Combined Anterior-Posterior Fusion Versus Posterior Alone Fusion for Cervical Myelopathy in Athetoid-Cerebral Palsy.

Study Design: Retrospective comparative study.

Objectives: Although some studies have discussed the use of lateral mass screws (LMSs) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), it is unclear whether posterior LMS fixation alone is a suitable method. We aimed to compare the clinical, radiological, and surgical outcomes of 2 surgical modalities, namely, combined anterior-posterior (A-P) instrumented fusion and posterior fusion alone, in athetoid-type CP patients with cervical myelopathy (CM).

The impact of posterior epidural adipose tissue on postoperative outcomes after posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: A prospectively randomized non-inferiority trial.

Study Design: The present study is a prospectively randomized study.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of posterior epidural adipose tissue (PAT) on postoperative outcome following lumbar decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by whether PAT was removed or preserved during the surgical procedure.

Summary Of Background Data: In posterior decompression surgery for LSS, PAT is routinely removed without knowledge of its role and significance.

Effect of water glass coating of tricalcium phosphate granules on in vivo bone formation.

Background: Recently, some authors introduced a water glass (WG, sodium-silicate glass; NaO·SiO·nHO) coating over tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramic to modulate its resorption rate and enhance the bone cell behaviors. In this study, four different types of granular samples were prepared to evaluate the ability of new bone formation in vivo using micro-computed tomography and histology.

Methods: Four types sample groups: group A (pure HA as a negative resorption control); group B (pure TCP as a positive resorption control); group C (WG-coated TCP as an early resorption model); and group D (same as group C but heat-treated at 500°C as a delayed resorption model).

Effect of water glass coating of tricalcium phosphate on in vitro cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.

Background In this study, the properties of the water glass (WG, sodium-silicate glass) were utilized to control the biodegradability of the beta tricalcium phosphate materials by the WG coating on the tricalcium phosphate disc surface with various coating thickness, chemistry, and heat-treatment. Methods Four types of disc specimens were prepared. A sample group A consisted of pure hydroxyapatite (HA) as a negative resorption control; a sample group B consisted of pure beta tricalcium phosphate as a positive resorption control; a sample group C consisted of beta tricalcium phosphate coated with WG as an early resorption model; and a sample group D consisted beta tricalcium phosphate coated with WG and heat-treated at 500°C as a delayed resorption model.

Comparative study of two spinous process (SP) osteotomy techniques for posterior decompression surgery in lumbar spinal stenosis: SP base versus splitting osteotomy.

Purpose: To compare the postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes of the SP base osteotomy versus SP splitting techniques for PD for treating LSS.

Methods: Of 139 patients who underwent PD surgery for LSS, 97 who met the study criteria were enrolled in the study. Group A comprised 53 patients who underwent SP base osteotomy, and group B included 44 patients who underwent SP splitting osteotomy.

Comparative Study of Cortical Bone Trajectory-Pedicle Screw (Cortical Screw) Versus Conventional Pedicle Screw in Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A 2-Year Post Hoc Analysis from Prospectively Randomized Data.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report 2-year follow-up outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with cortical bone trajectory-pedicle screw (CS), in terms of fusion rates, clinical outcomes, surgical outcomes, and complications, and to compare these outcomes with outcomes for PLIF with conventional pedicle screw (PS).

Methods: We enrolled 79 patients and randomly assigned them to 2 groups (group A with PS, 39 patients; group B with CS, 40 patients), and finally 37 and 35 in group A and B were analyzed in the study. The primary outcome measure was the fusion rate, evaluated by dynamic radiographs and computed tomography scans.

The Efficacy of Vitamin C on Postoperative Outcomes after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Vitamin C has critical features relavant to postoperative pain management and functional improvement; however, no study has yet evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin C on improving the surgical outcomes for spine pathologies. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of vitamin C on postoperative outcomes after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for lumbar spinal stenosis in prospectively randomized design. We conducted a 1-year prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the impact of vitamin C on the postoperative outcomes after PLIF surgery.

Impact of wedge-shaped resection of the posterior bony arch on postoperative outcomes after open door laminoplasty in the cervical spine: a 2-year follow-up study.

