In patients with osteoporosis there is always a strong possibility that pedicle screws will loosen. This makes it difficult to select the appropriate osteoporotic patient for a spinal fusion. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and the magnitude of torque required to insert a pedicle screw. To accomplish this, 181 patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine were studied prospectively. Each underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and intra-operative measurement of the torque required to insert each pedicle screw. The levels of torque generated in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia were significantly lower than those achieved in normal patients. Positive correlations were observed between BMD and T-value at the instrumented lumbar vertebrae, mean BMD and mean T-value of the lumbar vertebrae, and mean BMD and mean T-value of the proximal femur. The predictive torque (Nm) generated during pedicle screw insertion was [-0.127 + 1.62 × (BMD at the corresponding lumbar vertebrae)], as measured by linear regression analysis. The positive correlation between BMD and the maximum torque required to insert a pedicle screw suggests that pre-operative assessment of BMD may be useful in determining the ultimate strength of fixation of a device, as well as the number of levels that need to be fixed with pedicle screws in patients who are suspected of having osteoporosis

Low bone mass and osteopenia have been described in the axial and peripheral skeleton of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Recently, many studies have shown that gene polymorphism is related to osteoporosis. However, no studies have linked the association between IL6 gene polymorphism and bone mass in AIS. This study examined the association between bone mass and IL6 gene polymorphism in 198 girls with AIS. The polymorphisms of IL6-597 G→A, IL6-572 G→C and IL6-174 G→A and the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck were analysed and compared with their levels in healthy controls. The mean bone mineral density at both sites in patients with AIS was decreased compared with controls (p = 0.0022 and p = 0.0013, respectively). Comparison of genotype frequencies between AIS and healthy controls revealed a statistically significant difference in IL6-572 G→C polymorphism (p = 0.0305). There was a significant association between the IL6-572 G→C polymorphism and bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, with the CC genotype significantly higher with the GC (p = 0.0124) or GG (p = 0.0066) genotypes. These results suggest that the IL6-572 G→C polymorphism is associated with bone mineral density in the lumbar spine in Korean girls with AIS

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

Aims. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents and children. The aetiology of the disease remains unknown. Previous studies have shown a lower bone mineral density in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis, which may contribute to the causation. The aim of the present study was to compare bone health in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis with controls. Methods. We included 78 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (57 female patients) at a mean age of 13.7 years (8.5 to 19.6) and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (39 female patients) at a mean age of 13.8 years (9.1 to 17.6). Mean skeletal age, estimated according to the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 system (TW3), was 13.4 years (7.4 to 17.8) for those with idiopathic scoliosis, and 13.1 years (7.4 to 16.5) for the controls. Mean Cobb angle for those with idiopathic scoliosis was 29° (SD 11°). All individuals were scanned with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT) of the left radius and tibia to assess bone density. Statistical analyses were performed with independent-samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi-squared test. Results. Compared with controls, adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis had mean lower DXA values in the left femoral neck (0.94 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.14) vs 1.00 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.15)), left total hip (0.94 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.14) vs 1.01 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.17)), L1 to L4 (0.99 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.15) vs 1.06 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.17)) and distal radius (0.35 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.07) vs 0.39 g/cm. 2. (SD 0.08; all p ≤ 0.024), but not in the mid-radius (0.72 g/cm. 2. vs 0.74 g/cm. 2. ; p = 0.198, independent t-test) and total body less head (1,559 g (SD 380) vs 1,649 g (SD 492; p = 0.0.247, independent t-test). Compared with controls, adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis had lower trabecular volume bone mineral density (BMD) on pQCT in the distal radius (184.7 mg/cm. 3. (SD 40.0) vs 201.7 mg/cm. 3. (SD 46.8); p = 0.029), but not in other parts of the radius or the tibia (p ≥ 0.062, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion. In the present study, idiopathic scoliosis patients seemed to have lower BMD at central skeletal sites and less evident differences at peripheral skeletal sites when compared with controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):268–272

