The segmented vertebral column comprises a repeat series of vertebrae, each consisting of two key components: the vertebral body (or centrum) and the vertebral arches. Despite being a defining feature of the vertebrates, much remains to be understood about vertebral development and evolution. Particular controversy surrounds whether vertebral component structures are homologous across vertebrat...

BACKGROUND In regard to the fixation using a pedicle screw (PS) and rod system, the mechanism from the onset of the clear zone up to the development of loosening of the pedicle screw is not completely clarified. The purpose of this study is to determine the cause of the pedicle screw loosening by performing a biomechanical study with three-dimensional movie analysis. METHODS Ten PS fixation m...

Description of Procedure or Service Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is an interventional radiology technique involving the fluoroscopically guided injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) through a needle inserted into a weakened vertebral body. The technique has been investigated as an option to provide mechanical support and symptomatic relief in patients with ...

The aim of the work was to determine the stiffness of vertebral bodies after vertebroplasty by means of radiological examination (CT), computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) systems. Twenty-six patients with angiomata in vertebrae have been examined. A vertebra with pathological changes has been modeled twice, i.e., before operation and after the process of vertebral b...

The three major causes of vertebral body collapse include infection, malignant neoplasia, and trauma and it may be difficult to distinguish between them, particularly in the presence of severe osteoporosis. In 1891, however, Dr Hermann Kümmell, further added another possibility of vertebral body crush; the delayed posttraumatic collapse. As originally described, this rare clinical entity includ...

Fractures at the thoracolumbar junction are the most common spinal column fractures. Among type C fractures in the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen Spine Classification, cases with complete fracture-dislocations of the spinal column often result in a critical neurological deficit despite surgical treatment. We present a case of an 18-year-old man who had a complete fracture-dislocati...

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are the common disease found in elderly population. Neurological deficit in OVFs is rare despite the involved posterior cortex of the fractured vertebral body, severe kyphotic deformity, or the instability at the fracture site. OVF with resulting neurological deficit was considered as a contraindication for vertebral augmentation techniques. We reported a...