Imaging Analysis of the High-Intensity Zone on Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Images: Classification, Features and Correlation with Low Back Pain.

Aim: Early studies suggested that the high-intensity zone (HIZ) on lumbar MRI was a diagnostic sign of painful internal disc disruption (IDD). However, recent studies have questioned its diagnostic value. This study is conducted to explore imaging features of HIZ and to investigate the correlation between these characteristics and low back pain (LBP), further studying the predictive value of HIZ.

Anterior High-Intensity Zone in Lumbar Discs: Prevalence and Association with Low Back Pain.

Objectives: To explore the features of high-intensity zone (HIZ) in anterior annulus fibrosus and assess the association of anterior HIZ with low back pain (LBP).

Design, Setting, And Subjects: A retrospective study of 5,940 discs in 1,188 individuals was conducted.

Methods: Subjects' information and LBP symptoms confirmed by an orthopedic surgeon were acquired from the medical record.

The research of transgenic human nucleus pulposus cell transplantation in the treatment of lumbar disc degeneration.

The present study determines whether the in vivo injection of TGFβ1 and CTGF mediated by AAV2 to transfect nucleus pulposus cells in degenerative lumbar discs can reverse the biological effects of rhesus lumbar disc degeneration. A total of 42 lumbar discs obtained from six rhesus monkeys were classified into three groups: experimental group, control group, and blank group. Degenerative lumbar discs were respectively injected with double gene-transfected human nucleus pulposus cells using minimally invasive techniques.

Factors associated with lumbar disc high-intensity zone (HIZ) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance image: a retrospective study of 3185 discs in 637 patients.

Background: It is well known that internal disc disruption (IDD) is accelerated by factors such as aging and injury. High- intensity zone (HIZ) on lumbar MRI is usually considered a marker of painful IDD. However, many painful IDD show no HIZ.

Effects of AAV2-mediated co-transfection of CTGF and TIMP1 genes on degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs in rhesus monkeys in vivo.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of co-transfection of the genes for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) mediated by adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) on degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs in a primate model.

Methods: Twelve 4-7 year-old rhesus monkeys weighing 4.5-7.

Lentivirus-mediated TGF-β3, CTGF and TIMP1 gene transduction as a gene therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration in an rabbit model.

The present study examined the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) gene transduction, using a lentiviral vector, on rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration , with the intention of investigating their potential use in gene therapy. A model of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration was created by needle puncture into the annulus fibrosus of 15 New Zealand white rabbits. Empty lentivirus or recombinant lentiviral plasmid lenti-TGFβ3-P2A-CTGF-T2A-TIMP1 was injected into degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs (representing the control and experimental groups, respectively), whilst untreated degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs served as the puncture group.

Effect of rAAV2-hTGFβ1 Gene Transfer on Matrix Synthesis in an In Vivo Rabbit Disk Degeneration Model.

Study Design: In vivo gene transfer for disk regeneration.

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and effect of human transforming growth factor β1 (hTGFβ1) gene transfer mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in a rabbit disk degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment (Fn-f).

Summary Of Background Data: Gene therapy for disk degeneration has been reported to be effective.

Thoracic intervertebral disc calcification and herniation in adults: a report of two cases.

Purpose: Acute paraplegia due to thoracic intervertebral disc protrusion and calcification is rare. The purpose of this study was to report two cases with acute paraplegia due to a calcified thoracic disc prolapse, and discuss its clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment with literature reviews.

Methods: These two cases were verified by patient history, physical examination, laboratory examination, CT and MRI studies, and pathological findings.

One stage laminoplasty and posterior herniotomy for the treatment of myelopathy caused by cervical stenosis with cervical disc herniation.

The aim of the study was to introduce a method of one stage laminoplasty and posterior herniotomy for myelopathy caused by cervical stenosis with cervical disc herniation and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of this surgery. From 1999 to 2008, 18 patients with myelopathy caused by cervical stenosis with cervical disc herniation who underwent this procedure were included. The average age was 63 years (range 48-74 years), and the average follow-up period was 46 months (range 3-108 months).

