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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_8 | Pages 9 - 9
1 Aug 2022
Ali C Nazar N Silk Z Shafafy R Gibson A Noordeen H
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Less invasive single-rod fusion technique may be indicated in the management of NMS to minimise operative time, blood loss and wound-related complications. This retrospective 12-year cohort study (2008–2020) aims to evaluate and compare the outcomes of this technique to the current standard dual rod technique to determine their safety and efficacy.

28 patients in the single rod group (Mean age = 16.4 [SD ±4.0]) and 30 in the double rod group (Mean age = 16.3 [SD±3.5]). Indications included a minimum 2 year follow period, detailed information on the type of implant and a complete pre- and post-operative imaging and medical records. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and surgical characteristics were collected. Outcomes assessed included the immediate post-op and final follow up angles and general complications. All outcome analysis was performed using a regression approach.

Angles at final follow-up: lumbar (Difference ratio (DR)= 2.60 [95% CI 0.37 – 18.4], p=0.25), thoracic (DR= 1.08 [95% CI 0.19 – 6.28], p=0.92), thoracolumbar (major curve angle) (DR 1.35 [95% CI 0.60 – 3.06], p=0.46) and kyphosis (DR = 0.97 [0.66, 1.42] p=0.86). There was no statistically significant difference, between the two groups, for any of the above angle outcomes as well as for length of surgery, blood loss and complication outcomes.

Both single and double rod instrumentation achieves satisfactory and safe deformity correction which is maintained at final follow up. A larger scale study is warranted to further assess these techniques while also conducting a cost-benefit analysis between them.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1368 - 1374
3 Oct 2020
McDonnell JM Ahern DP Lui DF Yu H Lehovsky J Noordeen H Molloy S Butler JS Gibson A

Aims

Whether a combined anteroposterior fusion or a posterior-only fusion is more effective in the management of patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of these surgical approaches, and to evaluate the postoperative complications with the hypothesis that proximal junctional kyphosis would be more common in one-stage posterior-only fusion.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated surgically for Scheuermann’s kyphosis between 2006 and 2014 was performed. A total of 62 patients were identified, with 31 in each group. Parameters were compared to evaluate postoperative outcomes using chi-squared tests, independent-samples t-tests, and z-tests of proportions analyses where applicable.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 19 - 19
1 Apr 2014
Yoon W Panagiotidou A Noordeen H Blunn G
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Aim:

The aim of this study was test the amount of corrosion occurring at the (Ti) /cobalt chrome (CoCr) interface comparing this with Ti and Ti interfaces. This was compared with retrieved metal work visualised under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Methods:

The interface of interest is the interface between rod and the screw. We investigated corrosion seen at that interface with a CoCr rod coupled to a Ti screw versus a Ti rod coupled to a Ti screw (6 screws were used) Implants were loaded according to the ASTM F2193 – 02 Standard Specifications and Test Methods for Components Used in the Surgical Fixation of the Spinal Skeletal System. Pitting potentials were monitored using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests (ASTM F2129 – 08 Standard Test Method for Conducting Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarisation Measurements) to determine corrosion susceptibility. Retrieved implants were visualised under (SEM) to confirm corrosion.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 15 - 15
1 Apr 2014
Lukina E Blunn G Kollero M Meswania J Mason P Wagstaff P Laka A Noordeen H Yoon W
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Introduction:

Due to absence of fusion in guided-growth devices for EOS (growing rods, Shilla, LSZ) movement of the rods against their attachment is possible resulting in wear debris formation. It is important to understand the wear resistance of materials used in these devices under appropriate conditions.

Aim:

The aim of our work was to investigate wear resistance of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V and superelastic Nitinol. Nitinol has been used recently for correcting scoliosis and may provide a better and more gradual correction than other materials.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 1 | Pages 75 - 80
1 Jan 2013
Dannawi Z Altaf F Harshavardhana NS El Sebaie H Noordeen H

Conventional growing rods are the most commonly used distraction-based devices in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis. This technique requires repeated lengthenings with the patient anaesthetised in the operating theatre. We describe the outcomes and complications of using a non-invasive magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in children with early-onset scoliosis. Lengthening is performed on an outpatient basis using an external remote control with the patient awake.

