Effects on clinical outcomes of grafts and spacers used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a critical review.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a relatively new and popular spinal fusion technique that has proven very useful since its introduction. To date, fusion rates for different combinations of modalities and materials have not been thoroughly compared and assessed. In this review of published reports, 29 papers met criteria for assessing fusion rates for three different interbody spacers and four different combinations of bone grafts and extenders.

Bedside fasciotomy under local anesthesia for acute compartment syndrome: a feasible and reliable procedure in selected cases.

Background: Fasciotomy for compartment syndrome is an emergent procedure that is usually done in the operating theater under general anesthesia. Delay in performing the procedure can lead to worse outcome. Various reasons can cause delay in performing the surgery.

Sacroiliac joint fusion with fibular bone graft in patients with failed percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation.

Background: Numerous studies have described screw fixation of sacroiliac (SI) joint, but there have been very few reports in the literature regarding long-term pain levels after SI joint fixation and their management. The objective of this study was to analyze the results of SI joint fusion with fibular bone graft in patients with persistent late pain after iliosacral screw fixation.

Methods: Eleven consecutive patients with persistent late pain following iliosacral screw fixation with failed conservative methods were managed with fibular bone grafting of the SI joint.

Outcome of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with indirect reduction and fixation without fusion.

Indirect reduction and fixation is not a new method in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures but the indications and efficacy are controversial. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of indirect reduction without fusion. Sixty-four patients with single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures were identified and treated by this method.

Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells with pure fibrinous gelatin-transforming growth factor-beta1 decrease rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background Context: Disc degeneration is a major reason for low back pain and can be caused by apoptosis. The prevention of apoptosis using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may lead to new treatments for low back pain. Previous studies have reported that transplanted MSCs can proliferate and differentiate into cells expressing some of the major phenotypic qualities of nucleus pulposus cells.