Aims. To compare the rates of sagittal and coronal correction for all-pedicle screw instrumentation and hybrid instrumentation using sublaminar bands in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 124 patients who had undergone surgery in two centres for the correction of Lenke 1 or 2 AIS. Radiological evaluation was carried out preoperatively, in the early postoperative phase, and at two-year follow-up. Parameters measured included coronal Cobb angles and thoracic kyphosis. Postoperative alignment was compared after matching the cohorts by preoperative coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic incidence. Results. A total of 179 patients were available for analysis. After matching, 124 patients remained (62 in each cohort). Restoration of thoracic kyphosis was significantly better in the sublaminar band group than in the pedicle screw group (from 23.7° to 27.5° to 34.0° versus 23.9° to 18.7° to 21.5°; all p < 0.001). When the preoperative thoracic kyphosis was less than 20°, sublaminar bands achieved a normal postoperative thoracic kyphosis, whereas pedicle screws did not. In the coronal plane, pedicle screws resulted in a significantly better correction than sublaminar bands at final follow-up (73.0% versus 59.7%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. This is the first study to compare sublaminar bands and pedicle screws for the correction of a thoracic AIS. We have shown that pedicle screws give a good coronal correction which is maintained at two-year follow-up. Conversely, sublaminar bands restore the thoracic kyphosis better while pedicle screws are associated with a flattening of the thoracic spine. In patients with preoperative hypokyphosis, sublaminar bands should be used to restore a proper sagittal profile. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):376–382

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. Results. Reduced T5-12 kyphosis (mean -4.3° (. sd. 8.2); p < 0.001), maximum thoracic kyphosis (mean -4.3° (. sd. 9.3); p < 0.001), and lumbar lordosis (mean -5.6° (. sd. 12.0); p < 0.001) were observed after bracing treatment. Increasing prebrace maximum kyphosis (OR 1.133) and lumbar lordosis (OR 0.92) was associated with postbracing hypokyphotic change. Prebrace sagittal vertical axis (OR 0.975), prebrace sacral slope (OR 1.127), prebrace pelvic tilt (OR 0.940), and change in maximum thoracic kyphosis (OR 0.878) were predictors for lumbar hypolordotic changes. There were no relationships between coronal deformity, thoracic kyphosis, or lumbar lordosis with SRS-22r scores. Conclusion. Brace treatment leads to flatback deformity with thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hypolordosis. Changes in the thoracic spine are associated with similar changes in the lumbar spine. Increased sacral slope, reduced pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence are associated with reduced lordosis in the lumbar spine after bracing. Nevertheless, these sagittal parameter changes do not appear to be associated with worse quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1370–1378

Clinically significant proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurs in 20% of children treated with posterior distraction-based growth friendly surgery. In an effort to identify modifiable risk factors, it has been theorized biomechanically that low radius of curvature (ROC) implants (i.e., more curved rods) may increase post-operative thoracic kyphosis, and thus may pose a higher risk of developing PJK. We sought to test the hypothesis that EOS patients treated with low ROC (more curved rods) distraction-based treatment will have a greater risk of developing PJK as compared to those treated with high ROC (straighter) implants. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data obtained from a multi-centre EOS database on children treated with rib-based distraction with minimum 2-year follow-up. Variables of interest included: implant ROC at index (220 mm or 500 mm), patient age, pre-operative scoliosis, pre-operative kyphosis, and scoliosis etiology. In the literature, PJK has been defined as clinically significant if revision surgery with superior extension of the upper instrumented vertebrae was performed. In 148 scoliosis patients, there was a higher risk of clinically significant PJK with low ROC (more curved) rods (OR: 2.6 (95%CI 1.09-5.99), χ2 (1, n=148) = 4.8, p = 0.03). Patients had a mean pre-operative age of 5.3 years (4.6y 220 mm vs 6.2y 500 mm, p = 0.002). A logistic regression model was created with age as a confounding variable, but it was determined to be not significant (p = 0.6). Scoliosis etiologies included 52 neuromuscular, 52 congenital, 27 idiopathic, 17 syndromic with no significant differences in PJK risk between etiologies (p = 0.07). Overall, patients had pre-op scoliosis of 69° (67° 220mm vs 72° 500mm, p = 0.2), and kyphosis of 48° (45° 220mm vs 51° 500mm, p = 0.1). The change in thoracic kyphosis pre-operatively to final follow up (mean 4.0 ± 0.2 years) was higher in patients treated with 220 mm implants compared to 500 mm implants (220 mm: 7.5 ± 2.6° vs 500 mm: −4.0 ± 3.0°, p = 0.004). Use of low ROC (more curved) posterior distraction implants is associated with a significantly greater increase in thoracic kyphosis which likely led to a higher risk of developing clinically-significant PJK in EOS patients

