Spine
-
Computer analysis of digitized vertebral body corners on lateral cervical radiographs. ⋯ The mean cervical lordosis for all groups could be closely modeled with a circle. Pain groups had hypolordosis and larger radiuses of curvature compared with the normal group. Circular modeling may be a valuable tool in the discrimination between normal lordosis and hypolordosis in normal and pain subjects.
-
Comparative Study
Selective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha prevents nucleus pulposus-induced histologic changes in the dorsal root ganglion.
The possibility to prevent nucleus pulposus-induced structural changes of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by selective tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibition was assessed in an experimental model in the rat spine. ⋯ Infliximab may prevent the histologic damage induced by nucleus pulposus. When rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of infliximab at the beginning of disc herniation, the histologic damage seemed to be reduced in comparison with the nontreated rats.
-
Comparative Study
Transpedicular screw placement evaluated by axial computed tomography of the cervical pedicle.
We evaluated the trajectory of transpedicular screws in the cervical spine using axial computed tomography (CT). ⋯ Axial CT measurements should facilitate transpedicular screw fixation in the cervical spine. We believe that the screw insertion angle should be close to 50 degrees, which is the mean pedicle transverse angle from C3-C6. The entry point of the pedicle screw should be located as laterally as possible in the posterior surface of the lateral mass.
-
Review Case Reports
Radiotherapy-induced malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the cauda equina.
Case report. ⋯ Postirradiation malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare and occur in a population at high risk of developing second malignancies. The authors report the fourth case resulting from adjuvant radiotherapy for testicular seminoma, with the present report being the first report of extensive intradural tumor leading to cauda equina syndrome.
-
Comparative Study
Concurrent comparison of responsiveness in pain and functional status measurements used for patients with low back pain.
Prospective study of two samples of patients with acute and chronic low back pain, respectively. ⋯ The results suggest that all the outcome measures were appropriate for measuring changes in functional status and pain in patients with acute low back pain, whereas among chronic patients the RMDQ, ODI, DRI, and NRS were most appropriate.