Articles tagged with Spinal Column
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A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who underwent surgery for spinal stenosis showed significant improvement compared to those treated nonsurgically. After two years, 63% of surgical patients experienced a major improvement, while 29% of non-surgical patients reported similar results.
A study analyzing US adult data from 1997-2005 found that expenditures for back and neck problems increased substantially, with a 65% inflation-adjusted rise. Despite this, health outcomes such as functional disability and work limitations did not improve.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are developing shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications, including cardiovascular stents and neural probes. These polymers can change shape upon heating, making them attractive for implantation in the body.
The Pourquié Lab has linked Beta-catenin to the process of somite formation, a critical step in vertebral column development. Increasing Beta-catenin levels alters mesoderm maturation and corresponds with oscillations of the segmentation clock.
A bone mineral density test given 15 years earlier predicted a woman's risk of developing fractures to her spine over time. More than half of the women with low BMD and existing spinal fractures developed new fractures over the 15-year study period, highlighting the importance of BMD testing for women over 50.
A Mayo Clinic study found that Ossur's Miami J and Philadelphia collars are the most restrictive, reducing pressure ulcers while maintaining effective spinal immobilization. The study suggests Ossur's products may reduce the risk of pressure ulcers without compromising care for trauma patients.
Kalirin-7 identified as key regulator of brain spine development, controlling neurotransmitter-receiving stations and strengthening neuronal connections. Abnormal spine structures linked to neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and drug addiction.
Scientists have found a way to prevent seizure-induced structural changes in brain cells, which can lead to cognitive impairments such as memory loss and reduced attention spans. The breakthrough discovery uses a drug called FK506, which blocks the breakdown of actin, a molecule essential for cell structures.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that men engaging in predominantly low-impact forms of exercise have an increased incidence of osteopenia, a condition resulting in two times the risk of bone fracture. Regular weight-bearing activities can mitigate this risk and maintain healthy bones.
Research found 28 out of 33 young elite tennis players had spinal abnormalities, including disc degeneration, herniated discs, and stress fractures. The study highlights the need to modify training techniques to minimize musculoskeletal damage in young athletes.
Researchers are focusing on preventing further brain damage after a stroke, targeting the penumbra region where blood flow is reduced by 60%. They hope to restore normal electrical activity in neurons and promote recovery. Dr. Sergei Kirov's study uses real-time microscopical imaging and pharmaceuticals to stop anoxic depolarization.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that CT scans were more effective than plain radiographs in detecting lumbar spine fractures. The study revealed that CT scans correctly identified 91.7% of fractures, while plain films only detected 56.4%, highlighting their superior diagnostic value.
A Phase III clinical study involving over 7,700 women found that Reclast reduced the frequency of all types of osteoporotic bone fractures by 70%, including a significant reduction in spine fractures. Bone mineral density also increased significantly in women on Reclast compared to placebo.
A study found that children with cystic fibrosis exhibit defective bone mineralization as early as 2 years old, which is not caused by nutritional status or lung disease. This abnormality can lead to reduced bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis.
The Pourquié Lab has clarified the mode of formation of spinal precursors in vertebrates. The study reveals that both a cellular and a tissue-based mode of paraxial mesoderm formation occur across different vertebrate groups, providing fundamental insights into spine precursor development.
A new study from Ohio State University found that workers who lift for a living need to take longer or more frequent breaks than they now do to avoid back injury. Taking regular breaks helps muscles recover and reduces the risk of fatigue-related back injuries.
The James Webb Space Telescope's backplane has passed health tests, withstanding freezing temperatures and operating accurately. The successful test ensures the telescope can handle its space trip and work in space, paving the way for future scientific discoveries.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that brief preoperation team meetings can increase awareness of OR safety and perceptions of operating room personnel. The surveys showed a 13.2% increase in those who believed the policy would be effective and over 90% agreed that team discussions are important for patient safety.
A study of 4,124 older women found that repeat bone mineral density scans offered little predictive benefit for fractures. Initial BMD measurements remained highly predictive of fracture risk, suggesting that such tests are unnecessary for healthy older women.
A study by Dr. Brian Stemper and colleagues found that setting head restraints close to the back of the head can minimize injuries from whiplash. The researchers developed a computer model that shows increasing distances between the head restraint and the back of the head can lead to ligament stretch, making whiplash injury more likely.
Researchers used MRI to show that a 90-degree sitting position causes more strain on the spine than an optimal 135-degree posture. This finding could help prevent back pain by advising patients to correct their sitting posture.
A study by Dr. John Ratliff found that obese patients are more likely to experience complications during spine surgery, including blood clots and wound infections. The risk increases with the degree of obesity, emphasizing the importance of weight loss before undergoing elective spinal surgery.
New neurons sprout robust, persistent connections after long-term changes in sensory experience, enabling efficient adaptation and learning. The discovery sheds light on the biological mechanisms of procedural learning and has implications for understanding implicit memory.
Researchers are developing a minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated disks, eliminating the need for incision. The new approach uses X-ray guidance to insert a needle directly into the disk, removing the problematic nucleus and providing relief from pressure on nearby nerves and inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a guide for doctors to assess height loss and determine if it's related to vertebral fractures or osteoporosis. The guidelines suggest prescribing X-rays for patients who lose six centimeters in height, as this is associated with a 60% chance of vertebral fractures.
A Phase 2 trial of denosumab found significant increases in bone mineral density across various sites, including the lumbar spine, total hip, and distal radius. The study suggests denosumab may offer a new approach to treating osteoporosis by targeting RANK Ligand.
