Vertebrae Research Articles

A case report of rare variant: well-developed paracondylar process.

The paracondylar process (PCP) is defined as the bony prominence extending from the outer side of the condyles on the outer surface of the occipital bone downwards towards the transverse process of the atlas (TPA). In this case report, the morphometry of the rarely seen PCP and its morphometric data with neighboring structures are evaluated. Unilateral (right-sided) PCP was observed in the cranium of a Caucasian female. The base of the PCP, located on the outer side of the occipital condyle (OC) and just behind the jugular foramen (JF), was broader than its apex and had a molar shape. The base width was measured as 13.6, and the top width was measured as 8.7mm. PCP length was measured at 15.2mm. The base distance of the PCP, which was located very closely with the OC and JF, to these structures was measured as 0.42 and 0.59mm, respectively. The distance to the spinous process (SP) and mastoid process (MP) of the temporal bone was relatively greater and was measured as 1.07 and 15.5mm, respectively. The rare PCP reported, in this case, was well-developed and molar type. It is likely large enough to articulate with the TPA regarding length. However, this could not be shown because the matched atlas could not be found. We believe that supporting the close adjacencies of PCP with OC and JF with metric data may benefit clinicians working in regional surgery.

The morphology of the lumbar vertebrae: a systematic review with meta-analysis of 1481 individuals with implications for spine surgery

IntroductionThe aim of the present meta-analysis was to provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based results regarding the morphometric properties of the lumbar vertebrae.MethodsMedical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched through.ResultsThe results of this meta-analysis were established based on a total of 1481 patients. New results were established in 27 categories for each lumbar vertebra separately. The findings from this study reveal that the width of the spinal canal progressively increases towards the lower end of the lumbar spine (L1 = 22.04 mm, L5 = 26.46 mm). Additionally, the transverse processes exhibit a similar trend, widening as they approach the lower lumbar vertebrae (L1 = 68.08 mm, L5 = 85.91 mm). The pedicle height decreased from L1 to L4, with an increase observed at L5 (14.73 mm). No significant differences were observed between the measurements of the left and right pedicles.ConclusionThe presented results provide physicians with normative morphometric data on the lumbar vertebrae. Having adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae may be of immense use for surgeons performing various spinal surgeries, such as pedicle screw fixation, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy, or lumbar disc replacement.

Morphometric Analysis of Vertebral Artery in the Scaleno Vertebral Triangle

Background: The vertebral arteries (VA) play a vital role in supplying blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. Vertebral artery anomalies, including abnormal origins, courses, and structural irregularities, heighten the risk of cerebrovascular events. Typically, the vertebral arteries arise from the posterosuperior aspect of the first part of the subclavian artery. The aim of this study is to present the presence of variation in the origin of vertebral artery Material and Methods: Twenty-eight embalmed cadavers allotted for 1st year MBBS dissection in the Department of Anatomy were used for the study. The triangle of vertebral artery was exposed in all the cadavers, and examined the origin of vertebral artery. Dimensions of the Triangle of Vertebral artery (TVA) and vertebral artery were then measured using a digital vernier caliper and the area and height of the TVA were calculated. Result: In the present study, we have evaluated the morphometric parameters of the TVA and vertebral artery. Even though there were no noticeable differences in the boundaries of TVA of both sides, the morphometric parameters showed slight difference in the measurements, but not significant. Among the 28 cadavers the unilateral origin of VA in one cadaver was from the arch of aorta between the left common carotid artery (LCA) and left subclavian artery (LSCA) . Discussion & Conclusion: The mean height of TVA was 26.3mm (range, 23.7-33.7 mm) on the left and 26.2mm (range, 23.5-32.8 mm) on the right. In the current study it was observed the origin of VA from the arch of aorta between the left common carotid artery (LCA) and left subclavian artery (LSCA). The current study found that 3.6% of the variations in the origin of VA. This study highlights the variation in the origin of the vertebral artery and accentuates the importance of identifying these variations in clinical practice. KEYWORDS: Vertebral Artery, Subclavian artery, Arch of Aorta, foramen transversarium.

