There is a need for non-radiographic, objective outcome measures for children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Standing balance and stability is altered in children with AIS. The Margin of Stability (MoS) has been used to compare gait stability in clinical populations. Our objective was to compare the MoS in anterior-posterior (MoS. AP. ) and mediolateral (MoS. ML. ) directions in girls with AIS to Controls. Girls with AIS and healthy girls walked at three speeds on an instrumented treadmill wearing retroreflective markers, surrounded by motion capture cameras. The MoS. AP/ML. was calculated at left and right heel strike. Data was processed in Visual 3D. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare MoS. AP/ML. between group, speed and the interaction between group and speed. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare the MoS to Cobb angle. Statistical significance was accepted when p > 0.05. A priori power analysis suggested 12 participants per group. Three Cases and four Controls were recruited. Girls with AIS all had right-sided main thoracic curves (Lenke type 1a, 61.3° ± 10.0°). MoS. AP. was significantly bigger for Cases compared to Controls on the left (p=0.038) and right foot (p=0.041). There was no significant difference between Cases and Controls for MoS. ML. , but there was a visual trend for a smaller MoS. ML. in Cases. There was no significant difference for speed or the interaction between group and speed for MoS. AP. or MoS. ML. In Cases, MoS. AP. increased with increasing Cobb angle on the left (r. 2. =0.687, p=0.054) and right (r. 2. =0.634, p=0.067) and MoS. ML. decreased with increasing Cobb angle on the left (r. 2. =-0.912, p=0.002). Further subjects are being recruited. Girls with Lenke type 1a AIS are more stable in the AP direction and less stable in the ML direction than Controls during treadmill walking. AP stability increases and ML stability decreases with increasing Cobb angle. This research suggests that the MoS could be used as an outcome measure for children with AIS. Continued work is required to increase the power of this study. Further work could consider these changes during walking overground, measuring an MoS or MoS-like measure using a wearable device, and in different curve types

This study aimed to verify the accuracy of the DIERS Formetric Scan when assessing vertebral rotation of the apical vertebrae in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (A.I.S) patients, to determine whether the DIERS Formetric Scans can be used instead of or alongside radiographs when assessing A.I.S patients. Both the radiographs and the DIERS Formetric Scans of 60 Preoperative A.I.S patients. All patients included in our study had predominant thoracic curves using the Lenke classification method, Cobb angle range 33° – 85°. Each radiograph was categorised into groups according to the severity of Nash-Moe rotation score of the apical vertebrae. Three groups were formed Nash-Moe +1 (20 patients), Nash-Moe +2 (27 patients), Nash-Moe +3 (13 patients). Each result was then compared to the maximal rotation analysed by the DIERS Formetric Scan, which took place on the same day as the radiographs. The results were then assessed using a Pearson Correlation Coefficient and a One-Way ANOVA with Post-Hoc Tukey HSD Analysis. The Nash-Moe +1 Group scored a mean maximal rotation of 14.65° ±6.56 (11.82 – 17.48) (95% Confidence Interval), Nash-Moe +2 mean maximal rotation was 19.6° ±7.1 (16.92 – 22.28) and Nash-Moe +3 scored 21.53° ±8.9 (16.99 – 26.37). The Pearson Correlation Coefficient of this assessment was +0.342 (p value 0.07) demonstrating a weak positive correlation. The One-Way ANOVA analysis with Post-Hoc Tukey HSD analysis. The results of this analysis was an F value score of +4.115 (p Value 0.021) for the overall One-Way ANOVA test. The Post-Hoc Tukey HSD tests demonstrate that there is a statistical difference between Group 1 and Group 3 (p value 0.030) but there is no statistical difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p value 0.068) as well as no statistical difference between Group 2 and Group 3 (p value 0.716). DIERS Formetric Scan assessment of vertebral rotation shows a positive correlation with the Nash-Moe method. This allows us to rely on the Formetric scans and thus a possible reduction in radiographs when assessing A.I.S, this reduces the exposure to ionising radiation in A.I.S patients

