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The intervertebral disc (IVD) organ-on-a-chip is a multi-cellular analytical platform that recapitulates the geometry of the IVD. This bioinspired microsystem mimics monocyte extravasation and enables the study of cell-to-cell paracrine signaling by utilizing chemotaxis.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a rare lung complication of liver cirrhosis, caused by pulmonary microvascular vasodilation that induces abnormal arterial oxygenation. Typical findings on physical examination are finger clubbing and cyanosis. Dyspnea is a common symptom and is worse in the upright position. Contrast echocardiography is a useful diagnostic test. Currently, the only effective treatment is liver transplantation. We report the case of a woman with cirrhosis who has hepatopulmonary syndrome with finger clubbing, confirmed by contrast echocardiography. The patient is waiting for a liver transplant.

Extra-domain B of fibronectin (EDB-FN) is an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin with high expression in the extracellular matrix of neovascularized tissues and malignant cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the practicality of using EDB-FN as a biomarker and therapeutic target for malignant gliomas (MGs), representative intractable diseases involving brain tumors. Methods: The microarray- and sequence-based patient transcriptomic database 'Oncopression' and tissue microarray of MG patient tissue samples were analyzed. EDB-FN data were extracted and evaluated from 23,344 patient samples of 17 types of cancer to assess its effectiveness and selectivity as a molecular target. To strengthen the results of the patient data analysis, the utility of EDB-FN as a molecular marker and target for MG was verified using active EDB-FN-targeting ultrasmall lipidic micellar nanoparticles (~12 nm), which had a high drug-loading capacity and were efficiently internalized by MG cells in vitro and in vivo. Results: Brain tumors had a 1.42-fold cancer-to-normal ratio (p < 0.0001), the second highest among 17 cancers after head and neck cancer. Patient tissue microarray analysis showed that the EDB-FN high-expression group had a 5.5-fold higher risk of progression than the EDB-FN low-expression group (p < 0.03). By labeling docetaxel-containing ultrasmall micelles with a bipodal aptide targeting EDB-FN (termed APTEDB-DSPE-DTX), we generated micelles that could specifically bind to MG cells, leading to superior antitumor efficacy of EDB-FN-targeting nanoparticles compared to nontargeting controls. Conclusions: Taken together, these results show that EDB-FN can be an effective drug delivery target and biomarker for MG.

Objective: Since the first discovery of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), rapid and wide spread of the disease has been reported and the World Health Organization announced that a 'pandemic' has started. Up to date there is little known regarding the impact of this outbreak on spinal specialists' daily clinical practice. We intended to evaluate how COVID-19 has affected the number of spinal disease patients we meet and operate in daily practice. Methods: The de-identified data regarding number of patients visiting the spine clinic at a tertiary referral hospital and a secondary level hospital from January, February and March of 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The number of out-patient department (OPD) visits, number of emergency room (ER) visits as well as number of surgeries performed during the reviewed period were collected and analyzed, comparing 2020 to the previous 3 years. Results: The number of daily OPD visits showed a steady decrease starting from January, and presented a statistically significant decrease by early March 2020, compared to the previous 3 years. During the same period, decrease in number of daily ER visits was statistically significant as well. The number of elective surgeries or number of surgeries for patients admitted via ER during COVID-19 outbreak remained similar to that of 2017-2019 suggesting, despite the decrease of patients visiting the hospital for spinal diseases, those whom required surgery still visited the hospital. The results were consistant among other hospital level. Conclusion: The outbreak of COVID-19 affected our daily practice as OPD and ER visits reduced but did not affect the number of surgeries. We believe that this report will be informative to spinal specialists worldwide fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective We developed a novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device for ligamentum flavum cells and evaluated its influence on the development of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, a common cause of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Materials and methods Stretch strength of the device was optimized by applying 5% and 15% MSS loads for 24, 48, and 72 h. A cytotoxicity assay of human ligamentum flavum cells was performed and the results were compared to control (0% stress). Inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], and extracellular matrix (ECM)-regulating cytokines (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]-1 and TIMP-2) were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Using our multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device, 5% stress for 24 hour was optimal for ligamentum flavum cells. Under this condition, the IL-6 and IL-8 levels, VEGF level, and MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 were significantly increased, compared to the control. Conclusion Using the novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device we confirmed that, mechanical stress enhances the production of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors, and altered the expression of ECM-regulating enzymes, possibly triggering ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.

Sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) parameters are essential for the diagnosis of adult spinal deformities (ASDs) and their progression. Certain clinical symptoms that occur in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may distort the SSPA and mimic ASD.To differentiate SSPA in symptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients within 10 minutes in the standing position.This retrospective cohort study evaluated changes in SSPA after simple lumbar decompression surgery in patients with LSS and HNP. Relative sagittal alignment (RSA), relative pelvic version, relative lumbar lordosis (RLL), Lordosis Distribution Index (LDI), and global alignment and proportion (GAP) values were calculated using the conventional Schwab classification method. First, the preoperative and postoperative SSPA parameters were compared. Second, patients were subgrouped into symptomatic within 10 minutes of standing (SP group) and other symptoms of LSS and HNP as controls. Changes in SSPA parameters after symptom relief after simple lumbar decompression surgery were compared between the two groups.Overall, all SSPA parameters improved after surgery. However, after subgrouping, patients in the control group did not show significant SSPA alterations, except for LDI, whereas patients in the SP group significantly improved in terms of their RSA, RLL, LDI, and GAP values after symptom relief after surgery.Patients with pain on standing within 10 minutes showed significant correction in RSA, RLL, and GAP values after simple lumbar decompression. Therefore, it is important to observe such clinical symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis of ASD.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the main source of intractable lower back pain, and symptomatic IVD degeneration could be due to different degeneration mechanisms. In this article, we describe the molecular basis of symptomatic IVD degenerative disc diseases (DDDs), emphasizing the role of degeneration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation during this process. In symptomatic DDD, pro-inflammatory mediators modulate catabolic reactions, resulting in changes in ECM homeostasis and, finally, neural/vascular ingrowth-related chronic intractable discogenic pain. In ECM homeostasis, anabolic protein-regulating genes show reduced expression and changes in ECM production, while matrix metalloproteinase gene expression increases and results in aggressive ECM degradation. The resultant loss of normal IVD viscoelasticity and a concomitant change in ECM composition are key mechanisms in DDDs. During inflammation, a macrophage-related cascade is represented by the secretion of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induce inflammation. Aberrant angiogenesis is considered a key initiative pathologic step in symptomatic DDD. In reflection of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor expression is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in the hypoxic conditions of IVDs. Furthermore, IVD cells undergoing degeneration potentially enhance neovascularization by secreting large amounts of angiogenic cytokines, which penetrate the IVD from the outer annulus fibrosus, extending deep into the outer part of the nucleus pulposus. Based on current knowledge, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed in all aspects of spinal research, starting from basic research to clinical applications, as this will provide information regarding treatments for DDDs and discogenic pain.

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) is an often-used diagnostic imaging tool during the evaluation of the cervical spine pathology. CT scan can provide one’s bone density by measuring Hounsfield’s unit. In anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgeries, bone density may play an important role as it may relate to non-union. Therefore, the evaluation and consideration of the Hounsfield’s unit of sub-axial cervical vertebral body is important, especially during multi-level ACDF.Methods: Patients who have taken cervical CT scan pre-operatively to multi-level (3 or 4 levels) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with anterior plating between June 2010 and August 2018, at our department were retrospectively reviewed. The bone density was estimated by measuring Hounsfield Unit (HU) of sub-axial vertebrae - C3 to T1 - by using PiViewStar imaging software program. Radiological evaluation of fusion was done by assessing postoperative plain X-rays and CT scans of 4 months and 1-year follow-up. The difference in HU were evaluated between different segments of sub-axial vertebrae. Then the fusion rate of the ACDF ending at C6 were compared to C7. All grouped values were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Matched-ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test was used.Results: A total of eighty patients were who underwent 3 or 4 level ACDF with anterior plate fixation were retrospectively reviewed. Bone density estimated from Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement of the sub-axial vertebral bodies ranges from 112.2 to 594.9 with the mean of 280.91. When comparing C5 with 6, 6 with 7, and 7 with T1 they showed significantly decreasing HU value with p-value

