The Influence of Direct Inoculation of Propionibacterium acnes on Modic Changes in the Spine: Evidence from a Rabbit Model.

Background: Modic changes (inflammatory-like changes visible on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans of a vertebral end plate) are common and are associated with low back pain, but their origin is unclear. To our knowledge, there have been no previous in vivo animal models of Modic changes. We hypothesized that Modic changes may be related to Propionibacterium acnes.

Mini-open Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation Following Posterior Instrumentation.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate, clinically and radiographically, the efficacy of mini-open retroperitoneal anterior lumbar discectomy followed by anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for recurrent lumbar disc herniation following primary posterior instrumentation.

Summary Of Background Data: Recurrent disc herniation following previous disc surgery occurs in 5 to 15% of cases.

Biomechanical properties of lumbar endplates and their correlation with MRI findings of lumbar degeneration.

How stiffness and strength of the human lumbar endplate vary with location, spinal level, and its correlation with MRI findings of lumbar degeneration, has not been reported in detail. 27 lumbar spines (16 male, 11 female, 31-49yrs) were harvested from cadavers without history of lumbar lesion or trauma. Disc and endplate degeneration was evaluated from MRI.

Anchorage of annulus fibrosus within the vertebral endplate with reference to disc herniation.

Purpose: To describe the microarchitecture of the annulus-endplate region with reference to disc herniation.

Methods: Twenty-five motion segments (L1-2 to L5-S1) were harvested from five cadaveric spines (four males, one female). Superior and inferior annulus-endplate junctions were divided into anterior, lateral and posterior regions.

Correlation between biomechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Purpose: To investigate the regional tensile properties of human annulus fibrosus (AF) and relate them to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods: 44 human cadaveric lumbar spines were harvested (24 male, 20 female, aged 25-64 years). MRI was used to identify Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, and Modic changes (MCs).

Comparison of modic changes in the lumbar and cervical spine, in 3167 patients with and without spinal pain.

Background Context: There are few comparisons of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar and cervical spine.

Purpose: Compare the prevalence of MCs in the lumbar and cervical spine, and determine how MC prevalence depends on spinal pain, age, disc degeneration, spinal level, and the presence or absence of kyphosis.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical survey.