ABSTRACT
Localization of the level of computed tomography (CT) sections and identification of the anatomical structures are prerequisites in the diagnostic process, A two-step method is described by which it is possible to determine quickly the plane of the CT scan of the abdomen using the spine as the reference landmark. The first step is to locate the level at which the vertebra under consideration is sectioned. The second, which consists of identifying the particular vertebra, is made by studying the topographical features of certain groups of paraspinal muscles, comprising mainly the diaphragmatic crura, psoas muscles, quadratus, lumborum, and the sacrospinalis.
Subject(s)
Radiography, Abdominal , Spine/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Abdomen/anatomy & histology , Humans , Intervertebral Disc/anatomy & histology , Intervertebral Disc/diagnostic imaging , Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Muscles/anatomy & histology , Muscles/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Canal/anatomy & histology , Spinal Canal/diagnostic imaging , Spine/anatomy & histology , Thoracic Vertebrae/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
"The Japanese disease" or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was initially thought to affect only the Japanese people. Non-Japanese Asian and Caucasian cases have been reported but appear to be exceedingly rare. The reason is unknown. Although the disease appears to be generally benign, it can cause a myelopathy. We present here 16 non-Japanese patients in Singapore who were found to have ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Subject(s)
Ligaments , Ossification, Heterotopic/diagnostic imaging , Spine , Aged , Female , Humans , Ligaments/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography , Singapore , Spine/diagnostic imagingSubject(s)
Calcinosis/epidemiology , Pineal Gland/pathology , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Brain Diseases/pathology , Ethnicity , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , SingaporeABSTRACT
The nail-gun has been used in the construction industry world-wide. An increasing number of injuries to the cranium and other parts of the body has been reported due to its careless use or mishandling. Some of these are reviewed with emphasis on craniocerebral and spinal cord involvement. Two cases are reported here. Both of these patients survived and have returned to gainful employment.
