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Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 13, Issue 4 | Pages 29 - 31
2 Aug 2024

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 13, Issue 3 | Pages 35 - 36
3 Jun 2024

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 Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 6 | Pages 596 - 602
1 Jun 2024
Saarinen AJ Sponseller P Thompson GH White KK Emans J Cahill PJ Hwang S Helenius I

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 5 Supple B | Pages 3 - 10
1 May 2024
Heimann AF Murmann V Schwab JM Tannast M

Aims

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?

Methods

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 t-test. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influences of diagnoses and demographic factors on APP-PT. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for APP-PT was defined as > 1 SD.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 3 | Pages 243 - 251
25 Mar 2024
Wan HS Wong DLL To CS Meng N Zhang T Cheung JPY

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 kyphosis and wedging as predictors. Cumulative reconstruction of radiographs improves prediction accuracy. Comprehensive analysis between progressive and non-progressive curves is recommended to extract meaningful thresholds for clinical prognostication. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):243–251


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 1 | Pages 19 - 27
1 Jan 2024
Tang H Guo S Ma Z Wang S Zhou Y

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 kyphosis to classify patients into types A, B1, B2, B3, and C. The change of pelvic tilt was predicted according to the normal range of SVA (0 mm to 50 mm) for types A, B1, B2, and B3, and based on the absolute value of one-third of the PI-LL mismatch for type C patients. The reliability of the classification of the patients and the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt were assessed using kappa values and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), respectively. Validity was assessed using the overall mean error and mean absolute error (MAE) for the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt. Results. The kappa values were 0.927 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.861 to 0.992) and 0.945 (95% CI 0.903 to 0.988) for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities, respectively, and the ICCs ranged from 0.919 to 0.997. The overall mean error and MAE for the prediction of the change of pelvic tilt were -0.3° (SD 3.6°) and 2.8° (SD 2.4°), respectively. The overall absolute change of pelvic tilt was 5.0° (SD 4.1°). Pre- and postoperative values and changes in pelvic tilt, SVA, SS, and LL varied significantly among the five types of patient. Conclusion. We found that the proposed algorithm was reliable and valid for predicting the standing pelvic tilt after THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(1):19–27


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 1 | Pages 3 - 5
1 Jan 2024
Fontalis A Haddad FS


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1303 - 1313
1 Dec 2023
Trammell AP Hao KA Hones KM Wright JO Wright TW Vasilopoulos T Schoch BS King JJ

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 4, Issue 9 | Pages 689 - 695
7 Sep 2023
Lim KBL Lee NKL Yeo BS Lim VMM Ng SWL Mishra N

Aims

To determine whether side-bending films in scoliosis are assessed for adequacy in clinical practice; and to introduce a novel method for doing so.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 12, Issue 4 | Pages 30 - 32
1 Aug 2023

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 Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 6 | Pages 679 - 687
1 Jun 2023
Lou Y Zhao C Cao H Yan B Chen D Jia Q Li L Xiao J

Aims

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).

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 4 | Pages 245 - 255
3 Apr 2023
Ryu S So J Ha Y Kuh S Chin D Kim K Cho Y Kim K

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 12, Issue 2 | Pages 31 - 34
1 Apr 2023

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.


Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 2 | Pages 172 - 179
1 Feb 2023
Shimizu T Kato S Demura S Shinmura K Yokogawa N Kurokawa Y Yoshioka K Murakami H Kawahara N Tsuchiya H

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 11, Issue 6 | Pages 42 - 45
1 Dec 2022

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 kyphosis and posterior spinal fusion; All-pedicle-screw constructs in skeletally immature patients with severe idiopathic early-onset scoliosis; Proximal femoral screw hemiepiphysiodesis in children with cerebral palsy


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1242 - 1248
1 Nov 2022
Yang X Arts MP Bartels RHMA Vleggeert-Lankamp CLA

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1249 - 1255
1 Nov 2022
Williamson TK Passfall L Ihejirika-Lomedico R Espinosa A Owusu-Sarpong S Lanre-Amos T Schoenfeld AJ Passias PG

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 11, Issue 4 | Pages 41 - 42
1 Aug 2022


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 11, Issue 4 | Pages 29 - 32
1 Aug 2022


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 4 | Pages 495 - 503
1 Apr 2022
Wong LPK Cheung PWH Cheung JPY

Aims

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.

Methods

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

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).

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 2 | Pages 257 - 264
1 Feb 2022
Tahir M Mehta D Sandhu C Jones M Gardner A Mehta JS

Aims

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).

