Articles tagged with Spinal Column
Researchers analyzed shark vertebrae to discover a finely engineered biomechanical system supporting strength, flexibility, and swimming efficiency. Different species evolved unique internal structures reflecting their varied swimming strategies.
The study found that males have a narrower pelvis, resulting in a more medial starting point for S2AI screws and poorer rod alignment. Researchers aim to tailor treatment to patients' specific anatomy to improve surgical efficiency and outcomes.
Researchers found signs of osteomyelitis in sauropod fossils from the Cretaceous period, suggesting a fatal bone disease that killed animals quickly. The study identified three previously unknown manifestations of osteomyelitis and provides insights into the environment that favored pathogens.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a potential new treatment for chronic low back pain by targeting 'zombie cells' in the spine. Two drugs, o-Vanillin and RG-7112, were found to clear zombie cells, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow or reverse damage to spinal discs after eight weeks of treatment.
UC San Diego Health has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, reflecting its dedication to patient safety and surgical innovation. The health system continues to provide consultation to other organizations exploring the certification.
Researchers created a computational simulator to model the biochemical processes of intervertebral discs, allowing for better understanding of back pain causes. The simulator enables simulating 33 proteins and their interactions, providing valuable insights into disc degeneration.
Researchers used a novel approach to estimate megalodon's body length and shape, finding it closer in shape to a lemon shark or large whale. The study suggests the prehistoric predator may have reached about 80 feet in length and weighed an estimated 94 tons.
University Hospitals is introducing a new type of surgery that utilizes an endoscope to remove herniated parts of the disc through a small incision. This minimizes blood loss, post-op pain, and recovery time compared to traditional techniques.
Radiologists who had access to questionnaire information during MRI interpretation achieved a near statistically perfect agreement with spine specialists. This improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence, avoiding diagnostic discrepancies between radiologists and spine specialists.
A comprehensive evidence review on tethered spinal cord found that while surgery can benefit symptomatic patients, data for asymptomatic patients is lacking. The study also highlights the need for more research into conservative management and potential risks of surgical complications.
A team led by Timothy Sell will investigate cervical spine injuries in special forces combat soldiers, analyzing design features and risk factors for injury prevention. The study aims to develop interventions to reduce chronic pain and disability among military personnel.
Researchers developed a synthetic mucin gel inspired by cow slime to create a protective barrier around discs, preventing immune system attacks. This innovative approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications after disc herniation surgery.
Researchers found that sustained neck exertions alter the cervical spine's curvature, leading to muscle fatigue and increased risk of neck pain. The study provides new insights into the mechanical changes that occur in the spine and muscles when performing repetitive tasks.
A 10-year follow-up study reports significant and lasting improvement in outcomes with posterior decompression and fixation surgery for patients with Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (T-OPLL). Decompression and fixation yielded long-term benefits in neurological function, quality of life, and pain management.
A new study from the University of Toledo found that individuals with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience non-union complications following spinal fusion surgery. Researchers also found that diabetic patients have weaker bone growth and healing, leading to increased degeneration in adjacent segments of the spine.
The updated clinical guideline recommends multiple dose-fractionation schemes to relieve pain and symptoms of bone and spine lesions. Advanced radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are now routine clinical care for many patients.
Researchers from SGH and NNI found side-to-side differences in the corticoreticular pathway of patients with AIS, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. The study's findings suggest that scoliosis is fundamentally related to brain and spinal cord interactions.
Researchers are developing new materials to treat spinal injury, repair, and recovery. A team led by Pitt Engineer Amir Alavi is testing the first
A new study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that chiropractic spinal manipulation significantly reduces the likelihood of undergoing additional lumbar surgery. Adults who received CSM for sciatica experienced a substantial 45% reduction in lumbar spine reoperation compared to those receiving usual medical care.
A new study by Concordia researchers found a strong positive relationship between percentage body fat and echo intensity, indicating more fat within the muscle. The study also revealed differences in lumbar multifidus characteristics between male and female athletes, with females having larger LMs than males.
A new forecast projects 1060 million people worldwide will live with 'other' musculoskeletal disorders by 2050, increasing healthcare needs and pressures on stretched systems. Research found these conditions are reported higher in females, increase with age, and peak at 60-69 years.
A retrospective cohort study found that Black, lower SES, and publicly insured teens are at higher risk of major complications after scoliosis surgery. These disparities also affect pre-operative care, including rates of brace prescription and second opinions.
Researchers found a peptide from venomous fish Thalassophryne nattereri that controls lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. The molecule, TnP, inhibited cytokine production and prevented mucus-producing cell hyperplasia, making it a potential candidate for treating asthma.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that cognitive dissonance can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks. The study found that participants who experienced higher levels of cognitive dissonance had increased spine loading, particularly in the neck region.
A recent study found that spinal manipulation is a gentle therapy used to treat low back pain in patients after previous lumbar spine surgery. The study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compiled data from over 100 patients and reported most cases were done using a potentially gentler method.
A multidisciplinary team of UC students developed a new understanding of spinal column formation and reengineered the process in mutant zebrafish. This breakthrough could lead to possible treatments for scoliosis in humans.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
A randomized trial found that non-invasive interventions for treating spine pain improved disability and quality of life but did not decrease healthcare spending. Both treatments provided a small but significant reduction in pain-related disability at 12 months.
A recent study found that adults who receive chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain are less likely to undergo discectomy over two years. The study, published in BMJ Open, used real-world data and controlled for variables such as age and smoking.
A team of researchers has discovered a 439-million-year-old ancient 'shark' that predates the earliest jawed fish and is believed to be humans' oldest jawed ancestor. The fossil, named Fanjingshania, features an external bony armor and multiple pairs of fin spines.