A new spinal surgery technique, developed by UCSF neurosurgeon Christopher Ames, allows for direct access to cervical spinal tumors without neural manipulation. The procedure involves removing and reconstructing portions of the cervical spine to access tumors, providing a minimally invasive option for patients with conditions like neur...
A new UCLA study highlights the importance of using CT scans to evaluate cervical spine injuries, finding that x-rays fail to detect secondary injuries in 36% of cases. The researchers recommend that all patients with cervical spine injuries undergo CT imaging to identify missed injuries and non-contiguous injuries.
A study of 497 emergency room patients found that repositioning during CT scans improved image quality for multiple trauma cases. By reorienting the patient's body position, artifacts caused by arms, electrodes, and cables were minimized, resulting in comparable image quality to routine imaging.
Researchers found that sensory deprivation prevented substantial synapse loss in growing mice, contradicting the widely-held notion that brain neurons naturally lose connections as they form new ones. The study's findings suggest a potential link between childhood experiences and long-lasting impacts on brain function.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that an exercise program with a special weighted back support improved balance and reduced back pain in women with kyphosis. The intervention, which included shifting the center of gravity and improving back strength, was effective in reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
The study found that patients with ankylosing spondylitis who took NSAIDs continuously experienced less spinal joint damage than those who only used them for pain management. This suggests that inflammation and progression of joint damage may be separate processes in AS, and NSAIDs may have unexplored disease-controlling properties.
A new study has found that teenaged women who stop using Depo-Provera experience significant gains in bone density compared to those still taking the contraceptive. The research suggests that continuous use of Depo-Provera leads to a loss of bone mass, which appears to be reversible once the drug is discontinued.
Researchers observed sea urchins growing new spines by depositing amorphous calcium carbonate before it crystallizes. This process reveals intricate growth patterns controlled by the template of the old spine.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered molecular portals in dendritic spines of neurons that facilitate endocytosis of receptors. This finding reveals a previously unknown level of organization in the brain, with implications for understanding neural connections and memory.
A recent UCR study of middle school students in Riverside and San Bernardino counties found that the weight of backpacks is a significant predictor of pain. The researchers calculated that students carrying packs weighing up to 20% of their body weight were more likely to experience back pain.
Researchers followed patients with no initial back pain and found that those with poor coping skills, chronic pain, or disputed workers' compensation claims were nearly three times more likely to develop back pain. The study suggests that treating psychological factors may be a more effective approach than surgery for some patients.
A study of 238 blunt and penetrating trauma patients found MDCT to be highly effective in diagnosing thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. CT scans characterized fractures, making surgery easier for surgeons.
The study found that dedicated CT technology detected lower spine fractures in 36 patients, while plain radiographs only detected them in 28. Transverse process fractures were also identified more accurately on MDCT. The benefits of using MDCT include improved patient care and cost savings.
Scientists studying stickleback fish discovered that small changes in gene regulation can lead to rapid skeletal changes without disrupting essential genes. The researchers identified a single region on the chromosome responsible for most of the changes in spine and pelvic morphology, pointing to the key role of the Pitx1 gene.
A study of 276 adolescents found overweight teens with scoliosis experienced worsening curvatures despite bracing, with over half requiring surgery. The Hopkins team recommends considering weight in treatment decisions for scoliosis.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found no correlation between backpack use and back pain in children. The research suggests that activity level and weight may play a greater role in causing back pain, rather than backpack use.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology links cervical spine manipulation to an increased risk of stroke in people under 60. Researchers found that patients who experienced arterial dissection and stroke were six times more likely to have visited a practitioner who manipulated their neck within the past 30 days.
A study reveals that CT scans are more effective than plain film radiography in diagnosing cervical spine trauma. The research found a higher incidence of true positive findings with CT (5.85%) compared to plain film (.50%), as well as lower costs due to reduced examination time.
Estrogen exposure triggers structural changes in the hippocampus, a primary memory center, increasing connections among neurons. The study provides new insights into the role of estrogen in learning and memory, suggesting potential benefits for postmenopausal women and a possible link to Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Researchers used a new microscope technique to study how experiences rewire the brain. They found that synapses and spines on dendrites formed and disappeared daily, with some persisting for months.
A recent survey found that people with ankylosing spondylitis often experience delayed diagnosis, with two-thirds not receiving a proper diagnosis until at least five years after symptoms began. This delay can lead to permanent spinal damage and disability, affecting daily life, including mobility, sleep, and sex life.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that percutaneous vertebroplasty can be performed safely without venography in most cases. The study showed that 205 consecutive procedures without venography resulted in no major complications or cement leakage, with over 80% of patients experiencing major pain relief.
Researchers found that people with back injuries use many unnecessary muscles to compensate for hurt areas, increasing twisting and compressive forces on the spine. A new rehabilitation strategy that emphasizes learning to use back muscles naturally could reduce the likelihood of repeat injuries.
Researchers found that spines on Spondylus regis increase its surface area, providing a hospitable environment for epibionts. This indirect protection reduces overall predation on the bivalve.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that pushes from behind and impacts with the boards account for most spinal injuries in ice hockey. The study also revealed regional disparities and a disturbingly low median age of injured players, highlighting the need for prevention strategies.
A recent study published in Spine highlights the importance of properly securing the trunk during ambulance transport to prevent further injuries. The research found that up to 25% of cervical spine injuries occur or are aggravated during emergency transport, with 40% resulting in neurological damage.
Researchers found ultrasound can accurately diagnose disc bulges and herniations, as well as detect soft tissue abnormalities. This non-invasive technique may help document clinical problems and reduce healthcare costs compared to MRI.