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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This study aimed to explore the feasibility of the fractal method used in decoding disk heterogeneity, hoping to find a reliable imaging biomarker for the quantitative and continuous grading of intervertebral disks (IVDs). ⋯ Fractal dimension associated well with IVD degeneration, determined with Pfirrmann grading, suggesting that the IVD fractal analysis was a suitable detection tool for the objective and continuous classification of IVD degeneration. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The aims were to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the efficacy of fat-suppressed proton-density turbo-spin-echo (FS-PD-TSE) images and T1-weighted (T1WIs) and T2-weighted images (T2WIs) in identifying cartilaginous endplate failure (CEF), and to propose a modified Rajasekaran classification based on the FS-PD-TSE sequence. ⋯ The FS-PD-TSE sequence has high diagnostic value for lumbar CEF. CEF is a risk factor for LDH. The new classification for lumbar CEF based on the FS-PD-TSE sequence has good predictive ability for LDH and DD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To explore the characteristics of vertebral CT Hounsfield units (HU) in elderly patients with acute vertebral fragility fractures. ⋯ The elderly patients with acute vertebral fragility fractures have much lower HU values than those without fractures. Moreover, the lower the vertebral HU value is, the more likely the patients have more than one vertebral fracture. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Whilst rigid fixation for craniovertebral instability is the gold standard, in very young, small children conventional management may have to be modified. We present a single-centre experience of craniocervical fixation in children under 5 years. ⋯ High fusion rates with good outcomes are achievable using semi-rigid fixation in the under 5-year-olds. Full thickness, autologous calvarial bone graft secured with wire cables and halo external orthosis offers a safe and effective alternative technique when traditional screw instrumentation is not feasible. 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.