bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radicular pain caused by synovial cyst: an underdiagnosed entity in the elderly?
Authors: Charest Dhany R. , Kenny Brendan G. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Synovial cyst is a recognized but infrequent cause of nerve root or spinal canal compression. The authors undertook a review of 839 decompressive spinal procedures performed over a 5-year period. They found seven cases in which the symptoms were caused by synovial cysts.
Methods. Six of these cases were in a subgroup of 80 patients who were older than 60 years of age, which represents 7.5% of the total for this age group. More than 200 cases of this abnormality have been reported in the world literature, but the incidence, prevalence, and natural history remain unknown.
Conclusions. The authors propose that the incidence of synovial cysts may be more common than recognized in the elderly and suggest that preoperative diagnosis may help limit the extent of the surgical approach.
Spinal—pelvic fixation in patients with lumbosacral neoplasms
Authors: Jackson Robert J. , Gokaslan Ziya L. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Primary and metastatic neoplasms of the lumbosacral junction frequently pose a complex problem for the surgical management and stabilization of the spine because of the anatomical and biomechanical factors of this transition zone between spine and pelvis. The authors have used a modification of the Galveston technique, originally described by Allen and Ferguson in the treatment of scoliosis, to achieve rigid spinal—pelvic fixation in patients with lumbosacral neoplasms. The authors retrospectively reviewed their experience, with particular attention to method, pain relief, and neurological status.
Methods. From July 1994 through December 1998, 13 patients at the authors' institution have required spinal—pelvic fixation secondary to instability caused by primary (eight cases) or metastatic (five cases) neoplasms. Previous treatment included spinal surgery in 10 (77%), radiation therapy in seven (54%), and/or chemotherapy in six (46%). Following tumor resection, fixation was achieved by intraoperative placement of contoured titanium rods bilaterally into the ilium. These rods were attached to the lumbar spine with pedicle screws and subsequently crosslinked. Arthrodesis was performed.
In the follow-up period of 3 to 50 months (average 20 months), nine (69%) of 13 patients were still alive. There were no cases of surgery-related death. Seven weeks postoperatively instrumentation failure occurred in one patient and was corrected by performing double L-rod spinal—pelvic fixation. Two patients experienced neurological dysfunction (ankle weakness and neurogenic bladder) that was thought to be related to tumor resection rather than the fixation procedure. Neurological status improved in four patients and remained unchanged in seven patients. Ambulatory status improved in 62% (eight patients), remained unchanged in 23% (three patients), and worsened in 15% (two patients). Spinal pain, as measured by a visual analog pain scale and determined by medication consumption was significantly reduced in 85% (11 cases).
Conclusions. In selected patients with primary or metastatic lumbosacral tumors, resection followed by modified Galveston L-rod spinal—pelvic fixation is an effective means of achieving stabilization that can provide significant pain relief and preserve ambulatory capacity.
Flexibility of lumbar spinal motion segments correlated to type of tears in the annulus fibrosus
Authors: Haughton Victor M. , Schmidt Timothy A. , Keele Kevin , An Howard S. , Lim Tae-Hong 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors conducted a study in which their objective was to measure the effect of tears in the annulus fibrosus on the motions of lumbar spinal motion segments.
Methods. Lumbar spinal motion segments were harvested from human cadavers and studied using a 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imager. The motion segments were subjected to incremental flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending torques. Displacements and rotations were measured using a kinematic system. The segments were sectioned on a cryomicrotome to verify the presence of tears in the annulus fibrosus.
Conclusions. Tears in the annulus fibrosus increase the amount of motion that results from a torque applied to the motion segment. Radial and transverse tears of the annulus fibrosus have a greater effect on motions produced by an axial rotatory torque than on those produced by flexion, extension, or lateral bending torques. The difference between normal discs and discs with annular tears is more marked during moments of axial rotational than during those of flexion, extension, or lateral bending.
Punctate midline myelotomy for the relief of visceral cancer pain
Authors: Nauta Haring J. W. , Soukup Vicki M. , Fabian Roderic H. , Lin James T. , Grady James J. , Williams Courtney G. A. , Campbell Gerald A. , Westlund Karin N. , Willis William D. 
Published: May 2009

Object. This study offers clinical support for the concept that neurosurgical interruption of a midline posterior column pathway by performing a punctate midline myelotomy (PMM) provides significant pain relief without causing adverse neurological sequelae in cancer patients with visceral pain refractory to other therapies.
