Neural axis anomalies in idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are well documented, with prevalence of 7% in adolescents; 20% in early-onset and up to 40% in congenital, the case for pre-operative MRI of brainstem to sacrum is well made in these groups. SK is rarer than AIS and the prevalence of anomalies is not defined. The case for routine MRI scan is unclear. A recent report concluded that routine MRI was not indicated, although this was based on only 23 MRI scans in 85 patients. At our institution all patients are undergo whole spine MRI following a diagnosis of SK. We aimed to assess the incidence of significant neural anomalies in Scheuermann's Kyphosis. Using a keyword search for “Scheuermann”, we reviewed all SK patients' MRI reports over the past 6 years. 117 MRI scans were identified. 13 patients did not fulfil the radiological criteria for SK and thus 104 (73M: 31F) scans were reviewed. 14 (13%) of 104 scans showed unexpected Significant abnormal findings. There were 8 (8%) with neural axis anomalies: 4 syrinxes; 1 cord anomaly; 2 cerebellar descents and 1 cerebellar tumour. All these patients had normal neurological examination except one with examination consistent with a known diagnosis of Parkinson's. A further 6 patients had non-neural anomalies. The presence of neural axis anomalies may influence the management of a patient with SK. Neurological compromise during correction is higher in patients with neural axis anomalies and this risk can often be partially mitigated by a preceding neurosurgical procedure (such as foramen magnum decompression or shunt). Furthermore it is well described that these anomalies often occur in patients who demonstrate a normal neurological examination. This study confirms this. Given that MRI is widely available and considering the devastating life implications of neurological injury, we advise pre-operative MRI scan in all SK patents

Surgical correction of spinal deformity in patients with neural axis abnormalities has established risks of causing further neurological injury. It is necessary to identify individuals with a predisposition for such abnormalities before treatment is instituted. Objective: Examination of the association between idiopathic scoliosis and underlying neural axis abnormalities in the infantile and juvenile age groups. Design: Retrospective chart and radiographic review. Subjects: Ninety-four (36 infantile, 58 juvenile) consecutive patients with non-congenital scoliosis under the age of eleven years. Outcome measures: These consisted of the MRI findings, neurological examination, associated curve morphology and necessity for neurosurgical intervention or surgical curve correction. Results: Approximately 25% of patients presenting as idiopathic juvenile scoliosis had underlying neural axis abnormalities. No patient with apparent infantile idiopathic scoliosis had an abnormal spinal MRI scan. Using the Z score for independent proportions, there was a statistically significant difference between infantile and juvenile scoliosis and the presence of an underlying neural axis abnormality (Z score of 2.089, equivalent to p< 0.02). Conclusions: We advocate routine MR spinal imaging in all patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. In infantile idiopathic scoliosis, to avoid unnecessary general anaesthetics, one should image the spinal canal only when clinically indicated

Background: It remains unclear and controversial whether preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) should be mandatory. Aim: (1) To review our own practice, (2) conduct a national survey of United Kingdom Consultants, and (3) to perform a literature review. Methods: Our own practice was established by identifying patients with AIS and examining whether an MRI scan was performed preoperatively. A survey of Consultants practice in the UK (British Scoliosis Members) was conducted by either an e-mail or telephone conversation. Finally, a literature survey was performed to establish current views. Results: 118 patients with AIS were identified between 2003 and 2007. 78% of these patients underwent pre-operative MRI scans. Neural axis abnormalities were found in 8% of these patients. They included syrinx’s, chiari malformations, tonsillar herniation, cord tethering, central canal dilatation and undiagnosed spina bifida. Only 1 patient required intervention by the neurosurgeons. 92% of respondents to the national survey routinely performed preoperative MRI scans. The literature was not conclusive with regards to mandatory preoperative imaging. Conclusion: Despite the literature showing little evidence, our survey shows a widespread consensus in clinical practice across the UK that routine preoperative MRI should be performed from a risk management viewpoint. It is mandatory in our unit to perform pre-operative MRI scans on all patients with AIS and would recommend that this becomes standard practice in all other units. Ethics Approval: None/Audit. Interest Statement: None

Statement of purpose: To profile the neurological lesions associated with scoliosis, evaluate the role of preoperative MRI and determine the proportion of patients requiring surgery for an intradural lesion. Methods: The records of patients undergoing surgery to treat scoliosis over a 5 year period were reviewed as part of this retrospective single centre study. Results: 1926 patients underwent 2714 procedures to treat scoliosis. 45 patients from this cohort were referred for an opinion regarding at least one of the following neural axis abnormalities: Syrinx (47%); Chiari malformation and cerebellar ectopia (40%); tethered cord (13%); persistent central canal (9%); diastematomyelia (7%); neurofibromata (7%); syndromes other than neurofibromatosis (7%); tumours (4%) and vascular lesions (2%). 18 patients underwent surgery to treat a neural axis lesion: Foramen magnum decompression (12); cord untethering (4) and the surgical treatment of diastematomyelia (2). Conclusions: The authors believe their series to be the largest to date. Preoperative MRI scans should extend from the cranio-cervical junction to the sacrum, reflecting the potential locations of neural axis lesions. Radiologists present at units treating scoliosis should be able to identify both commonly occurring lesions such syrinx and intradural pathology. A significant proportion of patients required surgery to treat their neural axis lesions. Centres treating patients with scoliosis should therefore have the necessary facilities to treat not only scoliosis but also its associated intradural spinal lesions. Ethics approval: None Audit. Interest Statement: None

Purpose: Few studies have analyzed spinal cord monitoring (SCM) during spine deformity surgery when neural axis abnormalities (NAA) are present. Our purpose was to compare the effectiveness of SCM between NAA and AIS patients. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients from 1993–2002 with an isolated NAA who had SCM during spinal deformity surgery. These were compared to a randomly selected group of AIS patients during the same time period when techniques for somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring remained the same. Results: There were 41 NAA patients and 139 AIS patients. The age at surgery was similar (14.4 vs. 14.5 yrs), but there were more males (48.8 vs. 18.7%)* in the NAA group. For NAA patients, the most common abnormalities were syringomyelia (n=29) and tethered cord (n=5) for which 68% required neurosurgery. The preoperative curve magnitude was greater in the NAA group (65.9° vs 59.6°)* but there were no differences in surgical time (39.6 vs. 35.9 min/level) and estimated blood loss (99.4 vs. 82.0 cc/level) between the groups. There was a trend towards more surgical complications in the NAA group (7.3 vs. 3.6%). Good baseline values were achieved less often in the NAA group for SSEPs (85% vs 99%)* and MEPs (83% vs 100%)*. Significant deviations from baseline values were seen more often in the NAA group for SSEP (5.0% vs. 1.4%)* and MEP (4.0% vs. 2.5%)*. * (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Obtaining baseline SCM values was more difficult and deviations from baseline were more common in the NAA patients when compared to AIS patients. However, SCM did not miss a neurologic injury and was found to be very useful and necessary during spine deformity surgery in the NAA population