle width pattern compared with individuals with no scoliosis. ⋯ Our study showed that patients with Lenke type 1 curve exhibit smaller pedicles and asymmetric pedicle width compared with control subjects.
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Fusionless growth modulation is an attractive alternative to conventional treatments of idiopathic scoliosis. To date, fusionless devices achieve unilateral growth modulation by compressing the intervertebral disc. This study explores a device to control spinal alignment and vertebral morphology via growth modulation while excluding the disc in a porcine model. ⋯ The proposed intravertebral epiphyseal device, for the early treatment of progressive idiopathic scoliosis, demonstrated its feasibility by manipulating spinal alignment through the realization of local growth modulation exclusive of the intervertebral disc.