Spine
-
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of MAPK subtypes ERK and p38 influences integrin expression and promotes nucleus pulposus cell survival in hypoxia. ⋯ Hypoxia activated MAPK signaling pathway activity in nucleus pulposus cells. ERK, but not p38, regulated alpha2 integrin expression and cell survival.
-
Case report. ⋯ A lumbar hemangioma of the vertebral body, although rare, can cause neurogenic claudication and cauda equina syndrome. Intraoperative vertebroplasty can be an effective method of hemostasis and provide stability of the vertebra following posterior decompression.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Corticosteroids peroperatively diminishes damage to the C-fibers in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.
A subgroup analysis of patient outcomes from a double-blind randomized controlled study comparing corticosteroid versus saline in microscopic lumbar disc surgery. ⋯ The use of corticosteroids combined with surgery seems to protect some of the damage to the C-fibers in lumbar disc herniation.
-
A prospective evaluation of the effects of backpack carriage on the pulmonary function of schoolgirls without spinal deformity versus those with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ Pulmonary function may be more sensitive to backpack load than previously considered, especially when study participants with AIS are being considered, and the recommended loading limit of 10% body weight may not be applicable to schoolgirls with AIS.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective randomized study of preemptive analgesia for postoperative pain in the patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion: continuous subcutaneous morphine, continuous epidural morphine, and diclofenac sodium.
A prospective randomized clinical trial in preemptive analgesia for postoperative pain was conducted. ⋯ DS provided a favorable effect immediately after surgery, but the effective time was short and the patient needed more supplemental drugs after that. ED did not give the expected effect, with comparatively high rates of side effects. Continuous epidural anesthesia did not seem to be suitable for preemptive analgesia. Continuous subcutaneous morphine brought some analgesic effects with a low rate of complications. It can be an attractive method for postoperative analgesia with technical ease.