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Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 2 | Pages 123 - 129
1 Feb 2022
Bernard J Bishop T Herzog J Haleem S Lupu C Ajayi B Lui DF

Aims. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion technique to correct scoliosis. It allows correction of scoliosis through growth modulation (GM) by tethering the convex side to allow concave unrestricted growth similar to the hemiepiphysiodesis concept. The other modality is anterior scoliosis correction (ASC) where the tether is able to perform most of the correction immediately where limited growth is expected. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data of 20 patients aged between 9 and 17 years old, (with a 19 female: 1 male ratio) between January 2014 to December 2016 with a mean five-year follow-up (4 to 7). Results. There were ten patients in each group with a total of 23 curves operated on. VBT-GM mean age was 12.5 years (9 to 14) with a mean Risser classification of 0.63 (0 to 2) and VBT-ASC was 14.9 years (13 to 17) with a mean Risser classification of 3.66 (3 to 5). Mean preoperative VBT-GM Cobb was 47.4° (40° to 58°) with a Fulcrum unbend of 17.4 (1° to 41°), compared to VBT-ASC 56.5° (40° to 79°) with 30.6 (2° to 69°)unbend. Postoperative VBT-GM was 20.3° and VBT-ASC Cobb angle was 11.2°. The early postoperative correction rate was 54.3% versus 81% whereas Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) was 93.1% vs 146.6%. The last Cobb angle on radiograph at mean five years’ follow-up was 19.4° (VBT-GM) and 16.5° (VBT-ASC). Patients with open triradiate cartilage (TRC) had three over-corrections. Overall, 5% of patients required fusion. This one patient alone had a over-correction, a second-stage tether release, and final conversion to fusion. Conclusion. We show a high success rate (95%) in helping children avoid fusion at five years post-surgery. VBT is a safe technique for correction of scoliosis in the skeletally immature patient. This is the first report at five years that shows two methods of VBT can be employed depending on the skeletal maturity of the patient: GM and ASC. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):123–129


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1372 - 1376
1 Oct 2018
Bao H Liu Z Bao M Zhu Z Yan P Liu S Feng Z Qian B Qiu Y

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maturity status at the time of surgery on final spinal height in patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using the spine-pelvic index (SPI). The SPI is a self-control ratio that is independent of age and maturity status. Patients and Methods. The study recruited 152 female patients with a Lenke 1 AIS. The additional inclusion criteria were a thoracic Cobb angle between 45° and 70°, Risser 0 to 1 or 3 to 4 at the time of surgery, and follow-up until 18 years of age or Risser stage 5. The patients were stratified into four groups: Risser 0 to 1 and selective fusion surgery (Group 1), Risser 0 to 1 and non-selective fusion (Group 2), Risser 3 to 4 and selective fusion surgery (Group 3), and Risser 3 to 4 and non-selective fusion (Group 4). The height of spine at follow-up (HOS. f. ) and height of pelvis at follow-up (HOP. f. ) were measured and the predicted HOS (pHOS) was calculated as 2.22 (SPI) × HOP. f. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for statistical analysis. Results. Of the 152 patients, there were 32 patients in Group 1, 27 patients in Group 2, 48 patients in Group 3, and 45 patients in Group 4. Significantly greater HOS. f. was observed in Group 3 compared with Group 1 (p = 0.03) and in Group 4 compared with Group 2 (p = 0.02), with similar HOP. f. (p = 0.75 and p = 0.83, respectively), suggesting that patients who undergo surgery at Risser grade of 0 to 1 have a shorter spinal height at follow-up than those who have surgery at Risser 4 to 5. HOS. f. was similar to pHOS in both Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.62 and p = 0.45, respectively), indicating that undergoing surgery at Risser 0 to 1 does not necessarily affect final spinal height. Conclusion. This study shows that fusion surgery at Risser 0 may result in growth restriction unlike fusion surgery at Risser 3 to 4. Despite such growth restriction, AIS patients could reach their predicted or ‘normal’ spinal height after surgery regardless of baseline maturity status due to the longer baseline spinal length in AIS patients and the remaining growth potential at the non-fusion levels. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1372–6


