The August 2024 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Laminectomy adjacent to instrumented fusion increases adjacent segment disease; Influence of the timing of surgery for cervical spinal cord injury without bone injury in the elderly: a retrospective multicentre study; Lumbar vertebral body tethering: single-centre outcomes and reoperations in a consecutive series of 106 patients; Machine-learning algorithms for predicting Cobb angle beyond 25° in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients; Pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Teriparatide prevents surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.
The June 2024 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Intraoperative navigation increases the projected lifetime cancer risk in patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Intrawound vancomycin powder reduces delayed deep surgical site infections following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Characterizing negative online reviews of spine surgeons; Proximal junctional failure after surgical instrumentation in adult spinal deformity: biomechanical assessment of proximal instrumentation stiffness; Nutritional supplementation and wound healing: a randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after growth-friendly treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) between patients with skeletal dysplasias versus those with other syndromes. We retrospectively identified 20 patients with skeletal dysplasias and 292 with other syndromes (control group) who had completed surgical growth-friendly EOS treatment between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2018. We compared radiological parameters, complications, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at mean follow-up of 8.6 years (SD 3.3) in the dysplasia group and 6.6 years (SD 2.6) in the control group.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate whether anterior pelvic plane-pelvic tilt (APP-PT) is associated with distinct hip pathomorphologies. We asked: is there a difference in APP-PT between young symptomatic patients being evaluated for joint preservation surgery and an asymptomatic control group? Does APP-PT vary among distinct acetabular and femoral pathomorphologies? And does APP-PT differ in symptomatic hips based on demographic factors? This was an institutional review board-approved, single-centre, retrospective, case-control, comparative study, which included 388 symptomatic hips in 357 patients who presented to our tertiary centre for joint preservation between January 2011 and December 2015. Their mean age was 26 years (SD 2; 23 to 29) and 50% were female. They were allocated to 12 different morphological subgroups. The study group was compared with a control group of 20 asymptomatic hips in 20 patients. APP-PT was assessed in all patients based on supine anteroposterior pelvic radiographs using validated HipRecon software. Values in the two groups were compared using an independent-samples Aims
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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
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
Both anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA and rTSA) provide functional improvements. A reported benefit of aTSA is better range of motion (ROM). However, it is not clear which procedure provides better outcomes in patients with limited foward elevation (FE). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of aTSA and rTSA in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), an intact rotator cuff, and limited FE. This was a retrospective review of a single institution’s prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database for TSAs undertaken between 2007 and 2020. A total of 344 aTSAs and 163 rTSAs, which were performed in patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with a minimum follow-up of two years, were included. Using the definition of preoperative stiffness as passive FE ≤ 105°, three cohorts were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: stiff aTSAs (85) to non-stiff aTSAs (85); stiff rTSAs (74) to non-stiff rTSAs (74); and stiff rTSAs (64) to stiff aTSAs (64). We the compared ROMs, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates.Aims
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To determine whether side-bending films in scoliosis are assessed for adequacy in clinical practice; and to introduce a novel method for doing so. Six surgeons and eight radiographers were invited to participate in four online surveys. The generic survey comprised erect and left and right bending radiographs of eight individuals with scoliosis, with an average age of 14.6 years. Respondents were asked to indicate whether each bending film was optimal (adequate) or suboptimal. In the first survey, they were also asked if they currently assessed the adequacy of bending films. A similar second survey was sent out two weeks later, using the same eight cases but in a different order. In the third survey, a guide for assessing bending film adequacy was attached along with the radiographs to introduce the novel T1-45B method, in which the upper endplate of T1 must tilt ≥ 45° from baseline for the study to be considered optimal. A fourth and final survey was subsequently conducted for confirmation.Aims
Methods
The August 2023 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Changes in paraspinal muscles correspond to the severity of degeneration in patients with lumbar stenosis; Steroid injections are not effective in the prevention of surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy; A higher screw density is associated with fewer mechanical complications after surgery for adult spinal deformity; Methylprednisolone following minimally invasive lumbar decompression: a large prospective single-institution study; Occupancy rate of pedicle screw below 80% is a risk factor for upper instrumented vertebral fracture following adult spinal deformity surgery; Deterioration after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy: an observational study from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network.
The aim of this study was to report the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the spine, and to analyze the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS). We included 28 patients with multiple LCH involving the spine treated between January 2009 and August 2021. Kaplan-Meier methods were applied to estimate overall survival (OS) and PFS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with PFS.Aims
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To determine the major risk factors for unplanned reoperations (UROs) following corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and their interactions, using machine learning-based prediction algorithms and game theory. Patients who underwent surgery for ASD, with a minimum of two-year follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 210 patients were included and randomly allocated into training (70% of the sample size) and test (the remaining 30%) sets to develop the machine learning algorithm. Risk factors were included in the analysis, along with clinical characteristics and parameters acquired through diagnostic radiology.Aims
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The April 2023 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy versus microendoscopic discectomy; Spine surgical site infections: a single debridement is not enough; Lenke type 5, anterior, or posterior: systematic review and meta-analysis; Epidural steroid injections and postoperative infection in lumbar decompression or fusion; Noninferiority of posterior cervical foraminotomy versus anterior cervical discectomy; Identifying delays to surgical treatment for metastatic disease; Cervical disc replacement and adjacent segment disease: the NECK trial; Predicting complication in adult spine deformity surgery.
