Aims. Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) has been used as an effective intervention in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) for 30 years. To date there is no evidence for SEMLS in adults with BSCP and the intervention remains focus of debate. Methods. This study analysed the short-term outcome (mean 1.7 years, standard deviation 0.9) of 97 ambulatory adults with BSCP who performed three-dimensional gait analysis before and after SEMLS at one institution. . Results. Two objective gait variables were calculated pre- and post-operatively; the Gillette Gait Index (GGI) and the Gait Profile Score (GPS). The results were analysed in three groups according to their childhood surgical history (group 1 = no surgery, group 2 = surgery other than SEMLS, group 3 = SEMLS). Improvements in gait were shown by a significant decrease of GPS (p = 0.001). Similar results were obtained for both legs (GGI right side and left side p = 0.01). Furthermore, significant improvements were found in all subgroups although this was less marked in group 3, where patients had undergone previous SEMLS. . Discussion. SEMLS is an effective and safe procedure to improve gait in adults with cerebral palsy. However, a longer rehabilitation period is to be expected than found in children. SEMLS is still effective in adult patients who have undergone previous SEMLS in childhood. Take home message: Single-event multilevel surgery is a safe and effective procedure to improve gait disorders in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:282–8

Aims. A flexed knee gait is common in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and occurs with increased age. There is a risk for the recurrence of a flexed knee gait when treated in childhood, and the aim of this study was to investigate whether multilevel procedures might also be undertaken in adulthood. Patients and Methods. At a mean of 22.9 months (standard deviation 12.9), after single event multi level surgery, 3D gait analysis was undertaken pre- and post-operatively for 37 adult patients with bilateral cerebral palsy and a fixed knee gait. Results. There was a significant improvement of indices and clinical and kinematic parameters including extension of the hip and knee, reduction of knee flexion at initial contact, reduction of minimum and mean knee flexion in the stance phase of gait, improved range of movement of the knee and a reduction of mean flexion of the hip in the stance phase. Genu recurvatum occurred in two patients (n = 3 legs, 4%) and an increase of pelvic tilt (> 5°) was found in 12 patients (n = 23 legs, 31%). Conclusion. Adult patients with bilateral cerebral palsy and a flexed knee gait benefit from multilevel surgery including hamstring lengthening. The risk of the occurence of genu recurvatum and increased pelvic tilt is lower than has been previously reported in children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1256–64

Objective. To determine the incidence, distribution and associated organ damage in patients that sustained multilevel spinal injuries presenting to a level 1 trauma unit. Is the standard trauma series adequate?. Methodology. A retrospective, chart review of all spinal injury patients that were admitted to the spinal unit from March 2007 to May 2011 was performed. Patients with multilevel spinal injuries were isolated from paediatric, single level, and gunshot injuries. All Trauma unit patients undergo a full body C.T scan with angiography. Using the radiologist's reports the incidence, mechanism of injury, distribution patterns and associated organ damage sustained by this subset of patients was tabulated and reported on. Results. Of the 825 patients that were admitted to the unit, 141 patients had sustained some form of spinal injury. 13 paediatric and 21 gunshot wound spinal patients were excluded. 107 adult blunt force spinal injuries were identified of which 39 fulfilled the multilevel spinal injury criteria. Conclusion. The Incidence of multilevel spinal trauma is higher than previously reported. Distribution patterns found on this C.T scan based study differ from the older x-ray based studies. Distinct patterns of associated organ damage exist with specific spinal injury levels. The dorso- lumbar spine is the most common secondary level involved and it should be included in the trauma series X-ray evaluation of high risk polytrauma patients. NO DISCLOSURES