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 2 | Pages 123 - 129
1 Feb 2022
Bernard J Bishop T Herzog J Haleem S Lupu C Ajayi B Lui DF

Aims

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.

Methods

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).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 2 | Pages 265 - 273
1 Feb 2022
Mens RH Bisseling P de Kleuver M van Hooff ML

Aims

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.

Methods

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).


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 1 | Pages 85 - 92
27 Jan 2022
Loughenbury PR Tsirikos AI

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.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 1 | Pages 77 - 84
24 Jan 2022
Onishi E Ota S Fujita S Tsukamoto Y Yamashita S Hashimura T Matsunaga K Yasuda T

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 kyphosis angle (TK), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), and PI-LL. Results. The HOA group showed higher Sharp angles compared with the RDC group. PT and PI-LL were higher in the RDC group than the HOA group. SS and LL were lower in the RDC group than the HOA group. No difference was found in PI, SVA, or TK between the groups. Femoral head collapse ratio was associated with PT, SS, SVA, LL, and PI-LL. A PI-LL > 20° and a PT > 30° correlated with greater extent of femoral head destruction by RDC. From regression analysis, SS and SVA were significantly associated with the femoral head collapse ratio within 12 months after disease onset. Conclusion. Compared with HOA, RDC in the early stage correlated with sagittal spinopelvic malalignment. SS and SVA may partially contribute to the extent of femoral head destruction by RDC within 12 months after the onset of hip pain. The present study indicates a potential role of SSPA assessment in identification of RDC patients at risk for subsequent bone destruction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):77–84


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 1 | Pages 97 - 102
1 Jan 2022
Hijikata Y Kamitani T Nakahara M Kumamoto S Sakai T Itaya T Yamazaki H Ogawa Y Kusumegi A Inoue T Yoshida T Furue N Fukuhara S Yamamoto Y

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 kyphosis (≥ 10°), duration of symptoms (≥ 30 days), intravertebral cleft, and previous history of vertebral fracture. Internal validation showed a mean optimism of 0.019 with a corrected AUC of 0.77. A cut-off of ≤ one point was chosen to classify a low risk of AVF, for which only four of 137 patients (3%) had AVF with 92.5% sensitivity and 45.6% specificity. A cut-off of ≥ four points was chosen to classify a high risk of AVF, for which 22 of 38 (58%) had AVF with 41.5% sensitivity and 94.5% specificity. Conclusion. In this study, the AVA score was found to be a simple preoperative method for the identification of patients at low and high risk of postoperative acute AVF. This model could be applied to individual patients and could aid in the decision-making before vertebral augmentation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):97–102


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 1 | Pages 112 - 119
1 Jan 2022
Pietton R Bouloussa H Langlais T Taytard J Beydon N Skalli W Vergari C Vialle R

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 kyphosis were calculated from 3D reconstructions of the biplanar radiographs. Results. All spinal and thoracic measurements improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.001). RCV increased from 4.9 l (SD 1) preoperatively to 5.3 l (SD 0.9) (p < 0.001) while TLC increased from 4.1 l (SD 0.9) preoperatively to 4.3 l (SD 0.8) (p < 0.001). RCV was correlated with all functional indexes before and after correction of the deformity. Improvement in RCV was weakly correlated with correction of the mean thoracic Cobb angle (p = 0.006). The difference in TLC was significantly correlated with changes in RCV (p = 0.041). It was possible to predict postoperative TLC from the postoperative RCV. Conclusion. 3D rib cage assessment from biplanar radiographs could be a minimally invasive method of estimating pulmonary function before and after spinal fusion in patients with an AIS. The 3D RCV reflects virtual chest capacity and hence pulmonary function in this group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):112–119


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 1 | Pages 103 - 111
1 Jan 2022
Li J Hu Z Qian Z Tang Z Qiu Y Zhu Z Liu Z

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 10, Issue 5 | Pages 32 - 35
1 Oct 2021


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1345 - 1350
1 Aug 2021
Czubak-Wrzosek M Nitek Z Sztwiertnia P Czubak J Grzelecki D Kowalczewski J Tyrakowski M

Aims

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).