The optimal procedure for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) with posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PTLF) for the surgical management of patients with this condition. Between July 2017 and July 2019, 40 patients with cervical OPLL were equally randomized to undergo surgery with an ACOE or a PTLF. The clinical and radiological results were compared between the two groups.Aims
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The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of instrumentation failure (IF) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), and to analyze risk factors for IF. The medical records from 136 patients (65 male, 71 female) with a mean age of 52.7 years (14 to 80) who underwent TES were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 101 months (36 to 232). Analyzed factors included incidence of IF, age, sex, BMI, history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, tumour histology (primary or metastasis; benign or malignant), surgical approach (posterior or combined), tumour location (thoracic or lumbar; junctional or non-junctional), number of resected vertebrae (single or multilevel), anterior resection line (disc-to-disc or intravertebra), type of bone graft (autograft or frozen autograft), cage subsidence (CS), and local alignment (LA). A survival analysis of the instrumentation was performed, and relationships between IF and other factors were investigated using the Cox regression model.Aims
Methods
The December 2022 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360. looks at: Immobilization of torus fractures of the wrist in children (FORCE): a randomized controlled equivalence trial in the UK; Minimally invasive method in treatment of idiopathic congenital vertical talus: recurrence is uncommon; “You’re O.K. Anaesthesia”: closed reduction of displaced paediatric forearm and wrist fractures in the office without anaesthesia; Trunk range of motion and patient outcomes after anterior vertebral body tethering versus posterior spinal fusion: comparison using computerized 3D motion capture technology; Selective dorsal rhizotomy for individuals with spastic cerebral palsy; Scheuermann’s
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of cervical disc herniation influences the severity of symptoms at the time of presentation, and the outcome after surgical treatment. The type and extent of disc herniation at the time of presentation in 108 patients who underwent anterior discectomy for cervical radiculopathy were analyzed on MRI, using a four-point scale. These were dichotomized into disc bulge and disc herniation groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in the neck and arm at baseline and two years postoperatively. The perceived recovery was also assessed at this time.Aims
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Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD. ASD patients with two-year data were included. Complications were categorized as follows: any complication, major, medical, surgical, major mechanical, major radiological, and reoperation. Modifiable risk factors included smoking, obesity, osteoporosis, alcohol use, depression, psychiatric diagnosis, and hypertension. Patients were stratified by the degree of baseline deformity (low degree of deformity (LowDef)/high degree of deformity (HighDef): below or above 20°) and age (Older/Younger: above or below 65 years). Complication rates were compared for modifiable risk factors in each age/deformity group, using multivariable logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounders.Aims
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The aim of this study was to assess the ability of morphological spinal parameters to predict the outcome of bracing in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to establish a novel supine correction index (SCI) for guiding bracing treatment. Patients with AIS to be treated by bracing were prospectively recruited between December 2016 and 2018, and were followed until brace removal. In all, 207 patients with a mean age at recruitment of 12.8 years (SD 1.2) were enrolled. Cobb angles, supine flexibility, and the rate of in-brace correction were measured and used to predict curve progression at the end of follow-up. The SCI was defined as the ratio between correction rate and flexibility. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to assess the optimal thresholds for flexibility, correction rate, and SCI in predicting a higher risk of progression, defined by a change in Cobb angle of ≥ 5° or the need for surgery.Aims
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The aim of this study was to review the current evidence surrounding curve type and morphology on curve progression risk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A comprehensive search was conducted by two independent reviewers on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science to obtain all published information on morphological predictors of AIS progression. Search items included ‘adolescent idiopathic scoliosis’, ‘progression’, and ‘imaging’. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully defined. Risk of bias of studies was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool, and level of evidence for each predictor was rated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. In all, 6,286 publications were identified with 3,598 being subjected to secondary scrutiny. Ultimately, 26 publications (25 datasets) were included in this review.Aims
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The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS), who had undergone spinal fusion after distraction-based spinal growth modulation using either traditional growing rods (TGRs) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). We undertook a retrospective review of skeletally mature patients who had undergone fusion for an EOS, which had been previously treated using either TGRs or MCGRs. Measured outcomes included sequential coronal T1 to S1 height and major curve (Cobb) angle on plain radiographs and any complications requiring unplanned surgery before final fusion.Aims
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Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion technique to correct scoliosis. It allows correction of scoliosis through growth modulation (GM) by tethering the convex side to allow concave unrestricted growth similar to the hemiepiphysiodesis concept. The other modality is anterior scoliosis correction (ASC) where the tether is able to perform most of the correction immediately where limited growth is expected. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data of 20 patients aged between 9 and 17 years old, (with a 19 female: 1 male ratio) between January 2014 to December 2016 with a mean five-year follow-up (4 to 7).Aims
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To determine the value of scoliosis surgery, it is necessary to evaluate outcomes in domains that matter to patients. Since randomized trials on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are scarce, prospective cohort studies with comparable outcome measures are important. To enhance comparison, a core set of patient-related outcome measures is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of AIS fusion surgery at two-year follow-up using the core outcomes set. AIS patients were systematically enrolled in an institutional registry. In all, 144 AIS patients aged ≤ 25 years undergoing primary surgery (median age 15 years (interquartile range 14 to 17) were included. Patient-reported (condition-specific and health-related quality of life (QoL); functional status; back and leg pain intensity) and clinician-reported outcomes (complications, revision surgery) were recorded. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analyzed using Friedman’s analysis of variance. Clinical relevancy was determined using minimally important changes (Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r), cut-off values for relevant effect on functioning (pain scores) and a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS; Oswestry Disability Index).Aims
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The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their caregivers. Modern modular posterior instrumentation systems allow an effective deformity correction. However, the risks of surgery remain high, and involvement of the family at all stages of decision-making is required in order to balance the risks and anticipated gains of the procedure, and to select those patients who can mostly benefit from spinal correction.