Between November 2009 and March 2011, 34 children with a mean age of eight years (5 to 12) underwent treatment. The mean length of follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18). In total, 22 children were treated with dual rod constructs and 12 with a single rod. The mean number of distractions per patient was 4.8 (3 to 6). The mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 69° (46° to 108°); this was corrected to a mean 47° (28° to 91°) post-operatively. The mean Cobb angle at final review was 41° (27° to 86°). The mean pre-operative distance from T1 to S1 was 304 mm (243 to 380) and increased to 335 mm (253 to 400) in the immediate post-operative period. At final review the mean distance from T1 to S1 had increased to 348 mm (260 to 420).

Two patients developed a superficial wound infection and a further two patients in the single rod group developed a loss of distraction. In the dual rod group, one patient had pull-out of a hook and one developed prominent metalwork. Two patients had a rod breakage; one patient in the single rod group and one patient in the dual rod group. Our early results show that the MCGR is safe and effective in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis with the avoidance of repeated surgical lengthenings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:75–80.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXI | Pages 14 - 14
1 Jul 2012
Dannawi Z El-Sebaie HB Akbarnia BA Noordeen H
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Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of a remote-operated magnetic growth rod in the treatment of 11 patients with progressive early onset scoliosis (EOS).

Introduction

The Growth rod technique (GR) has been a viable treatment option for progressive early onset scoliosis (EOS). However, an increased complication rate has been associated with conventional GR due to frequent surgeries required for lengthening. The safety and efficacy of a remote-operated magnetic growth rod (RO-MGR) has been previously reported in a porcine model. We are reporting the preliminary clinical results of this device which obviates the need for repeated surgeries.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXI | Pages 7 - 7
1 Jul 2012
Dannawi Z Al-Mukhtar M Leong JJH Shaw M Gibson A Elsebaie HB Noordeen H
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Purpose of the study

We propose a simple classification for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) based on two components which include the curve type and shoulder level and suggest a treatment algorithm for AIS.

Introduction

Few Classification systems for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have helped in communicating, understanding and selecting a treatment for this condition; however, most of these classifications are complex and include many subtypes, making it difficult for the orthopaedic surgeon to use them in clinical practice. The variable reliability and reproducibility of these studies make recommendations and comparisons between various operative treatments a difficult task. Furthermore, none of these classifications has taken the shoulder imbalance into account, despite its importance as a clinical parameter and outcome measure.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 12 - 12
1 Jun 2012
Noordeen H Shah S Elsebaie H Garrido E Farooq N Mukhtar M
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Introduction

Growing rods are used in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. The aim of this technique is to achieve deformity correction while maintaining spinal growth. Gradual stiffening or spontaneous fusion of the spine can interfere with the ability to lengthen. Furthermore, diminished acquired length with serial distraction is common and needs to be evaluated and quantified. The purpose of this prospective study was to measure the forces and amount of distraction over time in patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with growing rods.

Methods

Distraction forces were measured prospectively during 60 consecutive lengthening procedures in 26 patients. All patients had single submuscular rod constructs with side-to-side connectors. For every measurement, output from a transducer on a dedicated pair of distraction calipers was recorded at zero load status, and the force was then recorded at every 1 mm lengthening; length was obtained at each event and was recorded in millimeters.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 4 - 4
1 Jun 2012
Elsebaie H Noordeen H Akbarnia B Gadelhak A
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Introduction

There is an unresolved controversy in the published work about the effect of screws crossing the neuro-central cartilage (NCC) on spinal canal dimension in very young children and in animals. Anterior vertebral body screws with fusion can invade and damage the NCC, especially at the site of screw insertion; however, this finding has never been studied.

