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The article focuses on the story of Montclair State University graduate Layla Tamimi from paralysis to graduation and her future in public health. It describes her medical condition when she suffered a stroke in addition to three rare spinal strokes while hospitalized. She decided to study Public Health partly to educate other young people to not take being healthy for granted. According to Public Health Department Chairperson Lisa Lieberman, she does not let her disability stop her in any way.

The article focuses on the application of undulatory movements in therapeutic techniques, drawing from both human evolution and belly dance practices. Topics include the role of undulatory locomotion in vertebrate evolution, the use of belly dancer head slides to enhance cervical spinal function and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and manual techniques for mimicking belly dancer chest lifts to mobilize thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

A recent study conducted at Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Poland, explored the use of an antigravity device called GraviSpine in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in children. The study involved 142 patients aged 10-17 years who were undergoing treatment for IS with physiotherapy and bracing. The participants were divided into two age groups and received additional treatment with the GraviSpine device. The study found that the device was effective in improving trunk rotation angles, reducing Cobb angles, and decreasing functional lower limb length discrepancies in both age groups. The researchers concluded that the use of assistive devices like GraviSpine may enhance the effectiveness of conservative treatment for IS, particularly in cases where there is functional inequality of the lower limbs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on kyphosis, a condition characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the spine. The study aimed to investigate the effect of spinal orthotics on osteoporotic patients. The researchers found that using a soft or rigid orthosis alone did not have a superior effect compared to not using an orthosis during the acute phase of one-level osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). However, using a semi-rigid or weighted orthosis in older adults with or without OVFs can benefit thoracic kyphosis angle, back muscle strength, and balance. The study suggests that considering participants' conditions may help alleviate controversy surrounding the relationship between osteoporosis, OVFs, and age-related hyperkyphosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University examined the biomechanical changes that occur when combining Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) surgery with different internal fixation techniques in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The study used finite element analysis to assess the range of motion and stress levels in various model configurations. The results showed that the OLIF surgery combined with bilateral cortical bone trajectory (BCBT) fixation technique exhibited the highest biomechanical stability and minimal stress on the cage-endplate interface. This finding suggests that OLIF with BCBT fixation could be a less invasive alternative treatment for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, explored the use of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a method of pain relief for pediatric scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery. The study found that preoperative ESPB improved postoperative analgesia, resulting in lower pain scores and reduced opioid consumption compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the ESPB group required fewer rescue analgesics and exhibited a higher quality of recovery. This research provides valuable insights into improving pain management for pediatric scoliosis patients undergoing spinal surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Washington examined the prevalence of periodic limb movements during sleep in children with early onset scoliosis (EOS). The study found that children with EOS had a higher frequency of periodic limb movements during sleep, which were correlated with increased arousal and hypoxemia. This research suggests that patients with EOS are at a higher risk of sleep disordered breathing and sleep disruption, which can have adverse consequences on their overall health. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between scoliosis and sleep disorders in children. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Haukeland Hospital in Bergen, Norway, aimed to evaluate the responsiveness of two questionnaires, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who underwent surgery. The study included 601 LSS patients and found that both questionnaires demonstrated high internal and external responsiveness in evaluating outcomes for surgically treated LSS patients. The study also identified a 30% ODI relative change as a threshold consistent with treatment success in the NORDSTEN trials. This research provides valuable insights into the assessment of outcomes in LSS patients and was funded by various organizations, including the University of Bergen and regional health authorities. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Kagoshima University in Japan examined the impact of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration. The study analyzed CSF samples from 61 LSS patients and found that patients with medium block to contrast below the lumbar puncture level had significantly higher CSF protein concentration compared to those without medium block. The researchers suggest that damage to the cauda equina in LSS patients may be responsible for the elevated CSF protein levels. This information may be useful for individuals researching spinal stenosis and its effects on the central nervous system. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the University of La Laguna in the Canary Islands has reported findings on ankylosing spondylitis, a musculoskeletal disease. The study examined skeletal remains of a Prehispanic male with fusion in the sacroiliac joints and a bone formation covering the posterior aspect of the right sacroiliac joint. The researchers believe that the individual likely had ankylosing spondylitis, which led to bony fusion and a pelvic fracture. They suggest that the fracture may have been caused by a fall in the mountainous environment where the individual lived. