Bone morphogenic protein-2 signaling in human disc degeneration and correlation to the Pfirrmann MRI grading system.

Background Context: Back and neck pain secondary to disc degeneration is a major public health burden. There is a need for therapeutic treatments to restore intervertebral disc (IVD) composition and function.

Purpose: To quantify ALK3, BMP-2, pSMAD1/5/8 and MMP-13 expression in IVD specimens collected from patients undergoing surgery for disc degeneration, to correlate ALK3, BMP-2, pSMAD1/5/8 and MMP-13 expression in IVD specimens to the 5-level Pfirrmann MRI grading system, and to compare ALK3, BMP-2, pSMAD1/5/8 and MMP-13 expression between cervical and lumbar degenerative disc specimens.

Role of oxidative metabolism in osseointegration during spinal fusion.

Spinal fusion is a commonly performed orthopedic surgery. Autologous bone graft obtained from the iliac crest is frequently employed to perform spinal fusion. Osteogenic bone marrow stromal (a.

Trends and Characteristics of Spine Research From 2006 to 2015: A Review of Spine Articles in a High Impact General Orthopedic Journal.

Study Design: Literature review.

Objective: To determine characteristics and trends in published spine research over a recent decade in a high impact, general orthopedic surgery journal.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent trends in published spine research in a high-impact orthopedic surgery journal are unknown.

What Factors Influence Compliance With Sequential Compression Devices in an Orthopaedic Unit: A Quality Assurance Observational Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the compliance rate with sequential suppression devices (SCDs) of patients admitted to an orthopaedic unit of a level I trauma center. A quality assurance observational study was conducted over a 4-week period (June/July 2015). Three observations were performed per 24-hour period (0700, 1300, 1900 hours).

Rupture of Giant Anterior Sacral Meningocele in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management.

Background: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in the weakening of connective tissues. Dural ectasia has been defined as a feature of Marfan syndrome and is present in up to 92% of patients. Rarely, dural ectasia can erode through the sacrum expanding into an anterior sacral meningocele.