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 11 | Pages 873 - 880
17 Nov 2023
Swaby L Perry DC Walker K Hind D Mills A Jayasuriya R Totton N Desoysa L Chatters R Young B Sherratt F Latimer N Keetharuth A Kenison L Walters S Gardner A Ahuja S Campbell L Greenwood S Cole A

Aims. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with associated rotation, often causing distress due to appearance. For some curves, there is good evidence to support the use of a spinal brace, worn for 20 to 24 hours a day to minimize the curve, making it as straight as possible during growth, preventing progression. Compliance can be poor due to appearance and comfort. A night-time brace, worn for eight to 12 hours, can achieve higher levels of curve correction while patients are supine, and could be preferable for patients, but evidence of efficacy is limited. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of ‘full-time bracing’ versus ‘night-time bracing’ in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. UK paediatric spine clinics will recruit 780 participants aged ten to 15 years-old with AIS, Risser stage 0, 1, or 2, and curve size (Cobb angle) 20° to 40° with apex at or below T7. Patients are randomly allocated 1:1, to either full-time or night-time bracing. A qualitative sub-study will explore communication and experiences of families in terms of bracing and research. Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement informed study design and will assist with aspects of trial delivery and dissemination. Discussion. The primary outcome is ‘treatment failure’ (Cobb angle progression to 50° or more before skeletal maturity); skeletal maturity is at Risser stage 4 in females and 5 in males, or ‘treatment success’ (Cobb angle less than 50° at skeletal maturity). The comparison is on a non-inferiority basis (non-inferiority margin 11%). Participants are followed up every six months while in brace, and at one and two years after skeletal maturity. Secondary outcomes include the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire and measures of quality of life, psychological effects of bracing, adherence, anxiety and depression, sleep, satisfaction, and educational attainment. All data will be collected through the British Spine Registry. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):873–880


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1703 - 1708
1 Dec 2020
Miyanji F Pawelek J Nasto LA Simmonds A Parent S

Aims. Spinal fusion remains the gold standard in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is gaining widespread interest, despite the limited data on its efficacy. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical efficacy of AVBT in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. All consecutive skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with AVBT enrolled in a longitudinal, multicentre, prospective database between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. All patients were treated by one of two surgeons working at two independent centres. Data were collected prospectively in a multicentre database and supplemented retrospectively where necessary. Patients with a minimum follow-up of two years were included in the analysis. Clinical success was set a priori as a major coronal Cobb angle of < 35° at the most recent follow-up. Results. A total of 57 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 12.7 years (SD 1.5; 8.2 to 16.7), with 95% being female. The mean preoperative Sanders score and Risser grade was 3.3 (SD 1.2), and 0.05 (0 to 3), respectively. The majority were thoracic tethers (96.5%) and the mean follow-up was 40.4 months (SD 9.3). The mean preoperative major curve of 51° (SD 10.9°; 31° to 81°) was significantly improved to a mean of 24.6° (SD 11.8°; 0° to 57°) at the first postoperative visit (45.6% (SD 17.6%; 7% to 107%); p < 0.001)) with further significant correction to a mean of 16.3° (SD 12.8°; -12 to 55; p < 0.001) at one year and a significant correction to a mean of 23° (SD 15.4°; -18° to 57°) at the final follow-up (42.9% (-16% to 147%); p < 0.001). Clinical success was achieved in 44 patients (77%). Most patients reached skeletal maturity, with a mean Risser score of 4.3 (SD 1.02), at final follow-up. The complication rate was 28.1% with a 15.8% rate of unplanned revision procedures. Conclusion. AVBT is associated with satisfactory correction of deformity and an acceptable complication rate when used in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Improved patient selection and better implant technology may improve the 15.8% rate of revision surgery in these patients. Further scrutiny of the true effectiveness and long-term risks of this technique remains critical. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1703–1708