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University in Beijing, China have conducted a study on the treatment of noncontiguous cervical spondylosis, a type of spinal osteophytosis. The study aimed to simulate different forms of three-level hybrid surgeries using finite element analysis. The researchers found that type Id surgery had a better protective effect on the intervertebral disc and reduced average pressure compared to type IId surgery. However, type IId surgery had a significant protective effect on the post-column structure of non-fused segments. This research provides valuable insights for the selection of suitable treatment strategies for multilevel noncontiguous cervical degenerative disease. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by investigators from the Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky, examined the outcomes of direct pars repair in patients with spondylolitic spondylolisthesis. The study found that 82% of patients achieved partial or complete bone healing, while 15% experienced persistent postoperative pain. The researchers concluded that the pedicle-screw with wiring technique used in the study may be a viable option for preserving lumbar motion in patients with spondylolitic spondylolisthesis before resorting to interbody fusion. The study was published in the journal Spine and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Brown University examined the impact of correcting normative segmental lordosis values on postoperative outcomes in adult spinal deformity surgery. The study analyzed data from 510 patients and found that overcorrection of lordosis led to higher rates of proximal junctional failure, while undercorrection resulted in increased rates of implant failure. The research concluded that patients undergoing fusion for adult spinal deformity should be cautious about the degree of correction in order to minimize complications. This study provides valuable insights for medical professionals and patients considering spinal deformity surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A case report published by the Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center discusses a 38-year-old female patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who developed skin lesions, including purpuric skin lesions and ischemia of her right foot digits, after starting treatment with adalimumab. The patient was diagnosed with moderate-sized vascular vasculitis associated with adalimumab use. Discontinuation of adalimumab and treatment with high dose glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide resulted in the resolution of her ischemic lesions. The case highlights the importance of considering drug-related side effects in patients with new skin lesions, particularly in the context of rheumatic diseases such as AS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City investigated the relationship between lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (DD) and the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score. The VBQ score, based on magnetic resonance imaging, is a measure of lumbar spine bone quality. The study found that more advanced and long-lasting DD is associated with lower VBQ, indicating less bone marrow fat content and potentially stronger bone. This research provides insights into the reciprocal relationship between intervertebral disk degeneration and vertebral bone quality. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights new research from the University of Oklahoma on the implications of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss, particularly among the elderly and its effects on spinal disease management. Topics discussed include the etiology and assessment of sarcopenia, its impact on surgical outcomes for cervical and lumbar spine conditions, and potential interventions like nutrition and exercise therapy.

A recent study conducted at the University of Alberta in Canada examined the reliability and accuracy of using a new 3D ultrasound system to measure scoliotic parameters in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study involved 40 participants, and the results showed that the new ultrasound system demonstrated good reliability and accuracy for measuring certain parameters such as Cobb angle, axial vertebral rotation, and kyphotic angle. However, there was a large measurement discrepancy for lordotic angle measurements. The researchers concluded that further investigation is needed to develop a new measurement method for lordotic angle using ultrasound. This study was funded by Alberta Innovates and the Alberta Orthopaedic Society. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Lanzhou University in Gansu, China discusses the impact of spinal diseases, such as intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), ankylosing spondylitis, and spinal cord injury, on patients' quality of life. Current treatments only provide symptom relief and do not cure the diseases. The report highlights the need to explore the causes of these diseases and develop new treatment approaches. It focuses on the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in spinal diseases, particularly IDD, and its potential as a therapeutic target. The research concludes that further investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of lncRNAs and overcome challenges in using them as therapeutic targets. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in Chiayi, Taiwan discusses the role of dysregulated non-coding RNA expression in T cells from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its contribution to the immunopathogenesis of the disease. AS is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by inflammatory back pain and bony fusion of vertebral joints. The study found that aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs in AS T cells can lead to abnormal cytokine release, cell signaling abnormalities, and dysregulated cell proliferation and death, all of which contribute to the development of AS. The researchers suggest further investigation in this field to better understand the pathogenesis of AS. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a study comparing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) to modified open TLIF in treating degenerative lumbosacral spine diseases. Topics discussed include perioperative outcomes like blood loss and radiation dose, post-operative complications such as radiculitis and fixation material malposition, and long-term patient satisfaction and fusion rates.

