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 significance of each parameter of the revised Tokuhashi score and identify which is associated with survival. ⋯ A number of spinal metastases and metastasis to major organs were the most important predictors of actual survival. Modification to the score based on population characteristics would help better identify patients with spinal metastases that can benefit from surgery.
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A balanced ratio of the main parameters of lumbar lordosis (LL) and pelvic incidence (PI) has high clinical relevance. A postoperative mismatch of LL and PI has been described in the literature to be associated with an inferior clinical outcome and higher postoperative revision rates. The aim of this retrospective, radiological study is to evaluate the magnitude of relordosing in mono-/bisegmental TLIF spondylodesis affecting the spino-pelvic alignment and the main contributing factors. ⋯ This retrospective study demonstrates that significant relordosing and, therefore, correction of the spino-pelvic alignment are possible with mono-/bisegmental TLIF spondylodesis. Positive influence of higher cage sizes and surgeon's experience was shown. We conclude that the ratio of LL/PI should be taken into account preoperatively in lumbar fusion surgery when planning mono-/bisegmental TLIF spondylodesis to optimize spino-pelvic alignment. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Cervicothoracic paravertebral neoplasms extending into the mediastinum pose a surgical challenge due the complex regional anatomy, their biological nature, rarity and surgeon's unfamiliarity with the region. We aim to define a surgical access framework addressing the aforementioned complexities whilst achieving oncological clearance. ⋯ Classification of cervicothoracic paravertebral neoplasms with mediastinal extension according to the relationship with the subclavicular fossa and dual speciality involvement allows for a structured surgical approach and provides minimal morbidity/maximum resection and satisfactory oncological outcomes. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To elucidate the effects of growth differentiation factor-6 (GDF6) on: (i) gene expression of inflammatory/pain-related molecules and structural integrity in the rabbit intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration model, and (ii) sensory dysfunction and changes in pain-marker expression in dorsal nerve ganglia (DRGs) in the rat xenograft radiculopathy model. ⋯ GDF6 injection may change the pathological status of degenerative discs and attenuate degenerated IVD-induced pain.