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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Intraforaminal ligaments (IFL) in lumbar neural foramina (NF) and their relation to the lumbar spinal nerves (SN) are addressed. ⋯ Manual dissection seems to be inappropriate for a detailed study of the IFL. The lateral and intermedial compartments being free of the SN may transmit power and protect the SN, while the thin medial IFL may lead the SN passing the NF under physiological conditions. We conclude from the close topographical relation that the IFL may be relevant in foraminal stenosis. Any herniation in the NF presses IFL to the SN. Therefore, we think the IFL themselves could cause neurogenic claudication in case of their non-physiological turnover. Visualisation of IFL seems to be possible by using MRI. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To explore the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in cervical spinal cord in Hirayama disease (HD) patients and healthy volunteers and to compare these parameters between cervical flexion and neutral positions in HD patients. ⋯ DTI parameters can support a hypothesis of dynamic cervical flexion compression and noninvasively reveal the neural status of HD patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To investigate radiographic parameters to improve the accuracy of radiologic diagnosis for ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF)-induced thoracic myelopathy and thereby establish a useful diagnostic method for identifying the responsible segment. ⋯ An AOLF ratio greater than 33% is the most accurate diagnostic indicator of OLF-induced thoracic myelopathy. In cases of multiple-segment OLF, confirmation of cord signal change on MRI and an AOLF measurement will help determine the responsible segment. AOLF measurement will also improve the accuracy of diagnosis of OLF-induced thoracic myelopathy in cases of grade III or extended-type axial morphology. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Application of AOSpine subaxial cervical spine injury classification system to explore the optimal surgical decompression timing for different types of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). ⋯ Type A and F1-3 fractures are not required to undergo aggressive early decompression. Type B and type C/F4 fractures should receive early surgical treatment for better clinical outcomes. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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We aimed to develop a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict discharge placement in patients undergoing elective surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis. ⋯ This study has shown that it is possible to create a predictive machine learning algorithm with both good accuracy and calibration to predict discharge placement. Using our methodology, this type of model can be developed for many other conditions and (elective) treatments. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.