Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Preparation of Primary Mixed Glial Cultures from Adult Mouse Spinal Cord Tissue
Published on: November 19, 2016
360-Degree Complex Primary Reconstruction Using Porous Tantalum Cages for Adult Degenerative Spinal Deformity
Joseph S Butler1,2, Darren F Lui3, Karan Malhotra4
1Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Objective:
To assess both implant performance and the amount of correction that can be achieved using multilevel anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study (n = 178) performed over a 4-year period. Surgical variables examined included blood loss, operative time, perioperative complications, and secondary/revision procedures. Follow-up radiographic assessment was performed to record implant-related problems. Radiographic parameters were examined pre- and postoperatively. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcome measures were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis, using paired-sample t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance (rANOVA), was performed.
Results:
Lumbar lordosis increased from 42° ± 17° preoperatively to 55° ± 11° postoperatively (P < .001). The visual analog scale back pain mean score improved from 8.3 ± 1.5 preoperatively to 2.6 ± 2.4 at 2 years (P < .001). The mean Oswestry Disability Index improved from 69.5 ± 21.5 preoperatively to 19.9 ± 15.2 at 2 years (P < .001). The EQ-5D mean score improved from 0.2 ± 0.2 preoperatively to 0.8 ± 0.1 at 2 years (P = .02). There were no neurological, vascular, or visceral approach-related injuries reported. No rod breakages and no symptomatic nonunions occurred. There was one revision procedure performed for fracture.
Conclusions:
The use of porous tantalum cages as part of a 360-degree fusion to treat adult degenerative spinal deformity has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective strategy, leading to good clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in the short term.
Related Concept Videos
One-Degree-of-Freedom System
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...
Degrees of Freedom
For example, suppose there are three unknown numbers whose mean is 10; although we can freely assign values to the first and second numbers, the value of the last number can not be arbitrarily assigned.
Degrees of Freedom
For example, suppose there are three unknown numbers whose mean is 10; although we can freely assign values to the first and second numbers, the value of the last number can not be arbitrarily...
Degree of Unsaturation
The degree of unsaturation for hydrocarbons is U = (2C + 2 − H) / 2, where C is the number of carbon atoms and H is the number of hydrogen atoms.
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformations

