BACKGROUND Efficient bone regeneration using recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is needed to reduce side effects caused by high-dose BMP-2 use. The composite material of polylactic acid–polyethene glycol (PLA-PEG) for sustained release and an osteogenic nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) can contribute efficient BMP-2. STUDY DESIGN An experimental in vitro vivo study. PURPOSE objective t...

Lumbar interbody fusion from a posterior approach affords the advantage of adding interbody fusion to a posterolateral fusion while avoiding the added morbidity of an anterior approach to the spine. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) provides anterior column support through a single posterolateral approach to the disc space with minimal neural retraction and disruption of only one fa...

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical outcomes of cantilever transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (c-TLIF) for upper lumbar diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen patients (11 males, 6 females; mean ± SD age: 62 ± 14 years) who underwent c-TLIF using kidney type spacers between 2002 and 2008 were retrospectively evaluated, at a mean follow-up of 44.1 ± 12.3 months (2 year minimum). The primar...

The aim of this study was to perform a realistic visualization of the auditory and vestibular system using volume data sets from high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). - In 10 patients with conductive and/or sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus, HR-CT and HR-MRI of the petrous bone were performed consecutively. CT was per...

BACKGROUND The occipitocervical contoured rod (CR) stabilization for use in craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathologies is an effective and economical technique of posterior fusion (PF). AIMS The various indications for CR in CVJ pathologies are discussed. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Retrospective analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four patients (mean age: 31.02+/-13.44 years; male: female rati...

Background: in recent years, proper management of posttraumatic craniocervical instability is possible. However, there a paucity literature with long follow-up these patients. Purpose: To assess outcomes after surgical treatment occipitocervical fixation or without fusion. Methods: Among 20 patients unstable junction who underwent was an equal number both females and males mean age 62.85 ± 17.2...

BACKGROUND Few studies have explored the effects of bisphosphonates on bony healing in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Most previous studies used animal models and found that bisphosphonate shows negative effects on spinal fusion consolidation. We intended to evaluate the effect of a single-dose of zoledronic acid on the volume of the fusion-mass in lumbar spinal fusion. METHODS A ...

Many authors have reported on iatrogenic vertebral artery (VA) injury, but, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a dominant VA injury with compensatory blood flow from the hypoplastic VA. A 23-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and atlantoaxial subluxation sustained injury to her dominant VA after occipitocervical fusion using transarticular screws. This did not result i...