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
Aims. To develop and internally validate a preoperative clinical prediction model for acute adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF) after vertebral augmentation to support preoperative decision-making, named the after vertebral augmentation (AVA) score. Methods. In this prognostic study, a multicentre, retrospective single-level vertebral augmentation cohort of 377 patients from six Japanese hospitals was used to derive an AVF prediction model. Backward stepwise selection (p < 0.05) was used to select preoperative clinical and imaging predictors for acute AVF after vertebral augmentation for up to one month, from 14 predictors. We assigned a score to each selected variable based on the regression coefficient and developed the AVA scoring system. We evaluated sensitivity and specificity for each cut-off, area under the curve (AUC), and calibration as diagnostic performance. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping to correct the optimism. Results. Of the 377 patients used for model derivation, 58 (15%) had an acute AVF postoperatively. The following preoperative measures on multivariable analysis were summarized in the five-point AVA score: intravertebral instability (≥ 5 mm), focal
Aims. This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?. Methods. A total of 45 patients with a thoracic AIS which needed surgical correction and fusion were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT) and low-dose biplanar radiographs both preoperatively and one year after surgery. The following measurements were recorded: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). Rib cage volume (RCV), maximum rib hump, main thoracic curve Cobb angle (MCCA), medial-lateral and anteroposterior diameter, and T4-T12
The outcome following the development of neurological complications after corrective surgery for scoliosis varies from full recovery to a permanent deficit. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and recovery of major neurological deficits in these patients, and to determine the risk factors for non-recovery, at a minimum follow-up of two years. A major neurological deficit was identified in 65 of 8,870 patients who underwent corrective surgery for scoliosis, including eight with complete paraplegia and 57 with incomplete paraplegia. There were 23 male and 42 female patients. Their mean age was 25.0 years (SD 16.3). The aetiology of the scoliosis was idiopathic (n = 6), congenital (n = 23), neuromuscular (n = 11), neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 6), and others (n = 19). Neurological function was determined by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale at a mean follow-up of 45.4 months (SD 17.2). the patients were divided into those with recovery and those with no recovery according to the ASIA scale during follow-up.Aims
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The aim of the study was to compare two methods of calculating pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT), either by using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to determine the bicoxofemoral axis, in patients with unilateral or bilateral primary hip osteoarthritis (OA). PI and PT were measured on standing lateral radiographs of the spine in two groups: 50 patients with unilateral (Group I) and 50 patients with bilateral hip OA (Group II), using the femoral heads or acetabular domes to define the bicoxofemoral axis. Agreement between the methods was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEm). The intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability of the two methods were analyzed on 31 radiographs in both groups to calculate ICC and SEm.Aims
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Aims. To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar
Aims. To report the outcome of spinal deformity correction through anterior spinal fusion in wheelchair-bound patients with myelomeningocele. Methods. We reviewed 12 consecutive patients (7M:5F; mean age 12.4 years (9.2 to 16.8)) including demographic details, spinopelvic parameters, surgical correction, and perioperative data. We assessed the impact of surgery on patient outcomes using the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire and a qualitative questionnaire. Results. The mean follow-up was 5.4 years (2 to 14.9). Nine patients had kyphoscoliosis, two lordoscoliosis, and one
“Get It Right First Time” (GIRFT) and NHS England’s Best Practice Tariff (BPT) have published directives advising that patients over the ages of 65 (GIRFT) and 69 years (BPT) receiving total hip arthroplasty (THA) should receive cemented implants and have brought in financial penalties if this policy is not observed. Despite this, worldwide, uncemented component use has increased, a situation described as a ‘paradox’. GIRFT and BPT do, however, acknowledge more data are required to support this edict with current policies based on the National Joint Registry survivorship and implant costs. This study compares THA outcomes for over 1,000 uncemented Corail/Pinnacle constructs used in all age groups/patient frailty, under one surgeon, with identical pre- and postoperative pathways over a nine-year period with mean follow-up of five years and two months (range: nine months to nine years and nine months). Implant information, survivorship, and regular postoperative Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) were collected and two comparisons undertaken: a comparison of those aged over 65 years with those 65 and under and a second comparison of those aged 70 years and over with those aged under 70.Aims
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To benchmark the radiation dose to patients during the course of treatment for a spinal deformity. Our radiation dose database identified 25,745 exposures of 6,017 children (under 18 years of age) and adults treated for a spinal deformity between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2016. Patients were divided into surgical (974 patients) and non-surgical (5,043 patients) cohorts. We documented the number and doses of ionizing radiation imaging events (radiographs, CT scans, or intraoperative fluoroscopy) for each patient. All the doses for plain radiographs, CT scans, and intraoperative fluoroscopy were combined into a single effective dose by a medical physicist (milliSivert (mSv)).Aims
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The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for adverse events following the surgical correction of cervical spinal deformities in adults. We identified adult patients who underwent corrective cervical spinal surgery between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2015 from the MarketScan database. The baseline comorbidities and characteristics of the operation were recorded. Adverse events were defined as the development of a complication, an unanticipated deleterious postoperative event, or further surgery. Patients aged < 18 years and those with a previous history of tumour or trauma were excluded from the study.Aims