Background and purpose. The Fear Avoidance Model is used to explain why some patients with acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain (CLBP). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) targeting dysfunctional behavioural cognitions (pain catastrophizing and fear of movement) is recommended. Purpose: to investigate whether a two-week CBT-based pain management program results in improvement in dysfunctional behavioural cognitions and whether these improved cognitions improve functional outcomes. Methods and Results. Cohort study including 524 consecutive CLBP-patients. Main outcome: functioning (ODI). Secondary outcomes: pain severity (NRS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), fear of movement (TSK). Assessments: pre- and post-treatment, 1 and 12-months follow-up (FU). Improvement over time was analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. Path analyses were used to examine the influence of pain catastrophizing and fear of movement on functional disability and pain severity. Multiple imputation was used to complete missing data. Participants with incomplete data (12.8%) did not differ from those with complete data (n= 457). 59% were females, mean age 46 (± 9.5) years, mean CLBP-duration 12 (± 10.8) years. All outcomes significantly improved at post-treatment and a slight significant improvement between post-treatment and 12 months FU was observed. Path analyses showed a direct effect for catastrophizing on post-treatment functioning and an indirect effect for catastrophizing through fear of movement on post-treatment functioning. Comparable results with pain severity as outcome. Conclusion. A two-week pain management program improved dysfunctional behavioral cognitions and functional outcomes in patients with longstanding CLBP up to one year. Targeting both pain catastrophizing and fear of movement during the program resulted in improved outcomes. Conflicts of Interest: JK O'Dowd is director of and shareholder in RealHealth. The authors declare that this abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national or international meeting. Sources of Funding:. No funding obtained

Aims

To determine the value of scoliosis surgery, it is necessary to evaluate outcomes in domains that matter to patients. Since randomized trials on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are scarce, prospective cohort studies with comparable outcome measures are important. To enhance comparison, a core set of patient-related outcome measures is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of AIS fusion surgery at two-year follow-up using the core outcomes set.

Aims

Non-coding microRNA (miRNA) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may promote neuronal repair after spinal cord injury (SCI). In this paper we report on the effects of MSC-EV-microRNA-381 (miR-381) in a rodent model of SCI.

Aims

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that three grades of sagittal compensation for standing posture (normal, compensated, and decompensated) correlate with health-related quality of life measurements (HRQOL).

Background and Purpose of Study:. Differences in regional lumbar angles in sitting have been observed between subgroups of NSCLBP patients exhibiting motor control impairments (MCI) (O'Sullivan, 2005; Dankaerts et al, 2006). However, differences in standing posture and other spinal regions are unknown. This study aimed to compare regional spinal angles in healthy and MCI subgroups in sitting and standing. Methods:. An observational, cross-sectional study investigated spinal kinematics of 28 Flexion Pattern (FP), 23 Active Extension Pattern (AEP) (O'Sullivan, 2005) and 28 healthy controls using 3D motion analysis (Vicon) during usual sitting and standing. Mean sagittal angle for Total Lumbar (TotLx), Total Thoracic (TotTx), Upper Thoracic (UTx), Lower Thoracic (LTx), Upper Lumbar (ULx) and Lower Lumbar (LLx) regions between groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. Results:. No differences in total thoracic and lumbar regions were observed, except TotLx in sitting between FP and AEP (Mean Difference (MD)=15.81°, p=0.003). Significant differences were observed in ULx and LTx for standing and sitting between FP and AEP (ULx Standing MD=9.89°, p=0.003; ULx Sitting MD=12.32°, p=0.000; LTx Standing MD=7.57°, p=0.05; LTx Sitting MD=11.72°, p=0.001) with AEP demonstrating greater extension in these regions. FP exhibited greater flexion compared to controls in ULx and LTx, except LTx in standing (ULx Standing MD=7.69°, p=0.018; ULx Sitting MD=6.96°, p=0.014; LTx Sitting MD=11.28°, p=0.001). No differences between AEP and controls were observed in sitting or standing. Conclusion:. Observing subdivided regional spinal angles is key to identifying MCI sub-group differences, with ULx and LTx able to discriminate between FP and AEP, and FP and healthy controls. This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: Arthritis Research UK / Presidents Research Scholarship, Cardiff University

