Spine
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The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in sciatica in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in rats was investigated. ⋯ Exogenous 5-HT to the nerve root induced pain-related behavior with short-lasting effects compared with the nucleus pulposus application. 5-HIAA content in plasma and expression of 5-HT2A receptors in DRG neurons increased early time points after the nucleus pulposus application. These results suggest that 5-HT plays a role in the early phase of the chemical pathogenesis of sciatica in LDH in rats.
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The adjacent discs of 13 goats, originally used in a lumbar spinal fusion model study, were analyzed for symptoms of intervertebral disc degeneration by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), macroscopy, and histology. These goats were followed for 6 months and the results were compared with 6 control goats. ⋯ Large animal fusion models offer an excellent opportunity to study ASD in vivo, as pre-existing degenerative disc disease is not present and biomechanical effects of the fusion can be studied more isolated. Our results suggest that adjacent disc degeneration does not develop in our spinal goat fusion model. There is, however, an increased risk of disc degeneration in the L5-L6 level through an unclear mechanism.
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The contralateral pain-related behavioral and immunohistochemical changes after hemilateral spinal nerve injury in rats were investigated. ⋯ These results suggest that contralateral mechanical allodynia induced by hemilateral spinal nerve injury is associated with upregulation of satellite cells and TNF-alpha in the contralateral DRG. In addition, our results suggest that spinal astrocytes play an important role in these contralateral changes.
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Comparative Study
Degeneration of sacroiliac joint after instrumented lumbar or lumbosacral fusion: a prospective cohort study over five-year follow-up.
A prospective cohort study. ⋯ Instrumented posterolateral lumbar/lumbosacral fusion can be a cause of SIJ degeneration. SIJ degeneration develops more often in patients undergoing lumbosacral fusion regardless of the number of fusion segments.
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Comparative Study
The influence of pain-related fear on peak muscle activity and force generation during maximal isometric trunk exertions.
A cross-sectional study of peak activation of trunk muscles in 20 participants with chronic low back pain. ⋯ Pain-related fear is associated with increased disability, in theory, because of avoidance behavior and disuse. Our data suggest that participants high in pain-related fear specifically avoid activation of the abdominal muscles during maximal isometric trunk exertions.