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The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the correction achieved using a convex pedicle screw technique and a low implant density achieved using periapical concave-sided screws and a high implant density. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in outcome between the two techniques. We retrospectively analyzed a series of 51 patients with a thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. There were 26 patients in the convex pedicle screw group who had screws implanted periapically (Group 2) and a control group of 25 patients with bilateral pedicle screws (Group 1). The patients’ charts were reviewed and pre- and postoperative radiographs evaluated. Postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded.Aims
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Spinal deformity surgery carries the risk of neurological injury. Neurophysiological monitoring allows early identification of intraoperative cord injury which enables early intervention resulting in a better prognosis. Although multimodal monitoring is the ideal, resource constraints make surgeon-directed intraoperative transcranial motor evoked potential (TcMEP) monitoring a useful compromise. Our experience using surgeon-directed TcMEP is presented in terms of viability, safety, and efficacy. We carried out a retrospective review of a single surgeon’s prospectively maintained database of cases in which TcMEP monitoring had been used between 2010 and 2017. The upper limbs were used as the control. A true alert was recorded when there was a 50% or more loss of amplitude from the lower limbs with maintained upper limb signals. Patients with true alerts were identified and their case history analyzed.Aims
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High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a disabling disorder for which many different operative techniques have been described. The aim of this study is to evaluate Scoliosis Research Society 22-item (SRS-22r) scores, global balance, and regional spino-pelvic alignment from two to 25 years after surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis using an all-posterior partial reduction, transfixation technique. SRS-22r and full-spine lateral radiographs were collected for the 28 young patients (age 13.4 years (SD 2.6) who underwent surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis in our centre (Scottish National Spinal Deformity Service) between 1995 and 2018. The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 25), and one patient was lost to follow-up. The standard surgical technique was an all-posterior, partial reduction, and S1 to L5 transfixation screw technique without direct decompression. Parameters for segmental (slip percentage, Dubousset’s lumbosacral angle) and regional alignment (pelvic tilt, sacral slope, L5 incidence, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis) and global balance (T1 spino-pelvic inclination) were measured. SRS-22r scores were compared between patients with a balanced and unbalanced pelvis at final follow-up.Aims
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Aims. This study, using a surgeon-maintained database, aimed to explore the risk factors for surgery-related complications in patients undergoing primary cervical spine surgery for degenerative diseases. Methods. We studied 5,015 patients with degenerative cervical diseases who underwent primary cervical spine surgery from 2012 to 2018. We investigated the effects of diseases, surgical procedures, and patient demographics on surgery-related complications. As subcategories, the presence of cervical
Aims. To report the surgical outcome of patients with severe Scheuermann’s
Spinal fusion remains the gold standard in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is gaining widespread interest, despite the limited data on its efficacy. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical efficacy of AVBT in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. All consecutive skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with AVBT enrolled in a longitudinal, multicentre, prospective database between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. All patients were treated by one of two surgeons working at two independent centres. Data were collected prospectively in a multicentre database and supplemented retrospectively where necessary. Patients with a minimum follow-up of two years were included in the analysis. Clinical success was set a priori as a major coronal Cobb angle of < 35° at the most recent follow-up.Aims
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To report the mid-term results of a modified self-growing rod (SGR) technique for the treatment of idiopathic and neuromuscular early-onset scoliosis (EOS). We carried out a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive patients with EOS treated with an SGR construct at a single hospital between September 2008 and December 2014. General demographics and deformity variables (i.e. major Cobb angle, T1 to T12 length, T1 to S1 length, pelvic obliquity, shoulder obliquity, and C7 plumb line) were recorded preoperatively, and postoperatively at yearly follow-up. Complications and revision procedures were also recorded. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of five years after surgery were included.Aims
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Aims. Whether a combined anteroposterior fusion or a posterior-only fusion is more effective in the management of patients with Scheuermann’s
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
Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution. This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of MCGR performed in our institution between 2012 and 2018. This cohort consisted of 44 children (25 females and 19 males), with a mean age of 7.9 years (3.7 to 13.6). There were 41 primary cases and three revisions from other rod systems. The majority (38 children) had dual rods. The group represents a mixed aetiology including idiopathic (20), neuromuscular (13), syndromic (9), and congenital (2). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years, with a minimum of two years. Nine children graduated to definitive fusion. We evaluated radiological parameters of deformity correction (Cobb angle), and spinal growth (T1-T12 and T1-S1 heights), as well as complications during the course of treatment.Aims
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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
Aims. The direct posterior approach with subperiosteal dissection of the paraspinal muscles from the vertebrae is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We investigated whether or not a minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) technique could offer improved results. Methods. Consecutive AIS patients treated with an MIS technique at two tertiary centres from June 2013 to March 2016 were retrospectively included. Preoperative patient deformity characteristics, perioperative parameters, power of deformity correction, and complications were studied. A total of 93 patients were included. The outcome of the first 25 patients and the latter 68 were compared as part of our safety analysis to examine the effect of the learning curve. Results. In the first 25 cases, with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (standard deviation (SD) 0.4), the mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 57.6° (SD 9.8°) and significantly corrected to mean 15.4° (SD 5.6°, 73% curve correction). The mean preoperative T5-T12 was 26.2 (SD 12.8) and significantly increased to mean 32.9 (SD 8.3). Both frontal and sagittal plane correction was conserved two years after surgery. The rate of perioperative complications was 12% and three further complications occurred (three deep delayed infection). In the latter cases, 68 patients were included with a mean follow-up time of three years (SD 0.6). The mean preoperative major Cobb angle was 58.4° (SD 9.2°) and significantly corrected to mean 20.4° (SD 7.3°).The mean preoperative T5-T12
