Effect of Asymmetric Tension on Biomechanics and Metabolism of Vertebral Epiphyseal Plate in a Rodent Model of Scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of asymmetric tension on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and to understand its pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: The rodent model of scoliosis was established using Sprague-Dawley rats with left rib-tethering from T6 to T12 , tail and shoulder amputation, and high-cage feeding. Vertebrae epiphyseal cartilage plates were harvested from the convex and concave sides. To analyze differences on the convex and concave sides, finite element analysis was carried out to determine the mechanical stress. Protein expression on epiphyseal cartilage was evaluated by western blot. Micro-CT was taken to evaluate the bone quality of vertebral on both sides. RESULTS: Scoliosis curves presented in X-ray radiographs of the rats. Finite element analysis was carried out on the axial and transverse tension of the spine. Stresses of the convex side were -170.14, -373.18, and -3832.32 MPa (X, Y, and Z axis, respectively), while the concave side showed stresses of 361.99, 605.55, and 3661.95 MPa. Collagen type II, collagen type X, Sox 9, RunX2, VEGF, and aggrecan were expressed significantly more on the convex side (P < 0.05). There was asymmetric expression of protein on the epiphyseal cartilage plate at molecular level. Compared with the convex side, the concave side had significantly lower value in the BV/TV and Tb.N, but higher value in the Tb.Sp (P < 0.05). There was asymmetry of bone quality in micro-architecture. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, asymmetric tension contributed to asymmetry in protein expression and bone quality on vertebral epiphyseal plates, ultimately resulting in asymmetry of anatomy. In addition, asymmetry of anatomy aggravated asymmetric tension. It is the first study to show that there is an asymmetrical vicious circle in IS.

Application of a stand-alone anchored spacer in noncontiguous anterior cervical arthrodesis with radiologic analysis of the intermediate segment.

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features of noncontiguous cervical degenerative disc disease (cDDD), investigate the efficacy and complications of a stand-alone anchored spacer (SAAS) for patients with noncontiguous cDDD, and present radiologic analysis of the intermediate segment (IS) after skip-level fusion. Nineteen consecutive patients with noncontiguous cDDD who underwent skip-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with SAAS from January 2010 to December 2012 were enrolled in this study. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 24 months postoperatively using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analog Scale. Overall cervical alignment (OCA) of the cervical spine, and the range of motion (ROM), intervertebral disc height (IDH), disc signal intensity and disc protrusion of IS were measured and compared before and after surgery. Clinical outcomes significantly improved compared to preoperative scores. The OCA was corrected and maintained at 24 months postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the ROM and IDH of the IS at each follow-up (p>0.05). However, decreased signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI was evidenced in three mobile IS at final follow-up (20.0%). Skip-level ACDF with SAAS may be an efficacious option for the treatment of noncontiguous cDDD.

Comparison of plate-cage construct and stand-alone anchored spacer in the surgical treatment of three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a preliminary clinical study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although stand-alone cages were advocated to be superior to plate-cage construct (PCC) because of comparable clinical outcomes and fewer plate-related complications, cage dislocation and subsidence were frequently mentioned in multilevel fusion. There are some concerns about whether these issues can be effectively prevented in multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by stand-alone anchored spacer (SAAS). PURPOSE: The aim was to compare clinical outcomes, radiologic parameters, and complications of PCC and SAAS in the treatment of three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was a retrospective comparative study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 38 consecutive patients with three-level CSM (ACDF with PCC, 20 patients; ACDF with SAAS, 18 patients) were reviewed. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Neck Disability Index. The radiologic evaluations included cervical alignment (CA), segmental angle (SA), postoperative curvature loss (PCL), and incidence of subsidence. METHODS: All the aforementioned parameters were compared before and after surgery between two groups. Besides, the aforementioned results were also compared between the two groups. The complications were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 30.3 months. No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes between the two groups (p>.05). Additionally, no significant differences existed in fusion rate between the two groups. There were significant differences in PCL of SA and CA and correction of SA between the two groups (p<.05). Besides, the incidence of subsidence (9 of 54 levels, 16.7%) was recorded in the SAAS group, and the potential of SAAS to reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was not proven. No other complications were observed in this study. CONCLUSIONS: In the surgical treatment of three-level CSM, PCC is superior to SAAS in correction and maintenance of SA and avoiding cage subsidence, although the technique of ACDF with SAAS yielded encouraging clinical outcomes and high fusion rate.

