https://www.organscigroup.us/journals/international-journal-of-spine-research A Peertechz Open Access Journal en-us 03 Dec, 2024 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-6-125.php Introduction: Lumbar facet joint cysts are a rare but significant cause of back and radicular pain. Their infrequency leaves literature sparse and optimal management debated. This study analyzed the characteristics and treatment outcomes of facet joint cysts in patients within our Health Board, evaluating adherence to current management guidelines and treatment efficacy. Materials and methods: A retrospective review included 87 patients diagnosed with lumbar facet joint cysts via MRI over 5 years. MRI findings were analyzed for cyst characteristics and associated spinal pathologies, while clinical records were reviewed for symptomatology and treatments received. Results: Lumbar facet joint cysts were identified in 0.39% (87/22,292) of lumbar spine MRIs. Patients had a mean age of 61.2 years and a male-to-female ratio of 35:52. Cysts most commonly occurred at L4-L5 (50%) and L3-L4 (26.2%), with 62.8% causing neural compromise, predominantly affecting the left L5 nerve root. Symptoms were present in 70.1% of patients, with 43.7% undergoing interventions. Among treated patients, 89.5% received facet joint injections, but only 45.2% experienced short-term relief. Surgical outcomes were universally positive at 6 weeks, although 21.4% required further interventions. Conclusion: While injections offer limited short-term relief, surgical treatment consistently provides superior outcomes. However, considering the risks of surgery, facet joint injections should remain the first-line approach, reserving surgery for refractory cases. This pragmatic strategy balances symptom control with patient safety, optimizing outcomes for this challenging condition. 23 Sep, 2022 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-4-123.php Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury develop alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, chronic inflammation, abnormal control of glycemia, as well as loss of lean mass, and increased adiposity, these being some risk factors for the development of diseases and decreased quality of life. This research aimed to investigate the body composition during a treatment protocol with NMES in a spinal cord injured population. Methods: An initial bioimpedance evaluation using Biodynamics 310e was performed on 19 spinal cord injury patients. During the following 4 months, they received neuromuscular stimulation. The individuals ended the clinic once a week and performed NMES for 45 min, 20 min on quadriceps, and 15 min on peroneal nerve, on both legs with a frequency in the range of 18 to 25 Hz. A new bioimpedance test was performed after this period. Results: For data analysis, a 5% significance level was considered. There were statistically significant gains in lean mass with p= 0.0001 and a decrease in bio-strength with p= 0.0457. There was a loss of body fat, but not significant. Conclusion: Individuals with spinal cord injury showed measurable body composition changes during a four-month neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment. 02 May, 2022 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-4-122.php Ankle fracture is one of the common injuries in the orthopedic department, the Maisonneuve fracture is a specific type of ankle injury. This fracture is usually caused by rotational force. According to the Lauge -Hansen classification, it is a pronation and external rotation type injury, often resulting in inferior tibiofibular injury. Because it is extremely unstable, it is usually treated surgically. Operative treatment includes medial malleolus fixation, reduction of the inferior tibiofibular joint and screw fixation. When the fibula fractured is without shortening or dislocation, it is still controversial if the inferior tibiofibular joint needs fixation. This study aims to introduce a new method-Maisonneuve without transsyndesmotic fixation and analysis the follow-up result. 24 Feb, 2022 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-4-121.php Objective: We aimed to present our experience with a modified laminoplasty technique that allows stabilization of the spine without instrumentation during tumor surgery. Methods: This retrospective study was performed in the neurosurgery department of a university hospital and data were collected from the medical files who were treated surgically for spinal tumors. The same surgical team operated on the patients using the same procedure without any instrumentation for stabilization of the spine. Demographic and clinical data were collected. It was checked whether radiological and clinical instability developed at the 6th and 12th months postoperatively. Results: Our series comprised 41 patients (20 females, 21 males) with an average age of 47.122±20.33 (range: 11 to 86 years). The most common complaints detected in this series were diminution of motor power in lower extremities (20,47.62%), radicular pain (9,21.43%), and hypoesthesia (2,4.76%). The most frequent sites of involvement were L1-L2 (5,11.90%), L2 (4,9.52%), and T5-T6-T7 (2,4.76%), respectively. Histopathologically, schwannoma (8,19.94%), ependymoma (7,16.64%), meningioma (6,14.28%), and metastatic carcinoma (5,11.90%). The distribution of tumors was intradural and extramedullary (27,64.28%), intradural and intramedullary (13,30.95%), and extradural and extramedullary (2,4.77%), respectively. Conclusion: Our results imply that stability of the spinal cord can be preserved without fixation or instrumentation during surgical procedures for spinal tumors. However, longer periods of follow-up, as well as prospective, controlled, multi-centric trials on larger populations, are warranted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel technique. 