Neuraxial Anesthesia and Risk of Root Damage: A 3D Ex Vivo Study

Cauda equina nerve roots may become damaged during neuraxial anesthesia, and post-puncture headache may appear in the case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage if needle tips are deformed due to bone contact when several attempts are needed. Our aim was to verify the correlation between skin–transverse process distance (st) and skin–dural sac distance (d) for calculation of optimal angles in a free visual guide and as a reference for the maximal depth to be traversed by the needle. Randomly selected ex vivo samples (n = 10) were flexed to reproduce the position of the lumbosacral spine during spinal anesthesia. Spinal needles were inserted perpendicular to the skin either blindly or following the inferred paramedian angle corresponding to ultrasound-measured (d). After computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction, both (st) and (d) were measured, and the Pearson correlation index was calculated. A free 3D-PDF tool was used to illustrate the potential affectation of nerve cuffs by needles located lateral to the dural sac. Correlation between (d) and (st) was 0.84–0.93 at L4L5-L3L4 intervertebral levels, and most needle tips were located within the spinal canal, but some traversed the zone where nerve cuffs emerge. In conclusion, ultrasound may determine if a perpendicular needle insertion is viable at midline. If not, the optimal paramedian angle and maximal depth may be determined by measuring (st).

Tahnaichthys magnuserrata gen. and sp. nov., a double-hump pycnodontid (Actinopterygii, Pycnodontiformes) fish from the Albian limestones of the Tlayúa Quarry, Puebla, Mexico

Tahnaichthys magnuserrata gen. and sp. nov. is described here based on three well-preserved Albian specimens recovered in the lagoon-coastal deposits of the Tlayúa Quarry, Puebla, Mexico. This species belongs to the order Pycnodontiformes and shows the diagnostic features of the family Pycnodontidae, including the presence of a posterior parietal process distally branched, toothless reniform maxilla, anterior thin wings at the base of the haemal and neural spines, and slender dentary with two teeth. In addition, this species shows unique features never observed before in other pycnodontids as the presence of two unequal predorsal humps or prominences, including a slight hump just behind the occiput and a large hump rising in front of the dorsal fin. The predorsal scutes are thick, have a longitudinal row of unequal spines, and show thin lateral wings projected ventrally, covering a large part of the predorsal trunk region. In the new species, the modified bar-like scales of the predorsal region have tiny posterior wings ornamented with tubercles scattered or arranged in dorsoventral short ridges. In addition, the premaxilla of this new species is ventrally broad and has a large single incisiform tooth opposing two small, oval dentary teeth. This new species exhibits a peculiar mixture of osteological features that, for the moment, complicate its taxonomic designation at the suprageneric level (subfamily or tribe). Although this is the second pycnodontiform species from Tlayúa formally described, the present discovery increases the taxonomic diversity of the pycnodontids in North America and the Paleogulf of Mexico domain.

Generation of Ext1 Gene-Edited Mice Model Via Dual sgRNAs/Cas9 System and Phenotypic Analyses.

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant skeletal disease. Genetic linkage analyses have identified that mutations in the exostosin glycosyltransferase (EXT)1 and EXT2 genes are linked to HME pathogenesis, with EXT1 mutation being the most frequent. The aim of this study was to generate a mice model with Ext1 gene editing to simulate human EXT1 mutation and investigate the genetic pathogenicity of Ext1 through phenotypic analyses. We designed a pair of dual sgRNAs targeting exon 1 of the mice Ext1 gene for precise deletion of a 46bp DNA fragment, resulting in frameshift mutation of the Ext1 gene. The designed dual sgRNAs and Cas9 proteins were injected into mice zygotes cytoplasm. A total of 14 mice were obtained via embryo transfer, among which two genotypic chimera mice had a deletion of the 46bp DNA fragment in exon 1 of the Ext1 gene. By hybridization and breeding, we successfully generated heterozygous mice with edited Ext1 gene (Ext+/-). Off-target effect analysis did not reveal off-target mutations in Ext+/- mice caused by the two sgRNAs used. Compared to wild-type mice, Ext+/- mice exhibited lower body weights. X-ray imaging showed hyperplastic bone near caudal vertebrae only in male Ext+/- mice, with computed tomography values approximately at 200 HU for hyperplastic bone between ribs and spine regions. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed fewer articular chondrocytes expressing EXT1 in edited mice compared to wild-type ones. Pathological section analysis demonstrated no structural or morphological abnormalities in heart, liver, lung, or kidney tissues from Ext+/- mice. In conclusion, we successfully generated an accurate DNA deletion model for studying Ext1 using dual sgRNAs/Cas9 systems. In conclusion, we successfully generated precise DNA deletions in the Ext1 mice model using the dual sgRNAs/Cas9 system. In conclusion, we observed significant phenotypic changes in Ext+/- mice, particularly bone hyperplasia in male individuals; however, no exostosis was detected in the gene-edited mice. The introduction of a frameshift mutation into the Ext1 gene through CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in novel phenotypic alterations, highlighting the genetic pathogenicity of Ext1. Therefore, our Ext+/- mice serve as a valuable model for further biomedical investigations related to the Ext1 gene.

