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Transplantation of genetically modified cells contributes to repair and recovery from spinal injury.

The effects of transplantation of fibroblasts genetically modified to produce brain derived neurotrophin factor (Fb/BDNF) on rescue of axotomized neurons, axonal growth and recovery of function was tested in a lateral funiculus lesion model in adult rats. Operated control animals included those in which the lesion was filled with gelfoam implant (Hx) and those in which the cavity was filled with unmodified fibroblasts (Fb). Both Fb/BDNF and Fb transplants survived and filled the lesion site. Unoperated control groups showed a marked retrograde death of Red nucleus neurons contralateral to the lesion; Fb/BDNF recipients showed a significant rescue effect. Anterograde and retrograde labeling studies indicated no regeneration of rubrospinal axons into the lesion/transplant in operated control animals, but regeneration into, around, and through the transplant into the host was seen in the Fb/BDNF recipients. All animals showed deficits on the more challenging behavioral tests but the Fb/BDNF recipients showed fewer deficits, particularly in tests of spontaneous vertical exploration, horizontal rope crossing and a sensory test (patch removal). The improved function on these tests in the Fb/BDNF recipients was abolished by a second lateral funiculus lesion rostral to the transport site. These results indicate that delivery of neurotrophic factors by grafting genetically modified cells can improve repair and function after spinal injury.

Animals↗

Pressure changes in spinal canal and evaluation of spinal cord injuries in spinal section subjected to impact.

OBJECTIVE: To observe pressure changes in the spinal canal of the vertebrarium subjected to impact. From the point of view of impact, pressure changes and spinal cord injuries, the relationship between the type of spinal fracture and the severity of spinal cord injuries were analyzed and some experimental data were provided for early evaluation of severity of spinal cord injuries. METHODS: An experimental model of spinal burst fracture was made with Type BIM-I bio-impact machine and techniques of high velocity vertical loading in static pattern and stress shielding were adopted. Vertebral sections T10-L4 taken from fresh cadavers were impacted and pressure changes in the spinal canal were observed. The types and severity of spinal fracture were studied with gross and radiography examination. RESULTS: Great positive pressure wave (wave A) in the spinal canal of the 4 vertebral specimens with burst fracture was recorded. The peak value of pressure was correlated with the severity of posterior column injuries. Generally, the peak value of pressure was low in the samples with posterior column injuries, but high in the samples without injuries. The predominant features of fractures were burst fractures of vertebral body and severe destruction of the skeletal and fiber structure of the spinal canal. Positive and negative pressure waves (wave B) were recorded in 2 vertebral samples in which no significant abnormal changes were found by radiography examination, however, a little liquid effusion in the vertebral body was found by gross examination. CONCLUSIONS: The type of pressure wave in the spinal canal is related to the deformation or the destruction of the spinal canal structure. The peak value of the pressure is non-linearly related to the obstruction in the spinal canal, but related to posterior column injuries.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Minitracheotomy in the early respiratory management of patients with spinal injuries.

Minitracheotomy is a new technique of tracheal suction by the introduction under local anaesthetic of a small bore tube into the trachea through the cricothyroid membrane. The use of minitracheotomy in the early management of respiratory problems in patients with spinal injuries is described with a few illustrative cases. This technique is an adjunct to good physiotherapy in clearing secretions from the trachea. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

Adult↗

Treatment of subaxial cervical spinal injuries.

UNLABELLED: SUBAXIAL CERVICAL FACET DISLOCATION INJURIES: STANDARDS: There is insufficient evidence to recommend treatment standards. GUIDELINES: There is insufficient evidence to recommend treatment guidelines. OPTIONS: Closed or open reduction of subaxial cervical facet dislocation injuries is recommended. Treatment of subaxial cervical facet dislocation injuries with rigid external immobilization, anterior arthrodesis with plate fixation, or posterior arthrodesis with plate or rod or interlaminar clamp fixation is recommended. Treatment of subaxial cervical facet dislocation injuries with prolonged bedrest in traction is recommended if more contemporary treatment options are not available. SUBAXIAL CERVICAL INJURIES EXCLUDING FACET DISLOCATION INJURIES: STANDARDS: There is insufficient evidence to recommend treatment standards. GUIDELINES: There is insufficient evidence to recommend treatment guidelines. OPTIONS: Closed or open reduction of subluxations or displaced subaxial cervical spinal fractures is recommended. Treatment of subaxial cervical spinal injuries with external immobilization, anterior arthrodesis with plate fixation, or posterior arthrodesis with plate or rod fixation is recommended.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Superoxide production after spinal injury detected by microperfusion of cytochrome c.

