Resource Center

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated functional recovery of rats with spinal cord contusions after transplantation of neural stem cells adjacent to the site of acute injury.  No known studies up to this point, however, have analyzed the effects of distal intrathecal injection of stem cells in chronic spinal cord injury. Materials/Methods: 4 groups of Long-Evans hooded rats were identified: 2 experimental and 2 control. A moderate spinal cord contusion at the T10 level was created by use of the Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study Impactor.

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most frequent coexisting diseases; therefore, surgical options have been increasing for diabetic patients. However, there has been no study to assess the postoperative residual symptom after cervical laminoplasty in a large series of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). This study aimed to compare the outcome of cervical laminoplasty in diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients with CSM and to characterize the residual symptoms following laminoplasty in diabetic patients with CSM. Materials and Methods: A total of 505 consecutive patients with CSM (331 males; 189 females) who were followed up for more than one year after surgery were enrolled.

Introduction: In the treatment of adult patients with spinal deformity, global spine balance has been featured as radiographical parameter reflecting disability and quality of life.  Although some have reported the influence of cervical laminoplasty on regional cervical alignment, no study reported that on grobal spine balance nor thoracolumbar sagittal alignment after cervical laminoplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an influence of cervical laminoplasty to grobal spine balance and thoracolumbar sagittal alignment after cervical laminoplasty in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Introduction: Anterior cervical spine surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures, and clinical recovery is generally satisfactory. However, the anterior approach does pose a risk for airway compromise requiring re-intubation due to postoperative soft-tissue edema or hematoma. Although this postoperative complication is suspected to be rare, it can result in poor and severe surgical outcomes when it does occur.

Introduction: Cervical myelopathy is a common reasons patients over 65 years of age undergo cervical spine surgery, and in recent years there has been an increased awareness in the need to deliver not only high quality, but also cost effective treatment. Commonly this is reported as the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained, however, this method fails to account for the cost of complications associated with untreated cervical myelopathy.  Cervical myelopathy is a progressive disease, and if left untreated, over time it may lead to an increase in overall healthcare expenditures. The purpose of this study is to compare the total health care costs for patients treated with and without surgery for cervical myelopathy.

Introduction: Development of symptomatic adjacent level degeneration (ALD) following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) remains a clinical concern. Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR) maintains motion at the surgical level, and has been demonstrated to lower the incidence of developing radiographic ALD (R-ALD) than following ACDF. The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of progressive R-ALD 7 years post-surgery in patients treated with ProDisc-C, C-ADR or ACDF for one-level symptomatic cervical disc disease, and to examine the effect of final flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) of the C-ADR with the progression of R-ALD.

Introduction: Poor mental status has been proposed to affect postoperative outcome adversely. In this prospective study of a cohort from a multicenter RCT between cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) and fusion (ACDF), the aim was to evaluate preoperative risk factors, with special reference to anxiety and depression. Methods: 151 patients were included in the RCT. 48% were women and mean age was 47 years. Primary outcome was measured with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and secondary outcome measures were EQ-5D, VAS arm and neck.

Introduction: Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is an uncommon clinical entity, but an important source of spinal cord compression, with several causes reported in the literature.  The objective of our study is to determine the incidence and associated risk factors for epidural hematoma in the setting of cervical spine trauma. Materials/Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected state trauma registry; identifying all patients with cervical spine injuries who presented to a tertiary care Level I trauma center between the years 2010 and 2014.