We present a case of a L5/S1 extraforaminal stenosis (EFS), also known as far-out syndrome, in which ineffective multiple previous fusion surgeries were performed because of misdiagnosis. An 83-year-old man, complaining of back and left sided leg pain along the L5 dermatome for 5 years visited our institute claiming persistent pain even after 2 fusion surgeries at another hospital. A new magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan with a half coronal T1-weighted sequence revealed left L5/S1 EFS and resultant L5 nerve root compression. Because of the patient’s old age, history of angina and anti-platelet medications, a minimally invasive full-endoscopic decompression was performed. Afterwards the patient experienced immediate relief of the radicular pain, satisfied with the surgery. Diagnosis of L5/S1 EFS can be challenging especially when only routine sagittal/axial MRI scans are provided. Half coronal plane T1-weighted image MRI can be extremely helpful in diagnosis of this distinct pathology. Through this case report, we would like to emphasize the significance of half coronal MRI in diagnosis of L5/S1 EFS and also show a representative successful full-endoscopic decompression for the disease.

Y2O3:Eu thin films were deposited on p-type (100)-oriented silicon wafers by using the radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputter deposition technique and then post-annealed in an air ambient at various temperatures and holding times. X-ray diffraction data showed that the as-deposited films had a cubic Y2O3 structure textured with the (222) plane. The as-deposited films were found to be under internal compressive stress, and the annealing treatment led to relaxation of the stress in the films. Photoluminescence (PL) was observed from the films annealed at temperatures ≥ 400°C, and the strongest peak occurred at 613 nm in the red range. The PL intensity increased as the annealing temperature was increased, resulting from the improved crystalline quality of the Y2O3:Eu films annealed at higher temperatures. The PL intensity reached a maximum at 1200°C and then decreased due to the formation of the Y2SiO5 phase. The Y2O3:Eu films were also annealed at 1200°C for different periods of time from 1 to 10 h. The PL intensity of the 1200°C-annealed films was decreased for longer holding time resulting from the formation of the Y2SiO5 phase.

This study was designed to investigate (i) extracellular matrix to specify adhesive substrates to human dura mater cell (hDMC); (ii) the alteration on adhesion-related molecules in hDMC; and (iii) secreted matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) linked with extracellular matrix remodeling after exposure to inflammation. The hDMC was cultured from human dura mater tissue, and the studies were performed with hDMC after co-culturing with macrophage like THP-1 cells (Mϕ). The adhesion of co-cultured hDMC through collagen I increased 6.4-fold and through collagen IV increased 5.0-fold compared with the adhesion of naive cells (p < 0.001). Integrin subtype α2 β1 expression was increased 6.3-fold (p < 0.001) and α1 expression was decreased 2.0-fold (p < 0.001) in the co-cultured cells compared with the naive cells. Co-culturing induced significant increases in MMP-1 (13.9-fold, p < 0.01), MMP-3 (7.6-fold, p < 0.01), and VEGF (VEGF: 3.8-fold, p < 0.05) expression and decreases in MMP-9 (0.1-fold, p < 0.01) compared with the sum of naive hDMC and Mϕ values. Increased hDMC adhesion under inflammatory conditions is caused by an increased cellular affinity for collagen I and IV mediated by increased hDMC levels of integrin subtype α2 β1 and environmental MMP-1, -3 and decreased MMP-9. Selective integrin subtype α2 β1 inhibition assay showed 37.8% and 35.7% reduction in adhesion of co-cultured hDMC to collagen I (p < 0.001) and IV (p = 0.057), respectively. The present study provides insight into the pathological conditions related to dura mater adhesion in inflammation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1-11, 2019.

