Rigid fixation of the spinal column improves scaffold alignment and prevents XXXX in the transected @entity35 spinal cord.

@entity35 @entity6680 @entity1513 @entity1635 @entity4681 @entity7050 @entity1566 @entity85 @entity893
STUDY DESIGN: A controlled study to evaluate a new technique for @entity4681 after @entity1566 in @entity35 . Alignment of implanted tissue-engineered scaffolds was assessed radiographically and by magnetic resonance imaging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the stability of implanted scaffolds and the extent of @entity85 after spinal fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Biodegradable scaffolds provide an excellent platform for the quantitative assessment of cellular and molecular factors that promote regeneration within the transected cord. Successful delivery of scaffolds to the damaged cord can be hampered by @entity893 following transplantation, which in turn, hinders the assessment of neural regeneration. METHODS: Radio-opaque @entity6680 -impregnated @entity7050 scaffolds were implanted into spinal transection injuries in adult @entity35 . Spinal fixation was performed in one group of animals using a metal rod fixed to the spinous processes above and below the site of injury, while the control group received no fixation. Radiographic morphometry was performed after 2 and 4 weeks, and 3-dimensional magnetic resonance microscopy analysis 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Over the course of 4 weeks, progressive @entity1635 was evident in the unfixed group, where a Cobb angle of 8.13 +/- 2.03 degrees was measured. The fixed group demonstrated significantly less @entity1635 , with a Cobb angle measurement of 1.89 +/- 0.75 degrees (P = 0.0004). Similarly, a trend for less @entity1513 was evident in the fixed group (7.33 +/- 1.68 degrees ) compared with the unfixed group (10.13 +/- 1.46 degrees ). Quantitative measurements of the degree of @entity893 of the scaffolds were also significantly less in the fixed group (5 +/- 1.23 degrees ) compared with the unfixed group (11 +/- 2.82 degrees ) (P = 0.0143). CONCLUSION: Radio-opaque @entity6680 allows for visualization of scaffolds in vivo using radiographic analysis. Spinal fixation was shown to prevent @entity1635 , reduce @entity1513 , and reduce scaffold @entity893 within the transected @entity35 spinal cord. Using a highly optimized model will increase the potential for finding a therapy for restoring function to the injured cord.
