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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Tuberculous affection of the spine can present in different ways. Plain radiographs may fail to show any abnormality. Bone scintigraphy can be a very useful tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis. ⋯ Rib lesions were found in six patients (ten ribs affected). The rib lesion was always a typical band pattern. This paper outlines the advantages as well as limitations of bone scan in tuberculous affection of the spine.
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One of the most common complications of lumbar spine surgery is peridural fibrosis, a fibroblastic invasion of the nerve roots and the peridural sac exposed at operation. Peridural fibrosis may produce symptoms similar to those the patient experienced preoperatively and, if another spinal operation is necessary, may increase the risk of injury at reexposure. In a controlled study in dogs, we assessed the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a barrier to postoperative invasion of fibrous tissue into the laminectomy defect. ⋯ No foreign-body reactions to the membrane or membrane-related infections occurred. We conclude that the ePTFE spinal membrane, when properly implanted, is an effective barrier to postsurgical fibrous invasion of the vertebral canal. Clinical studies of use of this material in spinal surgery are warranted.