Role of Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Primary and Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation

OBJECTIVE: To assess role of some inflammatory mediators in patients with primary and recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Expression of IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) have been shown to be more intense in the primary group than the recurrent goup, but this mediators may be important aspects prognostic. METHODS: 19 patients underwent primary and revision operations between June 1, 2009 and June 1, 2014, and they were included in this study. The 19 patients’ intervertebral disc specimens obtained from the primary procedures and reoperations were evaluated. Expression of IL-6, TGF-1, IGF-1, and BAX were examined immunohistochemically in the 38 biopsy tissues obtained from the primary and recurrent herniated intervertebral discs during the operation. RESULTS: For IL-6 expression in the intervertebral disc specimens, there was no difference between the groups. The immunohistochemical study showed that the intervertebral disc specimens in the primary group were stained intensely by TGF-1 compared with the recurrent group. Expression of IGF-1 in the primary group was found moderate. In contrast, in the recurrent group of patients was mild expression of IGF-1. The primary group intervertebral disc specimens were stained moderately by BAX compared with the recurrent group. CONCLUSION: The results of our prognostic evaluation of patients in the recurrent group who were operated due to disc herniation suggest that mediators may be important parameters.

Cervical Epidural Abscess in Haemodialysis Patients by Catheter Related Infection: Report of Two Cases

Despite advances in neuroimaging and neurosurgical treatment modalities, spinal epidural abscess remains a challenging problem. Early diagnosis is often difficult and treatment is always delayed. Spinal epidural abscess usually develops in patients with predisposing factors such as IV drug abuse, senillity, diabetes mellitus, spinal attempts, alcoholism, immunosuppression, liver diseases and catheterizations. It is rarely seen in cervical region. A successful treatment is only possible with early diagnosis and accurate surgical and medical treatment. Optimal management is unclear and morbidity and mortality are significant. We present two adult haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal insufficiency who developed cervical epidural abscess following central venous catheter placement. Early surgical intervention is mandatory in cases those have progressive neurological deficit and spinal deformity, and this is also increases the success rate of medical therapy.

The Effect of Risedronate on Posterior Lateral Spinal Fusion in a Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effects of risedronate (RIS) which shows a higher anti-resorptive effect among bisphosphonates, after a posterolateral lumbar intertransverse process spinal fusion using both autograft and allograft in a rat model. METHODS: A totoal of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 2 study groups. A posterolateral lumbar intertransverse process spinal fusion was peformed using both autograft and allograft in a rat model. Group I (control) received 0.1 mL of steril saline (placebo) and Group II (treatment) received risedronate, equivalent to human dose (10 microgram/kg/week) for 10-weeks period. RESULTS: The fusion rates as determined by manual palpation were 69% in the group I and 46% in the group II (p = 0.251). According to radiographic score, the spinal segment was considered to be fused radiographically in 7 (53%) of the 13 controls and 9 (69%) of the 13 rats treated with RIS (p = 0.851). The mean histological scores were 5.69 +/- 0.13 and 3.84 +/- 0.43 for the control and treatment groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between the both groups (p = 0.001). The mean bone density of the fusion masses was 86.9 +/- 2.34 in the control group and 106.0 +/- 3.54 in the RIS treatment group. There was a statistical difference in mean bone densities of the fusion masses comparing the two groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, risedronate appears to delay bone fusion in a rat model. This occurs as a result of uncoupling the balanced osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity inherent to bone healing. These findings suggest that a discontinuation of risedronate postoperatively during acute fusion period may be warranted.