PLGA/BK microspheres targeting the bradykinin signaling pathway as a therapeutic strategy to delay intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD) is a common spinal condition with limited effective treatments available. This study aims to investigate the impact of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Bradykinin (PLGA/BK) microspheres on IVDD and its underlying mechanisms. We collected nucleus pulposus samples from both healthy and degenerated human intervertebral disks and conducted immunohistochemical analyses, revealing reduced BK expression in degenerated tissues. Subsequently, we used BK to treat nucleus pulposus cells and conducted Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), identifying BK’s involvement in cellular senescence, extracellular matrix metabolism, and the PI3K signaling pathway. Further experiments using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cell senescence showed that BK treatment reduced senescence, enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis, and inhibited degradation, along with activation of the PI3K pathway. These effects were mediated through B2R (BK receptor 2) and the downstream PI3K pathway. Following this, we developed sustained-release BK microspheres with an optimized manufacturing process. In vitro co-culture experiments showed no observable toxicity. We established an IVDD model in rat tail vertebrae through fine needle puncture, administering local injections of BK sustained-release microspheres. Using various experimental methods, including X-ray, MRI, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, we found that these microspheres could slow the progression of IVDD. This study highlights the potential of injectable PLGA/BK microspheres to regulate cellular senescence and extracellular matrix metabolism via the B2R and PI3K pathways, ultimately delaying IVDD.

WGAN-based multi-structure segmentation of vertebral cross-section MRI using ResU-Net and clustered transformer

The vertebral foramen, lamina, and vertebral body are three critical components of the spine structure, essential for maintaining spinal connectivity and stability. Accurately segmenting lumbar structures such as the vertebral body, vertebral foramen, and lamina in MRI cross-sections helps doctors better understand and diagnose the pathological causes of spine-related diseases. This study presents a multi-structure semantic segmentation method for vertebral transverse section MRI slices using WGAN with a residual U-Net and clustered Transformer. The generator network was replaced with a combination of a residual U-Net and a clustered Transformer-based segmentation network. The enhanced U-Net encoder, utilizing dilated convolutions and residual structures, improved multi-scale feature extraction capabilities. Meanwhile, the clustered Transformer structure, with reduced progressive linear complexity, ensured the extraction of global positional information. The results of multiple experiments show that the Dice coefficient for vertebral body segmentation increased by 3.1%, the Hausdorff distance decreased by 0.6 mm, mIOU improved by 4.1–96.2%, and PPV increased by 2.0–98.8% compared to mainstream segmentation models. These improvements are statistically significant (p < 0.05).Ablation experiments further validated the effectiveness of the proposed enhanced modules in improving segmentation accuracy for the three target structures.

A new ankylosaurid dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Jiangxi Province, southern China

ABSTRACT Huaxiazhoulong shouwen gen. et sp. nov. is a new ankylosaurid recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Tangbian Formation of Jiangxi Province, southern China. Huaxiazhoulong shouwen can be diagnosed on the basis of three autapomorphies (the middle shaft and distal end of the ischium are expanded; the ratio of width of distal end to minimum shaft width is greater than 3 in humerus, the maximum length of femur to humerus length ratio is about 1.45) and a unique combination of characters (the centra of anterior caudal vertebrae in anterior view is heart-shaped; the dorsal surface of scapula is straight; the scapulocoracoid has a large medial brace; the humeral head and deltopectoral crest are separated by a distinct notch anteriorly). The phylogenetic analysis shows that Huaxiazhoulong shouwen is an early member of Ankylosauridae.

Dental Pulp Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Enhance Osteoblastic Differentiation and Bone Regeneration.