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 4 | Pages 495 - 503
1 Apr 2022
Wong LPK Cheung PWH Cheung JPY

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of morphological spinal parameters to predict the outcome of bracing in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to establish a novel supine correction index (SCI) for guiding bracing treatment. Methods. Patients with AIS to be treated by bracing were prospectively recruited between December 2016 and 2018, and were followed until brace removal. In all, 207 patients with a mean age at recruitment of 12.8 years (SD 1.2) were enrolled. Cobb angles, supine flexibility, and the rate of in-brace correction were measured and used to predict curve progression at the end of follow-up. The SCI was defined as the ratio between correction rate and flexibility. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to assess the optimal thresholds for flexibility, correction rate, and SCI in predicting a higher risk of progression, defined by a change in Cobb angle of ≥ 5° or the need for surgery. Results. The baseline Cobb angles were similar (p = 0.374) in patients whose curves progressed (32.7° (SD 10.7)) and in those whose curves remained stable (31.4° (SD 6.1)). High supine flexibility (odds ratio (OR) 0.947 (95% CI 0.910 to 0.984); p = 0.006) and correction rate (OR 0.926 (95% CI 0.890 to 0.964); p < 0.001) predicted a lower incidence of progression after adjusting for Cobb angle, Risser sign, curve type, menarche status, distal radius and ulna grading, and brace compliance. ROC curve analysis identified a cut-off of 18.1% for flexibility (sensitivity 0.682, specificity 0.704) and a cut-off of 28.8% for correction rate (sensitivity 0.773, specificity 0.691) in predicting a lower risk of curve progression. A SCI of greater than 1.21 predicted a lower risk of progression (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.251 to 0.955); sensitivity 0.583, specificity 0.591; p = 0.036). Conclusion. A higher supine flexibility (18.1%) and correction rate (28.8%), and a SCI of greater than 1.21 predicted a lower risk of progression. These novel parameters can be used as a guide to optimize the outcome of bracing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):495–503


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 16 - 16
1 Sep 2021
Bernard J Herzog J Bishop T Fragkakis A Fenner C Ajayi B Lui DF
Full Access

Introduction. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion technique to correct scoliosis. It allows correction of scoliosis through Growth Modulation (GM) by tethering the convex side to allow concave unrestricted growth similar to the hemi-epiphysiodesis concept. The other modality is Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) where the tether is able to perform most of the correction immediately where limited growth is expected. Methods. Retrospective analysis of clinical and radiographic data of 20 patients between 2014 to 2016 with a mean 5 year follow (range 4–6). Results. There were 10 patients in each group with a total of 23 curves operated on. VBT-GM mean age was 12.5y with mean Risser 0.63 and VBT-ASC was14.9y with a Risser of 3.66. Mean preop VBT-GM Cobb was 46° with a Fulcrum unbend of 13.6° compared to VBT-ASC 56.9° with 32.2° unbend. Postop VBT-GM was 21° and VBT-ASC Cobb was 10.8°. The early postop Correction Rate was 54.3% vs 81% whereas FBCI was 77.1% vs 186.6%. The last XR at mean 5y was 22.2° (VBT-GM) and 16.9° (VBT-ASC) 95% avoided fusion. Open TRC group had 3 over corrections. 1 patient alone had overcorrection, unplanned second stage and conversion to fusion. Discussion and Conclusion. We show a high success rate (95%) in helping children avoid fusion. Vertebral body tethering is a safe technique for correction of scoliosis in the skeletally immature patient. This is the first report at 5 years that shows two modalities of VBT can be employed depending on the skeletal maturity of the patient: Growth Modulation and Anterior Scoliosis Correction


Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether including the stages of ulnar physeal closure in Sanders stage 7 aids in a more accurate assessment for brace weaning in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were weaned from their brace and reviewed between June 2016 and December 2018. Patients who weaned from their brace at Risser stage ≥ 4, had static standing height and arm span for at least six months, and were ≥ two years post-menarche were included. Skeletal maturity at weaning was assessed using Sanders staging with stage 7 subclassified into 7a, in which all phalangeal physes are fused and only the distal radial physis is open, with narrowing of the medial physeal plate of the distal ulna, and 7b, in which fusion of > 50% of the medial growth plate of distal ulna exists, as well as the distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification, an established skeletal maturity index which assesses skeletal maturation using finer stages of the distal radial and ulnar physes, from open to complete fusion. The grade of maturity at the time of weaning and any progression of the curve were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, with Cramer’s V, and Goodman and Kruskal’s tau. Results. We studied a total of 179 patients with AIS, of whom 149 (83.2%) were female. Their mean age was 14.8 years (SD 1.1) and the mean Cobb angle was 34.6° (SD 7.7°) at the time of weaning. The mean follow-up was 3.4 years (SD 1.8). At six months after weaning, the rates of progression of the curve for patients weaning at Sanders stage 7a and 7b were 11.4% and 0%, respectively for those with curves of < 40°. Similarly, the rates of progression of the curve for those being weaned at ulnar grade 7 and 8 using the DRU classification were 13.5% and 0%, respectively. The use of Sanders stages 6, 7a, 7b, and 8 for the assessment of maturity at the time of weaning were strongly and significantly associated (Cramer’s V 0.326; p = 0.016) with whether the curve progressed at six months after weaning. Weaning at Sanders stage 7 with subclassification allowed 10.6% reduction of error in predicting the progression of the curve. Conclusion. The use of Sanders stages 7a and 7b allows the accurate assessment of skeletal maturity for guiding brace weaning in patients with AIS. Weaning at Sanders stage 7b, or at ulnar grade 8 with the DRU classification, is more appropriate as the curve did not progress in any patient with a curve of < 40° immediately post-weaning. Thus, reaching full fusion in both distal radial and ulnar physes (as at Sanders stage 8) is not necessary and this allows weaning from a brace to be initiated about nine months earlier. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):141–147


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 87-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1237 - 1247
1 Sep 2005
Mehta MH

This prospective study of 136 children with progressive infantile scoliosis treated under the age of four years, and followed up for nine years, shows that the scoliosis can be reversed by harnessing the vigorous growth of the infant to early treatment by serial corrective plaster jackets. In 94 children (group 1), who were referred and treated in the early stages of progression, at a mean age of one year seven months (6 to 48 months) and with a mean Cobb angle of 32° (11° to 65°), the scoliosis resolved by a mean age of three years and six months. They needed no further treatment and went on to lead a normal life. At the last follow-up, their mean age was 11 years and two months (1 year 10 months to 25 years 2 months), 23 (24.5%) were at Risser stages 4 and 5 and 13 girls were post-menarchal. In 42 children (group 2), who were referred late at a mean age of two years and six months (11 to 48 months) and with a mean Cobb angle of 52° (23° to 92°), treatment could only reduce but not reverse the deformity. At the last follow-up, at a mean age of ten years and four months (1 year 9 months to 22 years 1 month), eight children (19%) were at Risser stages 4 and 5 and five girls were post-menarchal. Fifteen children (35.7%) had undergone spinal fusion, as may all the rest eventually


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 94-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1670 - 1677
1 Dec 2012
Tsirikos AI Subramanian AS

We reviewed 212 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal arthrodesis using all pedicle screw instrumentation in terms of clinical, radiological and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 outcomes. In Group 1 (51 patients), the correction was performed over two rods using bilateral segmental pedicle screws. In Group 2 (161 patients), the correction was performed over one rod using unilateral segmental pedicle screws with the second. rod providing stability of the construct through two-level screw fixation at proximal and distal ends. The mean age at surgery was 14.8 years in both groups. Comparison between groups showed no significant differences with regard to age and Risser grade at surgery, pre- and post-operative scoliosis angle, coronal Cobb correction, length of hospital stay and SRS scores. Correction of upper thoracic curves was significantly better in Group 1 (p = 0.02). Increased surgical time and intra-operative blood loss was recorded in Group 1 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). The implant cost was reduced by mean 35% in Group 2 due to the lesser number of pedicle screws. Unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw techniques have both achieved excellent deformity correction in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis, which was maintained at two-year follow-up. This has been associated with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 4 | Pages 431 - 438
15 Mar 2023
Vendeuvre T Tabard-Fougère A Armand S Dayer R

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate rasterstereography of the spine as a diagnostic test for adolescent idiopathic soliosis (AIS), and to compare its results with those obtained using a scoliometer.