Single-stage combined anterior retropharyngeal and posterior approach for the resection and reconstruction of C2 metastatic tumors: A case report.

This study reports the case of a 44-year-old male who had experienced severe neck pain for one month and was diagnosed with a metastatic tumor of the left C2 vertebral body and the left transverse process. The tumor was distributed to layers A-D and sectors 3-7 according to the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini classification, and was in Category IV according to the Harrington classification system. A conventional posterior cervical approach was used to resect the left transverse process and part of the tumor in a piecemeal fashion, and spinal instrumentation was also performed.

[The changes of extracellular matrix in adult degenerative nucleus pulposus cells with stiring microcarrier culture system in vitro].

Objective: To evaluate the biological effect on the synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the cultivation of adult degenerative nucleus pulposus cells using the stiring microcarrier system in vitro.

Methods: Thirty-four specimens were collected after intervertebral fusion operations of the patients with intervertebral disc herniation diseases from September 2005 to May 2009. The specimens were then randomly allocated into 2 groups for in vitro cultivation: monolayer culture group and microcarrier culture group.

[A novel rabbit disc degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment].

Objective: To establish a novel and useful rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration using microinjection of fibronectin fragment (Fn-f).

Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits underwent injection of N-terminal 30 kDa Fn-f (experimental group) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (control group) into the central region of L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 discs using a 32-gauge microsyringe. Two rabbits (blank group) with no treatments were sacrificed to examine the proteoglycan synthesis of neucleus pulposus (NP) using (35)S-sulfate incorporation assay.

Correction of post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis using pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze and evaluate the effect of treatment employing pedicle subtraction osteotomy for chronic, posttraumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis. This study included 19 patients, 11 males and 8 females, with chronic, posttraumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis. Pre-operative kyphosis ranged from 31° to 63°.

A novel rabbit disc degeneration model induced by fibronectin fragment.

Objective: To establish a novel and useful rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration using microinjection of a fibronectin fragment.

Methods: Thirty-two rabbits underwent injection of N-terminal 30 kDa fibronectin fragment (Fn-f) (Group A, n=12; Group B, n=4) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Group C, n=12; Group D, n=4) into the lumbar discs using a 32-gauge microsyringe. Two rabbits (Group E) with no treatment were sacrificed to examine the proteoglycan synthesis of neucleus pulposus (NP) using (35)S-sulfate incorporation assay.

High-intensity zone (HIZ) of lumbar intervertebral disc on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images: spatial distribution, and correlation of distribution with low back pain (LBP).

Objectives: To analyze the three-dimensional distribution of high-intensity zone (HIZ) in lumbar disks and to assess the correlation between low back pain (LBP) and spatial distribution of HIZs.

Methods: Clinical records and lumbar MRIs of 623 patients (337 males and 286 females, age 50.10 ± 15.

Transplantation of gene-modified nucleus pulposus cells reverses rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration is the main cause of low back pain. The purpose of this study was to explore potential methods for reversing the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs by transplantation of gene-modified nucleus pulposus cells into rabbit degenerative lumbar intervertebral discs after transfecting rabbit nucleus pulposus cells with adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2)-mediated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) genes in vitro.

Methods: Computer tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous annulus fibrosus injury was performed to build degenerative lumbar intervertebral disc models in 60 New Zealand white rabbits.

Combined expression of CTGF and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 promotes synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen type II in rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral disc cells in vitro.

Background: Low back pain has emerged as a widespread disease often caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. This study aimed to establish an in vitro cell culture model of rhesus monkey lumbar intervertebral discs and to investigate the effect of combined connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) expression mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) on collagen type II and proteoglycan levels. The purpose of these investigations was to explore potential methods for relieving the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc cells.

