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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Clinical observations suggest that endplate shape and size are related to complications of disc arthroplasty surgery. Yet, the morphology of the vertebral endplate has not been well defined. This study was conducted to characterize the morphology of lumbar vertebral endplates and to quantify their morphometrics using radiographic, visual and digital measures. ⋯ There is marked morphological asymmetry between the two adjacent endplates of a lumbar intervertebral disc: the cranial endplate is more concave than the caudal endplate. The size and shape of the vertebral endplate also vary considerably between the upper and lower lumbar regions.
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Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) components have an orderly sequence of rupture. However, it is still unclear how many structures have to be damaged to consider it disrupted. We aim to establish imaging criteria, which can define the complex as competent or incompetent. ⋯ Following PLC rupture sequence, ISL edema with facet distraction seems not to be enough to define a posterior tension band incompetence. It is the further step of SSL rupture what gives the key to PLC incompetence.
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Long spinal deformity fusions in elderly patients continue to be controversial. However, there is a growing population of elderly patients with spinal deformities that may be optimally treated by reconstructive surgery requiring a long fusion to the sacrum. This study evaluated clinical outcomes in elderly (>65) adult deformity patients who underwent posterior instrumented reconstruction consisting of fusion from the thoracic spine to the sacrum with iliac fixation. ⋯ Properly selected patients 65 years of age and older who have substantial sagittal imbalance, a considerable disease burden, and a lesser degree of mental distress can obtain as much clinical benefit as their younger counterparts (≤55 years of age) 2 years following spinal deformity surgery that requires fusion from the thoracic spine to the sacrum with segmental instrumentation and iliac fixation.
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Little is known about when and how progressive spondylolisthesis occurs. In this report segmental motion related to age and disc degeneration at L4/5 disc was investigated. ⋯ Our results with radiography and MRI indicate that grade 3 disc degeneration is a critical stage for the progression of lumbar spondylolisthesis at L4/5 segment.
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To investigate whether the presence of Modic changes type I (MC I) found on preoperative MRI scans represent a risk factor for persistent back pain 12 months after surgery amongst patients operated for lumbar disc herniation. ⋯ Patients with preoperative MC I can expect less but still significant improvement of back pain 1 year after microdiscectomy, but not if they smoke cigarettes.