Preoperative inspiratory muscle training for patients with severe scoliosis and high-risk pulmonary dysfunction in duchenne muscular dystrophy

Severe spinal collapse and pulmonary function deterioration are so common in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The limit for scoliosis surgery has been a minimum forced vital capacity (FVC) of about 30% of predicted value. DMD patients with low %FVC who might benefit from scoliosis surgery have not been being offered surgery. Between 2005 and 2007, a total of 17 DMD patients with FVC of <30% at admission underwent scoliosis surgery. %FVC at admission was 22% (range 16–27%). After admission, they were trained with inspiratory muscle training, using a pulmonary trainer (threshold IMT) for 6 weeks prior to surgery and encouraged to continue the training even after surgery and discharge. %FVC increased in all patients and noted 26% (range 22–31%) the day before surgery. The preoperative scoliosis was 97° (range 81°–130°). All patients had posterior spinal fusion and were extubated on the operative day. No patients developed any respiratory complications. No ventilatory support was needed. The mean ICU stay was 0.5 days (range 0–1 day). The postoperative scoliosis was 31° (range 18°–40°). DMD patients with severe scoliosis and FVC considered too low to permit reasonable surgical risk could undergo surgery after inspiratory muscle training, with no major complications.     

Comparison of survival analysis between surgical and non-surgical treatments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy scoliosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThere are still controversies about the effects of spinal surgeries for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) scoliosis on functional outcome, respiratory function, and the survival rate.PURPOSEThe purpose of this retrospective investigation was to compare the clinical course over time between the patients who were treated surgically and those who were treated nonsurgically. Through this comparison, we tried to determine how surgical treatment could affect the functional status, pulmonary function, and survival rate in patients with DMD scoliosis.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGSingle-center retrospective cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLEWe reviewed the clinical data of 199 male patients with DMD scoliosis who were followed up at our center for an average of 6.4 years between 2003 and 2017.OUTCOME MEASURESThe basic radiologic parameters evaluated include the Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity on a whole spine X-ray. Further, the Swinyard scale for functional status, forced vital capacity (FVC) for respiratory function, and mortality were compared between the surgical group and nonsurgical group.METHODSThe radiologic parameters and Swinyard scale stage were compared between the surgical group and nonsurgical group at baseline and 2, 5, and 10 years. For the FVC, serial changes every year were investigated in both groups. Mortality was surveyed between the surgical group and nonsurgical group.RESULTSOf the 199 patients, 99 patients underwent the instrumented spinal fusion surgery and 100 patients in the nonsurgical group opted for conservative management. Radiologic results of the two groups were not different at baseline, but during the follow-up periods, the surgical group demonstrated better Cobb angles and pelvic obliquities. The surgical group showed a better functional status than did the nonsurgical group (6.7±0.9 versus [vs.] 7.2±0.7, p<.001). These functional differences between the groups were continuously observed during the follow-up period. Similarly, the FVC at baseline was higher in the surgical group than in the nonsurgical group (1005.7±421.4 mL vs. 787.3±574.1 mL, p=.005). Although FVC in the nonsurgical group consistently decreased during the follow-up (4.8% decrease/year), FVC in the surgical group increased up to the 2-year follow-up period compared with the baseline value and decreased during the follow-up period (2.8% decrease/year). Mortality was higher in the nonsurgical group than in the surgical group (n=22/100, 22.0% vs. n=8/99, 8.1%; p<.001) during an average follow-up duration of 6.4 years. Mean survival was longer in the surgical group than in the nonsurgical group (12.2 years vs. 8.3 years, hazard ratio=2.43, p=.02).CONCLUSIONSSpinal surgery for DMD scoliosis improved the FVC for approximately 2 years postoperatively compared to non-surgical treatment. The surgical group had a better functional status and FVC at baseline than the non-surgical group. The positive effect of surgical treatment on the FVC is owing to scoliosis correction, which delayed the decrease of FVC and consequently extended the survival rate of the patients with DMD scoliosis.     

Surgical management of severe scoliosis with high-risk pulmonary dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Between 2005 and 2007, 14 patients who had severe scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a poor forced vital capacity (FVC) of <30% at admission underwent scoliosis surgery. FVC on admission was 21.6% (range, 16–27%). The patients were given respiratory muscle training using a pulmonary trainer (Threshold IMT, Philips Respironics, Inc.) for six weeks before operation. FVC increased to 26.2% (range, 22–31%) the day before operation. The mean preoperative scoliosis was 98° (range, 81°–130°). All patients underwent posterior fusion and all-screw construction and were extubated on the operative day. No patients developed any respiratory complications. The postoperative scoliosis was 34° (range, 20°–40°) (65%). FVC remained stable at six weeks after operation. FVC decreased to 19.8% (range, 16–25%) and the mean scoliosis was 35° (range, 23°–40°)(64%) at two years after operation. DMD patients with severe scoliosis and FVC considered too low to permit reasonable surgical risk could undergo surgery and could benefit from surgery.     

