Spine
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Cross-sectional cohort study of a general population. ⋯ Most degenerative disc "abnormalities" were moderately associated with LBP. The strongest associations were noted for Modic changes and anterolisthesis. Further studies are needed to define clinical relevance.
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Prospective cohort study. ⋯ Frequent or radiating low back symptoms, chronic low back disorders, back-related work absenteeism, and having clinical findings in the low back predicted inpatient hospital care for low back disorders.
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Mechanobiology study of gene expression changes as a result of compressive overload of anular fibrochondrocytes. ⋯ The up-regulation of the ECM genes with nominal pressure highlights the mechanobiological importance of common activity in fibrocartilage homeostasis. Differential regulation of the 2 primary collagen types with high pressure indicates a capacity of the anulus to remodel according to pathomechanical conditions.
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A non-human primate lumbar intertransverse process arthrodesis model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of different formulations of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to induce consistent bone formation. ⋯ This study shows the importance of carrier optimization and final implant protein concentration for the successful delivery of rhBMP-2. By combining the properties of the ACS with the CRM, the required dosage of rhBMP-2 was diminished by more than 3-fold in the non-human primate model. This finding suggests that the currently available concentration of rhBMP-2 (1.5 mg/mL) could be successful for achieving posterolateral spine fusion when combined with an osteoconductive bulking agent that can support the induced new bone formation.
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Feasibility analysis of percutaneous posterolateral thoracic microendoscopic discectomy in a human cadaver model. ⋯ Thoracic microendoscopic discectomy allows for a posterolateral approach to thoracic disc herniation without entry into the chest cavity that consistently gives access to the majority of the canal while requiring only a minimal amount of bone removal. This technique provides an approach angle similar to that obtained with other posterolateral discectomy techniques while limiting the morbidity associated with exposure.