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 evaluate the relationship between degenerative disc, endplate Modic changes (MC) type I, and pain during upright weight-bearing MRI scan of the lumbar spine in a cohort of patients with non-specific low back pain. ⋯ Our results showed the modifications of Modic I changes under loading, with MRI evidence of increased MC area extent in the upright position and correlation between Modic changes extension increase and increase in pain in the standing position. Weight-bearing MRI scans represent a valuable complement to standard sequences since they provide the radiologist with additional diagnostic information about low back pain. These slides can be retrieved from Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Discography can increase disc degeneration, but the influence of different discography variables on the degeneration of discs has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of discography variables of needle diameter, type of contrast agent and volume of contrast agent on disc degeneration. ⋯ To reduce disc degeneration after discography, it may be best to choose a smaller needle size, minimize the use of contrast agent and use non-ionic contrast agents with osmotic pressure similar to the intervertebral disc. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Lateral atlantoaxial (LAA) joint meniscoid composition may have clinical significance in patients following neck trauma. However, the existing method of radiologically assessing meniscoid composition has an inherent element of subjectivity, which could contribute to measurement variability. The present study sought to investigate the accuracy of two-point Dixon fat/water separation MRI as a quantitative assessment of LAA joint meniscoid composition. ⋯ Findings suggest that Dixon fat/water separation MRI may have superior utility in the assessment of LAA joint meniscoid composition than the existing method of considering VIBE and SPACE signal intensities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The Anterior Atlantoaxial Non-Fusion Fixation System (AANFS) was a novel motion preservation device for atlantoaxial instability to replace traditional fusion techniques. The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate the clinical features and biomechanical properties of this new device in a canine model by comparing it with a conventional method. ⋯ This study for the first time provides an animal model for studying non-fusion strategies of upper cervical spine. The AANFS was able to maintain movement function of the atlantoaxial joint and may be an alternative to traditional fusion techniques. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.