A recent study conducted by Sichuan University in China evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. The study compared conventional care (CC) with seven targeted therapies available in China, including secukinumab, ixekizumab, infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, and tofacitinib. The researchers found that targeted therapies, particularly IL-17 inhibitors, were cost-effective treatments for AS. The choice between brand-new prices or generic drug prices significantly impacted the economic outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Southern Alabama discusses the evaluation, management, and classification of idiopathic scoliosis. The study emphasizes the importance of individual assessment based on age, degree of the curve, and patient-specific presentation. It also highlights the need for reliable communication between surgeons treating deformities and the differentiation between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult degenerative scoliosis. The research concludes that integrated models of both surgical and nonsurgical treatment are necessary for idiopathic scoliosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Holy Cross Orthopedic Institute examined the effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). AS is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. The study found that patients with AS who underwent THA experienced higher rates of medical and implant complications, falls, length of stay, and readmissions compared to non-AS patients. These findings highlight the importance of identifying patients with AS who are at risk and providing them with appropriate counseling and perioperative planning. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, explores the surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis, a condition that requires neural decompression, stabilization, and alignment restoration. The study focuses on the use of minimally invasive spine approaches, specifically lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PSF), as a safe and effective option for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis. The research concludes that LLIF with percutaneous PSF is a valuable addition to available spine surgical options and can be an effective technique for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine in China aimed to develop nomograms for predicting lung metastasis probability and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with malignant primary osseous spinal neoplasms (MPOSN). The researchers collected data from 1,298 patients with spinal primary osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chordoma. The study identified various predictors for lung metastasis, including histologic type, grade, lymph node involvement, tumor size, tumor extension, and other site metastasis. The nomograms developed in this study could be useful tools for clinicians to predict lung metastasis probability and personalize CSS evaluation for patients with MPOSN. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a study investigating the relationship between the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score and MRI scoring in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Topics include the correlation between clinical and MRI assessments, the disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis, and the importance of incorporating MRI for accurate disease evaluation and management.

A recent study conducted at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, evaluated the efficacy of posterior hemivertebrectomy combined with two or more segments fusion in children under the age of 10 with a solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar hemivertebra (HV). The study compared the outcomes of two-segment fusion versus three or four-segment fusion in young children. The results showed that two-segment fusion yielded comparable correction outcomes to three or four-segment fusion in the midterm period. However, the reoperation rate was significantly higher in the thoracolumbar region. This research provides valuable insights into the treatment of scoliosis in young children. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) compared the efficacy of computer-assisted navigation (CAN) to conventional pedicle screw placement for patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The study found that CAN did not improve outcomes and was associated with increased surgical complications and the need for blood transfusions. Additionally, the total cost of care was significantly higher for the CAN group. The study questions the justification for using CAN in posterior fusion for AIS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus examined the influence of the dominant leg on body asymmetries in young male soccer players with scoliosis. The study involved 609 participants and evaluated various postural asymmetry variables. The researchers found a significant association between the dominant leg and truncal rotation, as well as leg length discrepancy and pelvic tilt, which may contribute to the development of functional scoliosis. The study suggests that leg dominance should be considered as a potential factor in the development of scoliosis in children and youth soccer players. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Nanjing University in China has explored the use of 3D-printed orthoses for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The researchers developed a reconfigurable, healable, and recyclable polymer that can be used to create orthoses. These orthoses can adapt to a patient's body shape, improving their effectiveness in treating AIS. Additionally, the use of this polymer can reduce medical waste as the orthoses can be recycled after use. This research provides promising advancements in the treatment of scoliosis and offers potential environmental benefits. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Lucknow, India, examined the impact of reduced lumbar lordosis (the natural inward curvature of the lower spine) on spinal flexibility and function. The study included 60 subjects divided into three groups based on their lumbar lordosis angles. The results showed that a loss of lumbar lordosis significantly affected spinal biomechanics and function, with greater loss being associated with higher levels of pain, disability, and reduced flexibility and function. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining lumbar curvature for improving patient outcomes and suggests the need for further research on long-term corrective interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Timisoara, Romania, examined the effects of an 8-week exercise program on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study found that AS patients had decreased postural stability compared to healthy individuals. However, after participating in the exercise program, the patients showed improvements in postural stability. The study measured static plantar pressure and stabilometry parameters and found significant differences in foot loading sites and center of pressure (CoP) path length before and after rehabilitation. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of exercise for individuals with AS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Chongqing Medical University in China examined the therapeutic effect of modified cervical Jiaji acupuncture on mixed type cervical spondylosis (MCS). The study included 120 patients with MCS who were treated either with traditional methods or acupuncture at cervical Jiaji points. After two weeks of treatment, the acupuncture group showed greater improvements in pain, blood flow, cervical spine mobility, and overall clinical efficacy compared to the traditional treatment group. The study concluded that modified cervical Jiaji acupuncture is effective in treating MCS and can improve clinical symptoms and reduce pain intensity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Fujita Health University discusses the management of medication use in older orthopedic patients. The study aimed to investigate the medication profiles of older orthopedic patients and found that over half of the patients were affected by polypharmacy, with approximately two-thirds being prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Patients with degenerative spinal disease had a significantly higher prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM use compared to other orthopedic diseases. The study highlights the need for attention to the high frequency of antiemetic drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among patients with degenerative lumbar spine conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan, China, explored the use of lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). The study analyzed the clinical efficacy, imaging changes, and complications of LLIF in 52 DLS patients. The results showed significant improvements in Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis angle after surgery, as well as improvements in sagittal and coronal balance of the lumbar spine. The study concluded that LLIF resulted in less blood loss, less trauma, and quicker recovery compared to other surgical methods. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine. The study focuses on the prognosis of neurological function in patients with AS cervical fractures and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) who undergo surgical treatment. The researchers analyzed data from 106 patients and found that factors such as spinal hypersignal, preoperative ASIA score, and previous AS drug treatment were associated with postoperative neurological function improvement. However, preoperative T2-weighted spinal hypersignal was identified as an independent risk factor affecting the recovery of neurological function in these patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Wakayama Medical University in Japan aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL) for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The researchers retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 274 patients who underwent spinal MEL for symptomatic LSS. The study found that the surgical outcomes of MEL for LSS were not significantly different between patients with DS and those without DS. However, female sex, slip angle > 5 degrees in the forward bending position, and dynamic progression of Meyerding grade were identified as risk factors for poor long-term outcomes. The study concluded that women with dynamic instability may require additional fusion surgery in approximately 25% of cases for a period of 5 years or more. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a new clinical trial designed to assess the clinical and surgical outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar and lumbosacral spine diseases. Topics include the procedure's efficacy in reducing complications, its comparison to traditional techniques, and the study's methodology and expected results.