Introduction. Decreasing endplate porosity has been proposed as a risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration, because it interferes with disc metabolite transport. However, endplate porosity has recently been shown to increase with age and disc degeneration. We hypothesise that this increase reflects adaptive remodelling in response to altered loading from adjacent discs. Methods. Nineteen cadaver motion segments (61–98 yrs) were compressed to 1kN while a pressure-transducer was pulled across the mid-sagittal diameter of the disc. Stress profiles indicated nucleus (intradiscal) pressure (IDP) and maximum stress in the anterior and posterior annulus. Subsequently, micro-CT was used to evaluate endplate porosity along the antero-posterior diameter of the adjacent endplates. Data were analysed using ANOVA and linear regression. Results. Endplate porosity averaged 67% centrally (where IDP averaged 0.85MPa) and decreased steadily to 48% and 53% in the anterior and posterior periphery, where maximum stresses were 1.37MPa and 1.33MPa, respectively. In each region, porosity was inversely related to IDP (or maximum stress) with R. 2. = 0.49, 0.32 and 0.31 respectively (P<0.001 in each case). Porosity was 3% higher in the inferior (weaker) endplate of the disc compared to the superior endplate (P=0.07). Conclusion. In old spines, strong correlations between endplate porosity and stress in each anatomical region indicate mechanically-adaptive remodelling. Regional differences in endplate porosity (across the antero-posterior diameter) probably reflect the varying nutritional demands of nucleus and annulus, as well as adaptations to loading from an adjacent decompressed disc. In younger age-groups, high loading could possibly reduce endplate porosity, promoting disc degeneration

Introduction. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the gold standard for assessing bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in vivo. However, it has limitations in the spine because vertebrae show marked regional variations in BMD that are difficult to detect clinically. This study investigated whether micro-CT can provide improved estimates of BMD that better predict vertebral strength. Methods. Ten cadaveric vertebral bodies (mean age: 83.7 +/− 10.8 yrs) were scanned using lateral-projection DEXA and Micro-CT. Standardised protocols were used to determine BMD of the whole vertebral body and of anterior/posterior and superior/inferior regions. Vertebral body volume was assessed by water displacement after which specimens were compressed to failure to determine their compressive strength. Specimens were then ashed to determine their bone mineral content (BMC). Parameters were compared using ANOVA and linear regression. Results. Measures of volumetric BMD obtained from Micro-CT were significantly higher than those obtained by DEXA (P<0.001), and estimates using the two techniques were not significantly correlated. DEXA measurements were strongly predictive of compressive strength, with areal BMD of the anterior vertebral body being the best predictor (R. 2. = 0.722, P = 0.002). Micro-CT measurements did not predict strength. Vertebral body BMD (derived from ash weight) correlated more highly with volumetric BMD values obtained from DEXA (R = 0.88) than those obtained from micro-CT (R = 0.72). Conclusion. BMD assessed by lateral DEXA predicted strength and BMC of osteoporotic vertebrae more accurately than micro-CT measures. Poor correlation between BMD measurements from DEXA and micro-CT suggests that ‘phantoms’ used in Micro-CT may require fine-tuning in order to better represent osteoporotic vertebrae

Costoplasty remains useful in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, rib hump and associated chest wall deformities. However traditional costoplasty increases morbidity and blood loss. We examine the feasibility and possible effectiveness of a more conservative costoplasty using an animal model. 4 fresh half Ovine rib cages from separate animals were obtained, stored at +4 °C and warmed to room temperature before testing. Each rib cage was randomly assigned to group 1, 2, 3 or 4. Ribs 2–10 were dissected out for testing. The ribs then underwent stepwise deconstruction according to their group. Beginning at the convexity, removing first the convex cortex, then the cancellous, then the cranial and caudal cortices to leave just the concave cortex. Testing for stiffness was by three-point bending on the concave side of each rib with the rib fixed at the head of the rib and 5 cm from the resected area. The ribs were deformed at a constant rate of 0.5 mm.sec . −. 1 up to a maximum load of 9.99 kg or until fracturing. Then stress was plotted against strain to find the Young's modulus of each group and statistics carried out with an ANOVA test. The ribs in each group were as follows: Group 1= control, group 2= 30 mm long convex side cortical bone removed 10 mm from lateral tubercle, group 3= convex, cortical and cancellous bone removal and group 4= removal of convex, caudal and cranial cortices with cancellous removal. The Young's Modulus of the groups were: 1= 3.38 N-m (+/− 0.84), 2= 2.65 N-m (+/− 1.58), 3= 1.55 N-m (+/− 0.55) and 4= 0.74 N-m (+/− 0.55). Groups 3 and 4 were significantly less stiff than group 1 (p< 0.01.) No ribs in groups 1, 2 and 4 fractured under the maximum load. 5/8 ribs in group 3 fractured before the maximum load was administered. By deconstructing the rib down to only the concave side it becomes significantly more flexible by approximately 4.5 times than the control Ribs. Coupled with its increase in flexibility it still retains its ability to withstand up to 10 kg of load without fracture. It may be possible to perform a costoplasty whilst preserving ventilatory integrity. This may improve rib hump correction, and curve correction due to increased flexibility of the stiff thoracic cage