Aims. Severe spinal deformity in growing patients often requires surgical management. We describe the incidence of spinal deformity surgery in a National Health Service. Methods. Descriptive study of prospectively collected data. Clinical data of all patients undergoing surgery for spinal deformity between 2005 and 2018 was collected, compared to the demographics of the national population, and analyzed by underlying aetiology. Results. Our cohort comprised 2,205 patients; this represents an incidence of 14 per 100,000 individuals among the national population aged between zero and 18 years. There was an increase in mean annual incidence of spinal deformity surgery across the study period from 9.6 (7.2 to 11.7) per 100,000 individuals in 2005 to 2008, to 17.9 (16.1 to 21.5) per 100,000 individuals in 2015 to 2018 (p = 0.001). The most common cause of spinal deformity was idiopathic scoliosis accounting for 56.7% of patients. There was an increase in mean incidence of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) (from 4.4 (3.1 to 5.9) to 9.8 (9.1 to 10.8) per 100,000 individuals; p < 0.001), juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) (from 0.2 (0.1 to 0.4) to one (0.5 to 1.3) per 100,000 individuals; p = 0.009), syndromic scoliosis (from 0.7 (0.3 to 0.9) to 1.7 (1.2 to 2.4) per 100,000 individuals; p = 0.044), Scheuermann’s
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
It is uncertain whether instrumented spinal fixation in nonambulatory children with neuromuscular scoliosis should finish at L5 or be extended to the pelvis. Pelvic fixation has been shown to be associated with up to 30% complication rates, but is regarded by some as the standard for correction of deformity in these conditions. The incidence of failure when comparing the most caudal level of instrumentation, either L5 or the pelvis, using all-pedicle screw instrumentation has not previously been reported. In this retrospective study, we compared nonambulatory patients undergoing surgery at two centres: one that routinely instrumented to L5 and the other to the pelvis. In all, 91 nonambulatory patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were included. All underwent surgery using bilateral, segmental, pedicle screw instrumentation. A total of 40 patients underwent fusion to L5 and 51 had their fixation extended to the pelvis. The two groups were assessed for differences in terms of clinical and radiological findings, as well as complications.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and quality-of-life outcomes of children with skeletal dysplasia to those in children with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (EOS) undergoing growth-friendly management. A retrospective review of two prospective multicentre EOS databases identified 33 children with skeletal dysplasia and EOS (major curve ≥ 30°) who were treated with growth-friendly instrumentation at younger than ten years of age, had a minimum two years of postoperative follow-up, and had undergone three or more lengthening procedures. From the same registries, 33 matched controls with idiopathic EOS were identified. A total of 20 children in both groups were treated with growing rods and 13 children were treated with vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) instrumentation.Aims
Patients and Methods
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
There remains confusion in the literature with regard to the spinopelvic relationship, and its contribution to ideal acetabular component position. Critical assessment of the literature has been limited by use of conflicting terminology and definitions of new concepts that further confuse the topic. In 2017, the concept of a Hip-Spine Workgroup was created with the first meeting held at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in 2018. The goal of this workgroup was to first help standardize terminology across the literature so that as a topic, multiple groups could produce literature that is immediately understandable and applicable. This consensus review from the Hip-Spine Workgroup aims to simplify the spinopelvic relationship, offer hip surgeons a concise summary of available literature, and select common terminology approved by both hip surgeons and spine surgeons for future research. Cite this article:
HIV predisposes patients to opportunistic infections. However, with the establishment of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), patients’ CD4 counts are maintained, as is a near normal life expectancy. This study aimed to establish the impact of HIV on the bacteriology of spondylodiscitis in a region in which tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, and to identify factors that might distinguish between them. Between January 2014 and December 2015, 63 consecutive cases of spontaneous spondylodiscitis were identified from a single-centre, prospectively maintained database. Demographics, presenting symptoms, blood results, HIV status, bacteriology, imaging, and procedure undertaken were reviewed and comparisons made of TB, non-TB, and HIV groups. There were 63 patients (22 male, 41 female) with a mean age of 42.0 years (11 to 78; Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of spinal instrumentation in haemodialyzed patients with native pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Spinal instrumentation in these patients can be dangerous due to rates of complications and mortality, and biofilm formation on the instrumentation. A total of 134 haemodialyzed patients aged more than 50 years who underwent surgical treatment for pyogenic spondylodiscitis were included in the study. Their mean age was 66.4 years (50 to 83); 66 were male (49.3%) and 68 were female (50.7%). They were divided into two groups according to whether spinal instrumentation was used or not. Propensity score matching was used to attenuate the potential selection bias. The outcome of treatment was compared between these two groups.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maturity status at the time of surgery on final spinal height in patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using the spine-pelvic index (SPI). The SPI is a self-control ratio that is independent of age and maturity status. The study recruited 152 female patients with a Lenke 1 AIS. The additional inclusion criteria were a thoracic Cobb angle between 45° and 70°, Risser 0 to 1 or 3 to 4 at the time of surgery, and follow-up until 18 years of age or Risser stage 5. The patients were stratified into four groups: Risser 0 to 1 and selective fusion surgery (Group 1), Risser 0 to 1 and non-selective fusion (Group 2), Risser 3 to 4 and selective fusion surgery (Group 3), and Risser 3 to 4 and non-selective fusion (Group 4). The height of spine at follow-up (HOSf) and height of pelvis at follow-up (HOPf) were measured and the predicted HOS (pHOS) was calculated as 2.22 (SPI) × HOPf. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for statistical analysis.Aims
Patients and Methods
Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) systems use non-invasive
spinal lengthening for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis
(EOS). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance
of these devices in the prevention of progression of the deformity.