Researchers developed a novel three-core optical fiber sensor to accurately measure both the magnitude and direction of spine curvature. The sensor offers advantages like low cost, high sensitivity, and small size, making it a promising tool for doctors to diagnose problems in spine curvature.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms of supratentorial ependymoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. By targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and primary cilia formation, scientists discovered new potential treatments that overcame resistance to existing drugs.
Researchers developed a digital health system approach to enhance clinical decision-making for low-back pain sufferers. The system combines self-reported pain measures with precise motion-sensing data, revealing functional improvements only after six months of surgery.
A new wireless sock monitoring system reduced fall rates among 'fall-risk' patients by zero falls, compared to a historical rate of 4 falls per 1,000 patient-days. The system uses pressure sensors and interrelated devices to detect patient attempts to stand up and alert nurses through a notification system.
A large international team has reexamined the Saccorhytus microfossil and determined that it is actually a protostome, not a deuterostome as previously believed. This finding contradicts current understanding of animal evolution, suggesting a significant gap in the fossil record.
Patients who received early physical therapy had significantly lower incidence of health care resource use, including ER visits, in the first month and year after symptom onset. They also spent less money on lower back pain-related services in the first 30 days after symptom onset.
Researchers have discovered exceptionally rich assemblages of plant spine fossils in central Tibet, confirming an early diversification of spiny plants around 39 million years ago. The findings suggest that a drying and cooling climate may have driven the evolution of physical defense mechanisms against large herbivores.
A mass survey of Japanese citizens aged 50-89 years found that sagittal spinal balance measurement can detect cognitive decline. The study discovered associations between anteriorization of the spine and lower cognitive function in both males and females, with greater risks detected in cases of SVA ≥ 70mm regardless of age.
A study from Edith Cowan University reveals that electrical stimulation on specific nerves and relaxation techniques can reduce neural amplification in the spinal cord, which may help alleviate involuntary muscle spasms. These methods could provide a non-pharmacological alternative to current treatment options.
Developed by Prof. Qing Shi's team, SQuRo can mimic the motion of actual rats and perform various motions like crouching-to-standing, walking, crawling, and turning. It successfully passed through an irregular narrow passage and demonstrated its potential application to inspection tasks inside narrow spaces.
A team of researchers from Osaka University and Kyoto University developed a stem cell-based biomaterial, hiPS-Cart, to treat IVD degeneration and prevent further deterioration. The biomaterial was able to survive and maintain its functionality in lab rats with NP removal, reversing IVF and vertebral bone degeneration.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that for children with a pelvic tilt and lower lumbar spine tilt of fewer than 10 degrees, the pelvis did not need to be included when inserting growing rods. This could help avoid painful complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.
A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.
A retrospective study found that whole-spine MRI commonly demonstrates isolated thoracolumbar injuries in children with suspected abusive head trauma. The study included 256 children who underwent whole-spine MRI as part of their evaluation, revealing that 23% of examinations showed injuries localized to the thoracolumbar spine.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
The study found that robotic-aided pedicle screw placement showed accurate positioning, even for experienced surgeons, with a significant decrease in time required. The technology saved time in the operating room, making it an efficient option for spine surgery.
The study found that cycling accidents account for 81% of sports-related traumatic spine injuries, followed by skiing and snowboarding accidents. The research highlights the importance of implementing safety measures to prevent these types of injuries.
A recent study published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology found that alpine-based hedgehogs hibernate in the same areas they used in summer and do not migrate to lower elevations. This discovery suggests that hedgehogs are residents in these zones, rather than just visitors.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.
The study reveals that cheetahs use two types of flight during galloping, which enables them to accelerate to high speeds. The team's simple model and measurements with real-world data confirm the findings, suggesting a key factor in cheetahs' exceptional speed.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a new purification protocol for Postsynaptic density (PSD) lattice, a core structure of the PSD of excitatory synapses. They identified tubulin as a major component of the MEC, with non-microtubule tubulin widely distributed on the purified PSD lattice.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a two-year study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cervigard Neck Collar in treating neck pain in active-duty military personnel. The study aims to explore a non-invasive, short-term therapy approach that can be compatible with active-duty lifestyles.
A study of over 367,000 spinal fusion procedures found that hospital rankings based on complication rates are unreliable, as rankability is consistently low. The metric's ability to compare complication rates between hospitals varies depending on the year and volume of procedures performed.
A study published in Spine found that patients with cannabis use disorder undergoing spinal surgery experienced higher complication rates, including stroke, respiratory issues, and prolonged hospital stays. Chronic cannabis users were also more likely to require rehabilitation facilities upon discharge.
A prospective clinical study found that patients have three times greater chance of positive outcomes when their surgeons follow evidence-based guidelines for lumbar spinal fusion. The results suggest that patients meeting criteria for successful surgery are three times more likely to experience improved quality of life and reduced pain.
Seahorses spread globally by riding ocean currents, adapting to new habitats with rapidly evolving genomes. The researchers found that seahorses from Africa cross the southern Atlantic Ocean into South America, introducing genetic material into local populations.
A new genus and species of Loricifera have been discovered in Japan's deep sea, improving the understanding of the species' diversity. The discovery was made by researchers from Tohoku University, who found the species inhabiting areas between 177m to 1059m below the sea.
A study found that surgeons' expectations were more accurate than patients' expectations in predicting patient-reported outcomes two years after lumbar spine surgery. Surgeons predicted a higher degree of improvement, while patients had higher expectations for complete recovery.
The survey found that spine surgery had the highest number of medical malpractice suits among neurosurgeons. Fear of lawsuits influences their practice, with defensive medicine being a common response. The study highlights the need for transparent communication, better informed consent forms, and fair compensation to patients.