Methods. A PMM of the posterior columns was performed in six cancer patients in whom visceral pain had been refractory to other therapies. The cause of the visceral pain was related to residual, progressive, or recurrent local cancer or postirradiation effects. Clinical efficacy of the procedure was examined by comparing patient pain ratings and narcotic usage pre- and post-PMM. Follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 31 months. Examination of the results indicates a significant reduction in pain ratings as well as a significant reduction in daily narcotic use. No adverse neurological effects were observed. One spinal cord has been recovered for postmortem examination.
Conclusions. These findings provide corroborating clinical evidence for the existence of a newly recognized mid-line posterior column pathway that mediates the perception of visceral pelvic and abdominal pain. Preliminary data indicate that significant pain relief can be obtained following PMM with minimal neurological morbidity and suggest that the procedure may provide an alternative treatment modality for cancer-related pain in patients in whom adequate pain control with narcotics cannot be achieved or narcotic side effects cannot be tolerated.
Management of low lumbar fractures by dorsal decompression, fusion, and lumbosacral laminar distraction fixation
Authors: Benzel Edward C. , Ball Perry A. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors conducted a study to assess the anatomical appropriateness of using the S-2 dorsal neuroforamina as a hook fixation point, and they present the results of their clinical experience of using a nonscrew alternative for the surgical management of low lumbar (L-4 or L-5) burst fractures.
Methods. The technique used involves lumbar laminar fixation, rod contouring (to preserve lordosis), S-1 sublaminar wire fixation, S-2 dorsal neuroforaminal hook fixation, cross-fixation, and distraction. Because the S-2 dorsal neuroforamina was used as a unique fixation point, anatomical data obtained in 10 cadavers supporting the technique's utility are provided. Surgery was performed in six patients by using this technique, and solid fusion was achieved in all.
Conclusions. The reestablished lordotic posture was preserved in all but one patient. From an anatomical perspective, the findings corroborate the use of the S-2 dorsal foramina as a hook fixation point.This technique provides a viable adjunct or alternative to sacral screw and ilial fixation techniques.
Monitoring of blood parameters following anterior cervical fusion
Authors: Rosahl Steffen K. , Gharabaghi Alireza , Zink Peter-Michael , Samii Madjid 
Published: May 2009

Object. Both C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured prospectively in 51 cases in which uncomplicated cervical anterior fusion was performed. The object of the authors was to quantify the differences in the responses of these parameters recorded in the immediate postoperative period and to determine factors influencing their course.
Methods. Nineteen one-level, 23 two-level, and nine three-level procedures for disc herniation and degenerative disease of the cervical spine were performed in 22 female and 29 male patients (mean age 49.2 years).
Blood samples were obtained 1 day before as well as on 10 consecutive days and 3 months following anterior cervical fusion. Serum CRP level was measured using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay and ESR was determined from the same samples. Operative time, the number of blood transfusions, and drugs administered in the postoperative period were recorded. In addition, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, platelet count, white cell count, and axillary body temperature were checked daily.
Conclusions. Monitoring of CRP level is superior to that of ESR for early detection of infections after cervical spine surgery. Although CRP was not related to any of the factors that have been proposed to explain its peak value variance in previous studies, individual acute-phase protein metabolism response to tissue affection appears to be a more decisive element in this respect.
Use of bone morphogenetic protein—9 gene therapy to induce spinal arthrodesis in the rodent
Authors: Helm Gregory A. , Alden Tord D. , Beres Elisa J. , Hudson Sarah B. , Das Subinoy , Engh Jonathan A. , Pittman Debra D. , Kerns Kelvin M. , Kallmes David F. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been shown to have significant osteoinductive activity in numerous in vitro and in vivo assay systems, and BMP-2 and BMP-7 are currently being evaluated in human clinical studies. In the spinal region, BMPs have been shown to promote spinal arthrodesis at a higher rate than autologous bone alone. The delivery of BMPs via direct or ex vivo gene therapy techniques is also currently being evaluated and has shown promise in several mammalian models. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the use of direct, percutaneous BMP-9 adenoviral gene therapy to promote spinal fusion in the rodent.
Methods. Each animal was injected with 7.5 × 108 pfu of a BMP-9 adenoviral vector in the lumbar paraspinal musculature and allowed to survive 16 weeks. Computerized tomography studies and histological analysis demonstrated massive bone induction at the injection sites, clearly leading to solid spinal arthrodesis, without evidence of pseudarthroses, nerve root compression, or systemic side effects.
Conclusions. The results of this study strongly support the advancement of BMP gene therapy techniques toward clinical use.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the thoracic spine. Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Vorster Sarel J. , Prayson Richard A. , Lee Joung H. 
Published: May 2009

✓ Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a neoplasm first described as a tumor of mesenchymal origin involving soft tissues. The authors provide a review of the literature with detailed pathological analysis and radiological description of SFTs involving the central nervous system.