To determine whether spinal facet osteoblasts at the curve apex display a different phenotype to osteoblasts from outside the curve in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Intrinsic differences in the phenotype of spinal facet bone tissue and in spinal osteoblasts have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AIS. However, no study has compared the phenotype of facet osteoblasts at the curve apex with the facet osteoblasts from outside the curve in patients with AIS. Facet bone tissue was collected from three sites, the concave and convex side at the curve apex and from outside the curve from three female patients with AIS (aged 13–16 years). Micro-CT analysis was used to determine the density and trabecular structure. Osteoblasts were then cultured from the sampled bone. Osteoblast phenotype was investigated by assessing cellular proliferation (MTS assay), cellular metabolism (alkaline phosphatase and Seahorse Analyser), bone nodule mineralisation (Alizarin red assay), and the mRNA expression of Wnt signalling genes (quantitative RT-PCR). Convex bone showed greater bone mineral density and trabecular thickness than did concave bone. The convex side of the curve apex exhibited a significantly higher proliferative and metabolic phenotype and a greater capacity to form mineralised bone nodules than did concave osteoblasts. mRNA expression of SKP2 was significantly greater in both concave and convex osteoblasts than in non-curve osteoblasts. The expression of SFRP1 was significantly downregulated in convex osteoblasts compared with either concave or non-curve. Intrinsic differences that affect osteoblast function are exhibited by spinal facet osteoblasts at the curve apex in patients with AIS

Objectives. Although vertebroplasty is very effective for relieving acute pain from an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, not all patients who undergo vertebroplasty receive the same degree of benefit from the procedure. In order to identify the ideal candidate for vertebroplasty, pre-operative prognostic demographic or clinico-radiological factors need to be identified. The objective of this study was to identify the pre-operative prognostic factors related to the effect of vertebroplasty on acute pain control using a cohort of surgically and non-surgically managed patients. Patients and Methods. Patients with single-level acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture at thoracolumbar junction (T10 to L2) were followed. If the patients were not satisfied with acute pain reduction after a three-week conservative treatment, vertebroplasty was recommended. Pain assessment was carried out at the time of diagnosis, as well as three, four, six, and 12 weeks after the diagnosis. The effect of vertebroplasty, compared with conservative treatment, on back pain (visual analogue score, VAS) was analysed with the use of analysis-of-covariance models that adjusted for pre-operative VAS scores. Results. A total of 342 patients finished the 12-week follow-up, and 120 patients underwent vertebroplasty (35.1%). The effect of vertebroplasty over conservative treatment was significant regardless of age, body mass index, medical comorbidity, previous fracture, pain duration, bone mineral density, degree of vertebral body compression, and canal encroachment. However, the effect of vertebroplasty was not significant at all time points in patients with increased sagittal vertical axis. Conclusions. For single-level acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, the effect of vertebroplasty was less favourable in patients with increased sagittal vertical axis (> 5 cm) possible due to aggravation of kyphotic stress from walking imbalance. Cite this article: Y-C. Kim, D. H. Bok, H-G. Chang, S. W. Kim, M. S. Park, J. K. Oh, J. Kim, T-H. Kim. Increased sagittal vertical axis is associated with less effective control of acute pain following vertebroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:544–551. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0135.R1

Objectives. Cement augmentation of pedicle screws could be used to improve screw stability, especially in osteoporotic vertebrae. However, little is known concerning the influence of different screw types and amount of cement applied. Therefore, the aim of this biomechanical in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of cement augmentation on the screw pull-out force in osteoporotic vertebrae, comparing different pedicle screws (solid and fenestrated) and cement volumes (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL). Materials and Methods. A total of 54 osteoporotic human cadaver thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were instrumented with pedicle screws (uncemented, solid cemented or fenestrated cemented) and augmented with high-viscosity PMMA cement (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL). The insertion torque and bone mineral density were determined. Radiographs and CT scans were undertaken to evaluate cement distribution and cement leakage. Pull-out testing was performed with a material testing machine to measure failure load and stiffness. The paired t-test was used to compare the two screws within each vertebra. Results. Mean failure load was significantly greater for fenestrated cemented screws (+622 N; p ⩽ 0.001) and solid cemented screws (+460 N; p ⩽ 0.001) than for uncemented screws. There was no significant difference between the solid and fenestrated cemented screws (p = 0.5). In the lower thoracic vertebrae, 1 mL cement was enough to significantly increase failure load, while 3 mL led to further significant improvement in the upper thoracic, lower thoracic and lumbar regions. Conclusion. Conventional, solid pedicle screws augmented with high-viscosity cement provided comparable screw stability in pull-out testing to that of sophisticated and more expensive fenestrated screws. In terms of cement volume, we recommend the use of at least 1 mL in the thoracic and 3 mL in the lumbar spine. Cite this article: C. I. Leichtle, A. Lorenz, S. Rothstock, J. Happel, F. Walter, T. Shiozawa, U. G. Leichtle. Pull-out strength of cemented solid versus fenestrated pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:419–426

