Spine
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A case of the solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst affecting the posterior component of the fourth cervical vertebra is reported. Imaging studies showed an expansile destructive lesion. After curettage, autologous iliac bone grafting with posterior fusion was performed. There was no sign of local recurrence 2 years after surgery. ⋯ The solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of any lytic expansile lesion of the spine, even though it is a destructive lesion. Gd-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful for distinguishing the solid variant from conventional aneurysmal bone cyst.
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The effect of infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody to TNF-alpha, on induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined using an experimental herniated nucleus pulposus (NP) model. ⋯ These findings indicate that infliximab attenuates the elevated BDNF levels induced by NP. The present study therefore further indicates the importance of TNF-alpha in sciatica due to disc herniation and the possible therapeutic use of a TNF-alpha inhibitor for this condition.