Children with diplegic cerebral palsy develop progressive musculoskeletal deformities with deterioration in their gait. Multilevel surgery is a well-established treatment modality involving a combination of soft tissue lengthening and correction of bony deformities. At Bristol Royal Children's Hospital we have identified a cohort of 45 children with diplegic cerebral palsy who have undergone multilevel surgery. Video gait analysis had been performed pre-operatively and three years post-operatively. We utilised the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS). [1]. , a validated system that allows direct comparison with gait videos taken during different periods of the patient's treatment. Seventeen measurements are taken per limb at each stage. The patients were also categorised according to the Functional Walking Score (FWS) . [2]. that assesses their level of independence. Post-operative results demonstrate a significant improvement in gait score on both the EVGS and FWS. Patients whose gait was more severely affected prior to surgery had the greatest improvement in mobility and functional scores. Patients consistently had significant improvements in hip and knee extension in stance phase, with more modest improvement in knee flexion in swing with persistent co-contraction. Both initial contact and heel lift were consistently abnormal pre-operatively, but few patients achieved a heel strike and normal heel lift post-operatively. We are proceeding with a long-term follow-up of this cohort of patients at 15 years following surgery. The combination of using detailed video gait analysis with functional assessment is a valuable tool in retrospective assessment of patients' outcome following surgery. It gives a quantitative evaluation of progression over time as well as allowing comparison with a cohort of patients to estimate the future level of functional independence

Purpose of Study. In children with spastic diplegia, surgery for equinus has a high incidence of both over and under correction. We wished to determine if conservative (mainly Zone 1) surgery for equinus gait, in the context of multilevel surgery, could result in the avoidance of calcaneus and crouch gait as well as an acceptable rate of recurrent equinus, at medium term follow-up. Description of Methods. This was a retrospective, consecutive cohort study of children with spastic diplegia, between 1996 and 2006. All children had distal gastrocnemius recession or differential gastrocsoleus lengthening, on one or both sides, as part of Single Event Multilevel Surgery. The primary outcome measures were the Gait Variable Scores (GVS) and Gait Profile Score (GPS) at two time points after surgery. Summary of Results. Forty children with spastic diplegia, GMFCS Level II and III were eligible for inclusion in this study. There were 25 boys and 15 girls, mean age 10 years at surgery. The mean age at final follow-up was 17 years and the mean postoperative follow-up period was seven years. The mean ankle GVS improved from 18.5° before surgery to 8.7° at short term follow-up (P<0.005) and 7.8° at medium term follow-up. Equinus gait was successfully corrected in the majority of children with a low rate of over-correction (2.5%) but a high rate of recurrent equinus (35.0%), as determined by sagittal ankle kinematics. Conclusion. Surgery for equinus gait, in children with spastic diplegia, was successful in the majority of children, at a mean follow-up of seven years, when combined with multilevel surgery, orthoses and rehabilitation. No patients developed crouch gait and the rate of revision surgery for recurrent equinus was 12.5%. NO DISCLOSURES

Purpose. To review the outcome of multilevel (≥4) instrumented lumbar fusion to sacrum / pelvis performed for degenerative conditions. Methods. Clinical data of 47 consecutive patients from 2002 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria included fusion from at least L2 to S1 / pelvis, i.e. minimum of 4 levels. Imaging was assessed for restoration of normal sagittal profile as well as subsequent fusion. EQ5D, OSD and VAS scores pre-op and at 6 months post op were analysed. Average age at surgery was 64 years (50–78). Thirteen cases were primary and 34 revisions. Indications were axial back pain either associated with sagittal imbalance (40%) or leg pain (36%) and leg pain alone in 10%. Results. The intra-operative blood loss averaged 2222 (250–7000) ml with 40% re-infusion from cell-saver. The average surgical duration was 268 minutes. Proximal extent of instrumentation was T2 (1), T3 (1), T4 (2), T8 (1), T9 (1), T10 (17), T11 (2), T12 (5), L1 (4) and L2 (13). TLIF's were done in 20 cases mostly at the base of the construct. Pedicle subtraction osteotomies were performed in 14 revision cases. Dural tears occurred in 14 cases, all revision cases except one. Wound infection occurred in 3 cases. Except for transient quadriceps weakness related to osteotomy, no neurological complications occurred. One patient deceased peri-operatively. Subsequent revision was required in 13 cases for instrumentation failure. OSD score improved by 15.3 points on average, which is clinically and statistically significant. Conclusion. Long lumbar fusions remain technically demanding with a high incidence of adverse events. This is due to the nature of revision surgery and high biomechanical demands on constructs. Surgical intervention can however be justified by the desperation of the cohort in terms of pain and poor function which can be modestly improved with this intervention. NO DISCLOSURES

Single level posterolateral spinal fusion in rabbits is the accepted preclinical model for evaluating bone graft substitutes or treatments to enhance/augment healing. This study aimed to improve preclinical testing by developing a multi-level unilateral fusion model that could be used as a screening tool prior to larger scale preclinical experiments.

