Spine
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Postoperative outcomes of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement were evaluated. The screws were inserted in degenerative vertebrae using anatomic landmarks. ⋯ The deviation rate of CPS placement using anatomic landmarks was higher than anticipated, although no serious complications were encountered. Refinement of the technique (e.g., using a computer-assisted navigation system) is strongly recommended.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical changes at adjacent segments following anterior lumbar interbody fusion using tapered cages.
A biomechanical evaluation of anterior cages in a calf lumbar spine model. ⋯ Statistically significant changes in intradiscal pressures and motion were found at the adjacent levels following a single-level stand-alone ALIF procedure using paired LT cages.
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Biologic study on the effects of coculture of bovine articular chondrocytes transduced ex vivo with genes expressing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. ⋯ Bovine NP cells are stimulated to produce proteoglycans and collagen when exposed to chondrocytes transduced with genes for various BMPs. If applied to the treatment of disc degeneration, this strategy could provide the disc with not only metabolically active chondrocytes but also promote matrix replenishment by stimulating native NP cells.
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Comparative Study
Posterior vertebral column resection in fixed lumbosacral deformity.
Retrospective study. ⋯ PVCR is an effective procedure for the management of fixed lumbosacral deformity. It provides satisfactory correction and improved functional outcomes. However, it is a technically demanding and exhausting procedure with possible risks for complications.
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Comparative Study
Pathomechanism of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy: a multidisciplinary investigation based on clinical, biomechanical, histologic, and biologic assessments.
A multidisciplinary study involving clinical, histologic, biomechanical, biologic, and immunohistologic approaches. OBJECTIVE.: To clarify the pathomechanism of hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. ⋯ Fibrosis is the main cause of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and fibrosis is caused by the accumulation of mechanical stress with the aging process, especially along the dorsal aspect of the ligamentum flavum. TGF-beta released by the endothelial cells may stimulate fibrosis, especially during the early phase of hypertrophy.