T. Sakou

The Effect of Vitamin K and D Supplementation on Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss

Abstract. This study was designed to assess the effect of vitamin K and D supplementation on ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8–9 months were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated and divided into five experimental groups: (1) ovariectomy (OVX), (2) OVX plus vitamin K supplementation, (3) OVX plus vitamin D supplementation, (4) OVX plus vitamin K and vitamin D supplementation, and (5) sham operation. The trabecular bone area was estimated by bone histomorphometry by microradiography and histological examination. Bone loss in OVX plus vitamin K and vitamin D group was significantly reduced at both 7 and 14 weeks compared with the OVX group. No significant bone loss in OVX plus vitamin K or OVX plus vitamin D groups was found. A similar effect of vitamin K and D supplementation on ovariectomy-induced bone loss was recognized in histological examination. Our findings indicate that vitamins K and D may have a synergistic effect on reducing bone loss. This is valuable information for the treatment of bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

MRI findings in patients with a cervical spinal cord injury who do not show radiographic evidence of a fracture or dislocation

We investigated the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing cervical spinal cord injury in patients where there was no evidence of bone injury on radiographs, and examined the relationship between the MRI findings and the clinical prognosis of this injury. MRI allowed us to confirm directly the cause and severity of spinal cord compression in 30 of 31 cases. The patients with severe spinal cord compression demonstrated by MRI showed poor neurological improvement. In regard to the signal changes in the spinal cord, the patients who showed no signal change on Tl- and T2-weighted images had a better prognosis. MRI is a very useful non-invasive adjunctive imaging modality for diagnosis of this injury and for the evaluation of the compressed spinal cord. It also demonstrates potential in predicting neurological recovery.

Transpedicular fixation of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine with screws. Application of the Diapason System

Forty-six patients with the Diapason transpedicular screw system for lumbar and lumbosacral fusions were analysed clinically. No implant breakage was observed, but one rod migrated. Additional sacral screws different in the length of the threaded portion are necessary in this system. Metallosis was noted in a few cases, but posed no significant clinical problems. This system, which is simple in structure, easy to use, and applicable to magnetic resonance scanning after surgery, is considered to be a useful instrumentation.

A Case of Malignant Schwannoma Arising from Cauda Equina

Case. C. M., a 39 year old house wife, was admitted to our hospital on July 18, 1973. During 10 months preceeding admission, she complained of gluteal pain radiating to the left thigh with a relapsing history.Myelography showed complete block at the 2nd lumbar vertebra level.Laminectomy was performed on August 1, 1973. The tumor, consisted of a single mass measuring 1 by 1.5 by 3 centimeters, was seen arising from a root of cauda equina localized at the level of 2nd lumbar segment.On histological examination, the tumor was proved to be malignant schwannoma.There was no reccurence in 10 months.