To investigate and compare the biomechanical characteristics of Bipedicular versus Unipedicular Vertebroplasty in cadaveric vertebra. Cadaveric single level vertebra were used to evaluate Bipedicular versus Unipedicular Vertebroplasty as an intervention for vertebral compression fractures. Cadaveric vertebra were assigned to two arms: Arm A simulated a wedge fracture followed by bipedicular cement augmentation; Arm B simulated a wedge fracture followed by unipedicular cement augmentation. Micro-CT imaging was performed to assess vertebral dimension, cement fill volumes and bone mineral density. All augmented specimens were then compressed under a static eccentric flexion load to failure. Pre and post augmentation failure load and stiffness were used to compare the two groups. Results suggest, when compared with actual failure strength, that the product of bone mineral density and endplate surface area gave a good prediction of failure strength for specimens in both arms. The mean cement volume fill of augmented vertebral bodies was 22.8% ± 7.21%. The bipedicular group showed a reduction in stiffness but an increase in post augmentation failure load of 1.09. The unipedicular group also showed a reduction in stiffness but showed a much greater increase in post augmentation failure load of 1.68. Preliminary data from this study suggests there is a significant reduction in stiffness following both bipedicular and unipedicular vertebroplasty. There is a significant increase in failure load post augmentation in the unipedicular group

Aims. Loosening of pedicle screws is a major complication of posterior spinal stabilisation, especially in the osteoporotic spine. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of cement augmentation compared with extended dorsal instrumentation on the stability of posterior spinal fixation. Materials and Methods. A total of 12 osteoporotic human cadaveric spines (T11-L3) were randomised by bone mineral density into two groups and instrumented with pedicle screws: group I (SHORT) separated T12 or L2 and group II (EXTENDED) specimen consisting of T11/12 to L2/3. Screws were augmented with cement unilaterally in each vertebra. Fatigue testing was performed using a cranial-caudal sinusoidal, cyclic (1.0 Hz) load with stepwise increasing peak force. Results. Augmentation showed no significant increase in the mean cycles to failure and fatigue force (SHORT p = 0.067; EXTENDED p = 0.239). Extending the instrumentation resulted in a significantly increased number of cycles to failure and a significantly higher fatigue force compared with the SHORT instrumentation (EXTENDED non-augmented + 76%, p < 0.001; EXTENDED augmented + 87%, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The stabilising effect of cement augmentation of pedicle screws might not be as beneficial as expected from biomechanical pull-out tests. Lengthening the dorsal instrumentation results in a much higher increase of stability during fatigue testing in the osteoporotic spine compared with cement augmentation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1099–1105