01 Oct, 2021 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-3-120.php Objective: To study the behaviour of Lumbar Lordosis (LL) after non-instrumented decompression surgery in patients diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS). Methods and materials: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing non-lumbar instrumented decompression surgery for lumbar spine stenosis, operated on between January 2011 and December 2017. The variables collected were age, sex, affected segment, and presence or not of degenerative spondylolisthesis (ELS). The Lumbar Lordosis (LL) parameter was analysed using conventional radiology in standing position pre and postoperatively. Results: 64 patients were selected, 17 women and 47 men, with an average age of 68 (35-83). 65% stenosis was located in a single level, and 39.1% had degenerative ELS grade I. The average follow-up was 26 months (6m-104m). A preoperative LL angle of 43.2º (9.8º-70.8º) and 47º (8º-76º) were found at the postoperative follow-up, with an average difference of 3.8º (-15.7º-20.2º). 9.4% (6 patients) of degenerative ELS evolved to grade II, and 8 patients needed reoperation for different reasons. In patients with ELS, we found a greater increase in postoperative LL (5.59º) than in patients without ELS (2.61º) (p = 0.08). No statistically significant relationship was found between the behaviour of the LL with the number of decompressed levels (p = 0.43) and the need for reoperation (p = 0.26). Conclusions: According to our study, the technique of posterior decompression without instrumentation of the lumbar spine stenosis is not associated with a decrease of lumbar lordosis parameter. Conversely, there is a slight tendency for LL to increase in cases where a degenerative ELS is present. 29 Jun, 2021 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-3-119.php Lumbar disc replacement has become an area of interest for many practicing spine surgeons. As newer technology emerges focusing on motion sparing devices, novel techniques are being employed to better serve patients and increase post-operative outcomes. Traditionally, the anterior approach is utilized in total disc arthroplasty of the lumbar spine, although many are beginning to favor the use of a lateral approach. The lateral approach not only allows for the maintenance of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL), but also avoids the great vessels during surgery which are encountered in the traditional anterior approach. Research has shown the lateral approach in total disc replacements (TDR) of the lumbar spine to be a not inferior alternative to the anterior approach, with long-term pain relief and a low complication rate. 09 Feb, 2021 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-3-118.php Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex, neurogenetic, multisystem disorder with a prevalence of 1:15000 to 1:30000, caused by lack of expression of genes in the paternally inherited chromosome 15q 11.2-q13. In this report we aim to characterize and increase awareness of kyphoscoliosis in these children. Routine orthopedic examination for young children with PWS is essential in order to avoid medical complications and minimize the need for surgery. 27 Oct, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-117.php Study design: technical note, retrospective case series. Objectives: Lumbar interbody fusion is a standard technique for treating degenerative lumbar disorders involving instability. Due to its invasiveness, a minimally invasive technique, Extraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ELIF), was introduced. On surgically approaching posterolaterally, the posterior muscles and spinal canal are barely invaded. Despite its theoretical advantage, ELIF is technically demanding and has not been popularised. Therefore, we developed a microendoscopy-assisted ELIF (mELIF) technique which was designed to be safe and less invasive. Here, we aimed to report on the surgical technique and clinical results. Methods: Using a posterolateral approach similar to that of lateral disc herniation surgery, a tubular retractor, 16 or 18 mm in diameter, was placed at the lateral aspect of the facet joint. The facet joint was partially excised, and the disc space was cleaned. A cage and local bone graft were inserted into the disc space. All disc-related procedures were performed under microendoscopy. The spinal canal was not invaded. Bilateral percutaneous screw-rod constructs were inserted and fixed. Results: Fifty-five patients underwent the procedure. The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale scores greatly improved. Over 90% of the patients obtained excellent or good results based on Macnab’s criteria. There were neither major adverse clinical effects nor the need for additional surgery. Conclusions: mELIF is minimally invasive because the spinal canal and posterior muscles are barely invaded. It produces good clinical results with fewer complications. This technique can be applied in most single-level spondylodesis cases, including those involving L5/S1 disorders. 