Kinetic magnetic resonance imaging analysis of spinal degeneration: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical use of kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) in spinal degenerative diseases. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and ISI databases for articles that had been published between January 1978 and February 2013 concerning patients who had undergone kMRI for spinal problems was performed. All selected patients had undergone kMRI in neutral, flexion, and extension weight-bearing positions. Evaluation of cervical and lumbar degeneration by kMRI was analyzed. kMRI showed significant reduction of mobility in cervical segments of patients with severe disc degeneration; in addition, it was more severely reduced in patients with severe cord compression than in those without it. In the cervical spine, it was found that although disc height, translational motion, and angular variation were significantly affected at the level of disc herniation, no significant changes were apparent in adjacent segments. kMRI also showed that lumbar degeneration is closely associated with disc degeneration, facet joint osteoarthritis and the pathological characteristics of the interspinous ligaments, ligamentum flavum and paraspinal muscles. RESULTS: Eleven articles (4162 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. It was found that kMRI is more specific and sensitive than conventional MRI regarding relating patients' symptoms to objective findings on imaging that demonstrate pathology and biomechanics. In the kinetic position, kMRI improves detection of disc herniation by 5.78%-19.46% and thus provides a new means of studying the biomechanical mechanism(s) in degenerative spines. CONCLUSION: Kinetic MRI is effective for diagnosing, evaluating, and managing degenerative disease within the spine; however, it still has some limitations.

Primary Aspergillus spondylodiscitis in a liver transplant recipient.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for Aspergillus infections. However, the cases of Aspergillus spondylodiscitis are rare and mostly resulted from the hematogenous spread of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis. Here, we report a case of primary spondylodiscitis in a liver transplant recipient. Six months after transplantation, a chronic and progressive lumbar back pain was presented. The patient had no fever and the white blood cell count was normal. High plasma (1→3)-beta-d-glucan (BDG) level was detected at the time of back pain. The pathogen was Aspergillus flavus. Clinical and radiological healing was achieved through posterior only debridement and voriconazole therapy.

Effective reinnervation of the quadriceps femoris by spinal ventral root cross-anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: To study the effective recovery of the quadriceps femoris by spinal ventral root cross-anastomosis in rats. METHODS: End-to-end anastomosis was performed between the left L(1) and L(3) ventral roots using autogenous nerve graft, and the right L(1) and L(3) roots were left intact. In control animals, the left L(3) ventral root was cut and shortened, and anastomosis was not performed. Six months postoperatively, the movement of low extremities was detected by electrophysiological examination, hindlimb locomotion and basso, beattie and bresnahan (BBB) scoring at one, three, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after SCI. Fluorescence retrograde tracing with TRUE BLUE (TB) and HE staining were performed to observe the nerve regeneration. RESULTS: Six months after surgery, the anastomotic nerve was smooth and not atrophic. The amplitudes of action potential were 7.63 ± 1.86 mV and 6.0 ± 1.92 mV respectively before and after the spinal cord hemisection. The contraction of left quadriceps femoris was induced by a single stimulation of the anastomotic nerve. The locomotion of left hindlimb was partially restored after spinal cord hemisection while creeping and climbing. In addition, there was significant difference in the BBB score at one, three and seven days after SCI. TB retrograde tracing and neurophysiologic observation indicated efficient reinnervation of the quadriceps femoris. CONCLUSION: The cross-anastomosis between spinal ventral root can partially reconstruct the function of quadriceps femoris following SCI and may have clinical implication for the treatment of human SCI.

Effective reinnervation of the quadriceps femoris by spinal ventral root cross-anastomosis in rats / Reinervação efetiva do quadríceps femoral pela anastomose cruzada via raiz espinhal ventral em ratos

PURPOSE: To study the effective recovery of the quadriceps femoris by spinal ventral root cross-anastomosis in rats. METHODS: End-to-end anastomosis was performed between the left L1 and L3 ventral roots using autogenous nerve graft ,and the right L1 and L3 roots were left intact. In control animals, the left L3 ventral root was cut and shortened, and anastomosis was not performed. Six months postoperatively, the movement of low extremities was detected by electrophysiological examination, hindlimb locomotion and basso, beattie and bresnahan (BBB) scoring at one, three, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after SCI. Fluorescence retrograde tracing with TRUE BLUE (TB) and HE staining were performed to observe the nerve regeneration. RESULTS: Six months after surgery, the anastomotic nerve was smooth and not atrophic. The amplitudes of action potential were 7.63±1.86 mV and 6.0±1.92 mV respectively before and after the spinal cord hemisection. The contraction of left quadriceps femoris was induced by a single stimulation of the anastomotic nerve. The locomotion of left hindlimb was partially restored after spinal cord hemisection while creeping and climbing. In addition, there was significant difference in the BBB score at one, three and seven days after SCI. TB retrograde tracing and neurophysiologic observation indicated efficient reinnervation of the quadriceps femoris. CONCLUSION: The cross-anastomosis between spinal ventral root can partially reconstruct the function of quadriceps femoris following SCI and may have clinical implication for the treatment of human SCI.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a recuperação efetiva do músculo quadríceps femoral pela anastomose cruzada via raiz espinhal ventral em ratos. MÉTODOS: Anastomose término-terminal foi realizada entre as raízes ventrais L1 e L3 à esquerda usando enxerto autógeno de nervo e, à direita, as raízes L1 e L3 foram mantidas intactas. Nos animais controles, à esquerda, a raiz ventral de L3 foi cortada e encurtada sem realização de anastomose. Após seis meses, o movimento das extremidades posteriores foi estudado por exame eletrofisiológico, e pelo escore de basso, beattie e bresnahan (BBB) com um, três, sete, 14, 21 e 28 dias após SCI. Fluorescência retrograde feita com TRUE BLUE (TB) e coloração com HE foram realizadas para observar a regeneração do nervo. RESULTADOS: Seis meses após a cirurgia, a anastomose do nervo estava lisa e sem atrofia. As amplitudes dos potenciais de ação foram 7,63±1,86 mV e 6,0±1,92 mV respectivamente antes e após a hemisecção da medula espinhal. A contração do músculo quadríceps femoral foi induzida por um único estímulo do nervo anastomosado. A locomoção do membro posterior esquerdo foi parcialmente restaurada após hemisecção da medula espinhal ao rastejar e escalar. Ademais, houve diferença significante no escore BBB nos dias um, três e sete após SCI. O traçado da TB retrógrada e a observação neurofisiológica indicaram reinervação eficiente do quadríceps femoral. CONCLUSÃO: A anastomose cruzada entre as raízes espinhais ventrais podem reconstruir parcialmente a função do quadríceps femoral após SCI e pode ter implicação clínica para o tratamento da SCI.