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a patient-specific algorithm which we developed for predicting changes in sagittal pelvic tilt after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. This retrospective study included 143 patients who underwent 171 THAs between April 2019 and October 2020 and had full-body lateral radiographs preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. We measured the pelvic incidence (PI), the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt, sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and thoracic kyphosis to classify patients into types A, B1, B2, B3, and C. The change of pelvic tilt was predicted according to the normal range of SVA (0 mm to 50 mm) for types A, B1, B2, and B3, and based on the absolute value of one-third of the PI-LL mismatch for type C patients. The reliability of the classification of the patients and the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt were assessed using kappa values and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), respectively. Validity was assessed using the overall mean error and mean absolute error (MAE) for the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt. Results. The kappa values were 0.927 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.861 to 0.992) and 0.945 (95% CI 0.903 to 0.988) for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities, respectively, and the ICCs ranged from 0.919 to 0.997. The overall mean error and MAE for the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt were -0.3° (SD 3.6°) and 2.8° (SD 2.4°), respectively. The overall absolute change of pelvic tilt was 5.0° (SD 4.1°). Pre- and postoperative values and changes in pelvic tilt, SVA, SS, and LL varied significantly among the five types of patient. Conclusion. We found that the proposed algorithm was reliable and valid for predicting the standing pelvic tilt after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):19–27

Aims. This systematic review aims to identify 3D predictors derived from biplanar reconstruction, and to describe current methods for improving curve prediction in patients with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted by three independent investigators on MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Search terms included “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”,“3D”, and “progression”. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully defined to include clinical studies. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool (QUIPS) and Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS), and level of evidence for each predictor was rated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. In all, 915 publications were identified, with 377 articles subjected to full-text screening; overall, 31 articles were included. Results. Torsion index (TI) and apical vertebral rotation (AVR) were identified as accurate predictors of curve progression in early visits. Initial TI > 3.7° and AVR > 5.8° were predictive of curve progression. Thoracic hypokyphosis was inconsistently observed in progressive curves with weak evidence. While sagittal wedging was observed in mild curves, there is insufficient evidence for its correlation with curve progression. In curves with initial Cobb angle < 25°, Cobb angle was a poor predictor for future curve progression. Prediction accuracy was improved by incorporating serial reconstructions in stepwise layers. However, a lack of post-hoc analysis was identified in studies involving geometrical models. Conclusion. For patients with mild curves, TI and AVR were identified as predictors of curve progression, with TI > 3.7° and AVR > 5.8° found to be important thresholds. Cobb angle acts as a poor predictor in mild curves, and more investigations are required to assess thoracic kyphosis and wedging as predictors. Cumulative reconstruction of radiographs improves prediction accuracy. Comprehensive analysis between progressive and non-progressive curves is recommended to extract meaningful thresholds for clinical prognostication. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):243–251

