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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Odontoid process fractures can extend rostral into the C2 arch. We investigated the clinical impact of a concurrent fracture of the pars interarticularis on odontoid failure. To overcome the surgical challenges related to the morphology of these fractures, we describe a novel surgical strategy using atlantoaxial joint distraction arthrodesis. ⋯ Odontoid fracture with extension into the pars interarticularis often present with atlantoaxial instability and may result in stable fibrous non-union if treated non-operatively. The C1-C2 segment can be stabilised with atlantoaxial distraction arthrodesis achieved through an osteotomy of the pars interarticularis.
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The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been associated with a protective role after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We, therefore, investigated the effects of intrathecal Shh-administration in the subacute phase after thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary injury processes in rats. ⋯ Intrathecal Shh-administration showed neuroprotective effects with attenuated neuroinflammation, reduced astrogliosis and improved functional recovery six weeks after severe contusion/compression SCI.