Posterior unilateral pedicle subtraction osteotomy of hemivertebra for correction of the adolescent congenital spinal deformity.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The treatment of adolescent congenital deformity (late-diagnosed congenital deformity) is still unknown. The best candidates for hemivertebra excision are young patients, typically between 4 and 6 years of age. Partial excision may be feasible for older children. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of unilateral pedicle subtraction osteotomy of hemivertebra for correction of the adolescent congenital spinal deformity. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twelve patients with adolescent congenital deformity who underwent posterior unilateral pedicle subtraction osteotomy and correction were evaluated. Mean age at the time of surgery was 17 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: The charts, standing full-length posteroanterior and lateral view radiographs, and functional measures were reviewed. METHODS: For evaluation of surgical effectiveness, comparative analysis of the parameters of the total main curve, the segmental curve, the compensatory cranial and caudal curves, the segmental kyphosis, and the trunk shift before and after operation and at the most recent follow-up was done. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 40.5 months. Mean Cobb angles of the total main curve and the segmental curve were, respectively, 47.5° and 43.8° before surgery, 23.7° and 16.5° after surgery, and 22.6° and 17° at the last follow-up. The angle of segmental kyphosis was 11.8° before surgery, 6.2° after surgery, and 7.8° (range, -30° to 26°) at the final follow-up. The mean final global lordosis was within the normal range. No neurologic deficit occurred. Solid fusion was achieved for all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral pedicle subtraction osteotomy with instrumentation from a posterior-only approach is indicated in older teenagers for an adolescent congenital spinal deformity. Compared with hemivertebra excision, corrective surgery with hemivertebra osteotomy has a lower intraoperative blood loss and shorter operation time.

Dynamic response of the idiopathic scoliotic spine to axial cyclic loads.

STUDY DESIGN: Numerical techniques were used to study the vibration response of idiopathic scoliosis patients with single thoracic curve. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dynamic characteristics of the idiopathic scoliotic spine under the whole-body vibration condition. The influence of the upper body mass was also studied. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The relationship between the whole-body vibration and the spinal disorders has been investigated using finite element method. However, the dynamic response features of the scoliotic spine to the vibration were poorly understood. METHODS: The resonant frequencies of the scoliotic spine and the effects of the body weight were studied using a finite element model described previously. Modal and harmonic analysis was conducted. The amplitudes of 6 fundamental vertebral movements around the long, coronal and sagittal axis were quantified in the frequency range of 1 to 35 Hz. RESULTS: The vibration-induced rotation amplitudes of the apex of the thoracic deformity were higher than that of the lumbar segments. The apical vertebrae had the greatest rotation amplitudes at 2 and 8 Hz, and the largest lateral translation amplitudes at 16 Hz. Vibration could cause large lateral flexion amplitudes in the apex of the thoracic deformity. The apical vertebrae had the largest side flexion amplitudes at 6 Hz. Increasing upper body mass could not change resonant frequency of vibration-induced lateral translation and rotation around the long axis of the apical vertebrae. CONCLUSION: The scoliotic spine is more sensitive to vibration than the normal spine. For a patient with single thoracic curve, long-term whole-body vibration may do more harm to the thoracic deformity than to the lower lumbar segments. Axial cyclic loads applied to an already deformed spine may cause further rotational and scoliotic deformity. The patients with idiopathic scoliosis are more likely to suffer from vibration-induced spinal disorders than those by normal persons.