A four level unilateral posterolateral fusion was performed in nine animals. The materials were randomly allocated and placed between the decorticated surfaces of the transverse processes and vertebral bodies. Animals were euthanised at three, six and 12 weeks. The materials were (1) 25 kGy y-irradiated rabbit allograft chips (RAC), (2) SCF RAC, (3) 60% tri-calcium phosphate, 40% hydroxyapatite formagraft (BiOstetic) (4) Autograft (1.5 cc morsellised to 1-2.5 mm granules). The autograft was harvested from the iliac crest using the L5-L6 incision. Endpoints included x-ray, CT, micro CT and histology.

The animals tolerated the surgery well. Radiographic data provided a useful method to differentiate between groups. Micro CT however was extremely valuable demonstrating new bone formation as early as three weeks across the groups. Gamma irradiated samples demonstrated an initial inflammatory reaction while the autograft, SCF allograft and synthetic TCP did not show this response. As expected, time was an important factor demonstrating the maturity in the fusions. These materials responded in a similar fashion in this model as observed in a single level fusion.

A unilateral multi-level fusion can be performed in rabbits to provide a useful screening for different materials. Gamma irradiated allograft has an initial inflammatory reaction that may be related to the presence of residual cellular material whereas SCF and synthetic materials do not.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a well-established spinal operation for cervical disc degeneration disease with neurological compromise. The procedure involves an anterior approach to the cervical spine with discectomy to relieve the pressure on the impinged spinal cord to slow disease progression. The prosthetic cage replaces the disc and can be inserted stand-alone or with an anterior plate that provides additional stability. The literature demonstrates that the cage-alone (CA) is given preference over the cage-plate (CP) technique due to better clinical outcomes, reduced operation time and resultant morbidity. This retrospective case-controlled study compared CA versus CP fixation used in single and multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for myelopathy in a tertiary centre in Wales. A retrospective clinico-radiological analysis was undertaken, following ACDF procedures over seven years in a single tertiary centre. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years of age with cervical myelopathy who had at least six-month follow-up data. SPSS was used to identify any statistically significant difference between both groups. The data were analysed to evaluate the consistency of our findings in comparison to published literature. Eighty-six patients formed the study cohort; 28 [33%] underwent ACDF with CA and 58 [67%] with CP. The patient demographics were similar in both groups, and fusion was observed in all individuals. There was no statistical difference between the two constructs when assessing subsidence, clinical complication (dysphagia, dysphonia, infection), radiological parameters and reoperations. However, a more significant percentage [43% v 61%] of patients improved their cervical lordosis angle with CP treatment. Furthermore, the study yielded that surgery to upper cervical levels results in a higher incidence of dysphagia [65% v 35%]. Finally, bony growth across the cage was observed on X-ray in 12[43%] patients, a unique finding not mentioned in the literature previously. Our study demonstrates no overall difference between the two groups, and we recommend careful consideration of individual patient factors when deciding what construct to choose

