Spine
-
Traction was applied to muscles attaching to the posterior and middle layers of lumbar fascia (PLF, MLF). Effects on fasciae were determined via tensile force measures and movement of markers. ⋯ Low levels of tension are effectively transmitted between TrA and the MLF or PLF. Via them, TrA may influence intersegmental movement.
-
Subaxial sagittal alignment following atlantoaxial (A-A) posterior fusion was investigated retrospectively in patients with A-A subluxation. ⋯ Surgical fixation of A-A joint in a hyperlordotic position will lead the lower cervical spine to a kyphotic sagittal alignment after surgery. To maintain the physiologic sagittal alignment of the subaxial cervical spine, C1-C2 should not be fixed in a hyperlordotic position.
-
Spinal somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs), elicited by mixed nerve and dermatomal stimulation, and compound evoked muscle potentials (CMAPs), elicited by lower thoracic interspinous space stimulation, were recorded in rats that underwent single nerve root transection. ⋯ Injury to a single lumbosacral nerve root is diagnosed more easily with M-SSEP. With D-SSEP and CMAP, it was possible to differentiate the lesioned nerve root by stimulating the primary dermatome or recording from the innervated muscle. M-SSEP is an easy-sampling and appropriate tool for screening nerve root injury; its poor specificity may be overcome by using D-SSEP and CMAP in addition. Optimal monitoring of the lumbosacral nerve roots during lumbar spinal surgery requires the administration of M-SSEP, D-SSEP, and CMAP to provide independent verification of lumbosacral nerve root integrity and to allow detection of the occasional injuries that selectively affect either the sensory or motor system.
-
Case Reports
Congenital formation of an intraspinal osseous vertebral ring causing spinal cord compression.
A unique case of the congenital formation of an intraspinal osseous vertebral ring causing spinal cord compression is reported. ⋯ An intraspinal osseous vertebral ring is a unique anomaly that, to our knowledge, has not been reported to date. The authors discuss the pathology, imaging, and treatment of this unique condition.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Trunk muscle strength, cross-sectional area, and density in patients with chronic low back pain randomized to lumbar fusion or cognitive intervention and exercises.
A randomized study. ⋯ Patients with chronic low back pain who followed cognitive intervention and exercise programs improved significantly in muscle strength compared with patients who underwent lumbar fusion. In the lumbar fusion group, density decreased significantly at L3-L4 compared with the exercise group.