Neural modulation for hypertension and heart failure.

Hypertension (HTN) and heart failure (HF) have a significant global impact on health, and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite recent advances in pharmacologic and device therapy for these conditions, there is a need for additional treatment modalities. Patients with sub-optimally treated HTN have increased risk for stroke, renal failure and heart failure.

Bone density of the first sacral vertebra in relation to sacral screw placement: a computed tomography study.

A visual three-dimensional image of the first sacral vertebra was constructed using computer software to predict the sites of strong density for better screw purchase of upper sacrum. Forty dry sacrum specimens were scanned in the prone position. An axial section, 10 mm below the S1 end plate, was selected for determining density at the region of interest.

Anterior approach to the cervical spine: surgical anatomy.

While performing the anterior approach to the cervical vertebral bodies, injury to important anatomic structures in the vicinity of the dissection represents a serious risk. The midportion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve are encountered in the anterior approach to the lower cervical spine. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is vulnerable to injury on the right side, especially if ligation of inferior thyroid vessels is performed without paying sufficient attention to the course and position of the nerve, and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is vulnerable to injury during ligature and division of the superior thyroid artery.

Occipital screws in occipitocervical fusion and their relation to the venous sinuses: an anatomic and radiographic study.

This study examined the safe zone for placement of occipital screws without endangering the sinuses. In the first part of the study, 10 cadaveric skulls were exposed. The borders of the confluences and the transverse sinuses were located on the outer table of the occiput.

Computed tomography in the determination of transarticular C1-C2 screw length.

This study evaluated the significance of computed tomographic (CT) measurements of the upper cervical vertebrae and their clinical implications in transarticular C1-C2 screw placement. In the first part of the study, analysis of axial CT scans of the atlas of 46 patients who had a normal C1-C2 region was performed. Measurements included the vertical distance between the middle of the ventral cortex of the lateral mass and the anterior-most point of the anterior tubercle, and the angle of the anterior ring of C1 relative to the frontal plane.

Internal architecture of the sacrum in the elderly. An anatomic and radiographic study.

Study Design: A description of the internal architecture of the sacrum, including its trabecular arrangement, cortical thickness, and overall bone density.

Objectives: To determine the strong and weak areas in the sacrum to understand more clearly the sacral structure and its clinical implications.

Methods: First, seven cadaveric sacral specimens were sectioned in different planes.

Internal architecture of the talus: implication for talar fracture.

The internal architecture of the talus has not previously been well described even though the morphological anatomy and the blood supply have been studied extensively. This study describes the internal architecture of the talus regarding its trabecular orientation, using high-resolution x-ray images of 13 dry tali and thick sections in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. The trabecular arrays and their relationship to talar fractures are described.

Primary alveolar soft part sarcoma of bone.

Aims: Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a distinct, rare soft tissue tumour occurring primarily within the skeletal muscles or musculofascial planes in young adults. Primary involvement of bone is extremely rare. We report on six patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma occurring primarily in bone.

Open reduction and internal fixation of fracture of the posterior process of the talus: a case report and review of the literature.

A fracture of the posterior process of the talus is rare. In this report, we present a case of isolated displaced fracture of the posterior process of the talus, which was treated by early open reduction and internal fixation through a posteromedial approach. The fracture healed without evidence of avascular necrosis of either the posterior fragment or the talar body.

Radiographic evaluation of talonavicular joint after talar screw placement: a cadaver study.

Twelve cadaver feet were used for a radiographic assessment of the talonavicular joint. A 4.0- or a 6.