We performed a biomechanical study on human cadaver spines to determine the effect of three different interbody cage designs, with and without posterior instrumentation, on the three-dimensional flexibility of the spine. Six lumbar functional spinal units for each cage type were subjected to multidirectional flexibility testing in four different configurations: intact, with interbody cages from...

There is a high risk of proximal junctional fractures (PJF) with multilevel spinal instrumentation, especially in the osteoporotic spine. This problem is associated with significant morbidity and possibly the need for reoperation. Various techniques have been proposed in an attempt to decrease the risk of PJF but there is no experimental model described for in vitro production of PJF after mult...

INTRODUCTION The optimal management of thoracolumbar spine fractures remains a matter of controversy. The current literature implies that the use of short-segment pedicle screw fixation may be inappropriate because of its high reported failure rate. The purpose of this study is to report the short-term results of thoracolumbar burst and compression fractures treated with short-segment pedicle i...

BACKGROUND AND METHODS As with any evolving surgical discipline, it is difficult to predict the future of the practice and science of spine surgery. In the last decade, there have been dramatic developments in both the techniques as well as the tools employed in the delivery of better outcomes to patients undergoing such surgery. In this article, we explore four specific areas in spine surgery:...

INTRODUCTION Post-operative wound infections after spinal surgery is a very serious problem, leading to a risk of significant morbidity which may even lead to prolonged hospitalization. Various treatment protocols have been recommended for debridement, antibiotic, and soft-tissue management, but with mixed results. However, the risk of morbidity is still high with these treatment options. Vacuu...

STUDY DESIGN All parameters were measured manually and with a computed tomography (CT) scanner. For the manual measurements, a Vernier scale instrument was used. PURPOSE This study evaluates quantitatively pedicles of middle and lower cervical spine (C3 to C7) and to evaluate the possibilities of using these structures as anchors in posterior cervical fusion. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE Pedicle ...

Recebido: 31/8/2004 Aprovado: 16/08/2005 ABSTRACT Objective: To present the most recent experience in the indications of the anterior approach to the thoracic and lumbar spine and the aspects of the operative technique with its results. Methods: From September 2002 to September 2004, 23 patients were admitted with surgical anterior lesions on thoracic and/or lumbar spine. The types of lesions w...

Two unlike metals near one another can break down as they move toward electrochemical equilibrium resulting in galvanic corrosion. We describe a case of electrochemical corrosion resulting in pseudarthrosis, followed by instrumentation failure leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 53-year-old female with a history of cervical instability and two separate prior cervical fusion surgery with subla...

BACKGROUND The coexistence of an unstable spinal fracture with a pending aortic lesion is potentially catastrophic and a therapeutic challenge as to timing of treatment, assigning priorities and selecting the best approach. CASE REPORT A 41 year-old healthy male victim of bike accident. Imaging revealed a fracture of 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae with a bone fragment in close proximity to th...

STUDY DESIGN Biomechanical study. OBJECTIVE Recently, a posterior concave periapical distraction device for fusionless scoliosis correction was introduced. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of the periapical distraction device on spinal range of motion (ROM) in comparison with traditional rigid pedicle screw-rod instrumentation. METHODS Using a spinal motion simulator, 6 hum...