Radiation Exposure During Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery Can Be Reduced by Using a Three-Dimensional Patient-Specific Template Guide.

Background: The use of posterior lumber interbody fusion (PLIF) using cortical bone trajectory (CBT) with a patient-specific 3D template guide is increasingly widespread. To our knowledge, no studies have extensively evaluated the reduction of radiation exposure when using patient-specific drill template guides. The purpose of this study is to compare the intra-operative radiation dose and surgeon's exposure to radiation in CBT-PLIF when using a patient-specific drill guide with that in traditional minimally invasive (MIS)-PLIF.

Novel within ring fixation using iliac screws and an iliosacral screw locking system technique for fragility fracture of the pelvis.

Background: Surgical indications for fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP) have been reconsidered recently, and the indications to perform surgery have increased. However, the optimal surgical method to obtain sufficiently strong fixation in elderly patients with minimal invasiveness is not yet clear. In this report, we present the case of a patient with FFP who was treated with a novel posterior within ring fixation technique using a combination of iliac screws and an implant that locks the original iliosacral (IS) screw in the sacrum.

Dynamics and Mechanisms of Contrast-Dependent Modulation of Spatial-Frequency Tuning in the Early Visual Cortex.

The spatial-frequency (SF) tuning of neurons in the early visual cortex is adjusted for stimulus contrast. As the contrast increases, SF tuning is modulated so that the transmission of fine features is facilitated. A variety of mechanisms are involved in shaping SF tunings, but those responsible for the contrast-dependent modulations are unclear.