(5) When the segmental distribution of C4-T1 ROM is plotted GW4064 molecular weight as the percentage of total motion, it demonstrates that for PF and FP groups, the combined ROM of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 operative levels are similar to that of the intact spine in EF and LB. For the PP group, the combined ROM of the operative levels increased,

whereas the combined ROM for the FF group is decreased. The decrease or increase of the adjacent C4-C5 or C7-T1 level ROM compensates for the operative levels.”
“Study Design. A biomechanical study using human lumbar spines.

Objective. To test the hypotheses that with increasing implant height (1) the range of motion (ROM) of the implanted segment will decrease, (2) the segmental lordosis will increase, and (3) the size of the neural foramens will increase.

Summary of Background Data. Little is known about the effects Dactolisib supplier of the implant height on the segmental motion and foraminal size at the implanted level.

Methods. Seven human lumbar spines (age, 54.4 +/- 11.4 years; L1-sacrum) were tested intact, and after discectomy at L4-L5 and sequential insertion of ProDisc-L implants (Synthes Spine, Paoli,

PA) of increasing heights (10, 12, and 14 mm). The specimens were tested in flexion (8 Nm) and extension (+/- 6 Nm) with a 400 N follower preload as well as in lateral bending (+/- 6 Nm) and axial rotation (+/- 5 Nm) without preload. Three-dimensional motions were

measured at L4-L5. Foraminal sizes at L4-L5 were measured in the specimen’s neutral posture under a 400 N preload for the intact spine and after each implantation using finely graded cylindrical probes. Segmental lordosis was measured in the specimen’s neutral posture under a 400 N preload by analyzing digital fluoroscopic images. Effects of implant height on the kinematics, foraminal size, and segmental lordosis were assessed using paired comparisons with Bonferroni correction.

Results. Increasing implant height from 10 mm to 14 mm caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in segmental ROM by up to 37% +/- 21% in flexion/extension, 33% +/- 18% in lateral bending, and 29% +/- 28% in axial rotation. Increasing implant height also produced a significant increase in segmental Selleckchem CUDC-907 lordosis (P < 0.05): from 9.7 degrees +/- 2.9 degrees at 10 mm, to 16.1 degrees +/- 5.1 degrees at 14 mm. The increase in foraminal size, while significant, was only 4.6% +/- 3.2% when comparing 10 mm to 14 mm implants.

Conclusion. These results suggest that a smaller implant height should be selected to optimize the ROM of the implanted segment and maintain sagittal balance.”
“Natural rubber with low heat generation was prepared by the inclusion of boron carbide (B(4)C). Tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermal constant analysis were performed.