Surgical management of severe scoliosis with high risk pulmonary dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: patient function, quality of life and satisfaction

In a previous study, the authors reported the clinical and radiological results of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) scoliosis surgery in 14 patients with a low FVC of <30%. The purpose of this study was to determine if surgery improved function and QOL in these patients. Furthermore, the authors assessed the patients’ and parents’ satisfaction. %FVC increased in all patients after preoperative inspiratory muscle training. Scoliosis surgery in this group of patients presented no increased risk of major complications. All-screw constructions and fusion offered the ability to correct spinal deformity in the coronal and pelvic obliquity initially, intermediate and long-term. All patients were encouraged to continue inspiratory muscle training after surgery. The mean rate of %FVC decline after surgery was 3.6% per year. Most patients and parents believed scoliosis surgery improved their function, sitting balance and quality of life even though patients were at high risk for major complications. Their satisfaction was also high.     

Blood loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: vascular smooth muscle dysfunction?

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) tend to bleed more during surgery than do patients with other conditions. A retrospective analysis of blood loss after spinal surgery for scoliosis was therefore undertaken in 102 patients undergoing surgery in the senior author's unit. These included 48 patients with DMD, 26 patients with spinal muscular atrophy, and a miscellaneous group of 28 other patients most of whom had idiopathic scoliosis. For each patient the age at surgery, estimated blood volume, duration of operation, Cobb angle, and number of vertebrae fused were recorded and compared. Expression of dystrophin in skeletal muscle and the underlying gene mutation were also determined. The estimated blood loss in patients with DMD was significantly higher than that in patients with spinal muscular atrophy undergoing the same or similar procedure (P < 0.005) and was also significantly greater than that of the third group, which consisted mostly of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (P < 0.0005). Blood loss in the patient group with DMD showed a significant relationship with duration of surgery (P < 0.05). As most patients expressed no dystrophin, this did not correlate with the estimated blood loss. There was also no correlation between the estimated blood loss and the type of gene mutation found causing DMD. The authors' previous observations confirm the increased blood loss in patients with DMD who undergo scoliosis surgery. Because children with DMD lack dystrophin in all muscle types, including smooth muscle, the excessive blood loss may be because of a poor vascular smooth muscle vaso-constrictive response due to a lack of dystrophin.     

Prediction of progression of spinal deformity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a preliminary report

STUDY DESIGN: Discriminatory power was statistically estimated for multiple combinations of risk indicators for the progression of spinal deformity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). OBJECTIVE: To differentiate DMD cases in which spinal deformity will rapidly and severely progress from those with lesser progression of spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Early surgical intervention using instrumentation has recently been advocated for DMD patients to prevent the progression of spinal deformity. However, early determination of cases needing surgical intervention is difficult because of variations in the severity of the clinical courses of DMD patients. METHODS: Charts and spinal radiographs of 12 DMD patients were reviewed retrospectively. Patterns of progression in spinal deformity were classified into three types according to Oda's classification. Discriminant analysis was conducted to categorize the patients into either a severe progression group (type-1 and type-2 patients) or a less severe progression group (type-3 patients and patients without spinal deformity) on the basis of four predictors: 1) vital capacity at the age of 10 years, 2) the age at which ambulation ceased, 3) curve pattern of spinal scoliosis, and 4) Cobb angles of spinal scoliosis at the age of 10 years. RESULTS: Eleven of the twelve DMD patients showed spinal deformity. Three were classified as type 1, six were classified as type 2, and two were classified as type 3. The remaining patient showed no spinal deformity. Multiple discriminant analysis correctly predicted the severity of the clinical course of 91.7% of the DMD patients. Vital capacity at age 10 was found to be the strongest predictor among the variables. CONCLUSIONS: Through multiple discriminant analysis, the clinical course of spinal deformity in DMD patients was correctly predicted in 92% of subjects. This method would be useful to determine early which DMD cases need surgical intervention for treatment of spinal deformity.     

Can the caudal extent of fusion in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy be stopped at lumbar 5?

Instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis has been a mainstay in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and is recommended to correct pelvic obliquity. The caudal extent of instrumentation and fusion in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in DMD has remained a matter of considerable debate, and there have been few studies on the use of segmental pedicle screw instrumentation for this pathology. From 2004 to 2007, a total of 28 patients with DMD underwent segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion only to L5. Assessment was performed clinically and with radiologic measurements. All patients had a curve with the apex at L2 or higher preoperatively. Preoperative coronal curve averaged 74°, with a postoperative mean of 14°, and 17° at the last follow-up. The pelvic obliquity improved from 17° preoperatively to 6° postoperatively, and 6° at the last follow-up. Good sagittal plane alignment was recreated after surgery and maintained long term. In 23 patients with a preoperative L5 tilt of less than 15°, the pelvic obliquity was effectively corrected to less than 10° and maintained by adequately addressing spinal deformity, while five patients with a preoperative L5 tilt of more than 15° had a postoperative pelvic obliquity of more than 15°. Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion to L5 was effective and safe in patients with DMD scoliosis with a minimal L5 tilt (<15°) and a curve with the apex at L2 or higher, both initially and long term, obviating the need for fixation to the sacrum/pelvis. Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion to L5 was safe and effective in patients with DMD scoliosis with stable L5/S1 articulation as evidenced by a minimal L5 tilt of less than 15°, even though pelvic obliquity was significant. There was no major complication. With rigid segmental pedicle screw instrumentation, the caudal extent of fusion in the treatment of DMD scoliosis should be determined by the degree of L5 tilt. This method in appropriate patients can be a viable alternative to instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis in the surgical treatment of DMD scoliosis.     

The effect of posterior spinal fusion on respiratory function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Purpose

Posterior instrumented spinal fusion is indicated for progressive scoliosis that develops in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Whilst spinal fusion is known to improve quality of life, there is inconsistency amongst the literature regarding its specific effect on respiratory function. Our objective was to determine the effect of scoliosis correction by posterior spinal fusion on respiratory function in a large cohort of patients with DMD. Patients with DMD undergoing posterior spinal fusion were compared to patients with DMD not undergoing surgical intervention.

Methods

An observational study of 65 patients with DMD associated scoliosis, born between 1961 and 2001: 28 of which underwent correction of scoliosis via posterior spinal fusion (Surgical Group) and 37 of which did not undergo surgical intervention (Non-Surgical Group). Pulmonary function was assessed using traditional spirometry. Comparisons were made between groups at set times, and by way of rates of change over time.

Results

There was no correlation between the level of respiratory dysfunction and the severity of scoliosis (as measured by Cobb angle) for the whole cohort. The Surgical Group had significantly worse respiratory function at a comparable age pre-operatively compared to the Non-Surgical Group, as measured by per cent predicted forced vital capacity (p = 0.02) on spirometry. The rate of decline of forced vital capacity and per cent predicted forced vital capacity was not slowed following surgery compared to the non-operated cases. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups.

Conclusions

Severity of scoliosis was not a key determinant of respiratory dysfunction. Posterior spinal fusion did not reduce the rate of respiratory function decline. These two points suggest that intrinsic respiratory muscle weakness is the main determinant of decline in respiratory function in DMD.     

The prognostic value of pre-operative predicted forced vital capacity in corrective spinal surgery for Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

The majority of patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy require corrective spinal surgery for scoliosis to maintain seated balance and to slow the progression of respiratory compromise, thereby facilitating nursing and enhancing their quality of life. Traditionally patients with a pre-operative forced vital capacity (PFVC) of 30% or below predicted have been denied this surgery as it was thought that the incidence of postoperative complications was unacceptably high. We present data collected prospectively from 45 consecutive operations undertaken in our unit. These cases indicate that there is no clinically significant difference in operative and postoperative outcomes between patients with PFVC > 30% and < or =30%. However, the routine postoperative use of mask ventilation to facilitate early tracheal extubation is vital.     

The effect of spinal fusion on the long-term outcome of idiopathic scoliosis. A case-control study.