Adipokine human Resistin (hResistin), is known to be associated with insulin resistance and secrete low-grade pro-inflammatory cytokines in obesity. Although studies on low-grade inflammation of adipokine hResistin are known, studies on the effects and mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) are still lacking. Thus, we investigated the adipokine hResistin with or without pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells such as human annulus fibrosus (hAF) and nucleus pulposus (hNP). The mean optical density changes in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hAF cells, was significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. Similarly, in the case of the mean optical density change of inflammatory mediators induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hNP cells was also significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. These results improve understanding of hResistin on inflammatory IVDD but also with other obesity-related inflammatory diseases.

ObjectiveWe developed a novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress (MSS) loading device for ligamentum flavum (LF) cells and evaluated its influence on the development of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH), a common cause of lumbar spinal canal stenosis.Materials and MethodsStretch strength of the device was optimized by applying 5% and 15% MSS loads for 24, 48, and 72 h. A cytotoxicity assay of human LF cells was performed and the results were compared to control (0%) MSS. Inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], and extracellular matrix (ECM)-regulating cytokines (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]-1 and TIMP-2) were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsUsing our multi-torsional MSS loading device, 5% MSS for 24 h was optimal for LF cells. Under this condition, the IL-6 and IL-8 levels, VEGF level, and MMR-1, MMR-3, and TIMP-2 were significantly increased, compared to the control. ConclusionUsing the novel multi-torsional MSS loading device we confirmed that, mechanical stress enhances the production of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors, and altered the expression of ECM-regulating enzymes, possibly triggering LFH. This discovery enhances our understating of the effects of mechanical stress on LFH.

Objective This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gel versus DBM gel with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods This study was designed as a prospective, multi-center, double-blind method, randomized study. All randomized subjects underwent TLIF with DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group (40 patients) as an experimental group or DBM gel group (36 patients) as a control group. Post-operative observations were performed at 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The spinal fusion rate on computed tomography scans and X-rays films, Visual analog scale pain scores, Oswestry disability index and SF-36 quality of life (QOL) scores were used for the efficacy evaluation. The incidence rate of adverse device effects (ADEs) and serious adverse device effects (SADEs) were used for safety evaluation. Results The spinal fusion rate at 12 weeks for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group was higher with 73.68% compared to 58.82% for the DBM gel group. The 24 and 48 weeks were 72.22% and 82.86% for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group and 78.79% and 78.13%, respectively, for the DBM gel group. However, there were no significant differences between two groups in the spinal fusion rate at 12, 24, and 48 weeks post-treatment (p=0.1817, p=0.5272, p=0.6247). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of ADEs (p=0.3836). For ADEs in the experimental group, 'Pyrexia' (5.00%) was the most common ADE, followed by 'Hypesthesia', 'Paresthesia', 'Transient peripheral paralysis', 'Spondylitis' and 'Insomnia' (2.50%, respectively). ADEs reported in control group included 'Pyrexia', 'Chest discomfort', 'Pain', 'Osteoarthritis', 'Nephropathy toxic', 'Neurogenic bladder', 'Liver function analyses' and 'Urticaria' (2.86%, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of SADEs (p=0.6594). For SADE in the experimental group, ''Pyrexia' and 'Spondylitis' were 2.50%. SADE reported in the control group included 'Chest discomfort', 'Osteoarthritis' and 'Neurogenic bladder'. All SADEs described above were resolved after medical treatment. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the spinal fusion rates of DBM gel group and DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group were not significantly different. But, this study provides knowledge regarding the earlier postoperative effect of rhBMP-2 containing DBM gel and also supports the idea that the longer term follow-up results are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness.

