Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026
08:42
A Reproducible Cartilage Impact Model to Generate Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in the Rabbit
Published on: November 21, 2023
2.0K
Construct Type and Risk Factors for Pseudarthrosis at the Cervicothoracic Junction
Justin S Yang1, Jacob M Buchowski, Vivek Verma
1From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
Spine
|June 20, 2015
Summary
Small rods and transitional constructs showed similar pseudarthrosis rates for cervicothoracic junction stabilization. Transitional constructs, however, had higher complication rates, blood loss, and operating times.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cervicothoracic junction stabilization
Background:
- Various surgical constructs are used for cervicothoracic junction stabilization.
- Objective comparison of clinical outcomes between different constructs is lacking.
- Hypothesis: Similar fusion and complication rates for small rods versus transitional constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare clinical outcomes of small rods (3.2-mm/3.5-mm) versus transitional constructs for cervicothoracic junction stabilization.
- Identify risk factors for pseudarthrosis at the cervicothoracic junction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 135 patients.
- Prospective database review with 24-month imaging follow-up.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses for construct comparison and risk factor identification.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in pseudarthrosis rates between small rods (7%) and transitional constructs (8.6%).
- Transitional constructs associated with higher complication rates (P < 0.03), increased blood loss (P < 0.001), and longer operating times (P < 0.03).
- Multivariate analysis identified tobacco use, corpectomy, lack of anterior construct, and longer construct length as pseudarthrosis risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Pseudarthrosis rates are similar between small rods and transitional constructs for cervicothoracic junction stabilization.
- Transitional constructs involve higher complication rates, blood loss, and operative time.
- Key risk factors for pseudarthrosis include tobacco use, corpectomy, anterior construct absence, and construct length.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
5.0K
As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
5.0K
01:28Articulations of the Vertebral Column
3.7K
In addition to being held together by the intervertebral discs, adjacent vertebrae also articulate with each other at synovial joints formed between the superior and inferior articular processes called zygapophysial joints (facet joints). These are plane joints that provide for only limited motions between the vertebrae. The orientation of the articular processes at these joints varies in different regions of the vertebral column and serves to determine the types of motions available in each...
3.7K
01:20Structural Classification of Joints
8.8K
Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
8.8K
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
620
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
620
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
9.8K
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
9.8K
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
9.1K
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
9.1K