Cell-free approaches, utilizing mesenchymal stem cell secretome, have promising prospects in various fields of regenerative medicine. In this study, we examined in vitro and in vivo the potential of dental pulp stem cell-conditioned medium (DPSC-CM) for bone regeneration. The secretome of undifferentiated stem cells from dental pulp were collected, and the effects of this DPSC-CM were assessed for osteodifferentiation of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) and osteoblasts deriving from DPSC. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, gene expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Bone Sialoprotein (BSP), Osteocalcin (OCN), and extracellular matrix mineralization were evaluated. The rat caudal vertebrae critical size defect model was to investigate the effect of DPSC-CM in vivo. Results showed that DPSC-CM induced cell growth, and increased ALP activity and the expression of key marker genes at an early stage of osteoblastic differentiation compared to control. A rat bone defect model was used to illustrate the effect of DPSC-CM in vivo. The bone density within the defects were improved using conditioned medium, even though there was no significant difference between the control and DPSC-CM groups. The analysis of DPSC-CM by human growth factor antibody array revealed the presence of several factors involved in osteogenesis. Taken together, these findings indicate that DPSC-CM is a promising therapeutic candidate for bone regenerative therapy, accelerating the maturation of osteoblastic cells. And even though safety and efficiency of DPSC-CM have to be confirmed in preclinical studies, these results represent a first step toward clinical application.

New evidence for the presence of carcharodontosaurid theropod dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan

ABSTRACT An incomplete posterior dorsal vertebra ZIN PH 2646/16 from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Bissekty Formation of Uzbekistan has a highly pneumatized centrum and neural arch. The centrum has a lateral pneumatic foramen that is divided by a septum. The neural arch is invaded through a lateral pneumatic foramen above the neurocentral suture and has deeply excavated prezygapophyseal-centrodiapophyseal and centrodiapophyseal fossae. The interior of the preserved portion of the neural spine is pneumatic. In the structure of the fossae on the neural arch and the presence of a double pneumatic foramen on the centrum, ZIN PH 2646/16 closely resembles the carcharodontosaurid Acrocanthosaurus from the Early Cretaceous of North America. Thus, we identify ZIN PH 2646/16 as Carcharodontosauridae indet. Carcharodontosauridae were previously known from the Bissekty Formation from Ulughbegsaurus uzbekistanensis, which is based on an incomplete maxilla.

Analgesic Effect of Conventional Paravertebral versus Mid transverse Process to Pleura Blocks on Post Mastectomy Pain in Unilateral Modified Radical Mastectomy Surgeries

Analgesic Effect of Conventional Paravertebral versus Mid transverse Process to Pleura Blocks on Post Mastectomy Pain in Unilateral Modified Radical Mastectomy Surgeries

Differences in Cervical Spine Fractures in Patients Younger or Older Than 65 Years of Age: Implications for the Canadian C-Spine Rule.

There has been a distinction made in the 2001 Canadian C-Spine Rule regarding patients 65 and older and younger than 65 years of age as far as indications for cervical spine CT scanning. We sought to determine if there are differences in the symptoms, mechanisms of injury, fracture locations, and types that are still relevant in 2024. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study of cervical spine CT emergency department results from 2 hospitals in our health system after reviewing 5 years of data in patients experiencing trauma. In addition to the primary variable of age (younger than 65 years and 65 years and older), we looked at injury mechanism, fracture types, sites, symptoms, and operative or medical treatments. Because the demographics of our home site is different from most towns in the United States, we provide race/ethnicity data. Of 21,986 cervical spine CTs, 190/9455 (2.0%) participants 65 years of age and older and 199/12,531 (1.6%) participants younger than 65 years of age had fractures (total, 389/21,986, 1.8%). There were more cases of falls from standing (106, 55.8%) and falls from a height (46, 4.2%) in those 65 years and older and this mechanism was associated with a higher risk of C1 and C2 fractures (52, 27.4%; and 78, 41.1%, respectively). Among the C1 fractures, anterior and posterior arch fractures predominated (37, 19.5%). For C2 fractures, types 2 and 3 odontoid fractures (39, 20.5%; and 12, 6.3%) were more common in the older cohort. Motor vehicle collisions were more common in the younger cohort (89, 44.7%), and they were associated with more C5-C7 fractures (47, 23.6%; 60, 30.2%; and 66, 33.2%, respectively) including the facets (49, 24.6%), spinous processes (31, 15.6%), and transverse processes (52, 26.1%). Overall, the rates of instability, surgical intervention, and asymptomatic fractures were similar in the 2 age groups. Cervical spine fractures appear in about 1.8% of the CT scans performed in a busy emergency department environment. Fractures in the elderly occur more commonly due to falls, are located at C1 and C2, and may involve ligamentous injuries. Younger patients incur trauma more commonly due to motor vehicle collisions, and they are more likely to affect the posterior elements, especially C5-C7. The differences in trends for fractures in the 65 years of age and older and younger than 65 years of age groups have persisted since the Canadian C-Spine Rule 1996-1998 data were collected.

