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 primary aim of this study was to document the growth and spatial relationship of the sacrum in relationship to the lumbar spine and the ilium during childhood and adolescence. ⋯ These data on the sacral morphology are a valuable information source for surgeons treating young patients for deformity of the spine and pelvis. Knowledge of normative data of children through growth may allow for adaptation of adult surgical techniques to this pediatric age-group of patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The cement augmentation of a conventional anterior screw fixation in type II odontoid process fractures for elderly patients significantly increased stiffness and load to failure under anterior-posterior load in comparison with non-augmented fixation. The amount and quality of bone cement are usually taken ad hoc in clinical practise. In this study, we wanted to clarify the role of bone cement amount and its quality to the stiffness of odontoid and vertebrae body junction. ⋯ The present study showed that the low porous cement was able to significantly influence the stiffness of the augmented odontoid screw fixation in vitro, although further in vivo clinical studies should be undertaken. Our results suggest that only a small amount of non-porous cement is needed to restore stiffness at least to its pre-fracture level and this can be achieved with the injection of 0.7-1.2 ml of cement. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Cadaveric studies have discouraged the use of cervical pedicle screws (CPS) with high misplacement rates. However, the clinical results show minimal screw-related complications and have highlighted the advantages of using CPS. We introduce "acceptable errors classification" in the placement of cervical pedicle screws to bridge the gap between the high radiological perforation rates and low clinical complications. ⋯ The acceptable errors classification in placement of CPS seems to bridge the gap between the high radiological perforation rates and the low clinical complications. The present study reinforces studies reporting minimal clinical complications with high rates of screw misplacements. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a system aiming to correct scoliosis called "electromagnetically controlled shape-memory alloy rods" (EC-SMAR) used in a rabbit model. ⋯ This is the first system that can modulate spinal deformation in a gradual, contactless, noninvasive manner through electromagnetic induction heating applied to SMA alloy rods. Although this study dealt with healthy spines, it provides promising evidence that this device also has the capacity to correct human kyphosis and even scoliosis in the future. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.