We have investigated the effect of multisegmental spinal fusion on the long-term functional and radiological outcome in patients with scoliosis. We compared these patients both with those whose spine had not been fused, and with a control group. We studied 68 patients with idiopathic scoliosis (34 operative and 34 non-operative) who had been followed up for a minimum of five years after treatment. They were matched for age (mean 44 years) and Cobb angle (mean 54 degrees) at follow-up. An age- and gender-matched control group of 34 subjects was also recruited. All participants completed a questionnaire to assess spinal function and to grade the severity of back pain using a numerical rating scale. Radiographs of the spine were taken in the patients with scoliosis and lumbar degenerative changes were recorded. The spinal function scores for the patients with scoliosis who had had a fusion were similar to those who had not. Both scoliosis groups, however, had lower scores than the control group (p < 0.001). The frequency and severity of back pain were lower for patients with scoliosis and fusion than for those without, but higher for both scoliosis groups compared with the control group. Radiographs showed similar degenerative changes in both scoliosis groups.     

The effect of Luque-Galveston fusion on curve, respiratory function and quality of life in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term effect of the Luque-Galveston spinal fusion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Twenty patients had undergone this operation at a mean age of 153 years (surgical group, A). The correction of their scoliosis amounted to +/- 55.8%, after an average follow-up period of 3 years. This is in accordance with the literature. The authors would therefore advise to perform spinal fusion in an early stage of the disease, once a rapid evolution of the scoliosis is seen. The decline of respiratory function slightly diminished after surgery, but not significantly. This means that no expectations should be made to improve respiratory function, as respiratory function decline continues relentlessly. Most authors agree with this statement. Patient satisfaction after surgery was relatively high, mainly because of an improved sitting balance, but only 60% of the questionnaires were available. Twenty-five other patients were not operated upon (non-surgical group, B). They had better results at ages 153 and 183, but this was mainly due to the fact that group B contained more benign cases according to the Oda classification.     

Severe restrictive lung disease and vertebral surgery in a pediatric population

The aim of this study is to describe the outcome of surgical treatment for pediatric patients with forced vital capacity (FVC) <40% and severe vertebral deformity. Few studies have examined surgical treatment in these patients, who are considered to be at a high risk because of their pulmonary disease, and in whom preoperative tracheostomy is sometimes recommended. Inclusion criteria include FVC <40%, age <19 years and diagnosis of scoliosis. The retrospective study of 24 patients with severe restrictive lung disease, who underwent spinal surgery. Variables studied were age and gender, pre- and postoperative spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC), preoperative, postoperative and late use of non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) or mechanical ventilation, associated multidisciplinary treatment, type and location of the curve, pre- and postoperative curve values, type of vertebral fusion, intra- and postoperative complications, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of postoperative hospitalization. Mean age was 13 years (9–19) of which 13 were males and 11 females. Mean follow-up was 32 months (24–45). The etiology was neuromuscular in 17 patients and other etiologies in 7 patients. Mean preoperative FVC was 26% (13–39%). Eight patients had preoperative home BiPAP, 15 preoperative in-hospital BiPAP, and 2 preoperative mechanical ventilation. Nine patients had preoperative nutritional support. Preoperative curve value of the deformity was 88° (40°–129°). Nineteen patients with posterior fusion alone and 5 with anterior and posterior fusion were found. Mean duration of ICU stay was 5 days (1–21). Total postoperative hospital stay was 17 days (7–33). Ventilatory support in the immediate postoperative includes 16 patients requiring BiPAP and 2 volumetric ventilation. None of the patients required a tracheostomy. The intraoperative complications include one death due to acute heart failure; immediate postoperative, four respiratory failures (2 required ICU readmission) and one respiratory infection; and other minor complications occurred in six patients. Overall, 58% of patients had complications. Percentage of angle correction was 56%. After a follow-up of 30 months, FVC was 29% (13–50%). In conclusion, corrective scoliosis surgery in pediatric patients with severe restrictive lung disease is well tolerated, but the management of this population requires extensive experience with the vertebral surgery involved, and a multidisciplinary approach that includes pulmonologists, nutritionists and anesthesiologists. Currently, there is no indication for routine preoperative tracheostomy.     

Duchenne肌营养不良患者的脊柱融合

目的：观察肌营养不良患者脊柱固定融合术的疗效。方法：对１９８２～１９９５年接受脊柱融合的１２例肌营养不良患者的病历和Ｘ线片进行回顾性研究。随访时间不少于１年。资料包括患者术前肺功能、手术步骤、随访时Ｘ线片Ｃｏｂｂ角和骨盆倾斜程度及患者功能状态。结果：手术时患者年龄为１３５岁,术前肺功能为５６％,脊柱侧凸平均４８°,骨盆倾斜平均１５°,所有患者均接受后路融合双鲁氏棒固定术和髂骨植骨。最后随访时没有发现不融合病例,脊柱侧凸平均３１°,骨盆倾斜平均８°,所有患者均能够坐位而无不适。结论：后路融合双鲁氏棒固定术有助于维持肌营养不良患者的脊柱序列,建议对该类患者在脊柱侧凸发展至３０°前行脊柱融合术。     