Introduction. Disc degeneration is often scored using macroscopic and microscopic scoring systems. Although reproducible, these scores may not accurately reflect declining function in a degenerated disc. Accordingly, we compared macroscopic and microscopic degeneration scores with measurements of disc function. Methods. Thirteen cadaveric motion segments (62–93 yrs) were compressed to 1kN while a pressure-transducer was pulled across the mid-sagittal diameter of the disc. Resulting stress profiles indicated intradiscal pressure (IDP), and maximum stress in the anterior (MaxStress_Ant) and posterior (MaxStress_Post) annulus. Macroscopic grade (1–4) of disc degeneration was based on visual examination of mid-sagittal sections, using subscales that yielded a maximum score of 48. Microscopic grade (1–4) was based on histological sections of the disc + vertebral body taken from anterior annulus, nucleus pulposus and posterior annulus, using subscale scores that totalled 108. Cartilage endplate thickness (CEP_thickness) was measured histologically, and porosity of the bony endplates was measured using micro-CT. ANOVA was used to compare between grades, and regression was used to establish dependence on scores. Results. IDP and CEP_thickness both decreased with increasing macroscopic grade (1–4) of degeneration (P= 0.021 & 0.022 respectively). Also, IDP, CEP_thickness and MaxStress_Ant decreased with increasing macroscopic score (1–48) (R. 2. = 0.39, P = 0.022; R. 2. = 0.36, P = 0.03; R. 2. = 0.30, P = 0.04 respectively). IDP and MaxStress_Ant decreased with increasing microscopic grade (1–4) of degeneration (P=0.05 & 0.005 respectively) and increasing microscopic score (1–108) (R. 2. = 0.36, P = 0.02; R. 2. = 0.47, P = 0.009 respectively) whereas inferior endplate porosity increased with increasing microscopic grade (P = 0.05) and score (R. 2. = 0.36, P = 0.03). Conclusion. Macroscopic and microscopic ‘degeneration’ scores both reflect changes in disc function and endplate integrity

Introduction. We aimed to determine the midterm effect of pedicle screw instrumentation on sagittal plane alignment, compared with a hybrid alignment, in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. 88 consecutive patients with AIS with a Lenke type 1 curve treated between 1998 and 2003 were analysed. Thoracic hooks were used in 45 patients (group Hy) and thoracic screws alone in 43 patients (group TPS). Preoperative average age (Hy 15·3 years vs TPS 16 years), sex (38 female and seven male vs 37 female and six male), Risser sign (2·9 vs 2·9), main thoracic curve (64° vs 65·5°), and thoracic kyphosis (22·6° vs 21·4°) were similar in both groups. Pearson correlation coefficient and univariate ANOVA were used. Results. At a mean follow-up of 7·3 years (range 5–10), the TPS group had a greater final main thoracic curve correction (Hy 46·4% vs TPS 58·4%; p<0·001), with inferior loss of initial correction (–11·1° vs TPS –1·3°; p<0·0005). Absolute final thoracic kyphosis was similar in both groups (31·4° vs 25·4°; r=0·002; p>0·05), with both groups showing an equally statistically significant amelioration of the sagittal contour (Hy 49·2%; p<0·001 vs TPS 43·4%; p<0·001) (difference between groups p>0·05). We recorded a significant correlation between absolute kyphosis correction (final preoperative) and percentage main thoracic curve initial correction loss in the Hy group (r=0·35, p<0·001). The SRS–30 assessment showed an improvement in self-image and satisfaction, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions. The previously reported loss of kyphosis after a pedicle screw instrumentation in AIS, when compared with hybrid or hook only implants, should be questioned. At a minimum 5 years of follow-up, sagittal contour in the thoracic spine was not less kyphotic when pedicle screws were compared with hybrid constructs. The higher the loss of initial correction of main thoracic curve, the greater the postoperative absolute kyphosis at T5–T12 level. The clinical relevance of such radiographic differences is still undetectable with present self-assessment methods

