Analysis of stress application at the thoracolumbar junction and influence of vertebral body collapse on the spinal cord and cauda equina

作者：Nishida Norihiro^*; Kanchiku Tsukasa; Nakandakari Daigo; Tahara Shota; Ohgi Junji; Ichihara Kazuhiko; Sakuramoto Ituo; Chen Xian; Taguchi Toshihiko

来源：Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2018, 15(2): 1177-1184.

DOI：10.3892/etm.2017.5570

• spinal cord injury
• cauda equina
• thoracolumbar junction
• vertebral body collapse
• foot drop

The thoracolumbar junction comprises the spinal cord, nerve roots and the cauda equina, exhibiting unique anatomical features that may give rise to a diverse array of symptoms under conditions of injury, thus complicating the diagnosis of compressive disorders. The present study aimed to examine varying degrees and forms of compression at this level of the spinal cord using a two-dimensional model to calculate the relationship of these variables to injury. The degree of compression was expressed as a percentage of the spinal canal that was occupied. Results were compared with findings from clinical observations to assess the validity of the model. Analysis revealed that higher levels of compression/spinal canal occupation are associated with the presence of neurological symptoms. This finding was consistent with clinical data. Results of the present analysis warrant further research involving evaluation of compression with respect to other parameters, such as blood flow, as well as more anatomically accurate three-dimensional analysis.

• 出版日期2018-2