Methods

This study is a retrospective, clinical and radiological analysis of seven consecutive children aged 1–2 years treated with anterior vertebral instrumentation and fusion by downsized rod screw systems. The mean age at time of surgery was 2 years 4 months (range 1 year 9 months to 2 years 10 months). The average follow-up period was 3 years 3 months (2 years 6 months to 4 years 5 months). 16 screws inserted anteriorely were evaluated by a follow-up CT scan. Spinal canals were divided with known anatomical landmarks into right and left hemicanals. The relation of the anterior screws to the NCC and the spinal canal dimension were studied. All clinical and radiological complications were recorded.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 35 - 35
1 Jun 2012
Noordeen H Elsebaie H Akbarnia B
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Introduction

Surgical correction of spinal deformities is a challenge; segmental instrumentation controlling almost every level is the most recent approach. Correction of the deformity only through apical manipulation has many potential advantages, including little tissue disruption, less invasive intervention, preservation of spinal mobility, and vertebral growth. However, quantification of the amount of force needed to pull on the apex and its effect on translation, de-rotation, and overall correction of the curve needs to be studied. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect and amount of force needed to pull on the apex of a scoliotic deformity towards the midline, and the feasibility of use of this novel potential method of correction in the treatment of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Measurements were taken from 20 patients with AIS treated between June, 2009, and January, 2010. There were 16 female and 4 male patients with an average age of 14.2 years (range 11–20); the coronal preoperative Cobb angle was 67° (42–108°), decreasing on bending to 39° (8–83°), and the apex of the deformity was between T6 and L2. All patients had proximal and distal anchors spanning two levels on each end; the anchors were connected by a concave rod to which the apical vertebra was pulled. We measured the distance between the rod and the apical vertebra and the rotation of the apical vertebrae.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVII | Pages 7 - 7
1 Jun 2012
Elsebaie H Noordeen H Akbarnia B Gadelhak A
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Introduction

The change of position of the distal pedicle screws with growing rods in relation to vertebral bodies was described as pedicle screws migration. Pedicle screws are subjected to serial distractive forces pushing them down with every distraction; additionally there is continuous growth of the vertebral bodies during the treatment period. These two factors can affect the change of position of the pedicle screws in relation to the vertebrae during the use of growing rods. To our knowledge, this finding has never been studied, confirmed, or quantified.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of the radiographs and operative notes of 23 consecutive cases of early-onset scoliosis treated with single growing rods. Age at index surgery ranged from 4 years 2 months to 8 years 9 months, and the number of distractions was four to 11 per patient. Measurements were done on post-index and latest follow-up true lateral radiographs. With optimum initial position of the screws in the pedicle, we calculated the distance between the upper end plate and the pedicle screw (distance superior to the screw [SS]) and the distance between the screw and lower-end plate (distance inferior to the screw [IS]). We expressed this ratio as a percentage: SS/IS x 100%. Any increase in this percentage with time denoted a more caudal position; however, a change in the percentage of less than 10% was regarded as insignificant.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XX | Pages 12 - 12
1 May 2012
Altaf F Osei N Garrido E Al-mukhtar M Natali C Sivaraman A Noordeen H
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We describe the results of a prospective case series to evaluate a technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a u-shaped modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation. 20 patients aged between 9 and 21 years with a pars defect at L5 confirmed on computed tomography (CT) were included. The average age of the patients was 13.9 years. The eligible patient had Grade I or less spondylolisthesis and no evidence of intervertebral degeneration on MRI. The average duration of follow-up was 4 years. Clinical assessments for all patients was via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scores (VAS). At the latest follow-up, 18 of the 20 patients had excellent clinical outcomes with a significant (p<0.001) improvement in their ODI and VAS scores with a mean post-operative ODI score of 8%. Fusion of the pars defect as assessed by CT showed fusion rates of 80%. There were no hardware complications. The strength of the construct obviates the need for post-operative immobilisation.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XVI | Pages 24 - 24
1 Apr 2012
Altaf F Osei N Garrido E Al-Mukhtar M Sivaraman A Noordeen H
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We describe the clinical results of a technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation.

20 patients aged between 9 and 21 years were included in this prospective study. Each of the patients had high activity levels and suffered from significant back pain without radicular symptoms or signs. Patients had either no or grade I spondylolisthesis. Definitive pseudoarthrosis and fracture were confirmed via computerize tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in every patient to assess the adjacent disc spaces which demonstrated normal signal intensity.