To evaluate dominant cell-to-cell paracrine interactions, including those of human annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP), and endothelial cells (ECs), in the production of inflammatory mediators and catabolic enzymes, ECs was cultured in soluble factors derived from AF or NP cells (AFCM or NPCM, respectively) and vice versa. We analysed IL-6 and -8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -3, nerve growth factor (NGF)-β, and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) with qRT-PCR and ELISA. We implement a microfluidic platform to analyse migration properties of AF and NP cells and ECs in 3D cultures. Our results show that IL-1β-stimulated AF cells produced significantly higher levels of IL-6 and -8, VEGF, and MMP-1 than IL-1β-stimulated NP cells. However, production of IL-6 and -8, VEGF, and MMP-3 was significantly higher in NP cells than in AF cells, under the presence of ECs conditioned medium. We observed considerable migration of NP cells co-cultured with ECs through the microfluidic platform. These results suggest that AF cells may play a major role in the initial degeneration of intervertebral disc. Furthermore, it was found that interactions between NP cells and ECs may play a significant role in the development or progression of diseases.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with chronic low back pain is associated with neo-vascularisation into the deeper IVD regions. During this process, endothelial cells (ECs), which are primarily responsible for angiogenesis, interact with the adjacent annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, which are the first line of defence against the invasion of vascular structures into deeper IVD regions. However, the accumulation of inflammatory and catabolic enzymes that results from this interaction promotes matrix degradation and an inflammatory response. Thus, regulating the production of these mediators and catabolic enzymes could ameliorate IVD degeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a non-invasive stimulation known to have biologically beneficial effects on wound healing, tissue repair, and inflammation. Here, we examined the effects of PBM, administered at various wavelengths (645, 525, and 465 nm) and doses (16, 32, and 64 J/cm2), on EC-stimulated human AF cells. Our results show that PBM selectively inhibited the EC-mediated production of inflammatory mediators, catabolic enzymes, and neurotrophins by human AF cells in a dose- and wavelength-dependent manner. These results suggest that PBM could be a superior and advanced treatment strategy for IVD degeneration.

Fractures at the thoracolumbar region are commonly followed after major traumatic injuries, and up to 20% of these fractures are known to be burst fractures. Making surgical decisions for these patients are of great interest however there is no golden standard so far. Since the introduction of Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score in 2007, it has been widely used as a referential guideline for making surgical decisions in thoracolumbar fractures. However, there is still limitations in this system. In this clinical case report, we introduce a L1 burst fracture after motor vehicle injury, who was successfully treated conservatively even while she was graded as a TLICS 5 injury. A case report is presented as well as discussion on the limitations of this grading system.

Highly transparent yttrium oxide thin films doped with europium (Y2O3:Eu) were fabricated and their optical, luminescent, and structural properties were investigated. Thin films of Y2O3:Eu were deposited on fused quartz substrates by using a radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method and subsequently annealed at 1000 °C for 1 hour in air atmosphere. The resultant Y2O3:Eu films showed a high optical transmittance, greater than 82%, in the visible wavelength range above 400 nm and up to 92% transmittance in the near-infrared range. The optical band gap of the films was determined to be approximately 5.77 eV. The refractive index of the films ranged between 1.854 and 1.767 in the visible wavelength region from 400 to 700 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements revealed that the films had a cubic crystal structure of Y2O3 and were strongly textured along the [100] direction. The Y2O3:Eu films exhibited a red photoluminescence emission with a dominant peak centered at around 612 nm due to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ ion. The excitation spectrum showed a broad band in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength region corresponding to the O2−−Eu3+ charge transfer band.

