European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Free disc fragments end often up in the concavity of the anterior epidural space. This space consists of two compartments. The discrepancy between the impressive magnetic resonance imaging findings, clinical symptoms in patients and the problem of treatment options led us to the anatomical determination of anterior epidural space volumes. ⋯ This volume is large enough to hold average-sized slipped discs without causing neurological deficits. A better understanding of the anterior epidural space may allow a better distinction of patient treatment options.
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Thermoreversible hydrogels have potential in spine research as they provide easy injectability and mild gelling mechanism (by physical cross-link). The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of thermoreversible hyaluronan-based hydrogels (HA-pNIPAM) (pNIPAM Mn = 10, 20, 35 × 10(3) g mol(-1)) as nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) carrier. ⋯ A HA-pNIPAM composition suitable for nucleus pulposus repair that provides an injectable carrier for NPC, maintains their phenotype and promotes extracellular matrix generation was identified.