Highly reactive oxygen-containing species may form upon CNS injury and cause oxidative damage to important cellular components, thereby destroying cells. To test this hypothesis, free radical formation following such insults should be characterized first. In this study, we measured the time course of superoxide production following impact injury to the rat spinal cord using a novel microcannula perfusion technique developed by us. Cytochrome c (50 microM in artificial cerebrospinal fluid) was perfused into the rat spinal cord through the cannula inserted laterally into the gray matter of the cord, and reduced cytochrome c was measured from perfusates spectrophotometrically. We found that the levels of superoxide in the extracellular space increased to approximately twice the basal level and remained elevated for over 10 h. Superoxide dismutase (60 U/ml) significantly reduced the elevation of superoxide levels (p = .016) and ferric chloride (0.1 mM)/EDTA (0.25 mM) infused together with cytochrome c completely removed the superoxide measured, validating the measurement of superoxide. The relatively long-lasting formation of superoxide reported herein suggests that removal of superoxide may be a realistic treatment strategy for reducing injury caused by free radicals.

Animals↗

Rats and mice exhibit distinct inflammatory reactions after spinal cord injury.

Spinal contusion pathology in rats and mice is distinct. Cystic cavities form at the impact site in rats while a dense connective tissue matrix occupies the injury site in mice. Because inflammatory cells coordinate mechanisms of tissue injury and repair, we evaluated whether the unique anatomical presentation in spinally injured rats and mice is associated with a species-specific inflammatory response. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare the leukocytic infiltrate between rats and mice. Microglia/macrophage reactions were similar between species; however, the onset and magnitude of lymphocyte and dendritic cell (DC) infiltration were markedly different. In rats, T-cell numbers were highest between 3 and 7 days postinjury and declined by 50% over the next 3 weeks. In mice, significant T-cell entry was not evident until 14 days postinjury, with T-cell numbers doubling between 2 and 6 weeks. Dendritic cell influx paralleled T-cell infiltration in rats but was absent in mouse spinal cord. De novo expression of major histocompatability class II molecules was increased in both species but to a greater extent in mice. Unique to mice were cells that resembled lymphocytes but did not express lymphocyte-specific markers. These cells extended from blood vessels within the fibrotic tissue matrix and expressed fibronectin, collagen I, CD11b, CD34, CD13, and CD45. This phenotype is characteristic of fibrocytes, specialized blood-borne cells involved in wound healing and immunity. Thus, species-specific neuroinflammation may contribute to the formation of distinct tissue environments at the site of spinal cord injury in mice and rats.

Animals↗

Implanted functional electrical stimulation hand system in adolescents with spinal injuries: an evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the utility and functional benefits of an implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for hand grasp and release in adolescents with tetraplegia secondary to spinal cord injuries. DESIGN: Intervention study with before-after trial measurement with each subject as his or her own control. SETTING: Nonprofit pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation facility specializing in spinal cord injury. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of five adolescents between 16 and 18 years of age with C5 or C6 level tetraplegia at least 1 year after traumatic spinal cord injury. Key muscles for palmar and lateral grasp and release were excitable by electrical stimulation. INTERVENTIONS: A multichannel stimulator/receiver and eight electrodes were surgically implanted to provide stimulated palmar and lateral grasp and release. In conjunction with implantation of the FES hand system, surgical reconstruction in the form of tendon transfers, tendon lengthenings and releases, and joint arthrodeses was performed to augment stimulated hand function. Rehabilitation of the tendon transfers and training in the use of the FES hand system were provided. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements of pinch and grasp force, the Grasp and Release Test (GRT), and an assessment of six activities of daily living (ADL) were administered before implantation of the FES hand system and at regular follow-up intervals. Results of the stimulated response of individual muscles and surgical reconstruction were evaluated using standard and stimulated muscle testing techniques and standard assessment of joint range of motion. All subjects completed followup testing. RESULTS: Lateral and palmar forces were significantly greater than baseline forces (p = .043). Heavy objects on the GRT could only be manipulated with FES, and FES increased the level of independence in 25 of 30 ADL comparisons (5 subjects, 6 activities) as compared to baseline. After training, FES was preferred in 21 of 30 comparisons over the typical means of task completion. Of the 40 electrodes implanted, 37 continue to provide excellent stimulated responses and all of the implanted stimulators have functioned without problems. The surgical reconstruction procedures greatly enhanced FES hand function by either expanding the workspace in which to utilize FES (deltoid to triceps transfer), stabilizing the wrist (brachioradialis to wrist extensor transfer), or stabilizing joints (intrinsic tenodesis transfer, FPL split transfer). CONCLUSION: For five adolescents with tetraplegia, the combination of FES and surgical reconstruction provided active palmar and lateral grasp and release. Laboratory-based assessments demonstrated that the FES system increased pinch force, improved the manipulation of objects, and typically increased independence in six standard ADL as compared to pre-FES hand function. The study also showed that the five adolescents generally preferred FES for most of the ADL tested. Data on the benefits of the implanted FES hand system outside of the laboratory are needed to understand the full potential of FES.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Epidemiologic analysis of spinal injuries resulting from high falls].

A series of 1365 patients treated between 1965 and 1987 because of spine injury resulting from the fall from the height was analysed. A fall from the height may cause hyperflexion, axial loading or hyperextension type of injury. Hyperflexion injury occurs usually after fall from horsedrawn wagon, scaffold, roof or pillar. Axial loading injuries dominate in falls from the ladder, tree, suicidal jumps and falls from lower height. There is remarkable correlation among the height of the fall, degree of nervous system injury and results of management.

Accidental Falls↗