The Effect of L5 Morphology on Prevention of L5-S1 Degeneration Following Floating Fusion for Degenerative Spine Disorders.

Retrospective Study. The selection of floating fusion or lumbosacral fusion arises when treating patients with instability or stenosis of the lower lumbar spine concomitantly radiographic degeneration of L5-S1. This study aimed to investigate the preoperative anatomical or morphological factors affecting the survivorship of the L5-S1 after floating fusion. This study included 77 patients who had undergone floating fusion surgery through the TLIF approach. Preoperative radiographic parameters were evaluated using anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine radiographs. The patients were divided into two groups according to the Modified Pfirrmann Grading and total endplate score. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the anatomical or morphological characteristics of L5 and the degeneration of L5-S1. The disc degeneration group exhibited a smaller height ratio of the iliac crest (Hi) and a less L5 deep position. Furthermore, the right/left height of L4 (Hr/Hl) and the right/left width of transverse process of L5 (CRt/CLt) were significantly higher in the disc and endplate degeneration groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that Hi and CRt were independently associated with L5-S1 disc degeneration, whereas Hr was a significant risk factor for L5-S1 endplate degeneration. Anatomical and morphological characteristics of L5, such as smaller Hi, higher CRt and Hr, were associated with an increased risk of L5-S1 degeneration in patients after floating fusion. These findings may indicate the fusion level when addressing lower lumbar degenerative diseases and the concurrent radiographic degeneration of L5-S1.

What can be observed in intervertebral cartilage endplate with aging? An animal model study of excessive axial mechanical loading.

The cartilage endplate (CEP) plays a crucial role as both a mechanical barrier and nutrient channel for the intervertebral disc, but it is vulnerable to excessive axial loading. We modified the Ilizarov external fixator and applied it to the CEP of the rat tail to impose diurnal, controllable excess axial loading. The objective was to measure morphological changes in the CEP when subjected to loading during the aging process. Two Kirschner wires were, respectively, inserted into the center of the eighth and ninth coccygeal vertebrae (Co8/9) of rat (n = 54) to apply axial loading to the CEP. A remote control device was used to establish the diurnal loading schedule. At the end of 4, 8, and 12-week periods, the Co8/9 CEPs in each group were analyzed using MRI, histological staining, and immunohistochemical staining techniques. The novel Ilizarov model that we modified successfully induced degeneration of the rat coccygeal CEP. MRI analysis revealed significant degenerative changes in the loaded Co8/9 CEP, including decreased signal intensity and the formation of Schmorl's nodes at 8 and 12 weeks. Histological examination showed progressive CEP degeneration (CEPD), characterized by decreased microporosity, thinning, and structural irregularities. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in Aggrecan and Collagen II expression in the CEP and nucleus pulposus over time. Control and sham groups maintained normal CEP structure and composition throughout the study period. Excessive axial loading induced CEPD in the rat tail, primarily characterized by the formation of Schmorl's nodes and a reduction in CEP microporosity in this study. Our modified Ilizarov rat tail compression model, featuring stable and controllable axial loading capabilities, provided an alternative experimental paradigm for further investigation into CEPD.