29 Sep, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-116.php Balance is evaluated within the concept of coordination and is defined as the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity on the support surface. Technological methods used in the assessment of balance are robotic systems, virtual reality applications, tele-rehabilitation, web-based applications and sensor applications. In this review, we aimed to explain today’s technological assessment methods and their relationship with technological rehabilitation in balance assessment. The technological method to be used in balance assessment suitability of the patient, ease of use, time saving, active participation, depending on the person’s financial situation and the severity of the disease although the advantages vary, It seems that it may differ. More studies are needed for a more objective assessment of balance, designing products and using these technologies in different patient groups. 10 Sep, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-115.php Multiple Myeloma (MM) is caused by the neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulins in the bone marrow thereby causing skeletal damage. Other MM-related complications include hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anaemia, and infections [1]. 08 Aug, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-114.php Clay shoveler’s fracture causes disruption of the spinous processes at C6 to T3 spinal vertebrae. This is a case report of an atypical clay shoveler’s fracture from Babcock university teaching Hospital ,Ogun-state, Nigeria. It involved a 62-year-old male travelling in the south-western region of Nigeria who was invloved in a Road traffic accident and presented with pain at the posterior aspect of the neck. X-ray and 3D oriented CT scan confirmed the fractures with lateral views being the most favored. Classical Clay shoveler’s fracture usually has no neuromuscular deficit since it is a stable fracture and involves only the posterior spinal column based on the Denis classification for 3 column concept for stable and unstable fractures of the spine. When a fracture involves the spinolaminar line it’s proximity to the spinal cord and risk of neurological deficit must be adequately ruled out. This report evaluates the mechanism of injury, treatment given and prognosis of the patient involved. 06 Jul, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-113.php Introduction: Corpectomy is an important treatment option for various cervical pathologies and evaluation of treatment success on imaging can be even more difficult than for interbody fusion. Since for routine postoperative courses CT scanning seems not justified for evaluation of the fusion status this paper proposes markers for detailed evaluation of new on plain radiographs. Methods: In a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected consecutive patients were included from whom a minimum 2 year clinical and radiological follow-up was available of stand-alone VBR after cervical corpectomy for degenerative stenosis. All patients received an expandable cage of rectangular shape. For assessment of bony incorporation of VBR devices we introduce the footprint sign in addition to McAfee´s sentinel sign. Three observers evaluated the lateral x-rays of the patients. 20 May, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-112.php Objetive: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are age-related chronic diseases with increased morbidity rates among postmenopausal women. Natural products investigation for prevention and treatment of these conditions is growing, due, in part, to the fact that they allow longer exposure times and minor secondary complications than synthetic drugs. Opuntia plants (Cactaceae) have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Opuntia megapotamica is an autochthonous species from Argentina but its action on bone metabolism has not yet been studied. The work aims is to evaluate the action of aqueous extracts of O. megapotamica fruits on the activity and function of osteoblasts in vitrO. 04 May, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-111.php Spinal fusion surgery can now be performed through the endoscopic approach. Adequate endplate preparation and sufficient contact between bone graft or bone graft substitutes with the surfaces of the vertebral endplates are main factors to achieve successful arthrodesis. The purpose of this study are to compare the bone graft area, ratio of allograft-bonegraft (allo-bone) to total disc area, fusion rate, functional and radiographic outcomes between Endoscopic and Mini-open TLIF and to introduce the endoscopic technique of endplate preparation and implantation. 18 Apr, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-110.php Objectives: Compare the effects of the low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates Method on low back pain, disability and movement functionality in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: 28 participants were randomized into two exercise protocol from Pilates methods, one focusing on low back stability and other on low back mobility. Low back pain (visual analogic scale), low back disability (Oswestry) and movement functionality (7 functional movement tasks) were evaluated before and after 10 sessions of Pilates exercise by the same trained assessor. A mixed designed ANOVA with two factors was used. 11 Apr, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-109.php Background: Associations between changes in body posture for people with Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) have been discussed in the literature. Although the Pilates method is an alternative for treating postural changes, there is a lack of studies evaluating its effects on individuals with TMD. