Survival analysis of the Wallis interspinous spacer used as an augment to lumbar decompression.

Object: The Wallis fixed interspinous spacer may augment traditional decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing survival of the Wallis interspinous spacer and to identify specific modes and predictors of failure.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 244 Wallis interspinous spacers implanted in 195 consecutive patients with a mean age of 56 years (range 21-87) to augment single or multi-level decompression.

Creation of an ovine model of progressive structural lordo-scoliosis using a unilateral laminar tether.

Purpose: To characterise changes in vertebral dimension in an ovine model of scoliosis and determine whether a reproducible curvature could be created that would be suitable for future testing of curve modifying surgical implants.

Methods: At a mean age of 5 weeks, 28 Scottish blackface sheep were anaesthetised. A 4 mm braided synthetic tape was laid under the left lamina of T5 and L1 and tightened to 'hand' tension.

Modulation of spinal shape with growth following implantation of a novel surgical implant.

Purpose: First, to determine whether scoliosis development could be limited or reversed by growth when a novel modular hinged implant was fixed to the convexity of a scoliosis created by contralateral rib and laminar tethering and unilateral rib resection in a sheep model. Second, to assess the effect and performance of the implant in normal non-tethered sheep.

Methods: At 5 weeks, 20 Scottish Blackface lambs underwent surgery to create a right sided scoliosis by (i) tethering the left lamina of T5-L1 and the left lower six ribs and (ii) resecting a segment of their right lower six ribs [1, 2].

Clinical effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane in lambs.

Objective: To compare isoflurane and sevoflurane in lambs undergoing prolonged anaesthesia for spinal surgery.

Study Design: Prospective randomised clinical study.

Animals: Eighteen Scottish blackface lambs 3-6 weeks of age and weighing 10-17 kg.

The effects of age, isoflurane and sevoflurane on atracurium in lambs.

Objective: To determine the effects of age, sevoflurane and isoflurane on atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade in 3-16 week-old lambs.

Study Design: Prospective randomized experimental trial.

Animals: Twenty-six Scottish blackface ewe-lambs were anaesthetized for spinal surgery when either 3-6 (mean age 4.

Design of a minimally invasive non fusion device for the surgical management of scoliosis in the skeletally immature.

Current management of scoliosis in the skeletally immature focuses on prevention of curve progression. Progressive curves require surgical instrumentation without fusion with periodic lengthening of the construct, continuous bracing and ultimately fusion of the curve when control is lost at the adolescent growth spurt. This treatment regime has a major negative impact on the childs biopsychosocial profile and yields relatively poor longterm results.

Spontaneous production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 by the human lumbar intervertebral disc.

Study Design: Scoliotic and herniated human intervertebral disc tissue obtained intraoperatively was cultured, and the medium was analyzed for the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine whether the human intervertebral disc is capable of spontaneous production of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8.

Summary Of Background Data: Lumbar disc herniations undergo spontaneous regression with time.