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 7 | Pages 1309 - 1316
1 Jul 2021
Garg B Bansal T Mehta N

Aims. To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach. Methods. Hospital records of 27 patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent deformity correction which involved a three-column osteotomy by single-stage posterior-only approach. Radiological parameters (local kyphosis angle (KA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 slope, and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)), functional scores, and clinical details of complications were recorded. Results. The mean age of the study population was 13.9 years (SD 6.4). The apex of deformity was in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine in five, 14, and eight patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 178.4 minutes (SD 38.5) and the mean operative blood loss was 701.8 ml (SD 194.4). KA (preoperative mean 70.8° (SD 21.6°) vs final follow-up mean 24.7° (SD 18.9°); p < 0.001) and TK (preoperative mean -1.48° (SD 41.23°) vs final follow-up mean 24.28° (SD 17.29°); p = 0.005) underwent a significant change with surgery. Mean Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) score improved after surgical correction (preoperative mean 3.24 (SD 0.37) vs final follow-up mean 4.28 (SD 0.47); p < 0.001) with maximum improvement in self-image and mental health domains. The overall complication rate was 26%, including two neurological and five non-neurological complications. Permanent neurological deficit was noted in one patient. Conclusion. Deformity correction employing three-column osteotomies by a single-stage posterior-only approach is safe and effective in treating isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1309–1316


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 10, Issue 3 | Pages 24 - 26
1 Jun 2021


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 6 | Pages 1133 - 1141
1 Jun 2021
Tsirikos AI Wordie SJ

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 kyphosis. All patients had a thoracolumbar deformity. Mean scoliosis corrected from 89.6° (47° to 151°) to 46.5° (17° to 85°; p < 0.001). Mean kyphosis corrected from 79.5° (40° to 135°) to 49° (36° to 65°; p < 0.001). Mean pelvic obliquity corrected from 19.5° (8° to 46°) to 9.8° (0° to 20°; p < 0.001). Coronal and sagittal balance restored to normal. Complication rate was 58.3% (seven patients) with no neurological deficits, implant failure, or revision surgery. The degree of preoperative spinal deformity, especially kyphosis and lordosis, correlated with increased blood loss and prolonged hospital/intensive care unit stay. The patients reported improvement in function, physical appearance, and pain after surgery. The parents reported decrease in need for everyday care. Conclusion. Anterior spinal fusion achieved satisfactory deformity correction with high perioperative complication rates, but no long-term sequelae among children with high level myelomeningocele. This resulted in physical and functional improvement and high reported satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1133–1141


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 5 | Pages 293 - 300
3 May 2021
Lewis PM Khan FJ Feathers JR Lewis MH Morris KH Waddell JP

Aims

“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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 10, Issue 2 | Pages 40 - 43
1 Apr 2021


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 4 | Pages 804 - 804
1 Apr 2021
Tsirikos AI Carter TH


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 4 | Pages 739 - 745
1 Apr 2021
Mehta JS Hodgson K Yiping L Kho JSB Thimmaiah R Topiwala U Sawlani V Botchu R

Aims

To benchmark the radiation dose to patients during the course of treatment for a spinal deformity.

Methods

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)).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 4 | Pages 734 - 738
1 Apr 2021
Varshneya K Jokhai R Medress ZA Stienen MN Ho A Fatemi P Ratliff JK Veeravagu A

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for adverse events following the surgical correction of cervical spinal deformities in adults.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 3 | Pages 536 - 541
1 Mar 2021
Ferlic PW Hauser L Götzen M Lindtner RA Fischler S Krismer M

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 3 | Pages 547 - 552
1 Mar 2021
Magampa RS Dunn R

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 3 | Pages 163 - 173
1 Mar 2021
Schlösser TPC Garrido E Tsirikos AI McMaster MJ

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 1 | Pages 157 - 163
1 Jan 2021
Takenaka S Kashii M Iwasaki M Makino T Sakai Y Kaito T

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 kyphosis ≥ 10°, the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with a canal-occupying ratio ≥ 50%, and foraminotomy were selected. The surgery-related complications examined were postoperative upper limb palsy (ULP) with a manual muscle test (MMT) grade of 0 to 2 or a reduction of two grade or more in the MMT, neurological deficit except ULP, dural tear, dural leakage, surgical-site infection (SSI), and postoperative haematoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results. The significant risk factors (p < 0.050) for ULP were OPLL (odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29 to 2.75), foraminotomy (OR 5.38, 95% CI 3.28 to 8.82), old age (per ten years, OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.36), anterior spinal fusion (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.34), and the number of operated levels (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.40). OPLL was also a risk factor for neurological deficit except ULP (OR 5.84, 95% CI 2.80 to 12.8), dural tear (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.39), and dural leakage (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.68). Among OPLL patients, dural tear and dural leakage were frequently observed in those with a canal-occupying ratio ≥ 50%. Cervical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was a risk factor for SSI (OR 10.1, 95% CI 2.66 to 38.4). Conclusion. The high risk of ULP, neurological deficit except ULP, dural tear, and dural leak should be acknowledged by clinicians and OPLL patients, especially in those patients with a canal-occupying ratio ≥ 50%. Foraminotomy and RA were dominant risk factors for ULP and SSI, respectively. An awareness of these risks may help surgeons to avoid surgery-related complications in these conditions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):157–163


