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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Limited nutrient transport is hypothesized to be involved in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. It is widely recognized that the dominant mode of transport of small molecules such as glucose is via diffusion, rather than convection. However, recent findings suggest a role for convection-induced by fast (motion-related) and slow (diurnal) dynamic loading in molecular transport of even such small solutes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fluid exchange induced by simulated physiological loading (composed of both fast cyclic or slower diurnal loading) can influence the molecular transport of a small molecule through the cartilage endplate (CEP) into the nucleus pulposus (NP) of IVDs. ⋯ Slower diurnal cyclic compression of the IVD might enhance the transport of small molecules into the IVD although it could not be discerned whether this was due to diffusion/convection or a combination.
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This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and safety of C1 lateral mass and upper cervical pedicle screw placement assisted by the TiRobot II system. ⋯ The TiRobot II system demonstrates the capability to precisely execute pre-planned trajectories and improves the accuracy and safety of C1 lateral mass and upper cervical screw placement.