Concurrent and overlapping surgery: perspectives from surgeons on spinal posterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine perspectives of surgeons regarding simultaneous surgery in patients undergoing posterior spine instrumentation and fusion (PSIF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).MethodsA survey was administered to orthopaedic trainees and faculty regarding simultaneous surgery for primary PSIF for AIS. A five-point Likert scale (1: ‘Strongly Disagree’ to 5: ‘Strongly Agree’) was used to assess agreement with statements about simultaneous surgery. We divided simultaneous surgery into concurrent, when critical portions of operations occur at the same time, and overlapping, when noncritical portions occur at the same time.ResultsThe 72 respondents (78.3% of 92 surveyed) disagreed with concurrent surgery for ‘one of my patients’ (response mean 1.76 (sd 1.03)) but were more accepting of overlapping surgery (mean 3.94 (sd 0.99); p < 0.0001). The rating difference between concurrent and overlapping surgery was smaller for paediatric and spine surgeons (-1.25) than for residents or those who did not identify a subspecialty (-2.17; p = 0.0246) or other subspecialty surgeons (-2.57; p = 0.0026). Respondents were more likely to agree with explicit informed consent for concurrent surgery compared with overlapping (mean 4.32 (sd 0.91) versus 3.44 (sd 1.14); p < 0.001).ConclusionOrthopaedic surgeons disagreed with concurrent but were more accepting of overlapping surgery and anaesthesia for PSIF for AIS. Respondents were in greater agreement that patients should be explicitly informed of concurrence than of overlap. The surgical community’s evidence and position regarding simultaneous surgery, in particular overlapping, must be more effectively presented to the public in order to bridge the gap in perspectives.Level of EvidenceIV     

儿童脊柱结核的MRI随访观察

目的：探讨MRI在儿童脊柱结核随访中的应用价值.方法：对2004年2月至2013年4月的21例经临床或手术诊断为脊柱结核的儿童患者MRI表现进行回顾性分析,其中男11例,女10例;年龄2～14岁,平均9.4岁.18例保守治疗,3倒手术治疗,病程2个月～3年,所有病例行2次或2次以上MRI检查.比较初次和复查结果,主要观察椎体及椎间隙信号变化、椎旁脓肿及后凸角的变化.结果：21例脊柱结核患者共累及85个椎体,其中颈椎、胸椎及腰骶椎发生率分别为10.6％（9/85）,49.4％ （42/85）及40％（34/85）.初诊及随访时相仿,15例出现椎体变扁或楔形变,10例可见椎间盘受累,而椎间隙可见不同程度变窄或融合.初诊13例后凸角＞0°,位于胸段7例,胸腰段2例,腰段3例,颈段1例.18例保守治疗患儿中,8例初诊及治疗过程中（2～9个月）后凸角均为0°;1例轻度后凸患儿（＜10°）,治疗12个月时后凸角稍增加;5例中度后凸患儿（10°～30°）,治疗过程中（3～12个月）多次随访均无明显改变;4例重度后凸患儿（＞30°）,保守治疗过程中及治疗后（3～28个月）多次随访后凸畸形均有不同程度加重,其中1例保守治疗失败后行手术治疗后凸角减小.结论：儿童脊柱结核运用MRI随访具有重要意义,能够清晰显示治疗后椎体及椎间隙信号变化、椎旁脓肿及后凸角的变化,为临床治疗及评估预后提供参考.     

Sagittal spinopelvic changes after posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PurposeThis article examines if longer posterior spinal fusions with instrumentation (PSFI) into the lumbar spine (L3/4) alter spinopelvic parameters compared with selective fusions to T12/L1/L2 in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.MethodsWe analysed radiographs of 84 AIS patients, 58 (69%) females and 26 (31%) males, who underwent PSFI at an mean age of 15 years ± 2.5 years, range 10 years to 21 years, between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2014. Radiographic parameters were measured pre- and post-operatively at most recent follow-up (range 2 years to 8.2 years): pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL, L1–S1 and L4–S1), sagittal vertical alignment (SVA), scoliosis angle and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). PI–LL was calculated. Data was analysed using t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.ResultsIn total, 32 patients underwent a selective fusion with lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) T12–L2, and 52 patients underwent a fusion with LIV L3–L4. In both groups, scoliosis angle was significantly corrected at follow-up (p < 0.005).Pre-operatively, both groups had similar LL (L1–S1) and PI–LL. Post-operatively, LL increased in the L3–4 fusion group (p < 0.005) but did not change in the selective fusion group (p = 0.116). This change in LL in the L3–4 fusion group affected the post-operative PI–LL (T12–L2 fusion -4.9° versus L3–4 fusion -13.6°, p = 0.002). No differences were seen in PI, SVA or LL L4–S1 between groups. Radiographic PJK occurred in seven of the L3–4 patients with and without PJK (noPJK –8.8° versus PJK –25.8°, p = 0.026).ConclusionsIn patients who underwent a fusion ending at L3 or L4, LL was increased. This altered the PI–LL relationship, and appeared to increase the risk of PJK.Level of evidenceIII     