The operative treatment of progressive early onset scoliosis. A preliminary report

Thirteen patients with progressive early onset scoliosis have been managed operatively in an attempt to achieve correction without bracing and to allow the spine to grow. All had posterior segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI) without fusion and 9 of 13 had anterior apical growth arrest as a separate additional procedure. At 2-year follow-up, curve correction averaged 46%. Patients who had anterior apical growth arrest and SSI without fusion had less curve deterioration than those who had SSI alone. New methods are described for 1) measuring growth of the instrumented segment of the spine and 2) calculating the predicted growth of the instrumented segment. Eight of the 13 had more than 50% of predicted growth, three had 30-50% of predicted growth, and two had less than 30% of predicted growth. Operative treatment has been successful in the short term in all but the most malignant form of infantile idiopathic scoliosis.     

Unusual orthopedic manifestations of neurofibromatosis.

Forty-four children with neurofibromatosis were found to have three previously underdescribed conditions: thoracic lordoscoliosis, protrusio acetabuli, and monomelia neurofibromatosis. Thirty-four patients (77%) had scoliosis; of these, nine had dystrophic scoliosis (Group I, 26%), six had dystrophic lordoscoliosis (Group II, 18%), eight had dystrophic kyphoscoliosis (Group III, 24%), and 11 had nondystrophic scoliosis (Group IV, 32%). Group III curves were severe and progressive, rendering them difficult to stabilize even with anterior and posterior spinal fusions. Group II curves were progressive but stabilized by posterior spinal fusion alone. Group I curves were less progressive than Groups II and III, but required surgery more often than those of Group IV, which were generally controlled by orthoses. Protrusio acetabuli of varying severity occurred in 13 patients (21 hips). Three patients had involvement of a single limb (monomelic neurofibromatosis).     

Spine fusion in cerebral palsy with L-rod segmental spinal instrumentation. A comparison of single and two-stage combined approach with Zielke instrumentation

The benefits of achieving rigid internal fixation and eliminating the need for postoperative external orthotic support with L-rod spinal instrumentation made it desirable for use in the surgical treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis. From May 1981 to May 1985, 31 severely involved cerebral palsy patients with progressive spinal deformity underwent posterior fusion and L-rod instrumentation. All patients except one were nonambulatory. Surgical indications included prevention of curve progression, correction of pelvic obliquity, and achievement of balanced spinal alignment in order to improve sitting balance and tolerance without external spinal orthotic support. Ten patients (Group I), with an average age of 15.2 years, with double major or flexible paralytic C-curves or scoliosis measuring less than 70 degrees, underwent posterior fusion and L-rod instrumentation only. Twenty-one patients (Group II), with an average age of 22.1 years, with thoracolumbar, lumbar, or rigid paralytic C-curves or scoliosis measuring greater than 70 degrees, underwent initial anterior release, bone grafting, and Zielke instrumentation followed by second-stage L-rod instrumentation. In Group I, scoliosis averaged 57 degrees and postoperatively 27 degrees (53% correction). In Group II, scoliosis averaged 88 degrees and postoperatively 36 degrees (63% correction). Fifteen Group II patients had posterior fusion extend into the sacrum using the Galveston technique. Six Group II patients were not fused into the sacrum. Scoliosis and pelvic obliquity were corrected in both groups. Torso decompensation improved to 2.7 cm in the Galveston group, but increased to 5.6 cm at follow-up in the patients not fused into the sacrum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