Incidence of Congenital Posterior Arch Defects of the Atlas in Chinese Population

To study the incidence of congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas and in combination with other congenital variations in the Chinese population. 1405 images of cervical three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) and 1284 images of head and cervical three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D CTA) were retrospectively reviewed, including images of 1539 males and 1150 females. These images of cervical 3D CT and head and cervical 3D CTA were obtained in the Department of Radiology of two hospitals, Second and Third People's Hospital of Jingzhou, China, from January 2020 to October 2023. And congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas were classified according to the criteria of Currarino et al. Congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas combined with other congenital variations including occipitalization of the atlas, the ponticulus posticus variation of the vertebral artery groove of the atlas, cervical fusion, and the transversal foramen of the atlas variant were also observed. A total of 2689 subjects were included in this study. The overall prevalence of congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas was 0.74% (20/2689). There was no statistically significant difference in incidence between males (0.78%,12/1539) and females (0.70%,8/1150) (P >0.05). Among all posterior defects, type A and B defects were found in 0.6% (16/2689) and 0.15% (4/2689) cases, respectively. There were no type C, D, and E defects and no anterior arch defects. But in 20 cases of congenital posterior arch defects of atlas, 40%(8/20) combined with other congenital variations including occipitalization of atlas in 4 type A cases, bilateral complete ponticus posticus variation of atlas vertebral groove in one type A case, C2-3 fusion in one type A case, coexistence of unilateral complete ponticulus posticus variation of the vertebral artery groove of the atlas and unilateral unclosed transverse foramen in one type B case, and coexistence of unilateral unclosed transverse foramen in one type A case. The incidence of congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas was low in Chinese population. There was no difference between males and females. Type A and B were the two major defects in Chinese population, and the prevalence of type A and B combined with other congenital cervical variations were higher than those of type C, D, and E.

Evaluation of Radiological and Anatomical Features of Cervical Vertebrae in Adult Persian Cat.

Radiographic studies of Persian cat's cervical vertebrae can provide us with valuable information used in identifying its anatomical features, investigating various species of Persian cats and evaluating their cervical pathologies. The present study aimed to investigate the anatomical and radiological features of cervical vertebrae in Persian cats to create a comprehensive and accurate reference for the normal range of cervical bones and joints that can be used for clinical decision-making and interpretation of radiographic findings in these cats. The present descriptive-cross-sectional study included 10 adult Persian cats, including 5 males and 5 females. All cats underwent radiography in the dorsoventral, ventrodorsal, left lateral and right lateral recumbency. Then, anatomical investigations were performed. According to our findings, Persian cats were different from other cat species in some cervical vertebral characteristics, which can be suggested as comparative anatomy in these species. The most important differences were as follows: the C3 and C7 had the lowest and highest spinous process height (SPH), respectively. The atlas had the highest transverse process width (TPW), which was significantly different with other cervical vertebrae (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the cervical vertebrae were not significantly different in vertical diameter of cranial vertebral foramen (VDCrVF) and transverse diameter of cranial vertebral foramen (TDCrVF) (p ≤ 0.05). The caudal surface of the atlantic vertebral arch had two dorsal and ventral tubercles. Also, the ventral crest of the axis was quite indistinct in the cranial part while becoming prominent in the caudal part. The C3 spinous process was a wide, small tubercle, while the C7 spinous process was extended vertically. Finally, the C6 transverse processes had a large ventrocranial tubercle forming a sagittal plate with cranial and caudal parts separated by a notch. The accurate and comprehensive standard ranges obtained from the present study can be used for the interpretation of imaging results, clinical decision-making, and finding the normal and abnormal sizes of the cervical vertebrae and their processes in Persian cats.

The CT-Imaging Location of Lumbar 3 Sympathetic Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Sympathetic-Related Diseases Therapy.

The location characteristic of the lumbar 3 sympathetic trunk under Computed Tomography (CT) was discovered through 106 cases, imaging analysis after successful lumbar 3 sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation operations serving the clinic and reducing the operation time. There are 113 patients underwent bilateral L3 lumbar sympathetic thermal radiofrequency procedures in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2021, with 106 cases of successful procedure. Four operation image distances were measured: 1. The left/right distances between the needle tip (the location of needle tip was the sympathetic trunk at the same CT scan level) and the transverse process of the lumbar spine (D1l/D1r); 2. The left/right distances between the needle tip and the medial margin of the psoas major (D2l/D2r); 3. The left/right vertical distances between the needle tip and vertebral body (D3l/D3r); 4. The left/right vertical distances between ureter and vertebral body (D4l/D4r). The Perfusion Index (PI) and the plantar temperature were monitored and recorded before and after the treatment (the higher PI value and the plantar temperature indicated successful procedure). After the procedure, the patients were followed up one day, one week, two months and six months for satisfaction, complications and recurrences. The left distance (D1l) from the needle tip to the transverse costal process being 4.444±0.7668mm, longer than the right side (D1r, P<0.001). The left distance (D2l) being 1.260±0.4261mm longer than the right side (D2r, P=0.0039). The left distance (D3l) was 1.634±0.2597mm longer than the right side (D3r, P<0.0001). The D4l and D4r both having a long distance far from needle tips (P=0.665). Both the left and right temperature and PI increased have statistical significances after treatment (P<0.0001). There were 2(1.77%) cases experiencing numbness of big thighs, and 9(7.96%) cases of compensatory hyperhidrosis, with only 3 (2.65%) cases reverting to the original state six months later. Lumbar sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a valid treatment option for sympathetic-related disease in lower limbs, and based on our study data CT-guided percutaneous puncture lumbar sympathectomy can easy be proceed and gained more persistent effection, the left needle distance more deeper than the right side, the distance from the left side should be far from vertebral body than the right side. The distance between the needle body and the vertebral body on the left side is far away from the right side.