In multilevel posterior cervical instrumented fusions, extending the fusion across the cervico-thoracic junction at T1 or T2 (CTJ) has been associated with decreased rate of re-operation and pseudarthrosis but with longer surgical time and increased blood loss. The impact on patient reported outcomes (PROs) remains unclear. The primary objective was to determine whether extending the fusion through the CTJ influenced PROs at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare the number of patients reaching the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for the PROs and mJOA, operative time duration, intra-operative blood loss (IOBL), length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, adverse events (AEs), re-operation within 12 months of the surgery, and patient satisfaction. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a multicenter observational cohort study of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Patients who underwent a posterior instrumented fusion of 4 levels of greater (between C2-T2) between January 2015 and October 2020 with 12 months follow-up were included. PROS (NDI, EQ5D, SF-12 PCS and MCS, NRS arm and neck pain) and mJOA were compared using ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline differences. Patient demographics, comorbidities and surgical details were abstracted. Percentafe of patient reaching MCID for these outcomes was compared using chi-square test. Operative duration, IOBL, AEs, re-operation, discharge disposittion, LOS and satisfaction were compared using chi-square test for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous variables. A total of 206 patients were included in this study (105 patients not crossing the CTJ and 101 crossing the CTJ). Patients who underwent a construct extending through the CTJ were more likely to be female and had worse baseline EQ5D and NDI scores (p> 0.05). When adjusted for baseline difference, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the PROs and mJOA at 3 and 12 months. Surgical duration was longer (p 0.05). Satisfaction with the surgery was high in both groups but significantly different at 12 months (80% versus 72%, p= 0.042 for the group not crossing the CTJ and the group crossing the CTJ, respectively). The percentage of patients reaching MCID for the NDI score was 55% in the non-crossing group versus 69% in the group extending through the CTJ (p= 0.06). Up to 12 months after the surgery, there was no statistically significant differences in PROs between posterior construct extended to or not extended to the upper thoracic spine. The adverse event profile did not differ significantly, but longer surgical time and blood loss were associated with construct extending across the CTJ

Introduction. In the last decade, single level cervical arthroplasty has proven its efficacy as one of the surgical treatment option for for patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease. Recent published reports on multilevel cervical arthroplasty using single implants have shown statistically significant results when compared to single level surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of multilevel cervical arthroplasty to single level cervical arthroplasty, when more than one type of implants were used. Methods. This is a prospective study of consecutive patients who presented to our unit in between June 2006 and November 2009. The maximum follow-up period was 51 months (mean=18 months). Several types of cervical arthroplasty devices have been used in this study. The clinical outcome measures such as Visual Analogue Score for neck pain (VAS-NP) and arm pain (VAS-AP); Neck disability Index (NDI) and the Bodily pain component of Short Form 36 questionnaires were recorded pre and post operatively. After confirming the normality of the data appropriate parametric (paired t-test) were used to assess the statistical significance (p< 0.05) between pre and post-operative values. Two sample T-test was used to assess the significance between the differences in mean scores between each group. Results. A total of 105 patients (37 single level, 68 multi-level) were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 51 years (Range 32–80) with Male: Female ratio of 9:10. All clinical outcome measures showed statistically significant improvement in the post-operative period in single as well as multilevel group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement in between single and multilevel surgeries. Conclusions. Our study results clearly demonstrate that multilevel cervical arthroplasty offers the similar clinical outcome when compared to single level surgery, despite using different type of implant in multilevel surgeries

Introduction. Pelvic flexion and extension in different body positions can affect acetabular orientation after total hip arthroplasty, and this may predispose patients to dislocation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional acetabular component position in total hip replacement patients during standing and sitting. We hypothesize that patients with degenerative lumbar disease will have less pelvic extension from standing to sitting, compared to patients with a normal lumbar spine or single level spine disease. Methods. A prospective cohort of 20 patients with primary unilateral THR underwent spine-to-ankle standing and sitting lateral radiographs that included the lumbar spine and pelvis using EOS imaging. Patients were an average age of 58 ± 12 years and 6 patients were female. Patients had (1) normal lumbar spines or single level degeneration, (2) multilevel degenerative disc disease or (3) scoliosis. We measured acetabular anteversion (cup relative to the horizontal), sacral slope angle (superior endplate of S1 relative to the horizontal), and lumbar lordosis angles (superior endplates of L1 and S1). We calculated the absolute difference in acetabular anteversion and the absolute difference in lumbar lordosis during standing and sitting (Figure 1). Results. Nine patients had normal lumbar spines or scoliosis, and 11 patients had multilevel disc disease. The median change in cup anteversion for normal and scoliosis patients was 29° degrees (range 11° to 41°) compared to 21° degrees (range 1° to 34°) for multilevel disc disease patients (p=0.03). There was a positive correlation between the change in cup anteversion and the change in lumbar lordosis (p=0.01; Figure 2). From standing to sitting, cup anteversion always increased and lumbar lordosis always decreased. Conclusions. The change in cup anteversion from standing to sitting was variable in patients with normal, degenerative, and scoliosis lumbar spines. Patients with degenerative disc disease have less pelvic extension, and thus less acetabular anteversion in the sitting position compared to normal spines. This may increase their risk of posterior dislocation

