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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Intra-Discal Vacuum phenomenon (IDVP) is well-recognised, yet poorly visualised and poorly understood radiological finding in disc degeneration, particularly with regard to its role in spinal alignment. CT analysis of the lumbar spine in an aging population aims to identify patterns associated with IDVP including lumbopelvic morphology and associated spinal diagnoses. ⋯ This study identified the prevalence and severity of IDVP in an aging population. Sagittal patterns that influence the pattern of IVDP, such as pelvic incidence and degenerative pathologies, provide novel insights into the function of aging spines.
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The S2AI screw technique has several advantages over the conventional iliac screw fixation technique. However, connecting the S2AI screw head to the main rod is difficult due to its medial entry point. We introduce a new technique for connecting the S2AI screw head to a satellite rod and compare it with the conventional method of connecting the S2AI screw to the main rod. ⋯ Connecting the S2AI screw to the satellite rod is a convenient method comparable to the conventional S2AI connection method in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes.
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Transitional lumbosacral vertebrae (TLSV) are a congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral region that is characterized by the presence of a vertebra with morphological properties of both the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, with a prevalence of up to 36% in asymptomatic patients and 20% in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. In patients with TLSV, because of these morphological changes and the different numbers of lumbar vertebrae, there are two optional reference sacral endplates that can be selected intently or inadvertently to measure the spinopelvic parameters: upper and lower endplates. The spinopelvic parameters measured using the upper and lower endplates are significantly different from each other as well as from the normative values. Therefore, the selection of a reference endplate changes the spinopelvic parameters, lumbar lordosis (LL), and surgical goals, which can result in surgical over- or under-correction. Because there is no consensus on the selection of sacral endplate among these patients, it is unclear as to which of these parameters should be used in diagnosis or surgical planning. The present study describes a standardization method for measuring the spinopelvic parameters and LL in patients with TLSV. ⋯ Because PI is unique for every individual, the endplate whose PI value is closer to the normative value should be selected as the reference sacral endplate in patients with TLSV.
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To evaluate the biological and biomechanical effects of fenestration/microdiscectomy in an in vivo rabbit model, and in doing so, create a preclinical animal model of IVDD. ⋯ Fenestration, akin to microdiscectomy, demonstrated significant biological, and biomechanical effects in this in vivo rabbit model and warrants consideration by veterinary and human spine surgeons. This described model may be suitable for preclinical in vivo evaluation of therapeutic strategies for IVDD in veterinary and human patients.
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The purpose of this study was to establish an animal model capable of simulating the development and decompression process of symptomatic spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). ⋯ When the epidural pressure reaches approximately 24 mmHg, the spinal cord function occurs progressive dysfunction. Monitoring epidural pressure would be an effective approach to assist to identify the occurrence of postoperative SSEH.