Introduction. Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has been associated with several genetic loci in varying study populations, reflecting the disorder's genetic complexity. One region of interest is on chromosome 17, flanking regions linked to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This region is of particular relevance because the most common osseous manifestation in NF1 is scoliosis (10–30% of patients). This alludes to a potential genetic correlation within this region affecting spinal development or stability. The objective of this research is to identify candidate genes within this region that are statistically linked to IS. Methods. An initial population of IS families recruited through approval by the institutional review board (202 families; 1198 individuals) had DNA harvested from blood, and underwent genomic screening, finemapping, and statistical analyses. We identified a specific familial subset: families with males having undergone surgery for scoliosis (17 families, 147 individuals). The initial genome-wide scan indicated that this subset was linked to chromosome 17q.11.2. The most prominent marker, D17s975, (p=0·0003) at 25.12 Mb is adjacent to the NF1 deletional region. We then analysed a custom panel of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) extending from 18·30–31·47 Mb for linkage through Taqman SNP assay protocol. With allele specific fluorescent tags, allelic discrimination was done with real-time PCR. Results. Findings show two regions with two or more contiguous SNPs of significance (p<0·05), confirming significant linkage adjacent to the NF1 locus (table). The most significant results lie within the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, whose product is a modulator of serotonin (5-HT) activity. Conclusions. IS is a disorder of variable phenotypic expression that has been related to several regions on the genome. Although NF1 has been definitively associated with a region on chromosome 17, the phenotypic expression is not understood at the molecular level. The elucidation of shared genetic variations within this region by two disorders marked by scoliosis has significance for the molecular understanding of the pathogenesis of scoliosis and axial development. The specific gene, SLC6A4, is of particular interest in that as a modulator of serotonin transport, bone mineral content, density, and mechanical strength can be altered. Both NF1 and IS in some patients have been associated with decreased bone mineral density. Future work will focus on replication of these findings and targeted genetic sequencing

Aims

To determine the major risk factors for unplanned reoperations (UROs) following corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and their interactions, using machine learning-based prediction algorithms and game theory.

Introduction. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is associated with low bone mineral density, which could be related to its etiopathogenesis. Apart from bone density, bone micro-architectures are equally important for better understanding of disease initiation and progression in AIS. Quantitative assessment of bone quality is hampered by the invasive nature of investigations, until recently when the high-resolution pQCT (XtremeCT) became available for revolutionary in-vivo microimaging and derivation of bone micro-architectural parameters. Our objective was to use this powerful instrument to study bone qualities in AIS and compare findings with those from healthy controls. Methods. 48 girls with AIS and 84 sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Cobb angle was measured with standing radiographs, and imaging of the non-dominant distal radius was captured with XtremeCT according to a standard protocol. Results. The mean age was 13·48 years for controls and 13·54 years for patients with AIS (p=0·773). The mean Cobb's angle for AIS was 32·7° (SD 5·8°). Volumetric bone density, cortical thickness, trabecular bone density, meta-trabecular density, inner-trabecular density, bone volume fraction, and trabecular thickness were all lower in patients with AIS than in controls, and differences were statistically significant (p<0·05). Conclusions. This is the first report describing the differences in radiographic bone micro-architectures between patients with AIS and controls. All significant parameters were lower in the AIS group, indicating deranged bony quality that could have an important role in disease initiation or progression in AIS. The exact biomechanical process and how this is related to the etiopathogenesis of AIS warrant further studies. Acknowledgments. This study is supported by RGC-HKSAR (project number 467808 and 468809)

There are limited data on scoliosis in cystic fibrosis (CF), and the two most recent studies came to opposite conclusions. Reported prevalence ranges from 2% (within the normal range for the general population) to 15.5%. We felt that a recent study under-estimated the prevalence due to a very young population (mean age 10.9 years), since scoliosis develops most commonly in adolescents. We hypothesised that scoliosis is more prevalent in adolescents with CF compared to the general population. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of scoliosis in adolescents with CF followed to and beyond skeletal maturity and describe the type of spinal deformity. We included all patients in our CF clinic aged >10 years, and those who have transitioned to adult services in the last 10 years. Patients with a co-existent neuromuscular condition were excluded. We conducted a retrospective observational study. Most recent chest radiographs at end of spinal growth, or those taken at transition to adult services, were reviewed by a Consultant Radiologist and a Consultant Spine Surgeon. Scoliosis was defined as a Cobb angle of >10° in the coronal plane. Demographics and characteristics of the curves were recorded. Our cohort included 143 CF patients (48% male) with a mean age at the time of chest radiograph of 18 years (range 15–22 years). 16 (6 male) subjects were noted to have scoliosis with a mean (range) Cobb angle of 14° (10–38°) giving a prevalence of 11%. 13 were single thoracic curves, 2 double and 1 triple. The majority were non-progressive short mid-thoracic curves, convex to the right. 5 curves were progressive, only one of which was significant and required bracing to the end of growth but no surgical treatment. We found a prevalence of scoliosis in our adolescent CF population that is significantly greater than the general population. Only one curve was significant and progressive requiring bracing, the remainder being minor and non-progressive. A strength of our study is that all patients had achieved skeletal maturity at the time of latest X-ray and, therefore, development or further progression of scoliosis is unlikely. The negative effect of scoliosis on lung function is well-documented. With the progressive nature of CF lung disease, scoliosis may have further deleterious effects. Bone disease is increasingly recognised in CF patients, with osteopenia and osteoporosis occurring earlier and more frequently than in the general population (38% & 24% respectively in 18–32 year old CF patients). To date, studies have failed to show a correlation between scoliosis, lung function and bone mineral density. The paradigm of a radiologically significant (Cobb angle >10°) versus a clinically important scoliosis remains