Patient satisfaction is an important measure of patient-centered outcomes and physician performance. Given the continued growth of the population undergoing surgical intervention for osteoarthritis (OA), and the concomitant growth in the associated direct costs, understanding what factors drive satisfaction in this population is critical. A potentially important driver not previously considered is satisfaction with pre-surgical consultation. We investigated the influence of pre-surgical consultation satisfaction on overall satisfaction following surgery for OA. Study data are from 1263 patients who underwent surgery for hip (n=480), knee (n=597), and spine (n=186) OA at a large teaching hospital in Toronto, Canada. Before surgery, patient-reported satisfaction with information received and degree of input in decision-making during the pre-surgical consultation was assessed, along with expectations of surgery (regarding pain, activity limitation, expected time to full recovery and likelihood of complete success). Pre- and post-surgery (6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months) patients reported their average pain level in the past week (0–10, 10 is worst). At each follow-up time-point, two pain variables were defined, pain improvement (minimal clinically important difference from baseline ≥2 points) and ‘acceptable’ pain (pain score ≤ 3). Patients also completed a question on satisfaction with the results of the surgery (very dissatisfied/dissatisfied/somewhat satisfied/very satisfied) at each follow-up time point. We used multilevel ordinal logistic regression to examine the influence of pre-surgery satisfaction with consultation on the trajectory of satisfaction over the year of recovery controlling for expectations of surgery, pain improvement, acceptable pain, socio-demographic factors (age, sex, and education), body mass index, comorbidity, and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Mean age of the sample was 65.5 years, and over half (54.3%) were women. Overall, 74% and 78.9% of patients were satisfied with the information received and with the decision-making in the pre-surgical consultation, respectively, no significant differences were found by surgical joint (p=0.22). Post-surgery, levels of satisfaction varied very little over time (6 weeks: 92.5% were satisfied and 66.4% were very satisfied, 1 year: 91.1% were satisfied and 65.6% were very satisfied). Results from a model including time, surgical joint, satisfaction with consultation and control factors indicated that being satisfied with the information received in the pre-surgical consultation was associated with higher odds of being more satisfied after surgery (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1–1.4). Additionally, spine and knee patients were more likely to be dissatisfied than hip patients (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.1–4.9 and OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.8–3.4 for spine and knee patients respectively). Achieving pain improvement (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.4) and acceptable pain (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6–3.9) were both significantly associated with greater satisfaction. Pre-operative expectations were not significantly associated with post-surgery satisfaction. Findings highlight the important role of pre-surgery physician-patient communication and information on post-surgery satisfaction. This points to the need to ensure organizational provisions that foster supportive and interactive relationships between surgeons and their patients to improve patients' satisfaction. Findings also highlight that early post-recovery period (i.e. <= 3 months) as a key driver of longer-term satisfaction

Purpose. A change in lumbar lordosis can affect the outcome following lumbar fusion, and intraoperative positioning is a prime determinant of the postoperative lordosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the change in lordosis and sacral slope (SS) following axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF). Method. We retrospectively reviewed 81 patients who underwent a 360 lumbar interbody fusion at L4-5/L5-S1 (two-level procedure) or solely at L5-S1 (one-level) for degenerative disc disease and spondylolithesis utilizing the AxiaLIF with posterior segmental instrumentation. For the two-level procedures, 25 patients had the AxiaLIF placed first and 27 had pedicle screws placed first. For the one-level procedures, 11 patients had the AxiaLIF placed first and 18 had pedicle screws placed first. Standing lateral preoperative radiographs were compared to standing lateral postoperative films. Lumbar Cobb angles were measured at L1-S1, L4-S1 and individual lumbar levels. SS was measured for sacral version. Results. Of the 81 patients studied, 29 underwent one-level AxiaLIF, and 52 underwent two-level AxiaLIF. For the two-level population, there were statistically significant changes (P less than 0.05) in Cobb angles pre- vs. postoperative at the L4-S1, L2-3, and L4-5 levels, but none other. The percent lordosis from L4-S1 pre- vs. postoperative was also noted to be significant. The pre- vs. postoperative Cobb angle comparisons for the one-level population were not found to be significant. The percentages having a greater than or equal to 10 degree change in total lordosis and lordosis from L4-S1 in both one- and two-level groups were similar at ∼20%. There was no difference in either group in percentage having a greater than or equal to five degree change at individual lumbar segments although there was a trend at both L5-S1 and the SS towards less change with the pedicle screws placed first. Conclusion. A significant portion of both single and multilevel fusions with AxiaLIF had a statistically significant change at the L4-5 and L4-S1 levels. In general, there is a small decrease in lordosis at the bottom two segments and SS with reciprocal changes at the proximal levels. The percentage of total lordosis from the L4-S1 level decreased significantly in the multilevel group. Roussouly lordosis type three (well-balanced) was relatively protected from change in lordosis. Placing pedicle screws prior to placing the AxiaLIF in one- and two- level procedures may lead to an improved sagittal alignment. Further observation of this cohort will determine if the change in alignment will impact outcomes or accelerate adjacent level disease

