The molecular basis of intervertebral disk degeneration.

At present, the molecular evidence involved in the degeneration of the IVD is still in its primitive stage. In general, however, intrinsic, extrinsic, and generic factors all have shown a contribution to the initiation of degeneration. These factors may stimulate cytokines and directly or indirectly generate the cellular events thus far detected and observed.

Gastric outflow obstruction after ingestion of wood glue in a dog.

A 2-year-old, male, mixed-breed dog presented with a 12-day history of vomiting, depression, and weight loss after ingestion of industrial-strength wood glue containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate as its active ingredient. A diagnosis of gastric foreign body was made from survey abdominal radiographs. A large aggregate of solidified wood glue was surgically removed, and the dog recovered uneventfully.

Bone morphogenetic proteins: relevance in spine surgery.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are low molecular weight glycoproteins that play a vital role in the development and maturation of skeletal tissue. Bone morphogenetic protein-induced mesenchymal cell recruitment and differentiation leads to the formation of chondroblasts and osteoblasts leading to the formation of de novo bone. Overwhelming pre-clinical and clinical evidence has suggested a promising role for BMPs for anterior and posterolateral spinal fusion.

Gene therapy for spinal applications.

Gene therapy is a promising drug delivery mechanism for the treatment of spinal disorders. Currently, the technique has been most useful in enhancing growth factor therapy for spinal fusion, intervertebral disc regeneration, and spinal cord injury healing. Gene therapy allows for the high-level local production of growth factors, obviating the need for slow release carriers or continuous infusion pumps that are otherwise necessary because of the short half-lives of most peptide growth factors.

Minimally invasive options for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

The recent introduction of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty provide minimally invasive methods to alleviate symptoms from vertebral fractures. While both methods are successful in addressing fracture related pain, only the kyphoplasty can partially restore structural alignment and height.

Revision strategies for lumbar pseudarthrosis.

Revision surgery for pseudarthrosis remains costly and complicated. Local and systemic factors should be corrected or improved before further surgery is performed. Careful evaluation is mandatory, and patients' expectations should be addressed fully by the surgeon before undertaking any surgical procedure.

Computerized frameless stereotactic image guidance in spinal surgery.

Clinical applications of computerized frameless stereotactic image-guided spinal surgery continue to evolve. This article discusses several limiting factors regarding the use of this technology. It discusses the benefits of stereotaxy, which are better realized when there is a distortion of 'normal' anatomy because of previous surgery or severe deformity.

Animal models for preclinical assessment of bone morphogenetic proteins in the spine.

Study Design: A review of the rationale behind the use of animal models for the assessment of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the spine.

Objective: To summarize the underlying principles of animal experimentation in the context of bone morphogenetic proteins and the spine.

Summary Of Background Data: Animal models aid in the collection of important information regarding the precise mechanobiologic events that occur during spinal fusion healing.

A review of moxidectin overdose cases in equines from 1998 through 2000.

Moxidectin is a macrolide endectocide available as a 2% equine oral gel in the US. This report presents clinical signs of moxidectin toxicosis and its treatment in equines as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) from January 1998 to December 2000. Nine cases of moxidectin overdose in equines occurred: 5 had signs of toxicosis such as coma, dyspnea, depression, ataxia, tremors, seizures, or weakness.

Factors predicting hospital stay, operative time, blood loss, and transfusion in patients undergoing revision posterior lumbar spine decompression, fusion, and segmental instrumentation.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 112 patients who underwent revision posterior lumbar spine decompression, fusion, and segmental instrumentation.

Objective: To ascertain factors predicting hospital stay, operative time, blood loss, and transfusion in patients undergoing revision posterior lumbar spine decompression, fusion, and segmental instrumentation.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterior lumbar spine decompression and fusion with segmental instrumentation is a common procedure in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disorders.

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging screening for a surgical decision regarding the approach for anterior spine fusion at the cervicothoracic junction.

Study Design: In a study investigating the correlation between a set of designed criteria and judgments of surgical experience, 100 cervical magnetic resonance images from different patients were used.

Objectives: To demonstrate reliable and reproducible anatomic measurements that can aid spine surgeons in selecting surgical approaches for anterior spine fusion in the cervicothoracic region.

Summary Of Background Data: Surgical approaches to the cervicothoracic junction vary among surgeons.

Clinical syndrome associated with zolpidem ingestion in dogs: 33 cases (January 1998-July 2000).

Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class that is used to treat insomnia in humans. Zolpidem binds selectively to the benzodiazepine omega-1 receptor and increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, which results in inhibition of neuronal excitation. A retrospective study was conducted of zolpidem ingestion in dogs that were reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) between January 1998 and July 2000.