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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To report a rare fourth atlanto-axial joint. ⋯ A unique case with an anatomically proven fourth atlantoaxial joint is reported. This anomaly can lead to misdiagnosis. CT scan coupled with MRI can facilitate accurate diagnosis.
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The thoracic spine is considered a rigid region because it is restricted by the rib cage. Previously, we reported functional alignments and range of motion (ROM) at all segmental levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate dynamic changes of the dural sac and spinal cord in the thoracic spine using a multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). ⋯ The thoracic spine showed some dynamic changes of the dural sac and spinal cord in the axial plane within functional motion. Segmental kyphotic angle, rather than segmental ROM, was the more important factor affecting dimensions of the dural sac and spinal cord.
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China, as a rapidly developing country with the largest population including over 50,000 orthopaedic surgeons, has an increasing importance in the field of spine. However, the quantity and quality of research production in the field of spine in the major regions of China-Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of China to the field of spine. ⋯ Chinese contributions to the field of spine have a significant increase during the past 10 years, particularly from Mainland China. Hong Kong had the highest quality research output in terms of mean impact factor and mean citation per article.
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Aggressive giant cell tumor (GCT) is an important subtype of GCT and is relatively rare in the spine. There is little published information regarding this subject. The objective of our study is to discuss prognostic factors for primary aggressive GCT in the spine. ⋯ Total en bloc spondylectomy together with bisphosphonate treatment could significantly decrease recurrence risk of primary aggressive GCT in the spine. Jaffe grade III was an adverse prognostic factor for recurrence, while age less than 40 years was a favorable prognostic factor.
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Intervertebral disc degeneration related to postmenopausal osteoporosis is an important issue in spinal disorder research. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salmon calcitonin (sCT), as an antiresorptive medication, on lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration using a rat ovariectomy (OVX) model. ⋯ Salmon calcitonin treatment was effective in delaying the process of the disc degeneration in OVX rats. The underlying mechanisms may be related to preservation of structural integrity and function of vertebrae, and affecting extracellular matrix metabolism by modulating the expressions of MMPs, aggrecan and type II collagen to protect the disc from degeneration.