The aim of this study is to identify the incidence of the presence of an Inverted Radial Reflex (IRR) in asymptomatic subjects with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and determine its significance. Our study group consists of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis patients who presented consecutively in our institution from June to September 2010. They were either seen in outpatient clinics or as elective admissions prior to operative correction of their spinal deformity. The presence of an idiopathic scoliosis deformity and the absence of any abnormal neurological symptoms were our inclusion criteria. They were examined by two clinicians for the presence of IRR using a tendon hammer. As part of their management all such patients routinely undergo an MRI scan in our Trust to investigate for the presence of intraspinal pathology. When the IRR was present we looked at their MRI scans to identify any relevant abnormalities. Results: We identified 100 subjects. There were 72 females and 28 males with an average age of 15 years. The IRR was present in 12 cases and in 6 of them the sign was present bilaterally. There were no further associated signs or symptoms. All cases had recently undergone MRI of their whole spine and their investigations did not demonstrate any abnormalities in the lower cervical spine.Aim
Methods
Pleural drains are routinely used following anterior approaches to the spine for the correction of spinal deformities, to prevent the accumulation of blood, fluids and air in the pleural cavity. Following their removal it is routine practise in our Trust to obtain chest radiographs to look out for a pneumothorax or a residual fluid collection. Our hypothesis is that unless clinically indicated the use of a CXR does not affect patient management and should not therefore be routine practice. A retrospective audit of 122 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for the correction of spinal deformity using an anterior approach to the spine, over the course of a year, was undertaken. CXRs were performed in all patients following drain removal. We have reviewed those images and in cases were abnormalities were detected we have examined the case notes to assess the impact of those findings with regards to management.Background
Methods