A secondary aim was to record the rate of complications. An observational study of 31 consecutive children with EOS, of
whom 15 were male, who were treated between December 2011 and October
2017 was undertaken. Their mean age was 7.7 years (2 to 14). The
mean follow-up was 47 months (24 to 69). Distractions were completed
using the tailgating technique. The primary outcome measure was
correction of the radiographic deformity. Secondary outcomes were
growth, functional outcomes and complication rates.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. The surgical treatment of tuberculosis (TB) of the spine consists
of debridement and reconstruction of the anterior column. Loss of
correction is the most significant challenge. Our aim was to report
the outcome of single-stage posterior surgery using bone allografts
in the management of this condition. Patients and Methods. The study involved 24 patients with thoracolumbar TB who underwent
single-stage posterior spinal surgery with a cortical bone allograft
for anterior column reconstruction and posterior instrumentation
between 2008 and 2015. A unilateral approach was used for 21 patients
with active TB, and a bilateral approach with decompression and closing-opening
wedge osteotomy was used for three patients with healed TB. Results. A median of 1.25 vertebrae were removed (interquartile range
(IQR) 1 to 1.75) and the median number of levels that were instrumented
was five (IQR 3 to 6). The median operating time was 280 minutes
(IQR 230 to 315) and the median blood loss was 700 ml (IQR 350 to
900). The median postoperative
There is little information about the optimum number of implants
to be used in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Retrospective
analysis of prospectively collected data from the Swedish spine
register was undertaken to discover whether more implants per operated
vertebra (implant density) leads to a better outcome in the treatment of
idiopathic scoliosis. The hypothesis was that implant density is
not associated with patient-reported outcomes, the correction of
the curve or the rate of reoperation. A total of 328 patients with idiopathic scoliosis, aged between
ten and 20 years at the time of surgery, were identified in the
Swedish spine register (Swespine) and had patient reported outcomes
including the Scoliosis Research Society 22r instrument (SRS-22r)
score, EuroQol 5 dimensions quality of life, 3 level (EQ-5D-3L)
score and a Viual Analogue Score (VAS) for back pain, at a mean
follow-up of 3.1 years and reoperation data at a mean follow-up
of 5.5 years. Implant data and the correction of the curve were
assessed from radiographs, preoperatively and a mean of 1.9 years
postoperatively. The patients were divided into tertiles based on
implant density. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance, logistic
regression or log-rank test. Some analyses were adjusted for gender,
age at the time of surgery, the flexibility of the major curve and
follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgery
using growing rods in patients with severe A review of a multicentre EOS database identified 107 children
with severe EOS (major curve ≥ 90°) treated with growing rods before
the age of ten years with a minimum follow-up of two years and three
or more lengthening procedures. From the same database, 107 matched
controls with moderate EOS were identified.Aims
Patients and Methods
Tuberculosis (TB) remains endemic in many parts
of the developing world and is increasingly seen in the developed world
due to migration. A total of 1.3 million people die annually from
the disease. Spinal TB is the most common musculoskeletal manifestation,
affecting about 1 to 2% of all cases of TB. The coexistence of HIV,
which is endemic in some regions, adds to the burden and the complexity
of management. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical presentation,
diagnosis, impact of HIV and both the medical and surgical options
in the management of spinal TB. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic
outcomes of microendoscopic laminotomy in patients with lumbar stenosis
and concurrent degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), and to determine
the effect of this procedure on spinal stability. A total of 304 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar
DS with concomitant stenosis underwent microendoscopic laminotomy
without fusion between January 2004 and December 2010. Patients
were divided into two groups, those with and without advanced DS
based on the degree of spondylolisthesis and dynamic instability. A
total of 242 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 101
men and 141 women. Their mean age was 68.1 years (46 to 85). Outcome
was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Roland
Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, a visual analogue score
for pain and the Short Form Health-36 score. The radiographic outcome
was assessed by measuring the slip and the disc height. The clinical
and radiographic parameters were evaluated at a mean follow-up of
4.6 years (3 to 7.5).Aims
Patients and Methods
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex
3D deformity of the spine. Its prevalence is between 2% and 3% in the
general population, with almost 10% of patients requiring some form
of treatment and up to 0.1% undergoing surgery. The cosmetic aspect
of the deformity is the biggest concern to the patient and is often
accompanied by psychosocial distress. In addition, severe curves
can cause cardiopulmonary distress. With proven benefits from surgery,
the aims of treatment are to improve the cosmetic and functional
outcomes. Obtaining correction in the coronal plane is not the only
important endpoint anymore. With better understanding of spinal
biomechanics and the long-term effects of multiplanar imbalance,
we now know that sagittal balance is equally, if not more, important.
