Spine
-
A novel technique of atlantoaxial stabilization using individual fixation of the C1 lateral mass and the C2 pedicle with minipolyaxial screws and rods is described. In addition, the initial results of this technique on 37 patients are described. ⋯ Fixation of the atlantoaxial complex using polyaxial-head screws and rods seems to be a reliable technique and should be considered an efficient alternative to the previously reported techniques.
-
Soft tissue-related injuries to the cervical spine structures were produced by use of intact entire human cadavers undergoing rear-end impacts. Radiography, computed tomography, and cryomicrotomy techniques were used to evaluate the injury. ⋯ These results clearly indicate that a single application of whiplash acceleration pulse can induce soft tissue-related and ligament-related alterations to cervical spine structures. The pathologic changes identified in this study support previous observations from human volunteers observations with regard to the location of whiplash injury and may assist in the explanation of pain arising from this injury. Although computed tomography is a better imaging modality than radiography, subtle but clinically relevant injuries may be left undiagnosed with this technique. The cryomicrotome technique offers a unique procedure to understand and compare soft tissue-related injuries to the cervical anatomy caused by whiplash loading. Recognition of these injuries may advance the general knowledge of the whiplash disorder.
-
A retrospective clinical review of patients with thoracolumbar junction disc herniation. ⋯ Among thoracolumbar junction disc herniations, T10-T11 and T11-T12 disc herniations were considered upper neuron disorders, T12-L1 disc herniations were considered lower neuron disorders, L1-L2 disc herniations were considered mild disorders of the cauda equina and radiculopathy, and L2-L3 disc herniations were considered radiculopathy. These findings had relatively distinct differences among herniated disc levels.
-
The three-dimensional flexibility of six human lumbar functional spinal units was measured after the anterolateral insertion of an interbody cage. ⋯ Anterolateral cage insertion did not stabilize the spine in extension or axial rotation and was not different from the anterior approach in flexion and extension. Additional translaminar screw fixation stabilized in all directions.