Background Context: Open door laminoplasty (ODLP) can also lead to significant postoperative motion restriction that further increases over time, for which one of the possible factors is the bony impingement between neighboring posterior bony arches. Previously, we reported this phenomenon and modified technique of ODLP, wedge-shaped resection of the posterior bony arch that produced greater range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and less posterior neck pain compared with conventional ODLP (cODLP) in 1-year follow-up time, but no longer follow-up outcomes of the surgical technique has been reported.

Purpose: The study aimed to thoroughly evaluate the impact of posterior bony impingement following ODLP on postoperative cervical motion and related outcomes, and to compare postoperative outcomes of conventional ODLP (cODLP with those of modified ODLP (mODLP) in 2-year follow-up times.

The Impact of L5 Sacralization on Fusion Rates and Clinical Outcomes After Single-level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) at L4-L5 Level.

Study Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective: To determine the impact of L5 sacralization on fusion rates and clinical outcomes after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery at the L4-L5 level.

Summary Of Background Data: L5 sacralization can produce greater stress concentration at the adjacent segment (L4-L5); therefore, L4-L5 PLIF surgery in patients with L5 sacralization may negatively affect fusion rate and be associated with poor clinical outcomes.

A Sternum-Disk Distance Method to Identify the Skin Level for Approaching a Surgical Segment without Fluoroscopy Guidance during Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Purpose: To introduce the sternum-disk distance (SDD) method for approaching the exact surgical level without C-arm guidance during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery and to evaluate its accuracy and reliability.

Overview Of Literature: Although spine surgeons have tried to optimize methods for identifying the skin level for accessing the operative disk level without C-arm guidance during ACDF, success has rarely been reported.

Usefulness of K-Point Injection for the Nonspecific Neck Pain in So-Called K-Point Syndrome.

Background: Shoichi Kokubun introduced his successful experience with local anesthetic injection at the occipital insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in K-point syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of K-point injection and investigate factors affecting treatment results.

Methods: K-point injection was performed in 58 patients with K-point syndrome at Yeungnam University Medical Center.

Which Technique Is Better Option for C3 Segment in Multilevel Open-Door Laminoplasty of the Cervical Spine?: Laminectomy Versus Laminoplasty.

Study Design: A post-hoc comparative study.

Objective: To evaluate postoperative clinical, radiological, and surgical outcomes after laminoplasty (LP) involving the C3 segment and to compare outcomes with those of patients who underwent LP with C3 laminectomy (LN).

Summary Of Background Data: In many of the pathologies that require LP involving C3 segment, most spine surgeons perform LP at C3 and other cervical segments.

Significance of Coronal Proset Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Hidden Zone of the Mid-Zone Stenosis in the Lumbar Spine and Morphometric Analysis of the Mid-Zone Stenosis.

Study Design: Retrospective exploratory imaging study.

Purpose: To investigate the significance of the coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using Proset technique to detect the hidden zone in patients with mid-zone stenosis by comparing with conventional axial and sagittal MRI and to explore the morphologic characteristic patterns of the mid-zone stenosis.

Overview Of Literature: Despite advancements in diagnostic modalities such as computed tomography and MRI, stenotic lesions under the pedicle and pars interarticularis, also called the mid-zone, are still difficult to definitely detect with the conventional axial and sagittal MRI due to its inherited anatomical peculiarity.

The impact of generalized joint laxity (GJL) on the posterior neck pain, cervical disc herniation, and cervical disc degeneration in the cervical spine.

Background Context: Generalized joint laxity (GJL) can have a negative impact on lumbar spine pathology, including low back pain, disc degeneration, and disc herniation, but the relationship between GJL and cervical spine conditions remains unknown.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between GJL and cervical spine conditions, including the prevalence of posterior neck pain (PNP), cervical disc herniation (CDH), and cervical disc degeneration (CDD), in a young, active population.

Study Design: Retrospective 1:2 matched cohort (case-control) study from prospectively collected data PATIENT SAMPLE: Of a total of 1853 individuals reviewed, 73 individuals with GJL (study group, gruop A) and 146 without GJL (control group, Group B) were included in the study according to a 1:2 case-control matched design for age, sex, and body mass index.

Wedge-Shaped Resection of the Posterior Bony Arch During Open Door Laminoplasty to Prevent Postoperative Motion Limitation.

