To compare the degree of deformity correction achieved using cobalt chromium versus titanium alloy rods in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. A retrospective comparison of two cohorts of patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis treated with posterior segmental pedicle screw fixation using either Titanium or Cobalt Chromium rods. The radiographs of 50 patients treated before 2009 (Ti group) and 50 patients after 2009 (CoCr group) were reviewed for changes in: Main Coronal Curvature Sagittal Balance (C7 Plumb Line) Kyphosis (T5-12)Aim:
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Deep infection following paediatric spinal deformity surgery is a serious complication, which can also result in increased length of stay and significant cost implications. Our objective was to reduce deep infection rates following spinal deformity surgery. All paediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity procedures between 2008 and 2010 (group 1) were prospectively followed up and deep infection rates recorded. In 2010, a review of infection rates necessitated a change in pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative practice. A scoliosis wound care pathway was implemented, which involved insertion of drains to protect wounds, strict dressing management performed by a Spinal Nurse Practitioner, and a telephone helpline for concerns about wound care and general peri-operative scoliosis care. The use of betadine wash and local antibiotic application intra-operatively were other measures instigated later in this period. All paediatric patients undergoing surgery between 2011 and 2012 (group 2) were then followed up and differences in infection rates between the two groups were analysed.Aim:
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To determine if patients with coronal plane deformity in the lumbar spine have a higher grade of lumbar spine subtype compared to controls. This was a retrospective case/control study based on a review of radiological investigations in 250 patients aged over 40 years who had standing plain film lumbar radiographs with hips present. Measurements of lumbar coronal plane angle, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were obtained. “Cases” with degenerative scoliosis (n=125) were defined as patients with a lumbar coronal plane angle of >10°. Lumbar spine subtype was categorised (1–4) using the Roussouly classification. Lumbar spine subtype was dichotomised into low (type 1,2) or high (type 3,4). Prevalence of lumbar spine subtype in cases versus controls was compared using the Chi squared test. Pelvic incidence was compared using an unpaired T-test. Predictors of lumbar coronal plane angle were identified using stepwise multiple regression. Significance was accepted at P<0.05.Aim:
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Recent guidelines have been published by the Association of Neurophysiological Scientists / British Society for Clinical Neurophysiology (ANS/BSCN) regarding the use of intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) during spinal deformity procedures. We present our unit's experience with IOM and the compliance with national guidelines. All patients undergoing intra-operative spinal cord monitoring during adult and paediatric spinal deformity surgery between Jan 2009 and Dec 2012 were prospectively followed. The use of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) was recorded and monitoring outcomes were compared to post-operative clinical neurological outcomes. Compliance with the national ANS/BSCN guidelines was assessed.Aim:
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