牵引结合后路手术治疗重度脊柱侧凸的疗效分析

[目的]探讨Halo-股骨髁上牵引结合后路矫形对柔韧性30%～40%的重度脊柱侧凸患者的疗效.[方法]对2000年1月～2006年6月治疗的41例柔韧性30%～40%重度脊柱侧凸患者,按照是否行牵引治疗分为两组.牵引组A组 22例,主侧凸平均Cobb' s角91.2°;对照组B组 19例,主侧凸平均Cobb' s角87.5°.[结果]两组无严重神经系统并发症.A组平均牵引18 d(14～22 d)后主侧凸平均矫正46%,14例肺功能减退患者均改善.两组均行一期后路松解三维矫形术,术后C7～S1偏移值、顶椎偏移矫正A组优于B组.A组主侧凸平均矫正55.2°,B组45.7°,A组优于B组 (P<0.05). A组平均随访40个月, B组平均随访42个月,末次随访两组平均冠状面矫正丢失分别为3°、2.4°,矢状面无丢失,两组均获骨性融合.[结论]对于柔韧性30%～40%的重度脊柱侧凸,术前Halo-股骨髁上牵引可改善肺功能,结合牵引下后路松解矫形术可以获得更好的畸形矫正和躯干平衡,减少术中术后并发症. )后主侧凸平均矫正46%,14例肺功能减退患者均改善.两组均行一期后路松解三维矫形术,术后C_7～S_1偏移值、顶椎偏 矫正A组优于B组.A组主侧凸平均矫正55.2°,B组45.7°,A组优于B组 (P<0.05). A组平均随访40个月, B组平均随访42个月,末次随访两组平均冠状面矫正丢失分别为3°、2.4°,矢状面无丢失,两组均获骨性融合.[结论]对于柔韧性30%～40%的重度脊柱侧凸,术前Halo-股骨髁上牵引可改善肺功能,结合牵引下后路松解矫形术可以获得更好的畸形矫正和躯干平衡,减少术中术后并发症. )后主侧凸平均矫正46%,14例肺功能减退患者均改善.两组均行一期后路松解三     

A trial of desmopressin to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.

Desmopressin (DDAVP) has been reported to reduce bleeding in patients undergoing spinal fusion. To evaluate its efficacy in normal patients, 30 healthy young patients (ASA physical status I or II) undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated to receive either 100 mL of physiologic saline solution (placebo group) or DDAVP (10 micrograms/m2 of body surface area) (DDAVP group) in a prospective, double-blind trial. Intraoperative blood loss was measured by weighing sponges and suction drainage and postoperative bleeding by wound drainage. The amount of blood loss expressed as a percent of the estimated blood volume was similar in both groups during the intraoperative period (67.0% +/- 28.8% [mean +/- SD] placebo group vs 57.4% +/- 26.5% DDAVP group), the postoperative period up to 24 h (32.5% +/- 6.4% placebo group vs 31.1% +/- 10.6% DDAVP group), and both periods (94.3% +/- 29.4% placebo group vs 88.2% +/- 30.7% DDAVP group). With the dose used in our study, we conclude that DDAVP does not reduce surgical bleeding in patients undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.     

Selective fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a radiographic evaluation of risk factors for imbalance

ObjectivesTo report on the outcome and evaluate possible risk factors for postoperative complications following selective spinal fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).ResultsDuring the 11-year study period, 157 patients with AIS underwent surgery for their progressive spinal deformity. Thirty patients (19 %) had a selective spinal fusion, with 16 patients (group A) having a selective thoracic, and 14 patients (group B) having a selective thoracolumbar/lumbar spinal arthrodesis. In both groups the main postoperative complications were adding-on (25 % group A, 36 % group B) and coronal decompensation (25 % group A, 29 % group B). In group A, no statistically significant risk factors for postoperative complications were identified. In group B, global coronal balance was identified as a significant risk factor for adding-on. Patients with adding-on had significantly higher coronal balance scores (mean 3.6) than those who did not experience adding-on (mean 1.9) (p = 0.03). In addition, those with adding-on had a significantly smaller bending lumbar Cobb angle (mean 15) than those without adding-on (mean 31.6) (p = 0.015). None of the patients who underwent selective spinal fusion required revision surgery.ConclusionAlthough the complication rate after performing a selective spinal fusion is high, the revision rate remains low and the debate whether or not to perform a selective spinal fusion will continue.     

Efficacy of aprotinin in reducing blood loss in spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis

Aprotinin is a proteinase inhibitor with antifibrinolytic properties that has found widespread application during cardiac surgical procedures due to its ability to decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements. Recently it has been used by orthopedic surgeons in hip replacement and other major surgeries except for scoliosis surgery, which is known to be associated with major blood loss. To evaluate the effect of aprotinin in reducing blood loss during spinal fusion surgery for idiopathic scoliosis, a double-blind randomized prospective clinical study was performed. Forty-three patients with idiopathic scoliosis underwent spinal fusion and instrumentation and were divided randomly into two groups. Fifteen patients received aprotinin, whereas 28 patients received placebo. The aprotinin group had less blood loss than the placebo group. The transfusion requirement was less in the aprotinin group than the placebo group. Although the difference was not significant statistically, the benefit of aprotinin in reducing blood loss in spinal surgery for idiopathic scoliosis was consistent.