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
-
We set out to establish a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)-based diagnostic method for determining the responsible segments in thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). ⋯ Spinal canal compromise is relevant to spinal cord deficits in patients with OLF, and a canal grade (paramedian) can be used to quantify spinal cord deficits. Additionally, a canal grade (paramedian) of <60% on axial CT scan can serve as a critical value for diagnosing OLF-induced myelopathy, especially for Grade III compression on T2-weighted MRI.
-
Pelvic and sacral surgeries are considered technically difficult due to the complex multidimensional anatomy and the presence of significant neurovascular structures. Knowledge of the key neurovascular anatomy is essential for safe and effective execution of partial and complete sacral resections. The goal of this anatomic, cadaveric study is to describe the pertinent neurovascular anatomy during these procedures. ⋯ Several sacrectomy techniques are available and selection often depends on the specific case and surgeon preference; nevertheless, anatomic knowledge is extremely important. Considering the highly variable anatomic relations of the vascular bundles, a preoperative evaluation with CT or MRI with vascular reconstruction may be helpful to decrease bleeding risk by preemptively binding the internal iliac vessels in cases where higher tumors are present. To decrease the risk of damaging nerve roots, it is recommended to perform the resection as close to the involved foramina as possible.
-
To assess the feasibility of a one-step surgical concept, employing adipose stem cells (ASCs) and a novel degradable radiolucent cage filler (poly-L-lactide-co-caprolactone; PLCL), within polyetheretherketone cages in a stand-alone caprine spinal fusion model. ⋯ This study demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of the one-step surgical procedure for spinal fusion for the first time. The radiolucent PLCL scaffold allowed in vivo monitoring of bone formation using plain radiography. Addition of stem cells to the PLCL scaffolds did not result in adverse effects, but did not enhance the rate and number of interbody fusions under the current conditions. A trend towards superior results with ABG was found. Further research is warranted to optimize the spinal fusion model for proper evaluation of both PLCL and stem cell therapy.