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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To determine the heritability of spine curve using plain radiographs and to identify risk factors for spine curvature including age, body mass index, smoking, bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD). ⋯ In this sample of middle-aged and elderly women, there were significant genetic influences on all spine curves but particularly thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. The strongest predictor for lumbar lordosis was LDD (p < 0.0001) which is itself genetically determined in part. For thoracic kyphosis, BMD was strongly associated and remained so (for lumbar BMD) with the inclusion of age, showing BMD to be an independent risk factor. This work highlights the genetic factors influencing normal spine curvature in women.
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Review
What is the preclinical evidence on platelet rich plasma and intervertebral disc degeneration?
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common disease that usually starts from the third decade of life and it represents a significant cause of socio-economic problems. The accepted surgical treatment for disc degeneration is disc removal and vertebral fusion or, in selected cases, intervertebral disc arthroplasty. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of platelet rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix regeneration. However, literature results are still limited and more studies are required to clarify the role of PRP in the prevention or in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically analyze the current preclinical evidence about the use of PRP in intervertebral disc degeneration. ⋯ It is not possible to draw definitive evidence about the use of PRP in IVD regeneration. We advise a proper standardization of the methodological analysis in order to compare the available data and achieve definitive results. This should be the cornerstone for future clinical applications.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical and clinical study of single posterior oblique cage POLIF in the treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.
Aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and the clinical efficacy of a lumbar interbody fusion obtained by single oblique cage implanted by a posterior approach. ⋯ POLIF associated to instrumented posterolateral fusion is a viable and safe surgical technique, which ensures a biomechanical stability similar to other surgical techniques.