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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Lumbar disc degeneration may be associated with intensity of neovascularization in disc herniations. Our study was designed to evaluate how much the severity of histodegeneration is related to the development of neovascularization and to the level of pleiotrophin in the herniated lumbar discs. ⋯ Severe histodegeneration of the lumbar disc herniations is associated with enhanced neovascularization and potentially also spontaneous regression of the herniated tissue.
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Although the occurrence and progression of AIS has been linked to low bone mineral density (BMD), the relationships between spinal curvature and bilateral differences in proximal femur BMD are controversial. Few correlation studies have stratified patients by curve type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between spinal coronal profile and bilateral differences in proximal femur BMD in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ The bilateral proximal femur BMD ratio was significantly correlated with the coronal balance in AIS patients. When the C7 plumb line was shifted toward one side, the BMD was greater in the contralateral proximal femur.
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The pathomechanism of cervical myelopathy due to cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL) remains unclear. No previous literature has quantified the influence of dynamic factors on cervical myelopathy due to C-OPLL. The purpose was to investigate the influence of dynamic factors on the spinal column in the patients with C-OPLL using CT scan after myelography (MCT). ⋯ Dynamic factors are seen both in cervical myelopathy patients with the continuous type of OPLL and others. Deterioration of myelopathy could be induced by motion effects even in the connection department of OPLL.
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Gunshot wounds are one of the commonest causes of spinal injury. Management of these patients differs from other blunt trauma injuries to the spine. We present a case of a gunshot wound to the lumbar spine that occurred in 1985 which was treated non-operatively. ⋯ The purpose of this paper is to show a case of a gunshot wound to the spine that ultimately caused plumbism and required surgery. Technical aspects of the surgery are described as well as pre- and post-procedural imaging. Recommendations for the general management of spine gunshot wounds are also described.
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Coccygeal instability includes hypermobility, subluxation and fracture-dislocation. Surgical resection is still controversial, with intractable post-traumatic coccygodynia being an indication to surgery. ⋯ Coccygectomy is the treatment of choice for post-traumatic instability. Patients' selection allowed excellent or good results. This study favors a more aggressive approach including total resection of the coccyx.