Better correction of deformities has also been facilitated by an
improvement in the design of implants and a better understanding
of metallurgy. Understanding the unique character of each deformity
is important. In addition, using the most appropriate implant and
applying all the principles of correction in a bespoke manner is important
to achieve optimum correction. In this article, we review the current concepts in AIS surgery. Cite this article:
Aims. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance
and safety of magnetically controlled growth rods in the treatment
of early onset scoliosis. Secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical
outcome, the rate of further surgery, the rate of complications,
and the durability of correction. Patients and Methods. We undertook an observational prospective cohort study of children
with early onset scoliosis, who were recruited over a one-year period
and followed up for a minimum of two years. Magnetically controlled
rods were introduced in a standardized manner with distractions
performed three-monthly thereafter. Adverse events which were both related
and unrelated to the device were recorded. Ten children, for whom
relevant key data points (such as demographic information, growth
parameters, Cobb angles, and functional outcomes) were available,
were recruited and followed up over the period of the study. There
were five boys and five girls. Their mean age was 6.2 years (2.5
to 10). Results. The mean coronal Cobb angle improved from 57.6° (40° to 81°)
preoperatively, 32.8° (28° to 46°) postoperatively, and 41° (19°
to 57°) at two years. Five children had an adverse event, with four
requiring return to theatre, but none were related to the device.
There were no neurological complications or infections. No devices
failed. One child developed a proximal junctional
The aim of this study was to evaluate improvements in the quality
and safety of paediatric spinal surgery following the implementation
of a specialist Paediatric Spinal Surgical Team (PSST) in the operating
theatre. A retrospective consecutive case study of paediatric spinal operations
before (between January 2008 and December 2009), and after (between
January 2012 and December 2013) the implementation of PSST, was
performed. A comparative analysis of outcome variables including
surgical site infection (SSI), operating time (ORT), blood loss (BL),
length of stay (LOS), unplanned staged procedures (USP) and transfusion
rates (allogenic and cell-saver) was performed between the two groups.
The rate of complications during the first two postoperative years
was also compared between the groups.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to report a retrospective, consecutive
series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who
were treated with posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with
a mean follow-up of two years ( We prospectively collected the data of 70 consecutive patients
with AIS treated with MIS using three incisions and a muscle-splitting
approach by a single surgeon between June 2013 and February 2016
and these were retrospectively reviewed. There were eight male and
62 female patients with a mean age of 15 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. To address the natural history of severe post-tuberculous (TB)
kyphosis, with focus upon the long-term neurological outcome, occurrence
of restrictive lung disease, and the effect on life expectancy. . Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective clinical review of prospectively collected
imaging data based at a single institute. A total of 24 patients
of Southern Chinese origin who presented with spinal TB with a mean
of 113° of
The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of
inherited lysosomal storage disorders with clinical manifestations relevant
to the orthopaedic surgeon. Our aim was to review the recent advances
in their management and the implications for surgical practice. The current literature about MPSs is summarised, emphasising
orthopaedic complications and their management. Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of MPSs include
the recognition of slowly progressive, late presenting subtypes,
developments in life-prolonging systemic treatment and potentially
new indications for surgical treatment. The outcomes of surgery
in these patients are not yet validated and some procedures have
a high rate of complications which differ from those in patients
who do not have a MPS. The diagnosis of a MPS should be considered in adolescents or
young adults with a previously unrecognised dysplasia of the hip.
Surgeons treating patients with a MPS should report their experience
and studies should include the assessment of function and quality
of life to guide treatment. Cite this article:
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
The objective of this study was to assess the association between whole body sagittal balance and risk of falls in elderly patients who have sought treatment for back pain. Balanced spinal sagittal alignment is known to be important for the prevention of falls. However, spinal sagittal imbalance can be markedly compensated by the lower extremities, and whole body sagittal balance including the lower extremities should be assessed to evaluate actual imbalances related to falls. Patients over 70 years old who visited an outpatient clinic for back pain treatment and underwent a standing whole-body radiograph were enrolled. Falls were prospectively assessed for 12 months using a monthly fall diary, and patients were divided into fallers and non-fallers according to the history of falls. Radiological parameters from whole-body radiographs and clinical data were compared between the two groups.Objectives
Methods
Posterior tilt of the pelvis with sitting provides biological
acetabular opening. Our goal was to study the post-operative interaction
of skeletal mobility and sagittal acetabular component position. This was a radiographic study of 160 hips (151 patients) who
prospectively had lateral spinopelvic hip radiographs for skeletal
and implant measurements. Intra-operative acetabular component position
was determined according to the pre-operative spinal mobility. Sagittal
implant measurements of ante-inclination and sacral acetabular angle were
used as surrogate measurements for the risk of impingement, and
intra-operative acetabular component angles were compared with these.Aims
Materials and Methods
We present a case series of five patients who had revision surgery
following magnetic controlled growing rods (MGCR) for early onset
scoliosis. Metallosis was found during revision in four out of five
patients and we postulated a mechanism for rod failure based on
retrieval analysis. Retrieval analysis was performed on the seven explanted rods.