[Diagnosis and treatment of disc herniation at cervical vertebra 7-thoracic vertebra 1 (C(7)-T(1))].

Objective: To study the outcome of laminoforaminotomy with posterolateral discectomy for patients with lateral disc herniation at C(7)-T(1).

Methods: From August 2000 to August 2008, 12 patients with lateral disc herniation at C(7)-T(1) underwent posterolateral discectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Neurologic function were evaluated with the Motor Scoring System.

[Outcomes of posterior C(1-2) fusion for atlantoaxial instability or dislocation using pedicle screws of atlas and axis].

Objective: To retrospectively analyze and evaluate the results of treatment for atlantoaxial instability or dislocation employing pedicle screws of atlas and axis.

Methods: Thirty-one patients (23 male and 8 female) with atlantoaxial instability or dislocation were stabilized using pedicle screws of atlas and axis between May 2005 to January 2008. The patients ranged in age from 17 to 67 years (mean 43.

[Clinical investigation of high-intensity zone in anterior annulus fibrosus of lumbar disc: compared with high-intensity zone in posterior annulus fibrosus].

Objective: To explore the prevalence, distribution and clinical significance of high-intensity zone (HIZ) in anterior annulus fibrosus (AF) in comparison with HIZ in posterior AF of lumbar disc.

Methods: According to the diagnosis and location of HIZ, 610 lumbar magnetic resonance images with entire clinical materials were divided into control group (without HIZ), anterior AF group (HIZ), posterior AF group (HIZ) and anterior & posterior (AP) AF group (HIZ). The incidence of HIZ was summarized.

[Significance of the high-intensity zone located in the posterior annulus fibrosus for diagnosing discogenic low back pain].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of high-intensity zone (HIZ) and the correlation between HIZ and low back pain (LBP).

Methods: The data of 1000 unselected cases, 566 males and 434 females, aged 49.49 (12 - 86), who underwent lumbar MRI were analyzed to examine the prevalence of HIZ.

[A model of lumbar disc degeneration on the early stage in rhesus monkey with minimally invasive technique].

Objective: To establish a novel model of lumbar disc degeneration on the early stage in the rhesus monkey using percutaneous needle puncture guided by CT.

Methods: (1) Thirteen rhesus monkeys aged from 4 to 7 years, female 7 and male 6 were selected for establishing a model of the early stage of lumbar disc degeneration. (2)13 monkeys, 91 discs were divided into 3 groups: 64 discs from L1/2 to L5/6 were percutaneous punctured with a needle 20G as experimental group and 1 disc with a needle 15G as puncture control group and 26 discs were not be punctured from L6,7 to L7-S1 as control group.

Effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV) of transforming growth factors beta1 and beta3 (TGFbeta1,3) on promoting synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II of dedifferentiated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.

The effects of AAV-TGFbeta(1) and AAV-TGFbeta(3) on promoting synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II of dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were studied in this work. The rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were isolated and cultured. The earlier and later dedifferentiated NP cells were established by subculture.

Constructing adeno-associated virus-TGFbeta3 and comparing its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis in dedifferentiated nucleus pulpous cells with adenovirus-TGFbeta1.

Objective: To construct adeno-associated virus (AAV) expression system for transforming growth factor beta3 (TGFbeta3 ) and detect its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis of the earlier and later dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc nucleus pulpous (NP) cells, which was compared with that of adenovirus (AV) expression system for TGFbeta1.

Methods: TGFbeta3 gene was obtained using PCR. Its upstream contained restriction enzyme site Kpn I, and its downstream contained restriction enzyme site Sal I.

The upper thoracic spinal cord compression as the initial manifestation of Wegener's granulomatosis: a case report.

There are only a few reported cases about spinal cord involvement with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in the literature. In these cases, the spinal cord is usually indented or compressed by dural and meningeal masses which are characterized by necrotizing granuloma formation and vasculitis. And, it usually cannot be correctly diagnosed.