Introduction. Melatonin-deficient rats are known to develop scoliosis when rendered bipedal. In a previous study we have shown that melatonin-deficient bipedal mice with scoliosis had lower bone density than did mice without scoliosis. Published work suggests that children with AIS have lower bone density than do healthy children. The aim of this study is to establish whether osteoporosis causes scoliosis. We hypothesised that bipedal rats with lower bone density would have increased spinal malalignment compared with the control group. Methods. 50 female Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered bipedal at 3 weeks of age by amputation of the forelimbs and tails. Two groups were formed: control group (n=25), in which rats received no drug; and the experiment group (n=25), in which rats received daily subcutaneous 1 U/g heparin injections. Animals were kept in standard cages, and food and water was provided at the top of the cages to encourage more time standing erect. DEXA scans were done on week 4 to assess bone density. Radiographs were taken on week 40 to assess spinal alignment in both control and experiment groups. Results. 19 rats in the heparin group and 23 rats in the control group were available for evaluation at the end of the study. At week 4, DEXA scans showed significant difference between the bone densities of the control and heparin groups (p<0·05), with the heparin group having lower bone density. The incidence of curves between the heparin and control groups were not statistically significant (p>0·01) (table). The magnitude of curves in scoliotic rats for the heparin group was 11·8° (SD 3·75) and for the control group 10° (4·3). The difference between the groups was not significant (p>0·05). Conclusions. This study involved rats with normal melatonin levels and both groups showed a high frequency of scoliosis incidence. Although no significant differences were recorded between groups, the results suggest that bipedality is a cause for scoliosis, and low bone mineral density may further increase this tendency

Aims

Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD.

Introduction. Despite extensive research, the cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is still largely unclear. Girls with AIS tend to be taller and leaner, and have a lower body-mass index (BMI) and lower bone mass, than do healthy girls. Recent MRI studies have shown the presence of relative anterior spinal overgrowth in girls with AIS. The lower bone mineral status and BMI could be related to dysfunctional central regulation pathway of growth, bodyweight, and bone metabolism. Following several interesting reports on the role of leptin in regulation of the above pathway in animals and human beings, our recent study has shown a low leptin concentration in girls with AIS girls compared with healthy adolescents. This finding leads to our new hypothesis that abnormal leptin bioavailability could be associated with the lower bodyweight, lower bone mineral density, and relatively disproportional endochondral skeletal growth in AIS. This study aimed to investigate the leptin bioavailability in girls with AIS. Methods. 53 girls with AIS and 27 healthy girls (aged 11–16 years) were recruited in this preliminary study. Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained. Blood samples were obtained for ELISA of leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R). Independent Student's t test and multivariate regression were used in group comparison. Results. The AIS group had significantly lower BMI and longer arm span than did controls. Additionally, girls with AIS had significantly higher soluble leptin receptor concentrations (22·1 ng/mL [□}6·9] vs 17·8 ng/mL [4·4]; p<0·01). However, the leptin concentration (7·6 ng/mL [□}5·3] vs 8·7 ng/mL [□}6·0]) and the leptin/sOB-R ratio (0·38 [□}0·28] vs 0·56 [□}0·47]) were similar to that of the controls. In girls with AIS, the leptin, sOB-R, and the leptin/sOB-R ratio correlated well with bodyweight and BMI. After adjustment for BMI, sOB-R in girls with AIS was significantly higher than in controls (r=0·37, p=0·042). Conclusions. This preliminary report showed that the soluble leptin receptor could be abnormal in girls with AIS. Leptin and sOB-R are related to bodyweight. sOB-R is a major modulator of leptin concentration in circulation, the abnormality of which may lead to the retention of leptin in the circulation and thus abnormal regulatory effect. In this study, girls with AIS had lower BMI and longer arm span, which may reflect the possible change resulting from abnormal leptin bioavailability. Further longitudinal study with larger sample size would be useful to help to understand the long-term effect of the low leptin and high sOB-R in girls with AIS on their bodyweight and skeletal development. It is also noteworthy to study the mechanism of increased sOB-R in AIS

