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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The surgical removal of lateral mass lesions is demanding due to their close anatomical relationship with the vertebral artery, upper spinal cord as well as overlying muscular structures. Usually a dorsal approach will be performed to reach the lateral mass. The disadvantage of this approach is the extensive mobilization of the neck muscles required to allow exposure of the lateral mass, which can be accompanied by severe muscular atrophy due to the damage of the local innervation. Additionally, management of the exposure of the vertebral artery is hindered by the dorsal approach. ⋯ This far lateral approach offers the advantage of direct visualization of the lateral aspect of the upper cervical spine with the opportunity for local stabilization at the center of rotation.
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Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a potentially reversible neurological complication of a vitamin B12 deficiency; therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are of great importance. The study was to evaluate the spine MR imaging features of SCD in a series of patients. ⋯ Symmetric T2-hyperintensity within dorsal column of spinal cord is commonly seen in SCD patients with a linear pattern in the cervical spine and a nodular pattern in the thoracic spine.
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Case Reports
A novel mutation in COL2A1 leading to spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita in a three-generation family.
To investigate the genotype of COL2A1 in a three-generation spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) family. ⋯ This is the first familial report of G546S mutation in the COL2A1 gene that results in SEDC. Although great achievements have been made in the recognition of the mutation spectrum, more intensive studies are warranted to further identify correlations between genotype and phenotype.
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The purpose of the study was to: (1) introduce a new CT-based parameter: free facet area and provide its normative data; (2) standardize the method of measuring isthmus width and height of the axis vertebra; (3) propose a new grading system to predict the difficulty in inserting transarticular and C2 pedicle screws. ⋯ Inserting a transarticular screw was more frequently difficult as compared to pedicle screw. A new CT-based parameter (free facet area) and an efficient grading have been proposed to help surgeons choose the appropriate screw options, appreciate the complex anatomy of this region and compare data across various studies.
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Few studies have measured the amount of indirect decompression at the contralateral neural foramen after unilateral-approach minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF). This study examined the amount of intraoperative indirect decompression at the contralateral neural foramen after a unilateral-approach MITLIF in patients with bilateral foraminal stenosis. ⋯ Quantitative and qualitative parameters of the central canal and contralateral neural foramen increased significantly after unilateral-approach MITLIF.