Spine
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A retrospective study. ⋯ Spinal reconstruction using cervical pedicle screws improved spinal stability, pain, and neurologic function. These improvements were maintained throughout the survival period in 94% of the patients. Anterior column reconstruction could be avoided in 78% of the patients in spite of damaged anterior column.
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Using a retrograde tracing method and immunohistochemistry, we assessed the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a marker of nerve injury, and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), a marker of axonal growth, in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the lumbar intervertebral discs in rats. ⋯ ATF3-IR and GAP-43-IR neurons were significantly increased in the NP group. These results suggested that exposure of the nucleus pulposus to the outside of the anulus fibrosus induced nerve injury and in growth into the discs. These findings may explain discogenic lower back pain in patients with lumbar disc degeneration.
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We performed a retrospective study of 668 consecutive patients with congenital spine deformities. ⋯ The prevalence of Goldenhar-associated conditions in patients with congenital spine deformities was 2%. Failures of vertebral segmentation were the most frequent abnormality in the cervical spine, whereas failures of vertebral formation most commonly occurred in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine.