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 investigate the relationship between different types of laminectomy extension and spinal cord injury subsequent to acute spinal shorting after 3-column osteotomy in living goat model. ⋯ Different laminectomy extensions after 3-column osteotomy have different effects on the prevention of SCI caused by acute spinal shortening. The enlarged resection of lower lamina is superior to equidistant enlarged resection of upper and lower laminas which is superior to enlarged resection of upper lamina in preventing SCI. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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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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Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESIs) have become an increasingly utilised means of treating radicular pain over recent decades, although a number of reports have brought their safety into question. Much of this has been attributed to the use of particulate steroids and the theoretical risk of embolic complications with inadvertent intra-arterial injection. This study documents the complications encountered at our centre when performing CTFESI over a more than 10-year study period with predominant use of particulate steroid. Our procedural technique is also described. This study aims to highlight the importance of operator technique first and foremost and how, with safe and reproducible technique that confidently avoids intra-arterial injection, CTFESI can be performed safely irrespective of the choice of steroid. ⋯ With fastidious safe technique, CTFESI can be safe, efficacious and cost-effectively administered on an outpatient basis. Predominant use of particulate steroids did not lead to any significant complications. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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CT myelography has been used since 1976 to diagnose neural compression in the axial skeleton. With the advent of routine MRI, its role in accurately diagnosing neural compression has been questioned as its normal appearances are not defined in the study. In this study, we examine a series of CT myelograms to define the normal appearances of the neural elements of the spine. ⋯ The interpretation of CT myelography shows significant interobserver variability. As a result, the usefulness of this diagnostic tool can be questioned, and if misinterpreted, it could lead to questionable diagnoses and inadvertently erroneous management if used in isolation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex of bony and ligamentous structure stabilizing CCJ. Nearly one-third of all traumatic injuries to the cervical spine involve the CCJ. Only little literature is available on this topic, and most of the studies are focused on anatomy, biomechanics or ligamentous injury in whiplash-associated disorders. We conducted a prospective study to investigate age-related changes in the craniocervical ligaments. ⋯ The craniocervical ligaments show a variable degree of signal intensity and thickness in asymptomatic adults. We postulate that these changes can be due to normal aging or due to repetitive microtrauma. We propose a new grading system to evaluate changes to the craniocervical ligaments in asymptomatic volunteers. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.