Appraisal of the current guidelines for the management of diverticular disease using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument

IntroductionDiverticular disease is one of the most frequent reasons for attending emergency departments and surgical causes of hospital admission. In the past decade, many surgical and gastroenterological societies have published guidelines for the management of diverticular disease. The aim of the present study was to appraise the methodological quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were searched systematically. The methodological quality of the guidelines was appraised independently by five appraisers using the AGREE II instrument.FindingsA systematic search of the literature identified 12 guidelines. The median overall score of all guidelines was 68%. Across all guidelines, the highest score of 85% was demonstrated in the domain ‘Scope and purpose’. The domains ‘Clarity and presentation’ and ‘Editorial independence’ both scored a median of 72%. The lowest scores were demonstrated in the domains ‘Stakeholder involvement’ and ‘Applicability’ at 46% and 40%, respectively. Overall, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines performed consistently well, scoring 100% in five of six domains; NICE was one of the few guidelines that specifically reported stakeholder involvement, scoring 97%. Generally, the domain of ‘Stakeholder involvement’ ranked poorly with seven of twelve guidelines scoring below 50%, with the worst score in this domain demonstrated by Danish guidelines at 25%.ConclusionSix of twelve guidelines (NICE, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP), American Gastroenterological Association, German Society of Gastroenterology/German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (German), Netherlands Society of Surgery) scored above 70%. Only three, NICE, ASCRS and ESCP, scored above 75% and were voted unanimously by the appraisers for use as they are. Therefore, use of AGREE II may help improve the methodological quality of guidelines and their future updates.     

Scoliosis may be the first symptom of the tethered spinal cord

Background:

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a progressive clinical entity that arises from abnormal spinal cord tension. Scoliosis may be a unique symptom in TCS. The aim of this study is to investigate prognosis after releasing the filum terminale in scoliosis due to TCS with/without findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to draw attention to the importance of somatosensorial evoked potentials (SSEP) on the differential diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis versus scoliosis due to TCS with normal appearance of filum terminale and conus medullaris.

Materials and Methods:

Eleven female and seven male patients with progressive scoliosis were included in the study. They were evaluated radiologically, SSEP and urodynamical studies. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior full spine X-rays were obtained for measuring the Cobb''s angle. MRI was performed in all cases for probable additional spinal abnormalities. All patients underwent filum terminale sectioning through a L5 hemilaminectomy. The resected filum terminale were subjected to histopathological examination.

Results:

The mean Cobb angle was 31.6° (range 18°–45°). Eight patients (44.45%) had a normal appearance of filum terminale and normal level conus medullaris in MRI, but conduction delay and/or block was seen on SSEP. In the histopathological examination of filum terminale dense collagen fibers, hyaline degeneration and loss of elastic fibers were observed. Postoperatively none of the patients showed worsening of the Cobb angle. Three patients showed improvement of scoliosis.

Conclusion:

In TCS presented with scoliosis, untethering must be performed prior to the corrective spinal surgery. Absence of MRI findings does not definitely exclude TCS. SSEP is an important additional guidance in the diagnosis of TCS. After untethering, a followup period of 6 months is essential to show it untethering helps in stopping the progress of the scoliotic curve. In spite of non progression (curve stopped lesser than 45°) or even improvement of scoliosis, there may be no need for major orthopedic surgical intervention.     

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.     

Occult spinal cord abnormalities in children referred for orthopedic complaints

This study reviews spinal cord abnormalities found in children initially referred for an orthopedic problem. Over a 5-year period in an academic pediatric orthopedic referral clinic, 167 children aged 3 months to 18 years (average, 9.4 years) underwent spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and had records available for review. The patients were divided into 7 major groups based on the primary indication for the MRI. The frequency of spinal cord pathology was as follows: 3 of 35 patients with atypical idiopathic scoliosis, 1 of 19 with neuromuscular scoliosis, 6 of 18 with congenital scoliosis, 1 of 50 with unexplained back pain, 3 of 17 with gait abnormality, 5 of 14 with limb pain or weakness, and 4 of 8 with rigid or recurrent foot deformity. Spine MRI was not very helpful in evaluating children who had some degree of back pain without neurological signs or symptoms. However, the spine MRI was helpful in evaluating children with atypical idiopathic scoliosis or congenital scoliosis, gait abnormality, limb pain or weakness, or rigid or recurrent foot deformities. Given the high frequency of occult spinal cord abnormality in children with severe foot deformity, the use of screening spine MRI may be especially useful in this group.     

