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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Dural ossification (DO) is common in patients with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and is the leading cause of dural tears. However, the methods used for DO diagnosis are limited. The purpose of this study was to propose a novel CT-based imaging sign, Banner cloud sign (BCs), and clarify its clinical characteristics and correlations with DO. ⋯ BCs can vividly and intuitively describe the imaging features of DO and has high diagnostic accuracy. It could be a promising and valuable method for the diagnosis of DO.
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Until recently, there has been no consensus on the optimal operative window for decompressive surgery in acute spinal cord injury (aSCI). However, recent evidence is now supporting a role for early intervention in improving outcomes in this type of patients. The purpose of this letter is to discuss the implications for clinical practice within the European community. ⋯ This is a call for hospital systems to swiftly restructure spinal services in order to meet the need for early, and possibly ultra-early, spinal decompression in aSCI cases in the near future.