Spine
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A finite element analysis on osteoporotic vertebrae. ⋯ This work underlines the potential of low-dose biplanar x-ray devices to make subject-specific FEMs for prediction of vertebral strength.
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A retrospective review and analysis of consecutive patients who underwent single-level vertebroplasty at our institute between March 2002 and March 2006. ⋯ Most subsequent fractures occurred at the adjacent level within the first 3 months. Patient preoperative condition did not help predict refracture. Although a greater volume of bone cement injected when performing vertebroplasty contributed to the risk of subsequent adjacent fracture, it resulted in a greater improvement of kyphosis.
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In this study, the effect of calcitonin on lumbar spinal fusion was studied in a New Zealand rabbit model. ⋯ Calcitonin can enhance lumbar spinal fusion. One mechanism might be through upregulating genes involved in osteogenesis and angiogenesis.
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Molecular biological and immunohistological examinations. ⋯ These results suggest PGE2 and IL-6 play a pivotal role in the interaction between degenerated discs and macrophages.