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 1 | Pages 148 - 156
1 Jan 2021
Tsirikos AI Carter TH

Aims. To report the surgical outcome of patients with severe Scheuermann’s kyphosis treated using a consistent technique and perioperative management. Methods. We reviewed 88 consecutive patients with a severe Scheuermann's kyphosis who had undergone posterior spinal fusion with closing wedge osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation. There were 55 males and 33 females with a mean age of 15.9 years (12.0 to 24.7) at the time of surgery. We recorded their demographics, spinopelvic parameters, surgical correction, and perioperative data, and assessed the impact of surgical complications on outcome using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire. Results. The mean follow-up was 8.4 years (2 to 14.9). There were 85 patients (96.6%) with a thoracic deformity. Posterior spinal fusion with closing-wedge osteotomies and hybrid instrumentation was used in 86 patients; two patients underwent combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion. The mean kyphosis was corrected from 94.5° to 47.5° (p < 0.001). Coronal and sagittal balance returned to normal. The rate of complications was 12.5%: there were no neurological deficits, implant failure, or revision surgery. SRS-22 scores improved from a mean 3.6 (1.3 to 4.1) to 4.6 (4.2 to 5.0) at two years (p < 0.001) with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Non-smokers and patients with lower preoperative SRS-22 scores showed greater improvement in their quality of life. Sagittal pelvic balance did not change after correction of the kyphosis and correlated with lumbar lordosis but not with thoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis. Conclusion. Posterior spinal fusion using hybrid instrumentation, closing-wedge osteotomies, and iliac bone grafting achieves satisfactory correction of a severe kyphosis resulting in improvements in physical and mental health and a high degree of patient-reported satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):148–156


Bone & Joint 360
Vol. 9, Issue 6 | Pages 34 - 36
1 Dec 2020


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1703 - 1708
1 Dec 2020
Miyanji F Pawelek J Nasto LA Simmonds A Parent S

Aims

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.

Methods

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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1560 - 1566
2 Nov 2020
Mehdian H Haddad S Pasku D Nasto LA

Aims

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).

Methods

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.


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. Results. There were six postoperative infections in the two-stage anteroposterior group compared with three in the one-stage posterior-only group. A total of four patients in the anteroposterior group required revision surgery, compared with six in the posterior-only group. There was a significantly higher incidence of junctional failure associated with the one-stage posterior-only approach (12.9% vs 0%, p = 0.036). Proximal junction kyphosis (anteroposterior fusion (74.2%) vs posterior-only fusion (77.4%); p = 0.382) and distal junctional kyphosis (anteroposterior fusion (25.8%) vs posterior-only fusion (19.3%), p = 0.271) are common postoperative complications following both surgical approaches. Conclusion. A two-stage anteroposterior fusion was associated with a significantly greater correction of the kyphosis compared with a one-stage posterior-only fusion, with a reduced incidence of junctional failure (0 vs 3). There was a notably greater incidence of infection with two-stage anteroposterior fusion; however, all were medically managed. More patients in the posterior-only group required revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1368–1374


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1359 - 1367
3 Oct 2020
Hasegawa K Okamoto M Hatsushikano S Watanabe K Ohashi M Vital J Dubousset J

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 kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), PI-LL, sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and knee flexion. Whole spine MRI examination was also performed. Cluster analysis of the SRS-22r scores in the pooled data was performed to classify the subjects into three groups according to the HRQOL, and alignment parameters were then compared among the three cluster groups. Results. On the basis of cluster analysis of the SRS-22r subscores, the pooled subjects were divided into three HRQOL groups as follows: almost normal (mean 4.24 (SD 0.32)), mildly disabled (mean 3.32 (SD 0.24)), and severely disabled (mean 2.31 (SD 0.35)). Except for CAM-GL, all the alignment parameters differed significantly among the cluster groups. The threshold values of key alignment parameters for severe disability were TPA > 30°, C2-7 lordosis > 13°, PI-LL > 30°, PT > 28°, and knee flexion > 8°. Lumbar spinal stenosis was found to be associated with the symptom severity. Conclusion. This study provides evidence that the three grades of sagittal compensation in whole body alignment correlate with HRQOL scores. The compensation grades depend on the clinical diagnosis, whole body sagittal alignment, and lumbar spinal stenosis. The threshold values of key alignment parameters may be an indication for treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1359–1367