Methods

Adolescents suspected of AIS and scheduled for radiographs were included. Rasterstereographic scoliosis angle (SA), maximal vertebral surface rotation (ROT), and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) with a scoliometer were evaluated. The area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots were used to describe the discriminative ability of the SA, ROT, and ATR for scoliosis, defined as a Cobb angle > 10°. Test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) were reported for the best threshold identified using the Youden method. AUC of SA, ATR, and ROT were compared using the bootstrap test for two correlated ROC curves method.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 2 | Pages 257 - 264
1 Feb 2022
Tahir M Mehta D Sandhu C Jones M Gardner A Mehta JS

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS), who had undergone spinal fusion after distraction-based spinal growth modulation using either traditional growing rods (TGRs) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs).

Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of skeletally mature patients who had undergone fusion for an EOS, which had been previously treated using either TGRs or MCGRs. Measured outcomes included sequential coronal T1 to S1 height and major curve (Cobb) angle on plain radiographs and any complications requiring unplanned surgery before final fusion.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 9 | Pages 689 - 695
7 Sep 2023
Lim KBL Lee NKL Yeo BS Lim VMM Ng SWL Mishra N

Aims

To determine whether side-bending films in scoliosis are assessed for adequacy in clinical practice; and to introduce a novel method for doing so.

Methods

Six surgeons and eight radiographers were invited to participate in four online surveys. The generic survey comprised erect and left and right bending radiographs of eight individuals with scoliosis, with an average age of 14.6 years. Respondents were asked to indicate whether each bending film was optimal (adequate) or suboptimal. In the first survey, they were also asked if they currently assessed the adequacy of bending films. A similar second survey was sent out two weeks later, using the same eight cases but in a different order. In the third survey, a guide for assessing bending film adequacy was attached along with the radiographs to introduce the novel T1-45B method, in which the upper endplate of T1 must tilt ≥ 45° from baseline for the study to be considered optimal. A fourth and final survey was subsequently conducted for confirmation.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 3 | Pages 286 - 292
1 Mar 2024
Tang S Cheung JPY Cheung PWH

Aims

To systematically evaluate whether bracing can effectively achieve curve regression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to identify any predictors of curve regression after bracing.

Methods

Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library to obtain all published information about the effectiveness of bracing in achieving curve regression in AIS patients. Search terms included “brace treatment” or “bracing,” “idiopathic scoliosis,” and “curve regression” or “curve reduction.” Inclusion criteria were studies recruiting patients with AIS undergoing brace treatment and one of the study outcomes must be curve regression or reduction, defined as > 5° reduction in coronal Cobb angle of a major curve upon bracing completion. Exclusion criteria were studies including non-AIS patients, studies not reporting p-value or confidence interval, animal studies, case reports, case series, and systematic reviews. The GRADE approach to assessing quality of evidence was used to evaluate each publication.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 2 | Pages 373 - 381
1 Feb 2021
Strube P Gunold M Müller T Leimert M Sachse A Pumberger M Putzier M Zippelius T

Aims

The aim of the present study was to answer the question whether curve morphology and location have an influence on rigid conservative treatment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed AIS in 127 patients with single and double curves who had been treated with a Chêneau brace and physiotherapeutic specific exercises (B-PSE). The inclusion criteria were the presence of structural major curves ≥ 20° and < 50° (Risser stage 0 to 2) at the time when B-PSE was initiated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the outcome of treatment: failure (curve progression to ≥ 45° or surgery) and success (curve progression < 45° and no surgery). The main curve type (MCT), curve magnitude, and length (overall, above and below the apex), apical rotation, initial curve correction, flexibility, and derotation by the brace were compared between the two groups.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 33 - 33
1 Jun 2012
Bakaloudis G Bochicchio M Lolli F Astolfi S Di Silvestre M Greggi T
Full Access

