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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To investigate the effects on evoked thalamic neuronal activity of application of notochordal cells and chondrocyte-like cells derived from nucleus pulposus (NP) onto a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and to compare these effects with a previously reported increased thalamic activity induced by NP. ⋯ Separate exposure of the DRG to the two NP-derived cell populations induced different effects on evoked thalamic activity, but none of the tested cell samples induced an increase in neuronal activity similar to that previously observed with NP. This indicates a high complexity of the interaction between NP and nervous tissue.
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Sacral agenesis is a congenital condition associated with multiple orthopedic, spinal, abdominal and thoracic organ deformities. Meningocele is commonly found among patients with sacral agenesis. ⋯ Surgical repair was performed and is the best treatment option for significantly large lesions, with postoperative CSF leak being the main complication.
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Case Reports
Anatomical changes in occipitalization: is there an increased risk during the standard posterior approach?
The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomic changes in a case of occipitalization of the atlas. ⋯ In our case, occipitalization considerably changed the anatomy of the upper cervical spine and craniocervical junction. Special care must be taken when using the posterior approach to avoid neurovascular injury in cases with occipitalization.
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Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon entity, especially in the cervical region. ⋯ Cervical spinal epidural abscess may be caused by iatrogenic perforation of pharyngeal wall during diagnostic oesophagoscopy. Early diagnosis with an MRI and surgical treatment with antimicrobial chemotherapy are keys to successful management of this rare and life-threatening complication.
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Duplication of the spine is very rare, and this malformation is generally considered as a severe form of type I split cord malformations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spine duplication associated with lipomyelomeningocele. ⋯ A surgical operation was planned to release the tethered cord and instrumentation and fusion for scoliosis; however, the operation was declined by the patient.