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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Spinal dumbbell-shaped schwannoma is common neoplasm, usually occurring in the cervical spine. Posterior or anterolateral approaches are frequently used to remove this benign tumor. We analyzed how much amount of tumor could be possible to be totally removed with posterior approach. ⋯ Total removal of intra- and extraforaminal cervical subaxial schwannomas could be possible using a posterior approach with facet removal if the size of extraforaminal tumor was less than 5.4 mm.
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Despite being commonly affected by degenerative disorders, there are few data on normal thoracic intervertebral disc dimensions. A morphometric analysis of adult thoracic intervertebral discs was, therefore, undertaken. ⋯ Thoracic disc morphometry varies significantly and consistently with disc level, sex and age. This study provides unique reference data on adult thoracic intervertebral disc morphometry, which may be useful when interpreting pathological changes and for future biomechanical and functional studies.
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The preoperative identification of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LSFS) is important because a lack of recognition of this clinical entity is often associated with failed back surgery syndrome. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used, and is considered by many as an appropriate tool for studying spine pathologies, there is limited data to suggest that MRI examinations are sufficiently sensitive or specific for the diagnosis of LSFS. There is a paucity of literature on the diagnostic performance of the combination of conventional diagnostic imaging methods. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of conventional diagnostic imaging for symptomatic lumbar foraminal stenosis. ⋯ Our study demonstrates combination of conventional imaging techniques, to improve the detection of symptomatic foraminal stenosis.
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Redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina in lumbar spinal canal stenosis, an MR study on 500 cases.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance (MR)-detected redundant nerve roots (RNRs) of the cauda equina in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. ⋯ With an occurrence rate of 15%, RNRs of the cauda equina are not uncommon in cases with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Advanced age, a canal stenosis at L2-4, and the presence of a sharp intracanal protuberance in the site of the stenosis are the related risk factors. Patients' age and the location of RNRs may be of prognostic value.