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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Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is accompanied by mechanical and gene expression changes to IVDs. SPARC-null mice display accelerated IVD degeneration, and treatment with (toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor) TAK-242 decreases proinflammatory cytokines and pain. This study examined if chronic TAK-242 treatment impacts mechanical properties and gene expression associated with IVD degeneration in SPARC-null mice. ⋯ TAK-242 had limited impacts on SPARC-null mechanical properties and did not attenuate NZ mechanical changes associated with IVD degeneration. Expression analysis revealed an increase in ECM and inflammatory gene expression in SPARCnull mice with a reduction in inflammatory expression due to TAK-242 treatment. This study provides insight into the role of TLR4 in SPARC-null mediated IVD degeneration.
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Review Meta Analysis
Is the routine use of systemic antibiotics after spine surgery warranted? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To determine whether the published literature supports the current practice of utilizing antibiotics postoperatively in spine surgery. ⋯ A meta-analysis and comprehensive review of the literature show that the routine use of postoperative antibiotics in spine surgery may not be effective in preventing surgical site infections.
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Review Meta Analysis
Minimally invasive versus open surgery for degenerative lumbar pathologies:a systematic review and meta-analysis.
With the increase in life expectancy and consequent aging of the population, degenerative lumbar spine diseases tend to increase its number exponentially. Several treatment options are available to treat degenerative spinal diseases, such as laminectomies, posterior fusions, and interbody fusions, depending on their locations, correction necessities, and surgeon philosophy. With the advance in technology and surgical knowledge, minimally invasive techniques (MIS) arose as a solution to reduce surgical morbidity, while maintaining the same benefits as the traditionally/open surgeries. Several studies investigated the possible advantages of MIS techniques against the traditional open procedures. However, those articles are usually focused only on one technique or on one pathology. ⋯ Minimally invasive techniques are a remarkably interesting option to traditional open surgeries, as these procedures showed a significant reduction in blood loss, hospitalization time, complications, and surgical costs.