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) in the early stage of rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) compared with hip osteoarthritis (HOA), and to identify risk factors of SSPA for destruction of the femoral head within 12 months after the disease onset. Methods. This study enrolled 34 RDC patients with joint space narrowing > 2 mm within 12 months after the onset of hip pain and 25 HOA patients showing femoral head destruction. Sharp angle was measured for acetabular coverage evaluation. Femoral head collapse ratio was calculated for assessment of the extent of femoral head collapse by RDC. The following parameters of SSPA were evaluated using the whole spinopelvic radiograph: pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis angle (TK), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), and PI-LL. Results. The HOA group showed higher Sharp angles compared with the RDC group. PT and PI-LL were higher in the RDC group than the HOA group. SS and LL were lower in the RDC group than the HOA group. No difference was found in PI, SVA, or TK between the groups. Femoral head collapse ratio was associated with PT, SS, SVA, LL, and PI-LL. A PI-LL > 20° and a PT > 30° correlated with greater extent of femoral head destruction by RDC. From regression analysis, SS and SVA were significantly associated with the femoral head collapse ratio within 12 months after disease onset. Conclusion. Compared with HOA, RDC in the early stage correlated with sagittal spinopelvic malalignment. SS and SVA may partially contribute to the extent of femoral head destruction by RDC within 12 months after the onset of hip pain. The present study indicates a potential role of SSPA assessment in identification of RDC patients at risk for subsequent bone destruction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):77–84

Aims. Significant correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the coronal plane through a posterior approach is associated with hypokyphosis. Factors such as the magnitude of the preoperative coronal curve, the use of hooks, number of levels fused, preoperative kyphosis, screw density, and rod type have all been implicated. Maintaining the normal thoracic kyphosis is important as hypokyphosis is associated with proximal junctional failure (PJF) and early onset degeneration of the spine. The aim of this study was to determine if coronal correction per se was the most relevant factor in generating hypokyphosis. Methods. A total of 95 patients (87% female) with a median age of 14 years were included in our study. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were measured and the operative data including upper instrumented vertebra (UIV), lower instrumented vertebra (LIV), metal density, and thoracic flexibility noted. Further analysis of the post-surgical coronal outcome (group 1 < 60% correction and group 2 ≥ 60%) were studied for their association with the postoperative kyphosis in the sagittal plane using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results. Of the 95 patients, 71.6% (68) had a thoracic correction of > 60%. Most (97.8%) had metal density < 80%, while thoracic flexibility > 50% was found in 30.5% (29). Preoperative hypokyphosis (< 20°) was present in 25.3%. A postoperative thoracic hypokyphosis was four times more likely to occur in patients with thoracic correction ≥ 60% (odds ratio (OR) 4.08; p = 0.005), after adjusting for confounding variables. This association was not affected by metal density, thoracic flexibility, LIV, UIV, age, or sex. Conclusion. Our study supports the ‘essential lordosis’ hypothesis of Roaf and Dickson, i.e. with a greater ability to translate the apical vertebra towards the midline, there is a commensurate lengthening of the anterior column due to the vertebral wedging. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):513–518

Aims. To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach. Methods. Hospital records of 27 patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent deformity correction which involved a three-column osteotomy by single-stage posterior-only approach. Radiological parameters (local kyphosis angle (KA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 slope, and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)), functional scores, and clinical details of complications were recorded. Results. The mean age of the study population was 13.9 years (SD 6.4). The apex of deformity was in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine in five, 14, and eight patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 178.4 minutes (SD 38.5) and the mean operative blood loss was 701.8 ml (SD 194.4). KA (preoperative mean 70.8° (SD 21.6°) vs final follow-up mean 24.7° (SD 18.9°); p < 0.001) and TK (preoperative mean -1.48° (SD 41.23°) vs final follow-up mean 24.28° (SD 17.29°); p = 0.005) underwent a significant change with surgery. Mean Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) score improved after surgical correction (preoperative mean 3.24 (SD 0.37) vs final follow-up mean 4.28 (SD 0.47); p < 0.001) with maximum improvement in self-image and mental health domains. The overall complication rate was 26%, including two neurological and five non-neurological complications. Permanent neurological deficit was noted in one patient. Conclusion. Deformity correction employing three-column osteotomies by a single-stage posterior-only approach is safe and effective in treating isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1309–1316

