Spine
-
This study analyzed the sizes and angles of vertebrae and discs in Chinese subjects. Lateral lumbar spine radiograph films were taken of subjects in upright and 60 degrees flexion positions to evaluate disc height and angle changes. ⋯ The dimensions of lumbar vertebral bodies and discs, in upright and flexion positions, appear to be similar between Chinese and Western populations.
-
Clinical Trial
Sacroiliac joint: pain referral maps upon applying a new injection/arthrography technique. Part I: Asymptomatic volunteers.
Pain pattern mapping of the sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic volunteers was investigated. Prospective evaluation of 10 volunteers who received sacroiliac joint injections was performed. The injections consisted of contrast material followed by Xylocaine. ⋯ A pain referral map was successfully generated using provocative injections into the right sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic volunteers.
-
Sensory- and motor-evoked potentials were recorded after high thoracic (T2) epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Under general anesthesia, 22 cats underwent single or repetitive spinal cord stimulation. ⋯ These findings indicate that spinal cord stimulation activates sensory and motor tracts that can be recorded at various sites along the central or the peripheral nervous system.
-
Comparative Study
Interbody lumbar fusion using a carbon fiber cage implant versus allograft bone. An investigational study in the Spanish goat.
A carbon fiber-reinforced polymer implant, designed to aid interbody lumbar fusion, was tested biologically in an experimental surgical model. Twenty-seven Spanish goats had interbody lumbar fusion surgery in a randomized protocol. Seventeen goats were implanted with the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer cage packed with autologous bone, and 10 goats were implanted with ethylene oxide-sterilized allograft bone. ⋯ Interbody fusion using a carbon cage implant packed with autologous bone achieved a quicker and more reliable fusion compared with ethylene oxide-sterilized allograft bone. There were no adverse effects from the implant material.