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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Symptomatic disc herniations in the thoracolumbar spine between T10/11 and L1/2 can be collectively called thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH). The etiology of this disorder is unclear. However, it is interesting that we have noted numerous TLDH patients have radiographic features of another spinal disorder which is Scheuermann's disease (SD). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between symptomatic TLDH and SD in a symptomatic TLDH cohort. ⋯ The high proportion of associated SD and the tendency of SD's signs to promote disc herniation in symptomatic TLDH patients suggest a close relationship between these two disorders. Symptomatic TLDH should be seen as a truly different surgical entity, that is, a special form of SD rather than just an indicator of a failing back.
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Anterior iliac crest bone is a widely used donor site for bone harvesting. It provides an autologous bone graft consisting of cancellous bone that can be packed or cortical bone with greater structural support. Uses include spinal fusion and fracture non-union surgery. Although its use is common, dedicated anatomical and radiological studies analysing graft dimensions and optimal harvesting site in relation to local anatomical landmarks [anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), anterior iliac tubercle (AIT) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)] have not been described. ⋯ This anatomical and radiographic study determined the anatomical iliac crest landmarks to avoid neurological injury when taking an optimal 5-mm-width tricortical bone graft.
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Few studies have measured the amount of indirect decompression at the contralateral neural foramen after unilateral-approach minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF). This study examined the amount of intraoperative indirect decompression at the contralateral neural foramen after a unilateral-approach MITLIF in patients with bilateral foraminal stenosis. ⋯ Quantitative and qualitative parameters of the central canal and contralateral neural foramen increased significantly after unilateral-approach MITLIF.
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Several developmental anomalies have been described with respect to the odontoid process. The purpose of the study was to describe the MR appearance of the odontoid process and to calculate the prevalence of its morphological variants. ⋯ The configuration types of odontoid process are reported herein. The clinical relevance of this morphological variation needs to be elucidated with further studies.