Introduction. The main challenge in management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is to predict which curve will progress so that appropriate treatment can be given. We previously reported that low bone mineral density (BMD) was one of the adverse prognostic factors for AIS. With advancement in imaging technology, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) becomes a useful method to assess bone density and bone quality. The objective of this study was to assess the role of QUS as a radiation-free method to predict curve progression in AIS. Methods. 294 girls with AIS were recruited at ages 11–16 years and followed up until skeletal maturity. 269 age-matched healthy girls were recruited as controls. They provided the normal reference for calculation of Z score for QUS parameters. QUS measurements, including BUA (broadband ultrasound attenuation), VOS (velocity of sound) and SI (stiffness index) of the calcaneum, BMD of femoral neck, menarche history, ages, and Cobb angle of the major curve were recorded at baseline as independent variables. The predictive outcome was curve progression defined as an increase of Cobb angle of 6° or more. Logistic regression model and the ROC curve were used for statistical analysis. Results. Mean follow-up was 3·4 years (SD 1·57). At baseline, mean age was 13·4 years (1·23), 73 (24·8%) patients were premenarchal, and mean Cobb angle was 26·3° (SD 8·2°). 202 (68·7%), 194 (66%), and 202 (68·7%) of patients with AIS had Z score of BUA, VOS, and SI of 0 or less, respectively. Initial univariate analysis indicated all independent variables had p values less than 0.2. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the p values of their regression coefficients were: age (p<0·001), menarchal status (p<0·001), Cobb angle (p=0·008), BMD (p=0·084), BUA (p=0·722), VOS (p=0·112), and SI (p=0·027). SI, age, menarchal status, and Cobb angle were therefore included in the final prediction equation. The adjusted odds ratio for Z score of SI of 0 or less was 2·00 (95% CI 1·08–3·71). The area under the ROC curve was 0·831(95% CI 0·785–0·877). The predictive model had a sensitivity of 0·847 and a specificity of 0·665 at a probability cutoff of 0·368. Conclusions. We recorded evidence of deranged bone density and bone quality in AIS, as indicated by QUS investigation. SI is an independent and significant prognostic factor for AIS. It can be used as a radiation-free parameter to predict curve progression in combination with initial Cobb angle, age, and menarchal status, especially when DXA is not available. Acknowledgments. This study is supported by Research Grant Council—The government of HKSAR (project number CUHK4498/06M)

Aims

As the population ages and the surgical complexity of lumbar spinal surgery increases, the preoperative stratification of risk becomes increasingly important. Understanding the risks is an important factor in decision-making and optimizing the preoperative condition of the patient. Our aim was to determine whether the modified five-item frailty index (mFI-5) and nutritional parameters could be used to predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing simple or complex lumbar spinal fusion.

Aims

To develop and internally validate a preoperative clinical prediction model for acute adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) after vertebral augmentation to support preoperative decision-making, named the after vertebral augmentation (AVA) score.

Aims

Anchorage of pedicle screw rod instrumentation in the elderly spine with poor bone quality remains challenging. Our study aims to evaluate how the screw bone anchorage is affected by screw design, bone quality, loading conditions, and cementing techniques.