Spine
-
An experimental study to investigate the in vitro gene expression of neurotrophic factors and receptors in cultured rat spinal cord cells subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch forces. ⋯ Our results suggest survival of spinal cord neuronal cells under injurious tensile stress with increased synthesis and utilization of several neurotrophic factors, receptors, and expression of proteins related to cell apoptosis.
-
Analyses of improvements in nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and blood flow after administering cilostazol in a dog model of experimental acute and chronic cauda equina compression. ⋯ Cilostazol improved NCV and blood flow to the cauda equina in this dog model. Cilostazol might be a potential agent to improve symptoms due to compression of cauda equina and/or cauda equina dysfunction.
-
Comparative Study
Reconstruction of large iliac crest defects after graft harvest using autogenous rib graft: a prospective controlled study.
Prospective controlled study analyzing the donor site morbidity after reconstruction of full thickness iliac crest defects, using autologous rib grafts. ⋯ Rib graft reconstruction provides a cheap and effective alternative for iliac crest reconstruction. Patients undergoing thoracotomy or thoraco-phrenico-lumbotomy for spinal reconstruction, the unutilized rib graft should be used to reconstruct the iliac defect. Reduced donor site morbidity and better cosmesis are the major benefits of reconstruction.
-
Retrospective review of an anterior polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage incorporated with a bovine xenograft to treat disorders of the cervical disc. ⋯ As applied in anterior cervical fusion, the cage incorporated with the xenograft prevented donor-site morbidity and provided successful fusion.