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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Low back pain is a major public health issue. Identifying factors associated with better intervertebral disc (IVD) characteristics gives insight into IVD metabolism and highlights intervention targets for improvement of IVD health. This cross-sectional study investigates whether IVD T2-relaxation time on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with vertebral fat fraction (VFF; to quantify marrow adipose tissue), trunk muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle function and physical activity (PA). ⋯ This is the first study to show that better IVD hydration is associated with lower VFF and that greater physical activity is associated with favourable levels of vertebral marrow adipose tissue in young healthy individuals. Reduced vertebral marrow adipose tissue may specifically improve IVD hydration via improved nutrient supply. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To determine if the mechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus (AF) are altered following end-plate fracture. Vertebral fractures, particularly those in the growth plate, are relatively common among adolescents. What is unclear is whether or not these fractures are also associated with concomitant damage to the intervertebral disc (IVD), in particular the AF. ⋯ This decrease in laminate adhesion strength suggests that growth plate fracture damage is not isolated to the vertebra and results in microdamage to the interlamellar matrix of the AF. This may increase in the risk of progressive delamination of the AF, which is associated with IVD herniation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To evaluate the effects of leptin/leptin receptor (LepR) combined with mechanical stress on the development of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), which is a disease characterized by ectopic bone formation of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and can lead to radiculopathy and myelopathy. ⋯ Leptin and LepR are differentially expressed in OPLL tissues, and the combined use of leptin/LepR and mechanical stress promotes osteogenic differentiation of PLL cells via MAPK, JAK2-STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signaling. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Microendoscopy-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is an advantageous method for treating lumbar degenerative disease; however, some patients show contralateral radiculopathy postoperatively. This study aims to investigate its risk factor. ⋯ Preoperative contralateral foramen stenosis is the risk factor of contralateral radiculopathy following microendoscopy-assisted MIS-TLIF. If preoperative CFA at L4-5 level is not larger than 0.76 cm2, prophylactic measures, including both indirect and direct decompression of contralateral foramen, are recommended.