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


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 32 - 32
1 Jun 2012
Bakaloudis G Bochicchio M Lolli F Astolfi S Di Silvestre M Greggi T
Full Access

Introduction. Thoracic pedicle screws have been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the effect of the instrumentation alloy has not yet been investigated. We aimed to compare segmental versus non segmental thoracic pedicle screw instrumentation in patients with AIS. Methods. A consecutive series of 143 patients with AIS (Lenke classification 1–4) surgically treated from 1998 to 2005 by means of thoracic pedicle screws were retrospectively reviewed. Considering implant density (number of fixation anchors placed per available anchors sites; segmental =60% [S], non-segmental =60% [NS]) and implant alloy used (titanium [Ti] vs stainless steel [SS]) we divided the cohort into four groups: Ti-S (48 cases); Ti-NS (34 cases); SS-S (35 cases); and SS-NS (26 cases). Groups were similar for preoperative mean age, sex distribution, Risser sign, main thoracic curve, and thoracic kyphosis. Pearson correlation coefficient and univariate analysis of variance were used. Results. At a mean follow-up of 6·2 years (range 3–10) the overall final main thoracic curve correction was a mean of 61·4% (20–89), whereas the implant density within the major curve was 71% (15–100%). We recorded a significant correlation between implant density and percentage major curve correction (r=0·41, p<0·002); when the four groups were compared we noted that the SS-S group showed the greatest average correction (75%), followed by the Ti-S, SS-NS, and Ti-NS groups. We detected no significant differences between SS-S versus Ti-S versus SS-NS (r=0·002, p>0·05; r=0·13, p>0·05; r=0·07, p>0·01, respectively), whereas the Ti-NS group showed a statistically significant inferior percentage correction when compared with all other groups (average 52%; p<0·001). Nevertheless, no significant difference between groups was recorded on the SRS-30 assessment, showing a postoperative improvement in both self-image and satisfaction. Conclusions. When an SS instrumentation is used, non-segmental pedicle screw constructs seem to be equally effective as segmental instrumentations in obtaining satisfactory results in patients with main thoracic AIS. When the implant alloy used is titanium, an implant density of greater than 60% should be guaranteed so as to achieve similar results to those recorded in this study