Background. Improvement of Scheuermann's thoracic kyphosis in the growing spine with Milwaukee brace treatment has been reported. However, the role of brace treatment in Mb. Scheuermann is controversial. We report results of brace treatment by low profile scoliosis module with sternal shield. Indication. Thoracic kyphosis >55° or back pain and kyphosis >50°. Material. 21 consecutive patients (17 boys, 4 girls) referred to the Orton Orthopaedic Hospital between 2000-2007. One boy interrupted treatment and the follow-up of two boys was carried out at another hospital. The data of 18 patients are reported. Results. The mean age of patients at the beginning of treatment was 14 years (11-17) and the average thoracic kyphosis was 71° (50-94). On extension radiographs, the kyphosis decreased to 43°(16-66) with a mean correction of 38%. The average time of brace treatment was 2,5 (1-7) years. The final follow- up visit was at the age of 19 (15-21) years. At the final follow-up, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 59° (30-78). Permanent correction of thoracic kyphosis was achieved in 15 patients (83%) with a mean correction of 15 degrees. In two patients no correction was achieved and in one patient the kyphosis increased 9°. No patient required operative treatment. Discussion and conclusion. The efficiency of brace treatment is difficult to prove because natural history of Scheuermann's kyphosis is not fully known. Our material is too small for any final conclusions. However, treatment of the growing spine with modified low profile brace seem to decrease progression of kyphosis in most cases and operative treatment may be avoided

Aims. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that three grades of sagittal compensation for standing posture (normal, compensated, and decompensated) correlate with health-related quality of life measurements (HRQOL). Methods. A total of 50 healthy volunteers (normal), 100 patients with single-level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS), and 70 patients with adult to elderly spinal deformity (deformity) were enrolled. Following collection of demographic data and HRQOL measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), radiological measurement by the biplanar slot-scanning full body stereoradiography (EOS) system was performed simultaneously with force-plate measurements to obtain whole body sagittal alignment parameters. These parameters included the offset between the centre of the acoustic meatus and the gravity line (CAM-GL), saggital vertical axis (SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), McGregor slope, C2-7 lordosis, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), PI-LL, sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and knee flexion. Whole spine MRI examination was also performed. Cluster analysis of the SRS-22r scores in the pooled data was performed to classify the subjects into three groups according to the HRQOL, and alignment parameters were then compared among the three cluster groups. Results. On the basis of cluster analysis of the SRS-22r subscores, the pooled subjects were divided into three HRQOL groups as follows: almost normal (mean 4.24 (SD 0.32)), mildly disabled (mean 3.32 (SD 0.24)), and severely disabled (mean 2.31 (SD 0.35)). Except for CAM-GL, all the alignment parameters differed significantly among the cluster groups. The threshold values of key alignment parameters for severe disability were TPA > 30°, C2-7 lordosis > 13°, PI-LL > 30°, PT > 28°, and knee flexion > 8°. Lumbar spinal stenosis was found to be associated with the symptom severity. Conclusion. This study provides evidence that the three grades of sagittal compensation in whole body alignment correlate with HRQOL scores. The compensation grades depend on the clinical diagnosis, whole body sagittal alignment, and lumbar spinal stenosis. The threshold values of key alignment parameters may be an indication for treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1359–1367