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block with 0.5 mL of 0.2% bupivacaine/kg is a valuable perioperative analgesic adjunct for cats undergoing ovariectomy.

To assess the perioperative analgesic effects of bilateral ultrasound (US)-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) using low-volume (LV) or high-volume (HV) bupivacaine, compared to a control group, in cats undergoing ovariectomy. 48 healthy female cats. Cats were sedated with IM dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), ketamine (1 mg/kg), and methadone (0.2 mg/kg) followed by IV propofol induction and isoflurane maintenance. Cats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 16 patients each: QLB-LV group (0.3 mL/kg/side), QLB-HV group (0.5 mL/kg/side), and control group (no QLB). Bilateral, in-plane, US-guided QLB was performed with lateral approach at the L2 transverse process with bupivacaine 0.2%. Physiological variables were recorded intraoperatively by a masked investigator. If intraoperative nociception occurred, fentanyl (1 µg/kg) was administered IV. Rescue postoperative analgesia (buprenorphine, 0.2 mg/kg) was administered in case of a Feline Grimace Scale score ≥ 4 after a 4-hour evaluation period. In the control group, heart rate (HR) was higher than the QLB-LV group during the first ovarian manipulation (P < .001) and higher than the QLB-HV group during both ovarian manipulations (P < .001 and P = .006). The need for intraoperative rescue analgesia and postoperative pain scores were significantly higher in the QLB-LV (P = .005 and P = .047) and control (P < .001 and P < .001) groups compared to the QLB-HV group. Buprenorphine was administered once in the control group. No clinical signs of bupivacaine toxicity or QLB complications were observed. Bilateral US-guided QLB-HV may effectively provide perioperative analgesia in feline patients undergoing ovariectomy.

Covariation in the Craniocervical Junction of Carnivora.

The craniocervical junction is the transition between the skull and the vertebral column that provides mobility while maintaining sufficient stability (i.e., protection of the brainstem and the spinal cord). The key elements involved are the occiput, the first cervical vertebra (CV1, atlas) and the second cervical vertebra (CV2, axis). The two vertebrae forming the atlas-axis complex are distinct in their morphology and differences in form have been linked to differences in ecological function in mammals. Here, we quantified the morphological diversity of the cranium, CV1 and CV2 in a sample of Carnivora using 3D geometric morphometrics to reveal phylogenetic and ecological patterns. Our results indicate that the observed variation in CV2 is related to the taxonomic diversity (i.e., strong phylogenetic signal), whereas variation in CV1 appears to be decoupled from species diversity in Carnivora and, thus, is likely to reflect a functional signal. The phylogenetically informed correlation analyses showed an association between the CV1 morphology and diet. Taxa that primarily feed on large prey tend to have larger transverse processes on CV1 which provides larger muscle attachment areas and may correlate with stronger muscles. The latter needs to be verified by future quantitative covariation analyses between bone and muscle data. Morphological peculiarities within Pinnipedia and Mustelidae could be explained by differences in terrestrial locomotion between Phocidae and Otariidae and the exceptional defensive behavior (i.e., handstanding) in Mephitidae. Despite differences in the degree of morphological diversity, covariation between cranium, CV1 and CV2 morphology is consistently high (≥ 0.82) highlighting that overall, the craniocervical junction is an integrated structure, but there are traits that are not constrained.