Spine
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Retrospective study. ⋯ The overall prevalence of pseudarthrosis following long adult spinal deformity instrumentation and fusion to S1 was 24%. Thoracolumbar kyphosis, osteoarthritis of the hip joint, thoracoabdominal approach (vs. paramedian approach), positive sagittal balance > or = 5 cm at 8 weeks postoperatively, older age at surgery (older than 55 years), and incomplete sacropelvic fixation significantly increased the risks of pseudarthrosis to an extent that was statistically significant. Scoliosis Research Society 24 outcomes scores at ultimate follow-up were adversely affected when pseudarthrosis developed.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Scheuermann kyphosis correction by posterior-only thoracic pedicle screw fixation versus combined anterior/posterior fusion.
Retrospective comparison review. ⋯ With less operating time and intraoperative blood loss, posterior-only Scheuermann kyphosis treatment with thoracic pedicle screws achieved and maintained better correction, and had significantly less complications than with circumferential fusion.
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Comparative Study
Comparative effects of bone morphogenetic proteins and sox9 overexpression on extracellular matrix metabolism of bovine nucleus pulposus cells.
An in vitro biologic study of the effects of adenovirus expressing bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and adenovirus expressing Sox9 on extracellular matrix metabolism by bovine nucleus pulposus cells. ⋯ To our knowledge, for the first time, we have shown the relative effectiveness of 12 different BMPs and Sox9 in stimulating proteoglycan and collagen production by nucleus pulposus cells. Adenoviruses expressing BMP-2 and 7 were the most effective in stimulating proteoglycan accumulation, while adenoviruses expressing BMP-4 and 14 were the most effective in stimulating collagen accumulation. To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare the relative effectiveness of various BMPs and Sox9 on extracellular matrix accumulation by nucleus pulposus cells, and could help to develop more efficacious approaches to the treatment of degenerating intervertebral discs.
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Review Case Reports
Lumbosacral nerve root anomaly associated with spondylolisthesis in an adolescent: a case report and review of the literature.
Case report. ⋯ This case emphasizes the need to consider the presence of lumbosacral nerve root anomalies in cases in which neurologic findings exceed what would be anticipated. Preoperative identification of these anomalies allows for their existence to be considered in the surgical plan.