To present the results of surgical correction in patients with double or triple thoracic/lumbar AIS (Lenke types 2,3,4) with the use of a novel convex/convex unilateral segmental screw correction technique in a single surgeon's prospective series. We reviewed the medical records and spinal radiographs of 92 consecutive patients (72 female-20 male). We measured scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, scoliosis flexibility and correction index, coronal and sagittal balance before and after surgery, as well as at minimum 2-year follow-up. SRS-22 data was available preoperatively, 6-month, 12-month and 2-year postoperatively for all patients. Surgical technique. All patients underwent posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screw constructs. Unilateral screws were placed across the convexity of each individual thoracic or lumbar curve to allow for segmental correction. ‘Corrective rod’ was the one attached to the convexity of each curve with the correction performed across the main thoracic scoliosis always before the lumbar. Maximum correction of main thoracic curves was always performed, whereas the lumbar scoliosis was corrected to the degree required to achieve a balanced effect across the thoracic and lumbar segments and adequate global coronal spinal balance. Concave screws were not placed across any deformity levels. Bilateral screws across 2 levels caudally and 1–2 levels cephalad provided proximal/distal stability of the construct. Mean age at surgery was 14.9 years with mean Risser grade 2.8. The distribution of scoliosis was: Lenke type 2–26 patients; type 3–43 patients; type 4–23 patients. Mean preoperative Cobb angle for upper thoracic curves was 45°. This was corrected by 62% to mean 17° (p<0.001). Mean preoperative Cobb angle for main thoracic curves was 70°. This was corrected by 69% to mean 22° (p<0.001). Mean preoperative Cobb angle for lumbar curves was 56°. This was corrected by 68% to mean 18° (p<0.001). No patient lost >2° correction at follow-up. Mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 34° and lumbar lordosis 46°. Mean postoperative thoracic kyphosis was 45° (p<0.001) and lumbar lordosis 46.5° (p=0.69). Mean preoperative coronal imbalance was 1.2 cm. This corrected to mean 0.02 cm at follow-up (p<0.001). Mean preoperative sagittal imbalance was −2 cm. This corrected to mean −0.1 cm at follow-up (p<0.001). Mean theatre time was 187 minutes, hospital stay 6.8 days and intraoperative blood loss 0.29 blood volumes (1100 ml). Intraoperative spinal cord monitoring was performed recording cortical and cervical SSEPs and transcranial upper/lower limb MEPs and there were no problems. None of the patients developed neurological complications, infection or detected non-union and none required revision surgery to address residual or recurrent deformity. Mean preoperative SRS-22 score was 3.6; this improved to 4.6 at follow-up (p<0.001). All individual parameters also demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.001) with mean satisfaction rate at 2-year follow-up 4.9. The convex-convex unilateral pedicle screw technique can reduce the risk of neurological injury during major deformity surgery as it does not require placement of screws across the deformed apical concave pedicles which are in close proximity to the spinal cord. Despite the use of a lesser number of pedicle fixation points compared to the bilateral segmental screw techniques, in our series it has achieved satisfactory scoliosis correction and restoration of global coronal and sagittal balance with improved thoracic kyphosis and preserved lumbar lordosis. These results have been associated with excellent patient satisfaction and functional outcomes as demonstrated through the SRS-22 scores


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1560 - 1566
2 Nov 2020
Mehdian H Haddad S Pasku D Nasto LA

Aims

To report the mid-term results of a modified self-growing rod (SGR) technique for the treatment of idiopathic and neuromuscular early-onset scoliosis (EOS).

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive patients with EOS treated with an SGR construct at a single hospital between September 2008 and December 2014. General demographics and deformity variables (i.e. major Cobb angle, T1 to T12 length, T1 to S1 length, pelvic obliquity, shoulder obliquity, and C7 plumb line) were recorded preoperatively, and postoperatively at yearly follow-up. Complications and revision procedures were also recorded. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of five years after surgery were included.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 1 | Pages 112 - 119
1 Jan 2022
Pietton R Bouloussa H Langlais T Taytard J Beydon N Skalli W Vergari C Vialle R

Aims

This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?

Methods

A total of 45 patients with a thoracic AIS which needed surgical correction and fusion were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT) and low-dose biplanar radiographs both preoperatively and one year after surgery. The following measurements were recorded: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). Rib cage volume (RCV), maximum rib hump, main thoracic curve Cobb angle (MCCA), medial-lateral and anteroposterior diameter, and T4-T12 kyphosis were calculated from 3D reconstructions of the biplanar radiographs.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1370 - 1378
1 Oct 2019
Cheung JPY Chong CHW Cheung PWH

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of pelvic parameters on the tendency of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to develop flatback deformity (thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hypolordosis) and its effect on quality-of-life outcomes.

Patients and Methods

This was a radiological study of 265 patients recruited for Boston bracing between December 2008 and December 2013. Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were obtained before, immediately after, and two-years after completion of bracing. Measurements of coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, coronal balance, sagittal vertical axis, and pelvic parameters were made. The refined 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) questionnaire was recorded. Association between independent factors and outcomes of postbracing ≥ 6° kyphotic changes in the thoracic spine and ≥ 6° lordotic changes in the lumbar spine were tested using likelihood ratio chi-squared test and univariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression models were then generated for both outcomes with odds ratios (ORs), and with SRS-22r scores.