Study Design: Prospective randomized double-arm noninferiority study.

Objective: To evaluate an additional surgical procedure (wedge-shaped resection of the cranial portion of the posterior bony arch) during open-door laminoplasty (ODLP), and to compare the outcomes with those of conventional ODLP surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: In clinical practice, spine surgeons sometimes encounter patients who show bony impingement on lateral radiographs after ODLP; bony impingement may lead to reduced motion of the cervical spine and posterior neck pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Increases the Levels of Catabolic Molecules and Cellular Dedifferentiation in the Meniscus of a Rabbit Model.

Despite the susceptibility to frequent intrinsic and extrinsic injuries, especially in the inner zone, the meniscus does not heal spontaneously owing to its poor vascularity. In this study, the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), containing various growth factors, on meniscal mechanisms was examined under normal and post-traumatic inflammatory conditions. Isolated primary meniscal cells of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were incubated for 3, 10, 14 and 21 days with PRP(-), 10% PRP (PRP(+)), IL(+) or IL(+)PRP(+).

The comparison of pedicle screw and cortical screw in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a prospective randomized noninferiority trial.

Background Context: Pedicle screws (PS) offer great benefits in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), but several drawbacks of PS, including the risk of superior facet joint violation and muscle injury, have also pointed out. Recently, cortical screws (CS) were invented, which can be placed without the drawbacks associated with PS. However, whether CS in PLIF can provide similar or greater clinical and radiologic outcomes compared to those of PS has not been fully evaluated in clinical research studies.

Comparison of surgical treatment with direct repair versus conservative treatment in young patients with spondylolysis: a prospective, comparative, clinical trial.

Background Context: Although direct repair (DR) with screw fixation at the pars defect is a common surgical treatment for lumbar spondylolysis, it is unknown whether DR leads to better outcomes for young patients with spondylolysis than traditional nonsurgical treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether DR was associated with better outcomes for lumbar spondylolysis in young patients than traditional conservative treatment.

Study Design: This is a prospective cohort study.

Comparison of posterolateral lumbar fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion for patients younger than 60 years with isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Study Design: Prospective randomized study.

Objective: To determine whether single-level posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was associated with better outcomes for patients 60 years or younger with isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Summary Of Background Data: Although both PLF and PLIF are considered effective surgical treatments for isthmic spondylolisthesis, it is unknown which treatment leads to better outcomes.

Comparative characteristics of porous bioceramics for an osteogenic response in vitro and in vivo.

Porous calcium phosphate ceramics are used in orthopedic and craniofacial applications to treat bone loss, or in dental applications to replace missing teeth. The implantation of these materials, however, does not induce stem cell differentiation, so suitable additional materials such as porous calcium phosphate discs are needed to influence physicochemical responses or structural changes. Rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and mouse osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) were evaluated in vitro by the MTT assay, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoblotting using cells cultured in medium supplemented with extracts from bioceramics, including calcium metaphosphate (CMP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and collagen-grafted HA (HA-col).

Individual variation in growth factor concentrations in platelet-rich plasma and its influence on human mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: The objective of this study was to explore whether individual variations in the concentration of growth factors (GFs) influence the biologic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs).

Methods: The concentrations of 7 representative GFs in activated PRP (aPRP) were measured using ELISA. The effects of PRP on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of HMSCs were examined using several concentrations of aPRP from 3 donors; the relationships between the GF levels and these biologic effects were then evaluated using 10% aPRP from 5 subgroups derived from 39 total donors.

Optimal supplementation of dexamethasone for clinical purposed expansion of mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair.

Background: Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are generally considered to represent a very promising tool for bone repair, no optimal protocol has yet been developed for the isolation and expansion of these cells for large-scale clinical applications.

Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were supplemented with four different concentrations of dexamethasone: 0 M (Con), 0.2 × 10(-8) M (D0.

Metformin Inhibits Isoproterenol-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice.

The present study examined whether metformin treatment prevents isoporterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Chronic subcutaneous infusion of isoproterenol (15 mg/kg/24 h) for 1 week using an osmotic minipump induced cardiac hypertrophy measured by the heart-to-body weight ratio and left ventricular posterior wall thickness. Cardiac hypertrophy was accompanied with increased interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), collagen I and III, and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2).