Chiari I malformation associated with syringomyelia: can foramen magnum decompression lead to restore cervical alignment?

Purpose: There are few researches that demonstrate the relationship between the extent of syringomyelia and sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between the change of syrinx size and cervical alignment.

Methods: From January 2001 to June 2008, we operated on 207 patients who had syringomyelia.

X-Ray-based Kinematic Analysis of Cervical Spine According to Prosthesis Designs: Analysis of the Mobi C, Bryan, PCM, and Prestige LP.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Objective: To identify significant kinematic changes in the cervical spine after cervical artificial disk replacement (ADR) using prostheses with diverse designs.

Summary Of Background Data: Various types of artificial disks are used for cervical ADR.

Early development and progression of heterotopic ossification in cervical total disc replacement.

Object: The purpose of cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is to decrease the incidence of adjacent segment disease through motion preservation. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-known complication after hip and knee arthroplasties. There are few reports regarding HO in patients undergoing cervical TDR, however; and the occurrence of HO and its effects on cervical motion have rarely been reported.

Early outcome of posterior cervical endoscopic discectomy: an alternative treatment choice for physically/socially active patients.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is currently the standard treatment for cervical disc disease. Some patients wish to be treated with a less invasive method, because of their social/physical situations. Here we present one method of treatments for socially/physically active patients.

Surgical outcome of spinal canal meningiomas.

Objective: We report experiences and clinical outcomes of 61 cases with spinal canal meningiomas from January 1970 through January 2005.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled with follow-up duration of more than one year after surgery. There were 7 male and 31 female patients.

Use of diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate weakness.

Object: Recently, diffusion tensor (DT) imaging was introduced to demonstrate white matter tracts. However, research interest has focused on the anatomical rather than the functional aspects of this imaging modality. The authors undertook a functional analysis of DT imaging to determine the relationship between weakness and changes on DT images.

Paragangliomas in the cauda equina region: clinicopathoradiologic findings in four cases.

Paragangliomas of the cauda equina are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Four cases of nonsecreting paraganglioma of the cauda equina, preoperatively misdiagnosed as neurinoma, are presented with an emphasis on the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging findings and pathological features. Although it is difficult to correctly diagnose paraganglioma preoperatively for intradural extramedullary tumors, especially in the cauda equina, paraganglioma should be included in differential diagnoses.

Evaluation of HealosMP52 osteoinductive bone graft for instrumented lumbar intertransverse process fusion in sheep.

Study Design: HealosMP52 was evaluated in a sheep model of instrumented lumbar intertransverse process spine fusion and compared to autogenous bone graft.

Objectives: To determine the long-term efficacy and safety of HealosMP52 as a bone graft substitute in posterolateral instrumented spinal fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Although the standard intertransverse fusion method employs autogenous iliac crest bone, autograft has certain limitations.

Thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach to thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Background Context: Anterior approaches to the thoracocolmbar junction (TLJ) are often required to restore anterior column deficiency after spinal trauma. Conventional open approaches are often associated with significant morbidity, and hence there is a need for a minimally invasive approach to TLJ fractures.

Purpose: To report the feasibility and effectiveness of the thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach (TTA) in the management of TLJ fractures.