Background: The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has rapidly become popular, but there is little consensus regarding the risks and benefits of this approach in comparison with a modern posterior approach (PA). Methods: 2,147 patients who underwent DAA THA were propensity score matched with patients undergoing PA THA on the basis of age, gender, body-mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anaesthesia classification using data from a state joint replacement registry. Mean age of the matched cohort was 64.8 years, mean BMI was 29.1 kg/m2 and 53% were female. Multilevel logistic regression models using generalised estimating equations (GEEs) to control for grouping at the hospital level were utilised to identify differences in various outcomes. Results: There was no difference in the dislocation rate between patients undergoing DAA (0.84%) and PA (0.79%) THA. Trends indicating a slightly longer length of stay with the PA and a slightly greater risk of fracture, increased blood loss and hematoma with the DAA are consistent with previous studies. Conclusion: On the basis of short-term outcome and complication data, neither approach has a compelling advantage over each other, including no difference in the dislocation risk

Cervical spine fusion have gained interest in the literature since these procedures are now ever more frequently being performed in an outpatient setting with few complications and acceptable results. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of blood transfusion after cervical fusion surgery, and its effect, if any on complication rates. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients that underwent cervical fusion surgery from 2010 to 2013. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine post-operative complications associated with transfusion and cervical fusion. We identified 11,588 patients who had cervical spine fusion between 2010 and 2013. The overall rate of transfusion was found to be 1.47%. All transfused patients were found to have increased risk of: venous thromboembolism (TBE) (OR 3.19, CI: 1.16–8.77), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 9.12, CI: 2.53–32.8), increased length of stay (LOS) (OR 28.03, CI: 14.28–55.01) and mortality (OR 4.14, CI: 1.44–11.93). Single level fusion had increased risk of: TBE (OR 3.37, CI: 1.01–11.33), MI (OR 10.5, CI: 1.88–59.89), and LOS (OR 14.79, CI: 8.2–26.67). Multilevel fusion had increased risk of: TBE (OR 5.64, CI: 1.15–27.6), surgical site infection (OR 16.29, CI: 3.34–79.49), MI (OR 10.84, CI: 2.01–58.55), LOS (OR 26.56, CI: 11.8–59.78) and mortality (OR 10.24, CI: 2.45–42.71). ACDF surgery had an increased risk of: TBE (OR 4.87, CI: 1.04–22.82), surgical site infection (OR 9.73, CI: 2.14–44.1), MI (OR 9.88, CI: 1.87–52.2), LOS (OR 28.34, CI: 13.79–58.21) and mortality (OR 6.3, CI: 1.76–22.48). Posterior fusion surgery had increased risk of: MI (OR 10.45, CI: 1.42–77.12) and LOS (OR 4.42, CI: 2.68–7.29). Our results demonstrate that although cervical fusions can be done as outpatient procedures special precautions and investigations should be done for patients who receive transfusion after cervical fusion surgery. These patients are demonstrated to have higher rate of MI, DVT, wound infection and mortality when compared to those who do not receive transfusion

