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Following are a selection of Abstracts from Spine, V 24, No 9, May 1, 1999 (Please hit back button to return to Table of Contents.)
Phenotypic Characteristics of Rabbit Intervertebral Disc Cells: Comparison
With Cartilage Cells From the Same Animals
The phenotypes of intervertebral disc cells were compared with articular and growth
plate chondrocytes. Study data suggest that cells from the anulus fibrosus could be
chondrocytic at a different stage of differentiation than cartilage cells, whereas the
phenotype of the cells from the nucleus pulposus remains to be determined.
Behavioral and Morphologic Studies of the Chronically Compressed Cauda
Equina: Experimental Model of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in the Rat
An experimental model of rats with chronic compression of the cauda equina was
produced, and behavioral and morphologic changes were examined. Walking durations
decreased after chronic compression. However, paw withdrawal latencies were not
significantly changed. Histologic evaluation indicated that the continuous degeneration
and regeneration of axons occurred throughout the experiment.
The Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Plating in the Management of Symptomatic
Pseudoarthrosis of the Cervical Spine
Anterior resection of cervical pseudoarthrosis with reconstruction using autogenous iliac
crest bone grafting and anterocervical plating was performed in 16 consecutive patients.
Fusion was graded I or II in 81% of patients, whereas stability was obtained in all
patients. Clinical improvement of symptoms was demonstrated in 75% of patients.
Active Back School: Prophylactic Management for Low Back Pain: A
Randomized, Controlled, 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Active Back School as prophylactic management for low back pain proved effective in
a randomized, controlled, 1-year follow-up study. New recurrences of low back pain
and days of sick leave because of low back pain were reduced significantly, and general
low back function and basic ergonomic functions significantly improved. Additionally,
low back pain and quality of life showed a positive tendency.
Return to Work After Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A
Rehabilitation-Oriented Approach in Insurance Medicine
Sixty medical advisers of a sickness fund were assigned randomly into two groups and
asked to guide a mandatorily insured patient population after open discectomy for
herniated lumbar intervertebral disc until 1 year after surgical intervention. The
intervention group (n = 30), which had to focus primarily on early mobilization,
increased the probability for work resumption significantly in comparison with the
control group (n = 30).
Factors in the Reproducibility of Electromyographic Power Spectrum Analysis
of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Fatigue
This study examines the reproducibility of lumbar paraspinal electromyographic testing in
39 individuals using several variables. The results show initial median frequency and
half-width to have acceptable reproducibility over time and to be the least affected by a
change in load. Posture was found to affect results greatly.
Restorative Exercise for Clinical Low Back Pain: A Prospective Two-Center
Study With 1-Year Follow-up
Two similar chronic back pain patient populations were compared at centers in San
Diego and Minneapolis. The same equipment and treatment protocol was used in both
centers. Results of effectiveness as measured by strength testing and SF-36 were very
similar at both centers, and the efficacy of benefit over a 1-year period was confirmed
by minimal reuse of the health care services.
Metal Debris From Titanium Spinal Implants
Metal particulate "wear debris" was found in the paraspinal soft tissues, generated by
the use of pedicle screw instrumentation. Higher concentrations were found in patients
with a pseudarthrosis, whereas negligible levels were present in patients with a solid
fusion. A mild macrophage response was discovered by electron microscopy and
histologic studies.
Scoliosis Secondary to Cerebrocosto-mandibular Syndrome: A Case Report
With Surgical Management
A 9-year-old girl with cerebrocosto-mandibular syndrome, a very rare disorder with
micrognathia and rib defects (short ribs with pseudarthroses near the costo-transverse
junction), initially was seen by the author for a severe and progressive spinal deformity
and progressive respiratory compromise. Surgery consisted of a T12 to S1 anterior and
T3 to S1 posterior fusion with segmental instrumentation. Despite a preoperative vital
capacity of 21% of the normal value, there were no complications, and the patient was
doing well at 3 years after surgery.
Occipital Pain in Osteoid Osteoma of the Atlas: A Report of Two Cases
Osteoid osteoma of the atlas is very rare. Two cases of occipital pain caused by an
osteoid osteoma of the atlas are presented.
Nerve Root Herniation Secondary to Lumbar Puncture in the Patient With
Lumbar Canal Stenosis: A Case Report
This report describes a very rare case of lumbar canal stenosis in a 66-year-old woman
with a nerve root herniation secondary to lumbar puncture. The puncture should not be
carried out in an area of stenosis.
Anterior Disc Protrusion as a Cause for Abdominal Symptoms in Childhood
Discitis: A Case Report
Previous studies have correlated posterior herniation of disc phlegmon in childhood
discitis with a clinical picture of back pain, stiffness, hamstrings tightness, and
radiculopathy. None has connected anterior protrusion with abdominal pain. The
authors describe a case of infectious spondylitis in a 6-year-old child with abdominal
pain caused by anterior herniation of disc phlegmon.
Advances in Spinal Cord Regeneration
Spinal cord injury continues to be a major cause of morbidity in our society. Recent
experimental approaches to spinal cord trauma in animals are showing that some
functional recovery is possible even after complete transections. This review outlines
these new advances and discusses their implications for management of spinal cord
disorders in humans.
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