Spine
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To describe the management of a patient presenting with intraosseous MPNST of the thoracic spine causing cord compression. ⋯ Intraosseous MPNST causing spinal cord compression has not been described as yet and should be added to the differential diagnosis of primary bone tumors causing cord compression. Prognosis with MPNST can be poor, especially in patients with large tumors, undergoing subtotal surgical resection and in association with neurofibromatosis.
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Review Comparative Study
Comparative analysis of pedicle screw versus hook instrumentation in posterior spinal fusion of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
A retrospective matched cohort study. ⋯ Pedicle screw instrumentation, although more expensive, offers a significantly better major and minor curve correction without neurologic problems and improved pulmonary function values in the operative treatment of AIS and enables a slightly shorter fusion length than segmental hook instrumentation.
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An experimental study using a sheep cervical spine interbody fusion model. ⋯ After 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between the bioabsorbable poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage and the tricortical bone graft. In comparison to the tricortical bone graft, the bioabsorbable polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage showed significantly better distractive properties, a significantly higher biomechanical stiffness, and an advanced interbody fusion; however, six of eight polymer-calciumphosphate composite cages cracked. Although the fate of the foreign body reactions and the cracks is currently unclear for both bioabsorbable cages, the early appearance of large osteolysis associated with use of the poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage allows skepticism regarding the value of this bioabsorbable implant.
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Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were evaluated in a setup using established pig models to mimic clinical disc herniation. ⋯ The present study demonstrates increased concentrations of neurofilament and nociceptin in cerebrospinal fluid after nerve root compression. A simultaneous application of nucleus pulposus did not increase the response.