Purpose of Study. To see if the addition of a locking plate to FD rod fixation of osteogenesis imperfecta confers extra strength and allows earlier mobilisation. Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a heterogeneous group of disorders with congenital osseous fragility. The goal of surgery is to minimise the incidence of fracture and correct deformity. The concept of multilevel osteotomies and intramedullary fixation with a non-extendable nail was popularised by Sofield and Millar in 1959. The Bailey Dubow telescoping nail was introduced in 1963. The Fassier-Duval (FD) telescoping nail is a more recent design inserted via smaller incisions, in conjunction with percutaneous osteotomies. However there are still problems. Often the medullary canal may be too narrow to harbour a nail of adequate size for the body. Furthermore they do not give significant rotational control, which is compounded by the elasticity of the soft tissues. Methods. We treated two patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta with supplementary unicortical locked plating in addition to intramedullary fixation with FD rods. Results. The patients both underwent femoral fixation. Both had deformity and previous femoral stress fractures treated non operatively. One patient, aged 24, was non ambulant pre-operatively. She was allowed to transfer without a brace immediately post operatively. The other patient, aged 64 years and ambulant indoors, initially had additional fixation with a non- locking semitubular plate that went onto fail, therefore had revision fixation with a locking plate. She was asked to bear weight as tolerated in a brace immediately post-op. Conclusion. Classically, plates and screws have been avoided in Osteogenesis imperfecta due to the predisposition to fracture at the ends of the plate. We have found that the extra fixation enables extra strength where the nail size is small, and helps control rotation in the post-operative period, allowing earlier mobility

Introduction. Through the paediatric LCP Hip plating system, the highly successful technique of the locking compression plate used in adult surgery, has been incorporated in a system dedicated to paediatrics. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of the paediatric LCP Hip plate use in children, both with and without neuromuscular disease, for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy for a variety of indications. Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had Paediatric LCP Hip Plate for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution, between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications. Results. Forty-three Paediatric LCP hip plates were used in forty patients for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (n=40) and proximal femur fractures (n=3). The osteotomies were performed for a variety of indications including Perthes disease, DDH, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, coxa vara, Leg length discrepancy and previous failed treatment of SUFE. Twenty-five children were allowed touch to full weight bearing post operatively. Two were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. The remaining 13 children were treated in hip spica due to simultaneous pelvic osteotomy or multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy. All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months (majority [n=40] within 3 months). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately postoperative and final x-rays after completion of bone healing. There were no implant related complications. Conclusion. The Paediatric LCP Hip Plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric hip conditions in children with and without neuromuscular disease

Background. High velocity vertical aircraft ejection seat systems are credited with aircrew survival of 80-95% in modern times. Use of these systems is associated with exposure of the aircrew to vertical acceleration forces in the order of 15-25G. The rate of application of these forces may be up to 250G per sceond. Up to 85% of crew ejecting suffer skeletal injury and vertebral fracture is relatively common (20-30%) when diagnosed by plain radiograph. The incidence of subtle spinal injury may not be as apparent. Aim. A prospective study to evaluate spinal injury following high velocity aircraft ejection. Methods. A prospective case series from 1996 to 2006 was evaluated. During this interval 26 ejectees from 20 aircraft were admitted to the spinal studies unit for comprehensive examination, evaluation and management. The investigations included radiographs of the whole spine and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (incorporating T1, T2 weighted and STIR sagittal sequences). All ejections occurred within the ejection envelope and occurred at an altitude under 2000 feet (mean 460 feet) and at an airspeed less than 500 knots (mean 275 knots). Results. in this series 6 ejectees (24%) had clinical and radiographic evidence of vetebral compression fractures. These injuries were located in the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine. 4 cases required surgery (indicated for angular kyphosis greater than 30 degrees, significant spinal canal compromise, greater than 50% or neurological injury. 1 patient had significant neurological compromise, following an AO A3.3 injury involving the L2 vertebra. 11 ejectees (45 %) had MRI evidence of a combined total of 22 occult thoracic and lumbar fractures. The majority of these ejectees with occult injury had multilevel injuries. Conclusion. This study confirms a high incidence of spinal fracture and particularly occult spinal injury