The authors report a rare case of a SFT of the thoracic spine in an adult man presenting with myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-circumscribed, intradural, extramedullary mass at the T2–3 level. Histological examination demonstrated a proliferation of predominantly spindle-shaped cells with a collagen-matrix background. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for vimentin and CD34 and negative for S-100 and epithelial membrane antigen with an MIB-1 labeling index of 2.6%. Review of the literature revealed 10 cases in which this tumor, frequently found in the pleura, was involved in the central nervous system.
Although rare and their clinical significance as yet unknown, SFTs may be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural spinal cord lesions. The natural history is also unknown, but these tumors appear to be biologically benign.
Use of structural allografts in spinal osteomyelitis: a review of 47 cases
Authors: Schuster James M. , Avellino Anthony M. , Mann Frederick A. , Girouard Allain A. , Grady M. Sean , Newell David W. , Winn H. Richard , Chapman Jens R. , Mirza Sohail K. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The use of structural allografts in spinal osteomyelitis remains controversial because of the perceived risk of persistent infection related to a devitalized graft and spinal hardware. The authors have identified 47 patients over the last 3.5 years who underwent a surgical decompression and stabilization procedure in which fresh-frozen allografts were used after aggressive removal of infected and devitalized tissue. The patients subsequently underwent 6 weeks of postoperative antibiotic therapy (12 months for those with tuberculosis [TB]).
Methods. Follow-up data included results of serial clinical examinations, radiography, laboratory analysis (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell count), and clinical outcome questionnaires. Of the original 47 patients (14 women and 33 men, aged 14–83 years), 39 were available for follow up. The average follow-up period at the time this article was submitted was 17 ± 9 months (median 14 months, range 6–45 months). In the majority of cases (57%), a Staphylococcus species was the infectious organism. Predisposing risk factors included intravenous drug abuse (IVDA), previous surgery, diabetes, TB, and concurrent infections. During the follow-up period only two patients suffered recurrent infection at a contiguous level; both had a history of IVDA and one also had a chronic excoriating skin condition. No other recurrent infections have been identified, and no patient has required reoperation for persistent infection or allograft/hardware failure.
Conclusions. It is the authors' opinion that the use of structural allografts in combination with aggressive tissue debridement and adjuvant antibiotic therapy provide a safe and effective therapy in cases of spinal osteomyelitis requiring surgery.
Acute cervical cord injury without fracture or dislocation of the spinal column
Authors: Koyanagi Izumi , Iwasaki Yoshinobu , Hida Kazutoshi , Akino Minoru , Imamura Hiroyuki , Abe Hiroshi 
Published: May 2009

Object. It is known that the spinal cord can sustain traumatic injury without associated injury of the spinal column in some conditions, such as a flexible spinal column or preexisting narrowed spinal canal. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features and to understand the mechanisms in cases of acute cervical cord injury in which fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine has not occurred.
Methods. Eighty-nine patients who sustained an acute cervical cord injury were treated in our hospitals between 1990 and 1998. In 42 patients (47%) no bone injuries of the cervical spine were demonstrated, and this group was retrospectively analyzed. There were 35 men and seven women, aged 19 to 81 years (mean 58.9 years). The initial neurological examination indicated complete injury in five patients, whereas incomplete injury was demonstrated in 37.
In the majority of the patients (90%) the authors found degenerative changes of the cervical spine such as spondylosis (22 cases) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (16 cases). The mean sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal, as measured on computerized tomography scans, was significantly narrower than that obtained in the control patients. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed spinal cord compression in 93% and paravertebral soft-tissue injuries in 58% of the patients.
Conclusions. Degenerative changes of the cervical spine and developmental narrowing of the spinal canal are important preexisting factors. In the acute stage MR imaging is useful to understand the level and mechanisms of spinal cord injury. The fact that a significant number of the patients were found to have spinal cord compression despite the absence of bone injuries of the spinal column indicates that future investigations into surgical treatment of this type of injury are necessary.
Transpedicular approaches to cervical uncovertebral osteophytes causing radiculopathy
Authors: Grundy Paul L. , Germon Timothy J. , Gill Steven S. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The anterolateral and posterior transpedicular foraminotomies were developed to enhance the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy secondary to uncovertebral osteophytes. These novel surgical approaches may be advantageous because they allow direct decompression of the nerve root while preserving normal movement and stability of the motion segment. The use of the pedicle to obtain access to compressive uncovertebral osteophytes, without causing damage to the motion segment, has not been previously reported.