A midline incision was used for surgery. The pars interarticularis defect was exposed and filled with autologous iliac crest bone graft prior to screw insertion. After screw insertion, a link was contoured to fit, and placed just caudal to the spinous process, deep to the interspinous ligament of the affected level, and attached to each pedicle screw. There was early mobilization post-operatively without a brace. The average inpatient stay was 3 days. Post-operative complications included 1 superficial wound haematoma and two superficial wound infections which responded to antibiotic treatment. Follow-up was at 6 weeks, 6 months and at 18 months, and 24 months. Clinical assessments for all patients was via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scores (VAS). At the latest follow-up, 18 out of the 20 patients showed a significant (p<0.05) improvement in their ODI and VAS scores. The mean post-operative ODI score was 8%. All patients had radiographs and CT scans which showed fusion rates of 80% in those patients followed up for a minimum of 24 months. This new technique for direct pars repair demonstrates high fusion rates in addition provides the possible benefits of maintaining adjacent level motion. Clinically this group had good-to excellent functional outcomes as indicated by visual analogue scales and the Oswestry Disability Index in 18 out of 20 patients studied with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.


Summary: Radiographic and clinical outcomes of anterior thoraco-lumbar and posterior instrumented spinal fusion in patients with double major (AIS) curves are evaluated in this retrospective study. The average thoracic curve was 68 degrees before surgery and 29.2 degrees at follow-up (mean correction 58.3%). The average preoperative lumbar curve was 73 degrees, decreasing to 18 degrees postoperatively (mean correction 77.5%). Instrumented anterior lumbar fusion followed by posterior instrumented fusion is a successful technique with low morbidity in AIS with double curve pattern.

Introduction: Options exist for the surgical treatment of double major AIS curves. With the introduction of multi-level pedicle screw fixation in the thoracic and lumbar spines the role of anterior surgery is being questioned. This series demonstrates the results obtained by anterior thoraco-lumbar and posterior instrumented spinal fusion.

Methods: 28 patients with double major curves who underwent anterior spinal release and instrumented fusion, with staged posterior instrumented spinal fusion between 1999 and 2005 were included for analysis. The minimum follow-up was 2 years after surgery (mean, 5 years; range, 2–8 years). The mean age of patients was 17,3 years (range, 13–21 years). Multiple radiographic parameters were assessed.

Results: Successful selective thoraco-lumbar instrumented fusion and posterior instrumented fusion was performed in 28 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The average thoracic curve was 68 degrees before surgery and 29,2 degrees at final follow-up (mean correction 58,3%). The average pre-operative lumbar curve was 73 degrees, decreasing to 18 degrees postoperatively (mean correction 77,5%), with good coronal and sagittal balance achieved. Tilt of the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) improved from 28.2 degrees to 4.6 degrees on last follow-up. Disc angulation below the LIV averaged 6.1 degrees preoperatively and 3.6 degrees on last follow-up. Translation of the LIV from the center sacral vertical line averaged 34.5 mm preoperatively and 13.6 mm on last follow-up.

Discussion: Instrumented anterior lumbar fusion followed by posterior instrumented fusion is a successful technique in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with double curve pattern. These results show that this technique is able to restore normal coronal alignment of the distal unfused lumbar segment and saves fusion levels compared to posterior instrumentation only. Despite the extensive surgery, there is a very low morbidity in this population, with no evidence of pseudarthrosis.

Significance: This represents a large unique series of patients treated for double major curve pattern in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with low morbidity and excellent balanced corrections in both coronal and sagital planes.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 487 - 487
1 Sep 2009
Altaf F Raman A Hakel W Noordeen H
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We describe a case of a three year old girl with Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS) at the ninth thoracic vertebral level with termination of the spinal cord at the unusually high level of the third thoracic vertebra. We describe this rare condition and discuss the challenging management in an extremely rare case where there is termination of the spinal cord at a high thoracic level.

CRS is a severe congenital neural and skeletal deficiency that is characterized by absence of the entire sacrum and of variable amounts of the lumbar and occasionally thoracic spine with associated neural elements. This is accompanied by a number of congenital visceral abnormalities.

Controversy belies the optimal orthopaedic management of the spinal anomaly and the associated lower extremity deformities in this condition. Affected children have multiple musculoskeletal abnormalities, including foot deformities, knee and hip flexion contractures, dis-located hips, spino-pelvic instability, and scoliosis.