Purpose: Analysis of the sagittal balance of the spine is a fundamental step in understanding spinal disease and proposing appropriate treatment. The objectives of this prospective study were to establish the physiological values of pelvic and spinal parameters of sagittal spinal balance and to study their interrelations. Material and methods: Two hundred fifty lateral views of the spine taken in the standing position and including the head, the spine and the pelvis were studied. The following variables were noted: lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, sagittal tilt at 9, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, pelvic version, intervertebral angle, and the vertebral wedge angle from T9 to S1. These measures were taken after digitalising the x-rays. Two types of analysis were performed. A descriptive univariate analysis was used to characterise angular parameters and a multivariate analysis (correlation, principal component analysis) was used to compare interrelations between the variables and determine how economic balance is achieved. Results and discussion: Mean angular values were: maximal lumbar lordosis 61±12.7°, maximal thoracic kyphosis 41.4±9.2°, sacral slope 42±8.5°, pelvic version 13±6°, pelvic incidence 55±11.2°, sagittal tilt at T9 10.5±3.1°. There was a strong correlation between sacral slope and pelvic incidence (r=0.8), lumbar lordosis and sacral slope (r=0.86), pelvic version and pelvic incidence (r=0.66), lumbar lordosis pelvic incidence pelvic version and thoracic kyphosis (r=0.9), and finally between pelvic incidence and sagittal tilt at T9, sacral slope, pelvic version, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis (r=0.98). Multivariate analysis demonstrated three independent parameters influencing sagittal tilt at T9, reflecting the lateral balance of the spine. The first was a linear combination of the pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis and sacral slope. The second was pelvic version and the third thoracic kyphosis. Conclusion: This work provides an aid for analysis and comprehension of anteroposterior imbalance observed in spinal disease and also to calculate with the linear regression equations describing the corrections to be obtained with treatment

Purpose. compare the radiological results in sagittal balance correction obtained with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) versus anterior-posterior osteotomy (APO) by double approach in adults. Material and Methods. between January of 2001 and July of 2009, fifty-eight vertebral osteotomies were carried out in fifty-six patients: 9 Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO), one vertebral resection osteotomy (VRO), 30 anterior-posterior osteotomies (APO) and 18 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO), being the lasts two groups the sample studied (48 osteotomies). The mean age of the patients was 56.3 years (17–72). Initial diagnose was: 28 posttraumathic kyphosis, 7 postsurgical kyphosis, 7 adult degenerative disease, 4 ankylosing spondylitis and 2 congenital kyphoscoliosis. We evaluated the preoperative standing radiographs, the postoperative and at final follow-up by digital measurements with iPACS system viewer (© Real Time Image, USA, 2001). The mean follow-up was 54 months (6–98), and complications were analized. Results. The group APO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 67 °, a mean lumbar lordosis of −42° and a mean sagital balance of 8.6°. The group PSO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 41°, a mean lumbar lordosis of −22° and a mean sagital balance of 12.3°. The mean correction in the APO group was 29° in its thoracic kyphosis, 8° of lumbar lordosis and 6.5° in its sagital balance. The mean correction in the PSO group was 12° of the thoracic kyphosis, 25 in the lumbar lordosis and 8.4 cm in the sagital balance. The local correction obtained at the osteotomy level was 28° in the APO group and 25.3° in the PSO group. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of correction between both groups (p>0.05). In terms of complications, PSO group had lower complication rate (26.6%) comparing to ODV group (44.5%). Conclusions. APO and PSO are useful techniques to correct the global sagital balance in patients with a disturbance of the sagittal profile. The correction obtained with the PSO is similar to obtained with the APO. Patients undergoing an OSP had a lower complication rate than patients undergoing APO