Introduction. Different subclinical neurological dysfunction has been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), including poor postural control and asymmetric otolith vestibulo-ocular responses when compared with normal controls. The objective of this pilot study is to establish whether abnormal MRI morphoanatomical changes arise in the CNS (brain and vestibular system), among left-thoracic versus right-thoracic AIS when compared with normal adolescent controls, with use of advanced computerised statistical morphometry techniques. Methods. We compared nine girls with left-thoracic AIS (mean age 14 years; mean Cobb angle 19°) with 11 matched controls, and 20 girls with right-thoracic AIS (mean age 15 years, mean Cobb angle 33·8°) with 17 matched controls. The statistical brain analysis was done with validated automatic segmentation and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). The T2W-MRI data for shape analysis of the vestibular system were obtained from 20 patients with right-thoracic AIS and 20 matched controls. A best-fit plane and a best-fit circle were calculated to approximate each semicircular canal. The shape of vestibular system was measured by: (1) the angle between each pair of best-fit planes; (2) the length; and (3) angle formed between the corresponding lines connecting the centres of each pair of circles. Statistical analysis was done with one-way ANOVA. Results. Patients with left-thoracic AIS had significantly lower white matter density in corpus callosum, left internal capsule, and white matter underlying orbitofrontal cortex of left hemisphere, which were not observed in patients with right-thoracic AIS. In the right-thoracic AIS group, the distance between centres of lateral and superior canals (p=0·0264) and the angle with vertex at the centre of posterior canal (p=0·02) of left-side vestibular system were significantly smaller than in the control group (figure). For vestibular analysis, there were no data for left-thoracic AIS. Conclusions. Findings from this pilot study have shown significant MRI morphoanatomical difference in CNS between patients with AIS and controls. In the brain analysis, corpus callosum (the principle commissural fibre bundle connecting left and right cerebral hemispheres, which might affect the coordination of left and right sides of the body), differed between left-thoracic and right-thoracic AIS. In the vestibular analysis, geometric morphological difference was detected on the left-side semicircular canals between right-thoracic AIS and healthy controls. These morphological changes are likely to be related to the subclinical postural, vestibular, and proprioceptive dysfunctions. Further association studies and longitudinal studies could help to further define the link between morphological and functional dysfunction, which might have important predictive and prognostic effect on curve development and progression

Introduction. In patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), anomalous extra-spinal left-right skeletal length asymmetries in upper limbs, periapical ribs, and ilia beg the question as to whether these bilateral asymmetries are connected in some way with pathogenesis. The upper arm and iliac length asymmetries correlate significantly with adjacent spinal curve severity respectively in thoracic and lower (thoracolumbar and lumbar) spine. In lower limbs, skeletal length asymmetries and proximo-distal disproportion are unrelated to spinal curve severity. Overall, these observations raise questions about mechanisms that determine skeletal bilateral symmetry of vertebrates in health and disorder, and whether such mechanisms are involved in the cause of this disease. We investigated upper arm length (UAL) asymmetries in two groups of right-handed girls aged 11–18 years, with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (RT-AIS, n=98) from preoperative and screening referrals (mean Cobb angle 45°) and healthy controls (n=240). Methods. Right and left UAL were measured with a Harpenden anthropometer of the Holtain equipment, by one of four observers (RGB, AAC, RKP, FJP). UAL asymmetry was calculated as UAL difference, right minus left, in mm. Repeatability of the measurements was assessed by technical error of the measurement (TEM) and coefficient of reliability (R). Results. In girls with RT-AIS, UAL asymmetry was greater than it was in healthy girls (mean 5·9 mm vs 2·5 mm, ANOVA p<0·001, correcting for age), regressed negatively with age (p<0·001, r= –0·374), and correlated significantly with Cobb angle (r=0·342, p=0·001) and apical vertebral rotation (Perdriolle, r=0·291, p=0·004). In healthy girls, UAL asymmetry was unrelated to age. Plotted against years after estimated menarcheal age, right UAL overgrowth reduced significantly for girls with RT-AIS (r= –0·312, p=0·006, n=76) but not for healthy girls (r=0·000, p=0·985, n=121), which was a significant finding (p=0·052, ANOVA). Conclusions. The abnormal overgrowth of right upper arm length may be secondary, or pathogenetically associated with the RT-AIS trunk deformity. The negative regression of UAL asymmetry may result from (1) older girls having less residual growth and/or (2) a transient, or resolving, asymmetry process common to arm and trunk. We hypothesise that the pathogenetic process of RT-AIS may include two components: a transient bilateral asymmetry process and growth velocity, both of which affect trunk and arm growth. In the spine, these rarely lead to scoliosis resolution because biomechanical, postural, melatonin-signalling, and other factors sustain and aggravate the curve. Four pathomechanisms may induce the asymmetry process in trunk and arms involving (1) neuromuscular function, (2) motor cortex, (3) sympathetic nervous system, and (4) intrinsic time-tallies in growth plates, some of which suggest therapeutic possibilities