The mean duration of MCGR from implantation to revision was 35 months
(17 to 46). The mean age at revision was 12 years (7 to 15; four
boys, one girl).Aims
Patients and Methods
To determine the normal values and usefulness of the C1/4 space
available for spinal cord (SAC) ratio and C1 inclination angle,
which are new radiological parameters for assessing atlantoaxial
instability in children with Down syndrome. We recruited 272 children with Down syndrome (including 14 who
underwent surgical treatment), and 141 children in the control group.
All were aged between two and 11 years. The C1/4 SAC ratio, C1 inclination
angle, atlas-dens interval (ADI), and SAC were measured in those
with Down syndrome, and the C1/4 SAC ratio and C1 inclination angle
were measured in the control group.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) develop deposits in the spine
which may lead to vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Our aim
was to establish which spinopelvic parameters are associated with
the greatest disability in patients with spinal myeloma and VCFs. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional review of 148 consecutive
patients (87 male, 61 female) with spinal myeloma and analysed correlations
between spinopelvic parameters and patient-reported outcome scores.
The mean age of the patients was 65.5 years (37 to 91) and the mean
number of vertebrae involved was 3.7 (1 to 15). Results. The thoracolumbar region was most commonly affected (109 patients,
73.6%), and was the site of most posterior vertebral wall defects
(47 patients, 31.8%). Poorer Oswestry Disability Index scores correlated
with an increased sagittal vertical axis (p = 0.006), an increased
number of VCFs (p = 0.035) and sternal involvement (p = 0.012).
Poorer EuroQol visual analogue scale scores correlated with posterior
vertebral wall defects in the thoracolumbar region (p = 0.012).
The sagittal vertical axis increased with the number of fractures
and
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
There is a paucity of information on the pre-operative coronal
imbalance in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and
its influence on surgical outcomes. A total of 284 DLS patients were recruited into this study, among
whom 69 patients were treated surgically and the remaining 215 patients
conservatively Patients were classified based on the coronal balance
distance (CBD): Type A, CBD <
3 cm; Type B, CBD >
3 cm and C7
Plumb Line (C7PL) shifted to the concave side of the curve; Type
C, CBD >
3 cm and C7PL shifted to the convex side.Aims
Patients and Methods
Loosening of pedicle screws is a major complication of posterior
spinal stabilisation, especially in the osteoporotic spine. Our
aim was to evaluate the effect of cement augmentation compared with
extended dorsal instrumentation on the stability of posterior spinal
fixation. A total of 12 osteoporotic human cadaveric spines (T11-L3) were
randomised by bone mineral density into two groups and instrumented
with pedicle screws: group I (SHORT) separated T12 or L2 and group
II (EXTENDED) specimen consisting of T11/12 to L2/3. Screws were
augmented with cement unilaterally in each vertebra. Fatigue testing
was performed using a cranial-caudal sinusoidal, cyclic (1.0 Hz)
load with stepwise increasing peak force.Aims
Materials and Methods
The aims of our study were to provide long-term information on
the behaviour of the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve after thoracic
anterior correction and fusion (ASF) and to determine the impact
of ASF on pulmonary function. A total of 41 patients (four males, 37 females) with main thoracic
(MT) adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with ASF were
included. Mean age at surgery was 15.2 years (11 to 27). Mean follow-up
period was 13.5 years (10 to 18).Aims
Patients and Methods
Aim. Many aspects of the surgical treatment of patients with tuberculosis
(TB) of the spine, including the use of instrumentation and the
types of graft, remain controversial. Our aim was to report the
outcome of a single-stage posterior procedure, with or without posterior
decompression, in this group of patients. Patients and Methods. Between 2001 and 2010, 51 patients with a mean age of 62.5 years
(39 to 86) underwent long posterior instrumentation and short posterior
or posterolateral fusion for TB of the thoracic and lumbar spines,
followed by anti-TB chemotherapy for 12 months. No anterior debridement
of the necrotic tissue was undertaken. Posterior decompression with
laminectomy was carried out for the 30 patients with a neurological
deficit. Results. The mean kyphotic angle improved from 26.1° (- 1.8° to 62°) to
15.2° (-25° to 51°) immediately after the operation. At a mean follow-up
of 68.8 months (30 to 144) the mean kyphotic angle was 16.9° (-22°
to 54°), with a mean loss of correction of 1.6° (0° to 10°). There
was a mean improvement in neurological status of 1.2 Frankel grades
in those with a neurological deficit. Bony union was achieved in
all patients, without recurrent infection. Conclusions. Long posterior instrumentation with short posterior or posterolateral
fusion is effective in the treatment of TB spine. It controls infection,
corrects the
Pedicle-lengthening osteotomy is a novel surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which achieves substantial enlargement of the spinal canal by expansion of the bilateral pedicle osteotomy sites. Few studies have evaluated the impact of this new surgery on spinal canal volume (SCV) and neural foramen dimension (NFD) in three different types of LSS patients. CT scans were performed on 36 LSS patients (12 central canal stenosis (CCS), 12 lateral recess stenosis (LRS), and 12 foraminal stenosis (FS)) at L4-L5, and on 12 normal (control) subjects. Mimics 14.01 workstation was used to reconstruct 3D models of the L4-L5 vertebrae and discs. SCV and NFD were measured after 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm pedicle-lengthening osteotomies at L4 and/or L5. One-way analysis of variance was used to examine between-group differences.Objectives
Methods