Study DesignA noninterventional, multicenter, cross-sectional study.PurposeWe investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the quality of life (QoL) and functional disability in Korean adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP).Overview of LiteratureAmong patients with CLBP, 20%–55% had NP.MethodsPatients older than 20 years with CLBP lasting for longer than three months, with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score higher than four, and with pain medications being used for at least four weeks before enrollment were recruited from 27 general hospitals between December 2014 and May 2015. Medical chart reviews were performed to collect demographic/clinical features and diagnosis of NP (douleur neuropathique 4, DN4). The QoL (EuroQoL 5-dimension, EQ-5D; EQ-VAS) and functional disability (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, QBPDS) were determined through patient surveys. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to compare PROs between the NP (DN4≥4) and non-NP (DN4ResultsA total of 1,200 patients (females: 65.7%; mean age: 63.4±13.0 years) were enrolled. The mean scores of EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, and QBPDS were 0.5±0.3, 55.7±19.4, and 40.4±21.1, respectively. Among all patients, 492 (41.0%; 95% confidence interval, 38.2%–43.8%) suffered from NP. The prevalence of NP was higher in male patients (46.8%; pppppppConclusionsNP was highly prevalent in Korean patients with CLBP. Patients with CLBP having NP had a lower QoL and more severe dysfunction than those without NP. To enhance the QoL and functional status of patients with CLBP, this study highlights the importance of appropriately diagnosing and treating NP.

Objectives: Our purpose of this study was to assess the cerebral hemodynamic improvement with perfusion computed tomography (CT), before and after superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery in patients with cerebrovascular steno-occlusive diseases including both moyamoya disease and nonmoyamoya steno-occlusions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four STA-MCA bypasses were performed to 22 patients with symptomatic cerebrovascular steno-occlusive diseases, including both moyamoya disease and nonmoyamoya steno-occlusive diseases. Brain perfusion CT images were obtained before and after the bypass surgery. The relative parameters such as cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mean transit time (MTT) derived from the perfusion CT were collected and analyzed to assess the efficacy of STA-MCA bypass. Results: The CBF increased, and MTT decreased after the bypass surgery in both moyamoya group and nonmoyamoya group. The increase of CBF in nonmoyamoya group and the decrease of MTT delay in moyamoya group, overall group were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant postoperative change in CBV was noted. During the postoperative follow-up period, none of the 22 patients experienced any repeated ischemic/hemorrhagic attacks nor any newly developed neurologic deficits. Conclusion: The STA-MCA bypass is an effective surgical management for patients with cerebrovascular steno-occlusive diseases, such as moyamoya disease and internal carotid artery/MCA steno-occlusion. And perfusion CT can be used as an effective quantitative modality to assess the cerebral perfusion before and after the STA-MCA bypass surgery.

A retrospective review.We investigated the longitudinal change of cervical alignment parameters including C2-7 lordosis, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, and segmental angle (SA) after two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).Cervical alignment may influence postoperative clinical outcomes. Several studies have suggested that cervical alignment may serve as a parameter for assessing cervical deformities similar to those used to assess thoracolumbar spine deformities. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effect of ACDF on cervical sagittal alignment.We enrolled patients whom had ACDF, 23 patients with stand-alone cages and 22 with plate augmentation. Radiologic parameters including C2-7 lordosis, C2-7 SVA, T1 slope, and SA at the operated level were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. The differences between preoperative and 6-month postoperative parameter values were designated as Δvalues. T1S-CL was calculated as the T1 slope minus C2-7 lordosis. Clinical outcome were obtained by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).ΔC2-7 SVA was significantly correlated with ΔT1S-CL and ΔC2-7 lordosis. ΔC2-7 lordosis was significantly correlated with ΔSA. ΔC2-7 lordosis had a significantly greater impact on ΔT1S-CL than did ΔT1 slope. The ΔSA and ΔC2-7 lordosis in the ACDF-plate were significantly higher than those in the in ACDF-cage. ΔT1S-CL and ΔC2-7 SVA in the ACDF-plate were significantly lower than those in the ACDF-cage.C2-7 SVA after two-level ACDF was affected more significantly by the SA and C2-7 angle than by the T1 slope. Two-level ACDF with plate restored more cervical lordosis by obtaining more segmental lordosis at the operated level and was more effective in terms of cervical alignment compared with ACDF using stand-alone cages.3.