Each segment was tested in the intact state and after insertion of interbody cages in one of 3 constructs: PLIF with 2 parallel-shaped or anatomically shaped cages and TLIF with 1 anatomically shaped cage. All cages received supplementary pedicle screw fixation. The range-of-motion (ROM) values after cage insertion and posterior fixation were compared with the intact selleck kinase inhibitor specimen values using analysis of variance and multiple comparisons with Bonferroni correction.\n\nResults: All constructs significantly reduced segmental motion relative to intact (P < 0.001). The motion reductions in FE, LB, and axial rotation were 85 +/- 15%, 83 +/- 18%, and 67 +/- 6.8% for the PLIF construct using parallel cages,

79 +/- 5.5%, 87 +/- 10%, and 66 +/- 20% for PLIF using anatomically shaped cages, and 90 +/- 6.8%, 87 +/- 12%, and 77 +/- 22% for TLIF with an anatomically shaped cage. In FE and LB, the reductions in the ROM caused between the 3 constructs were equivalent (P > 0.05). In axial rotation, the TLIF cage provided significantly greater limitation in the ROM compared with the parallel-shaped PLIF cage (P = 0.01).\n\nConclusions: The parallel-shaped

and anatomically shaped I/F cages provided similar stability in a PLIF construct. The greater stability of the TLIF construct was likely due to a more anterior placement of the TLIF cage and preservation of the contralateral facet joint.”
“Background and purpose. – Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe inflammatory and necrotizing disease that clinically affects the optic nerves and spinal cord in a relapsing course. We assessed the baseline and follow-up MRI characteristics of cord MK-8931 ic50 attacks in NMO and recurrent longitudinal extensive myelitis (RLEM).\n\nMethods. – We retrospectively

reviewed MRI data of 20 Afro-Caribbean patients diagnosed with either NMO or RLEM. MRI data from 51 cord or mixed attacks were evaluated, and 65 follow-up MRI studies were available for 30 baseline acute examinations.\n\nResults. selleck chemicals llc – The cervical cord was involved in 63% of cases. Four attacks were limited to the brainstem. MRI of the spinal cord revealed longitudinal extensive signal abnormalities extending over three vertebral segments, associated with cord swelling in 67% of the 51 relapses. Gadolinium enhancement was observed, preferentially surrounding edema, in 69% of attacks. In the axial plane, signal abnormalities typically involved central areas of the cord. Cavitation was observed in 16% of attacks. Cord attacks recurred in the same or contiguous areas in 67% of cases. Follow-up MRI revealed a gradual decrease in cord swelling and T2 signal hyperintensity, with fragmentation of signal abnormalities in some cases. Cord atrophy was evident in 57% of the follow-up MRI.\n\nConclusion. – Given the poor prognosis of NMO and RLEM, radiologists need to be aware of the MRI pattern to prevent further attacks with the use of aggressive treatment.