Aims

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution.

Aims

Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) systems use non-invasive spinal lengthening for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of these devices in the prevention of progression of the deformity. A secondary aim was to record the rate of complications.

Aims

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) allow non-invasive correction of the spinal deformity in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Conventional growing rod systems (CGRS) need repeated surgical distractions: these are associated with the effect of the ‘law of diminishing returns’.

The primary aim of this study was to quantify this effect in MCGRs over sequential distractions.

Aims

There is a paucity of information on the pre-operative coronal imbalance in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and its influence on surgical outcomes.

We present the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of 58 vertebral compression fractures in 51 patients at a minimum follow-up of two years. Group 1 consisted of 39 patients, in whom there was no associated intravertebral cleft, whilst group 2 comprised 12 patients with an intravertebral cleft. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded prospectively. The radiological evidence of kyphotic deformity, vertebral height, leakage of cement and bone resorption around the cement were studied restrospectively, both before and after operation and at the final follow-up.

The ODI and VAS scores in both groups decreased after treatment, but the mean score in group 2 was higher than that in group 1 (p = 0.02 (ODI), p = 0.02 (VAS)). There was a greater initial correction of the kyphosis in group 2 than in group 1, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, loss of correction was greater in group 2. Leakage of cement was seen in 24 (41.4%) of 58 vertebrae (group 1, 32.6% (15 of 46); group 2, 75% (9 of 12)), mainly of type B through the basal vertebral vein in group 1 and of type C through the cortical defect in group 2. Resorption of bone around the cement was seen in three vertebrae in group 2 and in one in group 1. There were seven adjacent vertebral fractures in group 1 and one in group 2.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for osteoporotic compression fractures with or without an intravertebral cleft. Nonetheless, higher rates of complications related to the cement must be recognised in patients in the presence of an intravertebral cleft.

The presacral retroperitoneal approach for axial lumbar interbody fusion (presacral ALIF) is not widely reported, particularly with regard to the mid-term outcome. This prospective study describes the clinical outcomes, complications and rates of fusion at a follow-up of two years for 26 patients who underwent this minimally invasive technique along with further stabilisation using pedicle screws. The fusion was single-level at the L5-S1 spinal segment in 17 patients and two-level at L4–5 and L5-S1 in the other nine. The visual analogue scale for pain and Oswestry Disability Index scores were recorded pre-operatively and during the 24-month study period. The evaluation of fusion was by thin-cut CT scans at six and 12 months, and flexion-extension plain radiographs at six, 12 and 24 months. Significant reductions in pain and disability occurred as early as three weeks postoperatively and were maintained. Fusion was achieved in 22 of 24 patients (92%) at 12 months and in 23 patients (96%) at 24 months. One patient (4%) with a pseudarthrosis underwent successful revision by augmentation of the posterolateral fusion mass through a standard open midline approach.

There were no severe adverse events associated with presacral ALIF, which in this series demonstrated clinical outcomes and fusion rates comparable with those of reports of other methods of interbody fusion.