We believe the care of these complex patients should be highly individualized.

Patients with types I and II lumbosacral agenesis have an excellent chance of becoming community ambulators and early interventions should be taken to correct the associated orthopaedic deformities. Treatment of types III and IV lumbosacral agenesis is controversial. In these severe forms of agenesis periodic examinations of the spine for scoliosis should be performed and the patient must be monitored for spinopelvic instability as indicated by a worsening posture. The management of these and other orthopaedic deformities is controversial but we do advocate the surgical correction of fixed deformities of the lower extremities which interfere with sitting or with the wearing of braces or shoes thereby avoiding amputation and maintaining body image.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 484 - 484
1 Sep 2009
Garrido E Noordeen H Tucker S
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Study Design: Retrospective study with clinical and radiological evaluation of 15 patients with congenital kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis who underwent anterior instrumented spinal fusion for posterolateral or posterior hemivertebae (HV).

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early surgical anterior instrumented fusion with partial preservation of the HV in the treatment of progressive congenital kyphosis in children below the age of 3. We discuss the management of patients presenting with neurological compromise.

Summary of background data: A variety of treatments have been described in the literature for the treatment of congenital kyphosis due to HV. We report the results of our technique.

Materials and Methods: Between 1997 and 2005 we have treated 15 consecutive patients with progressive congenital kyphosis with anterior instrumented fusion and strut grafting. 13 patients had a single posterolateral HV and 2 patients a single posterior HV. Of the 15 patients in the study, 5 were girls and 10 boys. Mean age at surgery was 22 months (range 8–33). Mean follow-up period was 6.8 years. 13 HV were located in the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) and 2 in the thoracic spine.

Results: The average operating time was procedure was 150 minutes (range, 130 to 210 minutes). The average blood loss 180 mL (range, 100 to 330 mL), equivalent to a mean external blood volume loss of 15% (range, 11 to 24%).

Preoperative segmental Cobb angle averaging 34 º at last follow up. Compensatory coronal cranial and caudal curves corrected by 50%. The angle of segmental kyphosis averaged 39º (range, 20º to 80º) before surgery and 21 º (range, 11º to 40º) at last follow up. This represents a 43% of improvement of the segmental kyphosis, and a 64% of improvement of the segmental scoliosis at last followup.

One case with initial kyphosis of 80 º continued to progress and required revision anterior and posterior surgery. There were no neurologic complications.

Key points:

In progressive congenital kyphoisis, early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment are mandatory for a successful result.

Early treatment minimizes the risks of surgery.

Anatomical and physiological pitfalls in the treatment of congenital kyphosis are discussed.

Anterior instrumented fusion of congenital kyphosis provides sagital and coronal correction in very young children with low risk of complications.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 495 - 495
1 Sep 2009
Garrido E Tome F Tucker S Noordeen H Morley T
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Study Design: Retrospective study with clinical and radiological evaluation of 29 patients with congenital scoliosis who underwent 31 short segment anterior instrumented fusions of lateral hemivertebrae.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early surgical anterior instrumented fusion with partial preservation of the HV in the treatment of progressive congenital scoliosis in children below the age of 6.

Summary of background data: A variety of treatments have been described in the literature for the treatment of HV. We report the results of a novel technique.

Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 2005, 29 consecutive patients with 31 lateral HV and progressive scoliosis underwent short segment anterior instrumentation and fusion with preservation of the HV. Mean age at surgery was 2.9 years. Mean follow-up period was 6.3 years.

Results: Preoperative segmental Cobb angle averaging 39°, was corrected to 150 after surgery, being 15º at the last follow up (60% of improvement). Compensatory cranial and caudal curves corrected by approximately 50% and did not change significantly on follow up. The angle of segmental kyphosis averaged 13º before surgery, 12º after surgery, and 12° at follow up. There was 2 wound infection requiring surgical debridment, 1 intraoperative fracture of the vertebral body and 1 case lost correction due to implant failure. All went on to stable bony union. There were no neurologic complications.

