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 our 11-year minimum clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as complications of the Charite III total disc replacement (TDR). ⋯ The cumulative survival was 100% at a mean follow-up of 11.8 years. Clinical and radiological results were satisfactory and long-term clinical results were maintained for a mean follow-up of 11.8 years. Reoperation and complication rates are acceptable, and our study does not substantiate the fear of reoperation or late complications. The results of our long-term follow-up indicate that, with strict indication, TDR is a safe and effective procedure as an alternative to lumbar fusion.
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Dural tear (DT) resulting in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a common complication of spinal surgery. Most cases of DT are recognised and addressed intraoperatively; however, a small percentage of cases may present at a later stage with delayed symptoms of CSF leak, either due to an unrecognised intraoperative DT or as a result of a de novo delayed DT. Apart from few reports describing delayed symptomatic CSF leaks, most studies tend not to separate intraoperatively recognised DTs from delayed symptomatic CSF leaks. To our knowledge, there are no long-term studies describing specifically the incidence and management of this complication. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of late presentation of dural tear (LPDT) following lumbar spinal surgery, its treatment, associated complications and clinical outcomes from long-term follow-up in a consecutive series of patients. ⋯ A delayed symptomatic presentation of DT unrecognised intraoperatively is a specific complication that needs to be recognised and treated appropriately. A high suspicion and vigilance can help discover and address delayed CSF leaks with no long-term sequelae.
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In the literature, inter-vertebral MRI signal intensity changes (Modic changes) were associated with corresponding histological observations on endplate biopsies. However, tissue-level studies were limited. No quantitative histomorphometric study on bone biopsies has yet been conducted for Modic changes. The aim of this study was to characterise the bone micro-architectural parameters and bone remodelling indices associated with Modic changes. ⋯ Significant differences were found in bone micro-architectural parameters and remodelling indices among Modic types. Modic 1 biopsies had evidence of highest bone turnover, possibly due to an inflammatory process; Modic 2 biopsies were consistent with a reduced bone formation/remodelling stage; Modic 3 biopsies suggested a more stable sclerotic phase, with significantly increased BV/TV and Tb.Th compared to Modic 1 and 2, linked to increased bone formation and reduced resorption.
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To investigate the regional tensile properties of human annulus fibrosus (AF) and relate them to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. ⋯ Weakening of degenerated AF may be caused by accumulating structural defects, and enzymatic degradation. MRI has the potential to identify local weakening of the AF.
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Although the exact mechanisms that lead to degenerative disc disease (DDD) are not well understood, a significant genetic influence has been found. Focusing on DDD that occurs in young adults can be valuable in determining the exact role of genetic predisposition to DDD. ⋯ The study identifies specific SNP associations of five genes in young adults with severe lumbar disc degeneration. These five genes (COL11A1, ADAMTS5, CALM1, IL1F5 and COX2) have different functions in the matrix metabolism, intracellular signalling and inflammatory cascade. This shows that disc degeneration is a complex disease with an intricate interplay of multiple genetic polymorphisms.