Methods. The authors present the early outcome data obtained in 27 patients who underwent an anterolateral or posterior foraminotomy. Eighty-eight percent of patients who underwent anterolateral foraminotomy and 94% of those who underwent a posterior transpedicular procedure experienced complete or significant relief of brachialgia. Post-operatively none of the patients were symptomatically or neurologically worse.
Conclusions. The transpedicular approach is an effective and potentially improved method of treating symptomatic cervical uncovertebral osteophytes compared with techniques previously described.
Complications of posterior lumbar interbody fusion when using a titanium threaded cage device
Authors: Elias W. Jeffrey , Simmons Nathan E. , Kaptain George J. , Chadduck James B. , Whitehill Richard 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors reviewed their series of patients to quantify clinical and radiographic complications in those who underwent a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure in which a threaded interbody cage (TIC) was implanted.
Methods. Sixty-seven patients underwent a posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure in which a TIC was used. The authors excluded patients who underwent procedures in which other instrumentation was used or a nondorsal approach was performed. Fifteen percent of the cases (10 patients) were complicated by laceration of the dura. In three cases, bilateral implantation could not be performed. The average blood loss was 670 ml for all cases, and blood transfusion was required in 25% of the cases (17 patients). The rate of minor wound complication was 4.5% (three patients). One patient died. The average period of hospitalization was 4.25 days.
Twenty-eight patients (42%) experienced significant low-back pain 3 months postoperatively, and in 10 (15%) of these cases it persisted beyond 1 year. In 10 patients postoperative radiculopathy was demonstrated, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed epidural fibrosis in six patients, arachnoiditis in one, and a recurrent disc herniation in one. One patient incurred a permanent motor deficit with sexual dysfunction. Pseudarthrosis was suggested radiographically with evidence of motion on lateral flexion—extension radiographs (10 cases), lucencies around the implants (seven cases), and posterior migration of the cage (two cases).
Additional procedures (in 14 patients) consisted primarily of transverse process fusion with pedicle screw and plate augmentation for persistent back pain and radiographically demonstrated signs of spinal instability. In two patients with radiculopathy, migration of the TIC required that it be removed. Graft material that extruded from one implant necessitated its removal. In one patient scarectomy was performed.
Conclusions. Our high incidence of TIC-related complications in PLIF is inconsistent with that reported in previous studies.
Dynamic examination of the lumbar spine by using vertical, open magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Vitzthum Hans-Ekkehart , König Alexander , Seifert Volker 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of different structures of the lower lumbar spine during interventional movement examination.
Methods. Clinically healthy volunteers and patients suffering from degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine underwent vertical, open magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (0.5 tesla). Three functional patterns of lumbar spine motion were identified in 50 healthy volunteers, (average age 25 years). The authors identified characteristic angles of the facet joints, as measured in the frontal plane. In 50 patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine (41 with disc herniation, five with osteogenic spinal stenosis, and four with degenerative spondylolisthesis) the range of rotation was increased in the relevant spinal segments. Signs of neural compression were increased under motion.
Conclusions. Dynamic examination in which vertical, open MR imaging is used demonstrated that the extent of neural compression as well as the increasing range of rotation are important signs of segmental instability.
Spinal intramedullary cavernoma: clinical presentation and surgical outcome
Authors: Deutsch Harel , Jallo George I. , Faktorovich Alina , Epstein Fred 
Published: May 2009

Object. Improved neuroimaging techniques have led to an increase in the reported cases of intramedullary cavernomas. The purpose of this study was to define the spectrum of presenting signs and symptoms in patients with spinal intramedullary cavernomas and to analyze the role of surgery as a treatment for these lesions.
Methods. The authors reviewed the charts of 16 patients who underwent surgery for spinal intramedullary cavernomas. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies. Cavernomas represented 14 (5.0%) of 280 intramedullary lesions found in adults and two (1.1%) of 181 intramedullary lesions found in pediatric cases. A posterior laminectomy and surgical resection of the malformation were performed in all 16 patients.
Conclusions. Magnetic resonance imaging is virtually diagnostic for spinal cavernoma lesions. Patients with spinal intramedullary cavernomas presented with either an acute onset of neurological compromise or a slowly progressive neurological decline. Acute neurological decline occurs secondary to hemorrhage within the spinal cord. Chronic progressive myelopathy occurs due to microhemorrhages and the resulting gliotic reaction to hemorrhagic products. There is no evidence that cavernomas increase in size. The rate of rebleeding is unknown, but spinal cavernomas appear to be clinically more aggressive than cranial cavernomas, probably because the spinal cord is less tolerant of mass lesions. Complete surgical removal of the cavernoma was possible in 15 of 16 of the authors' cases.