Conclusions: Early diagnosis and early and aggressive surgical treatment are mandatory for a successful treatment of congenital scoliosis and to prevent the development of secondary compensatory deformities. Anterior instrumentation is a safe and effective technique capable of transmitting a high amount of convex compression allowing short segment fusion which is of great importance in the growing spine


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 488 - 488
1 Sep 2009
Altaf F Bhadra A Raman A Tucker S Noordeen H
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The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcome and efficacy of the X-Stop™ interspinous implant.

67 patients (36 male, 31 female) with mean age of 62.4 years (range 50–94 years) and radiologically proven lumbar stenosis, underwent X-Stop™ implantation during the period of June 2004 to June 2007. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3, 6 and 12 months using the Back and Sciatica Questionnaire, the Oswestry Disability and the SF12 questionnaire. Patient’s satisfaction was assessed in each visit. Minimum follow up 2 years in 45 patients and 1 year in 22 patients.

70% had significant improvement in the walking distance following the operation.

With the Back and Sciatica Questionnaire the average preoperative VAS of back and leg pain was 7.1 and 6.7 and improved to 2.5 and 2.6 postoperatively.

86% patient had improvement in their ODI score by 14% and more with average pre and postoperative score 44% (range18%–84%) and 15.8% (range 0%–61%) respectively.

With the SF12 questionnaire 68% patients had significant improvement in physical score and 77% in the mental score. Complications included five superficial wound infections and one wound haematoma. One patient required revision surgery.

This new surgical technique for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, is simple and effective with minimum complications.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 488 - 488
1 Sep 2009
Altaf F Garrido E Raman A Noordeen H
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We describe the clinical results of a new technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation.

14 patients aged between 10 and 17 years were included in this study. 7 were males and 7 females. Each of the patients had high activity levels and suffered from significant back pain without radicular symptoms or signs. All patients had undergone at least 12 months of activity modification, a trial of bracing and physical therapy before surgical options were discussed. None of the patients had spondylolisthesis. Definitive pseudo-arthrosis and fracture were confirmed via computerize tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in every patient to assess the adjacent disc spaces which demonstrated normal signal intensity. The pars defect was at L5 in all 14 patients.

A midline incision was used for surgery. The pars intercularis defect was exposed and filled with autolo-gous iliac crest bone graft prior to screw insertion. After screw insertion, a link was contoured to fit, and placed just caudal to the spinous process, deep to the interspinous ligament of the affected level, and attached to each pedicle screw. There was early mobilization post-operatively without a brace.

The average inpatient stay was 3 days. Post-operative complications included 1 superficial wound haematoma. Follow-up was at 6 weeks, 6 months and at 1 year. At the latest follow-up, visual analogue scores ranged between 0 and 4 for all patients, indicating excellent overall pain control. Functional assessments for all patients via the modified Oswestry scores were 0% to 13%, indicating a good overall functional result. All patients had radiographs at follow-up which showed fusion rates of 80% in those patients followed up for 1 year.

This new technique for direct pars repair demonstrates high fusion rates in addition provides the possible benefits of maintaining adjacent level motion. Clinically this group had good-to excellent functional outcomes as indicated by visual analogue scales and the Oswestry Disability Index.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 228 - 228
1 May 2006
Ember T Noordeen H
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Background: To assess whether modern instrumentation systems are biomechanically strong enough to allow instrumented fusion to pelvis on the concavity of the major curve only and if this confers a significant advantage with respect to complications rates and disadvantages with respect to correction achieved and fusion rates.

Methods: A retrospective review from the notes and radiographs of blood loss, operation time, complication rates, degree of correction and fusion rates. Comparisons drawn with neuromuscular curves of similar aetiology treated by same surgeon using more traditional two rod fusion techniques. Subjects were high risk children with progressive neuromuscular scoliosis of varying aetiology requiring stabilisation. (7 cases to date) We compared operation times, blood loss, complication rates, degree of correction and fusion rates with standard segmental fusion techniques in a similar cohort of children. Basic statistical analysis only required to compare the two groups (Analysis of Variance (ANOV A) and Chi squared tests)

Results: Mean operation times, blood loss and complication rates of this small cohort were lower than the control group. No implant failure to date with longest follow-up now approaching two years.

Conclusion: We hope to open a debate as to whether there is a place for this more limited fusion technique in an effort to minimise the complication rates in these highly challenging children