3D virtual reconstruction and quantitative assessment of the human intervertebral disc's annulus fibrosus: a DTI tractography study.

The intervertebral disc's (IVD) annulus fibrosus (AF) retains the hydrostatic pressure of the nucleus pulposus (NP), controls the range of motion, and maintains the integrity of the motion segment. The microstructure of the AF is not yet fully understood and quantitative characterization is lacking, leaving a caveat in modern medicine's ability to prevent and treat disc failure (e.g.

The Lumbar Lordosis in Males and Females, Revisited.

Background: Whether differences exist in male and female lumbar lordosis has been debated by researchers who are divided as to the nature of variations in the spinal curve, their origin, reasoning, and implications from a morphological, functional and evolutionary perspective. Evaluation of the spinal curvature is constructive in understanding the evolution of the spine, as well as its pathology, planning of surgical procedures, monitoring its progression and treatment of spinal deformities. The aim of the current study was to revisit the nature of lumbar curve in males and females.

Identifying and classifying hyperostosis frontalis interna via computerized tomography.

The aim of this study was to recognize the radiological characteristics of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) and to establish a valid and reliable method for its identification and classification. A reliability test was carried out on 27 individuals who had undergone a head computerized tomography (CT) scan. Intra-observer reliability was obtained by examining the images three times, by the same researcher, with a 2-week interval between each sample ranking.

Ligamentum flavum thickness in normal and stenotic lumbar spines.

Study Design: A descriptive computed tomography (CT) study of the ligamentum flavum (LF) thickness in individuals with normal and stenotic lumbar spines.

Objective: To establish standards for normal and pathologic range of LF thickness and its asymmetry as indicated in CT images and to examine its association with vertebral body size, age, and gender.

Summary Of Background Data: LF lines a considerable part of the posterior and lateral walls of the spinal canal and is a major role contributor to spinal canal stenosis.

Spine curve modeling for quantitative analysis of spinal curvature.

Spine curvature and posture are important to sustain healthy back. Incorrect spine configuration can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine, leading to low back pain (LBP). We propose new method for analyzing spine curvature in 3D, using CT imaging.