The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS), who had undergone spinal fusion after distraction-based spinal growth modulation using either traditional growing rods (TGRs) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). We undertook a retrospective review of skeletally mature patients who had undergone fusion for an EOS, which had been previously treated using either TGRs or MCGRs. Measured outcomes included sequential coronal T1 to S1 height and major curve (Cobb) angle on plain radiographs and any complications requiring unplanned surgery before final fusion.Aims
Methods
To benchmark the radiation dose to patients during the course of treatment for a spinal deformity. Our radiation dose database identified 25,745 exposures of 6,017 children (under 18 years of age) and adults treated for a spinal deformity between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016. Patients were divided into surgical (974 patients) and non-surgical (5,043 patients) cohorts. We documented the number and doses of ionizing radiation imaging events (radiographs, CT scans, or intraoperative fluoroscopy) for each patient. All the doses for plain radiographs, CT scans, and intraoperative fluoroscopy were combined into a single effective dose by a medical physicist (milliSivert (mSv)).Aims
Methods
Venous ulceration is a chronic disabling complication of deep-vein thrombosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of venous leg ulcers five years or more after total hip replacement (THR) and to investigate some of the clinical features associated with their development. We carried out a postal survey of all patients who had undergone a THR 5 to 12 years previously. Replies from 816 patients showed that 66 (8.1%) had a history of leg ulcers. The prevalence of active ulceration was 2.6% and 43 patients (5.3%) reported developing ulceration since their hip replacement. A clinical review determined that 31 (3.8%) of these were true venous ulcers. The ulcers occurred more commonly on the operated side and developed at a mean of 5.8 years (18 months to 12 years) after the first arthroplasty. A mean of 1.9 arthroplasties (1 to 5) (primary and revision) were carried out before the ulcers appeared. The overall incidence of ulcers was similar to that in the general population.
In spinal tuberculosis MRI can clearly demonstrate combinations of anterior and posterior lesions as well as pedicular involvement. We propose a classification system, using information provided by MRI, to help to plan the appropriate surgical treatment for patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis. We describe a series of 47 patients, divided into four groups, based on the surgical protocol used in the management. Group A consisted of patients with anterior lesions which were stable with no kyphotic deformity, and were treated with anterior debridement and strut grafting. Group B comprised patients with global lesions, kyphosis and instability who were treated with posterior instrumentation using a closed-loop rectangle with sublaminar wires, and by anterior strut grafting. Group C were patients with anterior or global lesions as in the previous groups, but who were at a high risk for transthoracic surgery because of medical and possible anaesthetic complications. These patients had a global decompression of the cord posteriorly, the anterior portion of the cord being approached through a transpedicular route. Posterior instrumentation was with a closed-loop rectangle held by sublaminar wires. Group D comprised patients with isolated posterior lesions which required posterior decompression only. An understanding of the extent of vertebral destruction can be obtained from MRI studies. This information can be used to plan appropriate surgery.