Through the paediatric LCP Hip plating system (Synthes GmBH Eimattstrasse 3 CH- 4436 Oberdorff), the highly successful technique of the locking compression plate used in adult surgery, has been incorporated in a system dedicated to pediatrics. We are presenting the outcome of the paediatric LCP hip plating system used for a variety of indications in our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had Paediatric LCP Plate for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution, between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications. Forty-three Paediatric LCP hip plates were used in forty patients (24 males and 13 females) for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (n=40) and proximal femur fractures (n=3). The osteotomies were performed for a variety of indications including Perthes disease, developmental dysplasia of hip, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, coxa vara, Leg length discrepancy and previous failed treatment of Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis. Twenty-five children were allowed touch to full weight bearing post operatively. Two were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. The remaining 13 children were treated in hip spica due to simultaneous pelvic osteotomy or multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy. All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months (majority [n=40] within 3 months). There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately postoperative and final x-rays after completion of bone healing. Among the children treated without hip spica, 1 child suffered a periprosthetic fracture. Of the children treated in hip spica, 2 had pressure sores, 3 had osteoporotic distal femur fractures and 2 had posterior subluxations requiring further intervention. There were no implant related complications. The Paediatric LCP Hip Plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric orthopaedic conditions

Introduction. The majority of spine patients present with discogenic low back pain, originating from either degenerative disc disease (DDD) or internal disc disruption (IDD). Successful treatment of this patient population relies on obtaining precision diagnosis and careful patient selection, as well as matching the pathology with reliable technology. Total disc replacement (TDR), as an alternative to spinal fusion in the treatment of DDD or IDD, has been studied and reported for several decades in long-term follow-up studies and in several randomized control trials. This prospective study presents a single surgeon experience with two-level CHARITÉ® TDR in 84 consecutive patients, with minimum follow-up of 5 years. The aims of the study were to assess the clinical outcomes of two-level TDR in patients with DDD/IDD. Based on the literature review conducted, this study is considered the largest single surgeon series experience with the two-level CHARITÉ® TDR in the treatment of lumbar DDD, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years reported to date. Materials and Methods. Between January 1997 and March 2006, n=84 consecutive patients underwent two-level TDR for the treatment of two-level DDD or IDD discogenic axial low back pain with or without radicular pain. All patients completed self-assessment outcome questionnaires pre and postoperatively (3, 6, 12 months, and yearly thereafter), including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for back and leg pain. Results. For the n=84 patients, the mean follow-up was 94.34±2.19 months (range = 62–150). The mean age was 49.6±0.94. The mean surgical time was 91±3.16 minutes and the mean blood loss was 207.5±30.62 mls. The main diagnosis was two-level DDD in 63 (76.8%) patients, followed by one-level disc herniation and one-level DDD. Seventy-three (89%) patients underwent L4-5 L5-S1 TDR and 9 (11%) patients underwent L3-4 L4-5 TDR. At all follow-up points, patients demonstrated significant improvement in ODI, RMDQ, and VAS back and leg pain scores compared to pre-operative scores (p < 0.001). The mean improvement between pre-op and last follow-up was 33.3 (66.8%) and 13.23 (74%) for ODI and RMDQ, respectively. Similarly, that was 54.8 (69 %%) and 34.8 (65%) for VAS back and VAS leg pain, respectively. At least 87.8% of the patients rated their satisfaction as good/excellent at any follow-up point. At 5 years follow-up, 54 patients (65.9%) rated their satisfaction as excellent, 19 (23.2%) as good, 7 (8.5%) as satisfactory and 2 (2.4%) as poor. Two patients (2 out of 84, 2.38%) required early revision of one of the prostheses due to failure of indication and/or failure of technique. There has been no device failure. One patient required surgery for adjacent segment disease (1.19%). Conclusion. This study has shown that statistically significant reductions in pain and functional outcomes can be obtained in patients at a minimum follow-up of 5-years following 2-level TDR for the treatment of multilevel DDD or IDD. The clinical benefits of this procedure is supported by the data, with the outcomes reflecting a precision diagnosis, stringent patient selection criteria, and a standardised surgical technique