Purpose: To determine the results and safety of patients undergoing|spinal cord level (SCL) pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for thetreatment of thoracic kyphosis. Methods: Retrospective chart and radiographic review of 25 patients with severe thoracic kyphosis. Results: The underlying diagnoses were: tumour (8), Scheuermann’s Kyphosis (4), degenerative/osteoporosis (3), fracture (3), inflammatory|(2), neurofibromatosis (2), congenital kyphosis (1), tuberculosis (1), and infected tumour (1). The osteotomy was combined with a lumbar PSO in|five patients. Three patients were treated with double thoracic|osteotomies. Two PSOs were extended transdiscally to debride the|infected disc. The mean focal PSO correction was 33.6° (range 9°–73°). The overall thoracic kyphosis measured from T5 to T12 improved from a|mean of 58.3° preoperatively to 37.1° postoperatively. Estimated blood|loss ranged from 400cc to 12500cc. All patients presenting with spinal|cord dysfunction neurologically improved postoperatively. There were 2 major neurological complications. One patient developed postoperative | progressive paraplegia following a prolonged period of intra- and | postoperative severe hypotension and coagulopathy. The other developed a| pseudoarthrosis five months postoperatively and suffered an incomplete|spinal cord injury during the subsequent revision. Other complications included: T3 radicular pain (1) -resolved; dural tears (2); respiratory failure -prolonged ICU admission(1); fractures proximal to the thoracic (2) and distal to lumbar (1) instrumentation; incomplete corrections of the sagittal alignment despite double osteotomies (2); wound breakdown associated with preoperative radiation (1).|. Conclusions: SCL-PSO is a feasible option for severe thoracic kyphosis. This procedure eliminates the need for anterior surgery; however, it does not reduce the potential for significant morbidity

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

Purpose of the study. To compare the effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw techniques in correcting adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. Pedicle screw constructs have been extensively used in the treatment of adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis. It has been suggested that greater implant density may achieve better deformity correction. However, this can increase the neurological risk related to pedicle screw placement, prolong surgical time and blood loss and result in higher instrumentation cost. Methods. We reviewed the medical notes and radiographs of 139 consecutive adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis (128 female-11 male, prospectively collected single surgeon's series). We measured the scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis (T5-T12), and lumbar lordosis (L1-L5) before and after surgery, as well as at minimum 2-year follow-up. SRS 22 data was available for all patients. Results. All patients underwent posterior spinal arthrodesis using pedicle screw constructs. Mean age at surgery was 14.5 years. We had 2 separate groups: in Group 1 (43 patients) correction was performed over 2 rods using bilateral segmental pedicle screws; in Group 2 (96 patients) correction was performed over 1 rod using unilateral segmental pedicle screws with the 2. nd. rod providing stability of the construct through 2-level screw fixation both proximal and distal. Group 1. Mean Cobb angle before surgery for upper thoracic curves was 37°. This was corrected by 71% to mean 11° (p<0.001). Mean Cobb angle before surgery for main thoracic curves was 65°. This was corrected by 71% to mean 20° (p<0.001). Mean Cobb angle before surgery for thoracolumbar/lumbar curves was 60°. This was corrected by 74% to mean 16° (p<0.001). No patient lost >2° correction at follow-up. Mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 24° and lumbar lordosis 52°. Mean postoperative thoracic kyphosis was 21° and lumbar lordosis 50° (p>0.05). Mean theatre time was 5.5 hours, hospital stay 8.2 days and intraoperative blood loss 0.6 blood volumes. Complications: 1 transient IOM loss/no neurological deficit; 1 deep wound infection leading to non-union and requiring revision surgery; 1 rod trimming due to prominent upper end. Mean preoperative SRS 22 score was 3.9; this improved to 4.5 at follow-up (p<0.001). Pain and self-image demonstrated significant improvement (p=0.001, p<0.001 respectively) with mean satisfaction rate 4.9. Group 2. Mean Cobb angle before surgery for upper thoracic curves was 42°. This was corrected by 52% to mean 20° (p<0.001). Mean Cobb angle before surgery for main thoracic curves was 62°. This was corrected by 70% to mean 19° (p<0.001). Mean Cobb angle before surgery for thoracolumbar/lumbar curves was 57°. This was corrected by 72% to mean 16° (p<0.001). No patient lost >2° correction at follow-up. Preoperative scoliosis size for all types of curves correlated with increased surgical time (r=0.6, 0.4). Mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 28° and lumbar lordosis 46°. Mean postoperative thoracic kyphosis was 25° and lumbar lordosis 45° (p>0.05). Mean theatre time was 4.2 hours, hospital stay 8.4 days and intraoperative blood loss 0.4 blood volumes. Complications: 1 deep and 1 superficial wound infections treated with debridement; 1 transient brachial plexus neurapraxia; 1 SMA syndrome. Mean preoperative SRS 22 score was 3.7; this improved to 4.5 at follow-up (p<0.001). Pain, function, self-image and mental health demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.001 for all parameters) with mean satisfaction rate 4.8. Comparison between groups showed no significant difference in regard to age at surgery, preoperative and postoperative scoliosis angle for main thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves, as well as SRS scores and length of hospital stay. Better correction of upper thoracic curves was achieved in Group 1 (p<0.05), but upper thoracic curves in Group 2 were statistically more severe before surgery (p<0.05). Increased surgical time and blood loss was recorded in Group 1 (p<0.05, p=0.05 respectively). The implant cost was reduced by mean 35% in Group 2 due to lesser number of pedicle screws. Conclusion. Unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation has achieved excellent deformity correction in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis, which was maintained at follow-up. This has been associated with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates. The unilateral technique using segmental pedicle screw correction has reduced surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and implant cost without compromising surgical outcome for the most common thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. The bilateral technique achieved better correction of upper thoracic scoliosis

