Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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The capability of osteogenic protein (OP)-1 to induce bone formation has led to an increasing interest in its use in fusion surgery. This prospective study examines the safety and efficacy of OP-1 use in patients considered to be at a high risk for developing pseudarthrosis following reconstructive spinal surgery. ⋯ Our results suggest that the use of OP-1 is safe and may contribute to high fusion rates, as demonstrated by radiographs, reduced levels of disability, and improved HRQOL in patients considered to be at a high risk for developing a nonunion after spinal reconstructive surgery.
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In this report, the authors present the case of patient with a lymphocele in the retroperitoneal area following anterior lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5. A lymphocele is a rare complication of spinal operations, especially lower lumbar spinal surgeries. The authors discuss this complicating factor and describe its features and treatments.
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Extensive muscle dissection associated with conventional dorsal approaches to the cervical spine frequently results in local pain, muscle wasting, and temporarily painful and restricted neck movement. The utility of a percutaneous muscle-sparing access technique and specifically modified instrumentation for multilevel posterior cervical decompression and fusion were evaluated. ⋯ Muscle sparing posterior decompression and instrumented fusion constitutes a safe and effective surgical option in a selected subgroup of patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic radiculomyelopathy. Specific modifications in surgical technique, instrumentation, and implants are mandatory for effective achievement of the surgical goals. The use of refined image guidance technology and intraoperative imaging can further improve surgical safety and efficacy.
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A spinal epidural hematoma is an extremely rare complication of cervical spine manipulation therapy (CSMT). The authors present the case of an adult woman, otherwise in good health, who developed Brown-Séquard syndrome after CSMT. ⋯ The unique feature of this case was the magnetic resonance image showing increased signal intensity in the paraspinal musculature consistent with a contusion, which probably formed after SMT. The pertinent literature is also reviewed.
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The aim of this study was to analyze the endovascular treatment results of using the Onyx liquid embolic system for spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). ⋯ Embolization using the Onyx system is a promising treatment method for spinal vascular malformations, even for challenging intramedullary AVMs. Larger studies with longer follow-up durations will further enhance our knowledge on the safety and efficacy of this relatively new liquid embolic agent.