The L3 Flexion Angle Predicts Failure of Non-Operative Management in Patients with Tandem Spondylolithesis.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Determine impact of standard/novel spinopelvic parameters on global sagittal imbalance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, and clinical outcomes in patients with multi-level, tandem degenerative spondylolisthesis (TDS).

Methods: Single institution analysis; 49 patients with TDS.

Biomechanical Analysis of Wide Posterior Releases Compared With Inferior Facetectomy and Discectomy in the Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine.

Study Design: In vitro biomechanical analysis.

Objectives: Compare the destabilizing effects of anterior discectomy to posterior spinal releases.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterior release and pedicle screw fixation has become the accepted form of treatment for lumbar and thoracolumbar pediatric scoliotic spinal deformity.

Dynamic in vivo 3D atlantoaxial spine kinematics during upright rotation.

Diagnosing dysfunctional atlantoaxial motion is challenging given limitations of current diagnostic imaging techniques. Three-dimensional imaging during upright functional motion may be useful in identifying dynamic instability not apparent on static imaging. Abnormal atlantoaxial motion has been linked to numerous pathologies including whiplash, cervicogenic headaches, C2 fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects approximately 4 million people in the United States with spinal cord injury (SCI) being a common cause. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an integral role in mediating inflammatory responses, cellular signaling, cell migration, extracellular matrix degradation and tissue remodeling and repair. As such, they are major components in the pathogenesis of secondary injury within the central nervous system.