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of an exercise program based on the Pilates method on static posture, postural habits, and neck and low back pain in young women with TMD. 40 women between 18 and 35 years old with TMD were randomized into either a Control Group (CG), who received conventional treatment with myorelaxant plates, or an Intervention Group (IG), who received conventional treatment but were also submitted to an exercise program based on the Pilates method for 15 weeks, totaling 30 sessions. All subjects underwent the following: (1) assessment of neck and back pain and postural habits, (2) evaluation of posture by means of computerized photogrammetry, and (3) evaluation of TMD severity. The assessment was conducted prior to and following the intervention. 06 Apr, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-108.php Introduction: The role of MRI in evaluating the acutely injured spine is well established and contributes to assessment of ligamentous disruption, associated disc protrusions as well as exact site of maximal canal stenosis and nature of cord injury; and neurological assessment as per ASIA score is an internationally accepted method. It is not well established the MRI at any point of time correlates with ASIA score to prognosticate neurological recovery. 29 Jan, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-107.php Lumbar spinal stenosis is a frequent ailment that affects people over 50years. With previous studies by J. Zucherman, and the cadaveric investigations with maximum flexion and extension by W. Rauschning, it was demonstrated that the bulging of the posterior longitudinal ligament and the ligamentum flavum were the main causes of radicular compression; but, the key aspect was that once the interbody space was expanded, the compression was relieved. However, a posterior stabilization and an interbody arthrodesis must be performed. 10 Jan, 2020 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-2-106.php We present a rare case of Forestier disease with multi-level vertebra involvement from the upper cervical to the thoracic area which has not been reported in the literature before. A 65- year old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with neck pain, dysphagia and sleep apnea for over 5 months. On his cervical CT scan revealed broad ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament from C2 to T1 with anteriorly beaking osteophytes surrounding the vertebral bodies causing compression of the trachea and esophagus on C2 and C3. With the diagnosis of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), the patient underwent surgery. With an anterolateral approach the ossified pathological segment was removed with a high-speed drill and the patient’s symptoms revealed immediately after the surgery. 26 Nov, 2019 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-1-105.php Obtaining a solid bony fusion after an extensive skull base and upper cervical spine resection in a patient who has previously received radiation therapy is extremely diffi cult and usually results in a pseudoarthrosis. We report a technique that uses a free fi bular graft with an arteriovenous loop for a posterior occipital cervical fusion. 30 Sep, 2019 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-1-104.php Introduction: Although there are many classifi cation systems for assessing the thoracolumbar injuries, it is of paramount importance to make the right clinical decision in treatment of thoracolumbar injuries is to precisely measure the radiographic vertebral parameters. 11 Jul, 2019 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-1-103.php The biomechanical etiology of the so-called idiopathic scoliosis [Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)] is the subject of the author’s research from 1984. The beginning of observation and search about etiology of “idiopathic scoliosis” was in Finland in 1984 in Invalid Foundation Hospital during scholarship stay. 01 Jul, 2019 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-1-102.php Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) seems to influence adjustment of posture. The application of external disturbances is used to gain a better understanding of movement strategies and their possible alterations to restore postural balance in people with CLBP. Objective: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the kinematic quality of postural recovery to sudden lateral perturbations between people with and without CLBP. Methods: Three types of perturbations at two amplitudes applied over a hand held grip were used to test adaptive postural control in an upright standing position. For analyzing the kinematic quality of postural recovery, the range of motion, the time to regain balance and the number of postural adjustments of the shoulder- and pelvis angle were examined. 15 Feb, 2019 https://www.organscigroup.us/articles/IJSR-1-101.php Acute vertebral artery dissection is a very rare but known complication following cervical manipulation/chiropractic adjustments. We present a case of a 30 year old female who sustained a vertebral artery dissection following an upper cervical manipulation. Although there is no clear consensus on treatment options we discuss the current literature and treatment for this condition.