Background. The factors influencing normal spine curvature in midlife are unknown. We performed an MR and plain radiograph study on well characterised, unselected twin volunteers from the TwinsUK register (. www.twinsuk.ac.uk. ) to determine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to spine curve. Methods. T2 weighted MR scans and long spine standing radiographs were obtained at the same morning visit on twin pairs. Midline sagittal MR images were coded for 4 degenerative features. SpineviewTM software was applied plain films and calculated the angles of curvature. A classical twin study was performed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association between spine curves, LDD and confounders (age, body mass index). Results. Data were available on 110 monozygotic (MZ) and 136 dizygotic (DZ) female twins. Mean age was 64.3 years (range 40.1–79.3); age was associated with increasing lumbar lordosis (p=0.02). The AE model (comprising additive genetic and unique environmental factors) was the most suitable model for both lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis (as determined by Akaike information criterion). Heritability estimates = 59% (42–71%) for lumbar lordosis; and 61% (46–74%) for thoracic kyphosis. After adjusting for age and BMI, lumbar lordosis was significantly associated with a number of features of LDD (p<0.001) including disc signal intensity and osteophytes. Conclusion. The twins are known to be representative of women in the general population. Lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis of the spine have considerable heritable component in females suggesting that a search for individual gene variants would be a reasonable next step. This abstract was presented at 14th Congress of the International Society for Twin Studies. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: No funding obtained

Introduction:. Scheuermann's kyphosis is a fixed round back deformity characterised by wedged vertebrae seen on radiograph. It is known patients presented with a negative sagittal balance before operation. Few studies investigated the outcome after operation, especially the change in the lumbar hyperlordosis. Aim:. To investigate the change in sagittal profile after correction surgery. Method:. This is a retrospective review of cases from 2001 to 2012. Our centre uses a posterior, four rod cantilever reduction technique for all Scheuermann's Kyphosis correction. 36 cases are identified. They include 24 males and 12 females with an average age of 20 and follow up of 27 months. First 8 cases used the stainless steel hybrid implants. The remaining 28 had titanium all pedicle screw system. All had intra-operative spinal cord monitoring. Results:. The target of thoracic kyphosis correction is around the accepted upper end of normal limit (40°). The average thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle was 78.5°. The immediate post-op angle was 43.2° and at final follow up, 43.6°. The average lumbar lordosis changed from 65.7° pre-op to 48.8° post-op, which is now bigger than the thoracic kyphosis. The result is the transfer of average sagittal balance (C7 plumb line) from −2.2 cm to −3.5 cm, which remains posterior to the posterior corner of S1 after the surgery. Discussion:. Surgery can improve the roundback deformity but not the overall sagittal profile. We have no explanation to this phenomenon. This could imply the pathology of Scheuermann's Kyphosis involves the whole spine, not just the wedging thoracic segment. Conflict Of Interest Statement: No conflict of interest

