Recently, statistical multi-object shape models have been introduced to extract common statistical characteristics between several anatomies. These models can be used for segmentation purposes because they are robust, accurate, and computationally tractable. In this paper, we develop a statistical multi-vertebrae shape+pose model and propose a novel registration-based www.selleckchem.com/products/GSK461364.html technique to segment the CT images of spine. The multi-vertebrae statistical model captures
the variations in shape and pose simultaneously, which reduces the number of registration parameters. We validate our technique in terms of accuracy and robustness of multi-vertebrae segmentation of CT images acquired from lumbar vertebrae of 32 subjects. The mean error of the proposed technique is below 2 mm, which is sufficient for many spinal needle injection procedures, such as facet joint injections.”
“Purpose of review
Current treatment of ankylosing spondylitis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory CCI-779 drugs and tumor necrosisfactor (TNF)-blockers have shown a good efficacy on sign and symptoms.
However, it is less clear whether and how structural damage, determined mainly by new bone formation, can be prevented. Recent progress of the research addressing this question is presented here.
Recent findings
Although treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over a 2-year period seem to retard growth of syndesmophytes this is not the case in patients treated with TNF-blockers over the same time. First data have been raised on whether GDC-0449 new bone formation is coupled to (previous) inflammation or whether these two processes are uncoupled, which are not yet finally conclusive. A better understanding of the interaction between inflammation and new bone formation on the molecular level indicate that inflammatory molecules such as TNF(x inhibit osteoblasts and that a TNF-blockade
induces new bone formation. Thus, TNF-blockers can only be expected to prevent new bone formation if this is coupled to inflammation and if inflammation is treated early enough. Studies on bone biomarkers in ankylosing spondylitis patients support the view that suppression of inflammation induces new bone formation.
Summary
Future research has to clarify whether structural damage can best be prevented by early and effective treatment of inflammation or whether new bone formation has to be targeted additionally.”
“Chronic radicular symptoms have been documented in whiplash patients, potentially caused by cervical neural tissue compression during an automobile rear crash. Our goals were to determine neural space narrowing of the lower cervical spine during simulated rear crashes with whiplash protection system (WHIPS) and active head restraint (AHR) and to compare these data to those obtained with no head restraint (NHR). We extrapolated our results to determine the potential for cord, ganglion, and nerve root compression.