A recent study conducted by the University of Montreal in Canada has developed a classification algorithm to prioritize surgery for pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis when long surgical delays are expected. The researchers reviewed the data of a cohort of patients scheduled for surgery and identified predictors associated with the rate of progression of scoliosis. They found that age, sex, Risser sign, menarchal status, angle of trunk rotation, scoliotic curve type, and main Cobb angle were significant predictors. The algorithm categorizes patients into three groups based on their progression rates, allowing for evidence-based surgical prioritization. This research provides valuable insights for clinicians dealing with long surgical delays in pediatric scoliosis cases. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at the Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation in Tel-Aviv, Israel, evaluated the real-world adherence, drug survival, and discontinuation risk of biologics among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study included 343 eligible patients who initiated treatment with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) between 2015 and 2018. The results showed that adherence, drug survival, and risk for discontinuation were similar for all tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNF-ais) and the interleukin-17 inhibitor (IL-17i) secukinumab, regardless of biologic-experience status. These findings can be useful for healthcare providers in making treatment decisions for patients with AS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Damascus University focused on the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and recurrent uveitis using Golimumab. Uveitis is a challenging disease to treat and is found in 23% of AS patients. The study presented a case of a 32-year-old male with AS and recurrent uveitis who experienced clinical remission after starting Golimumab treatment. The research concluded that Golimumab was effective in treating uveitis associated with spondyloarthritis refractory to at least one immunosuppressive drug. This study provides valuable insights into potential treatment options for AS and uveitis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Duke University Health Systems in Durham, North Carolina, examined the issue of healthcare equity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The study found that social determinants of health (SDOH), such as economic stability and neighborhood environment, can impact health outcomes for pediatric patients with AIS. However, the study also noted inconsistencies in the existing literature on this topic, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The researchers proposed a framework to guide future studies and improve collaboration and data reporting in order to address healthcare inequities in AIS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain examined the accuracy of selecting end vertebrae in the measurement of Cobb angle and curve length in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. The study found that errors in selecting end vertebrae were common among both experienced and novice observers, with a higher error frequency for the upper-end vertebrae. The accuracy of determining the length of the scoliotic curve was limited by the reliance on the correct selection of end vertebrae. These findings challenge the consensus in the field and highlight the need for improved methods in assessing AIS patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Duke University have conducted a study on spondylolisthesis, a condition affecting the spine. The study focused on the trans-facet approach, a novel surgical technique for posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The researchers used advanced imaging technologies to analyze the anatomical changes in the trans-facet corridor caused by spondylolisthesis. They found that spondylolisthesis can increase the area of the trans-facet corridor, which has implications for surgical planning. By understanding this effect, surgeons can make better decisions about the optimal approach to the disc based on a patient's unique anatomy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences aimed to determine if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings could effectively diagnose instability observed on radiographs in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The study reviewed 478 patients with degenerative LSS who had surgery at the institution and assessed potential variables for instability, including MRI findings. The results showed that facet joint effusion, disk height index, and the presence of the Vacuum sign were associated with instability on the standing lateral radiograph in extension and flexion in patients with degenerative LSS. This research provides valuable insights into the diagnosis of instability in patients with degenerative LSS. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Beijing, China discusses a case of Bacteroides fragilis induced spondylitis, a rare infection of the spine. The diagnosis was confirmed through blood culture and metagenomic sequencing. The patient had a history of severe oral ulceration, although a direct link to the infection was not established. The report also includes a comprehensive literature review on B. fragilis spondylitis, covering clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies. The research was funded by the Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Plan Key Project and the Key project of Health Commission of Gansu Province. [Extracted from the article]