Aims. We present the results of correcting a double or triple curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a convex segmental pedicle screw technique. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 191 patients with a mean age at surgery of 15 years (11 to 23.3). Pedicle screws were placed at the convexity of each curve. Concave screws were inserted at one or two cephalad levels and two caudal levels. The mean operating time was 183 minutes (132 to 276) and the mean blood loss 0.22% of the total blood volume (0.08% to 0.4%). Multimodal monitoring remained stable throughout the operation. The mean hospital stay was 6.8 days (5 to 15). Results. The mean post-operative follow-up was 5.8 years (2.5 to 9.5). There were no neurological complications, deep wound infection, obvious nonunion or need for revision surgery. Upper thoracic scoliosis was corrected by a mean 68.2% (38% to 48%, p < 0.001). Main thoracic scoliosis was corrected by a mean 71% (43.5% to 8.9%, p < 0.001). Lumbar scoliosis was corrected by a mean 72.3% (41% to 90%, p < 0.001). No patient lost more than 3° of correction at follow-up. The thoracic kyphosis improved by 13.1° (-21° to 49°, p < 0.001); the lumbar lordosis remained unchanged (p = 0.58). Coronal imbalance was corrected by a mean 98% (0% to 100%, p < 0.001). Sagittal imbalance was corrected by a mean 96% (20% to 100%, p < 0.001). The Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire score improved from a mean 3.6 to 4.6 (2.4 to 4, p < 0.001); patient satisfaction was a mean 4.9 (4.8 to 5). . Conclusions. This technique carries low neurological and vascular risks because the screws are placed in the pedicles of the convex side of the curve, away from the spinal cord, cauda equina and the aorta. A low implant density (pedicle screw density 1.2, when a density of 2 represents placement of pedicle screws bilaterally at every instrumented segment) achieved satisfactory correction of the scoliosis, an improved thoracic kyphosis and normal global sagittal balance. Both patient satisfaction and functional outcomes were excellent. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1080–7

Aims. We undertook a prospective non-randomised radiological study to evaluate the preliminary results of using magnetically-controlled growing rods (MAGEC System, Ellipse technology) to treat children with early-onset scoliosis. Patients and Methods. Between January 2011 and January 2015, 19 children were treated with magnetically-controlled growing rods (MCGRs) and underwent distraction at three-monthly intervals. The mean age of our cohort was 9.1 years (4 to 14) and the mean follow-up 22.4 months (5.1 to 35.2). Of the 19 children, eight underwent conversion from traditional growing rods. Whole spine radiographs were carried out pre- and post-operatively: image intensification was used during each lengthening in the outpatient department. The measurements evaluated were Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, proximal junctional kyphosis and spinal growth from T1 to S1. Results. The mean pre-, post-operative and latest follow-up Cobb angles were 62° (37.4 to 95.8), 45.1° (16.6 to 96.2) and 43.2° (11.9 to 90.5), respectively (p < 0.05). The mean pre-, post-operative and latest follow-up T1-S1 lengths were 288.1 mm (223.2 to 351.7), 298.8 mm (251 to 355.7) and 331.1 mm (275 to 391.9), respectively (p < 0.05). In all, three patients developed proximal pull-out of their fixation and required revision surgery: there were no subsequent complications. There were no complications of outpatient distraction. Conclusions. Our study shows that MCGRs provide stable correction of the deformity in early-onset scoliosis in both primary and revision procedures. They have the potential to reduce the need for multiple operations and thereby minimise the potential complications associated with traditional growing rod systems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1240–47