Adult thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis treated with long vertebral fusion to the sacropelvis: a comparison between new hybrid selective spinal fusion versus anterior-posterior spinal instrumentation

Background contextCombined anteroposterior spinal fusion with instrumentation has been used for many years to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This surgery remains a technical challenge to spine surgeons, and current literature reports high complication rates.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to validate a new hybrid technique (a combination of single-rod anterior instrumentation and a shorter posterior instrumentation to the sacrum) to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis.Study designThis study is a retrospective consecutive case series of surgically treated patients with adult lumbar or thoracolumbar scoliosis.Patient sampleThis is a retrospective study of 33 matched pairs of patients with adult scoliosis who underwent two different surgical procedures: a new hybrid technique versus a third-generation anteroposterior spinal fusion.Outcome measuresPreoperative and postoperative outcome measures include self-report measures, physiological measures, and functional measures.MethodsIn a retrospective case-control study, 33 patients treated with the hybrid technique were matched with 33 patients treated with traditional anteroposterior fusion based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Mean follow-up in the hybrid group was 5.3 years (range, 2–11 years), compared with 4.6 years (range, 2–10 years) in the control group. Operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss, and levels fused were collected as surrogates for surgical morbidity. Radiographic parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22r) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected for clinical outcomes.ResultsOperating room time, EBL, and levels fused were significantly less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (p<.0001). The postoperative thoracic Cobb angle was similar between the hybrid and control techniques (p=.24); however, the hybrid technique showed significant improvement in the thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (p=.004) and the lumbosacral fractional curve (p<.0001). The major complication rate was less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (18% vs. 39%, p=.01). Clinical outcomes at final follow-up were not significantly different based on overall SRS-22r scores and ODI scores.ConclusionThe new hybrid technique demonstrates good long-term results, with less morbidity and fewer complications than traditional anteroposterior surgery select patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This study received no funding. No potential conflict of interest-associated bias existed.     

Volume and fat infiltration of spino-pelvic musculature in adults with spinal deformity

AIM: To investigate fat infiltration and volume of spino-pelvic muscles in adults spinal deformity (ASD) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D reconstructions.METHODS: Nineteen female ASD patients (mean age 60 ± 13) were included prospectively and consecutively and had T1-weighted Turbo Spin Echo sequence MRIs with Dixon method from the proximal tibia up to T12 vertebra. The Dixon method permitted to evaluate the proportion of fat inside each muscle (fat-water ratio). In order to investigate the accuracy of the Dixon method for estimating fat vs water, the same MRI acquisition was performed on phantoms of four vials composed of different proportion of fat vs water. With Muscl’X software, 3D reconstructions of 17 muscles or group of muscles were obtained identifying the muscle’s contour on a limited number of axial images [Deformation of parametric specific objects (DPSO) Method]. Musclar volume (Vmuscle), infiltrated fat volume (Vfat) and percentage of fat infiltration [Pfat, calculated as follow: Pfat = 100 × (Vfat/Vmuscle)] were characterized by extensor or flexor function respectively for the spine, hip and knee and theirs relationship with demographic data were investigated.RESULTS: Phantom acquisition demonstrated a non linear relation between Dixon fat-water ratio and the real fat-water ratio. In order to correct the Dixon fat-water ratio, the non linear relation was approximated with a polynomial function of degree three using the phantom acquisition. On average, Pfat was 13.3% ± 5.3%. Muscles from the spinal extensor group had a Pfat significantly greater than the other muscles groups, and the largest variability (Pfat = 31.9% ± 13.8%, P < 0.001). Muscles from the hip extensor group ranked 2^nd in terms of Pfat (14% ± 8%), and were significantly greater than those of the knee extensor (P = 0.030). Muscles from the knee extensor group demonstrated the least Pfat (12% ± 8%). They were also the only group with a significant correlation between Vmuscle and Pfat (r = -0.741, P < 0.001), however this correlation was lacking in the other groups. No correlation was found between the Vmuscle total and age or body mass index. Except for the spine flexors, Pfat was correlated with age. Vmuscle and Vfat distributions demonstrated that muscular degeneration impacted the spinal extensors most.CONCLUSION: Mechanisms of fat infiltration are not similar among the muscle groups. Degeneration impacted the spinal and hip extensors most, key muscles of the sagittal alignment.     

Intradural spinal seeding of a clival chordoma

Background. ¶Following recent progress in radiological and surgical techniques for treating skull base tumours, more attention should be paid to the relatively rare phenomenon of intradural spinal seeding in cases of clival chordoma. Case presentation. A 53-year-old man harboured intradural spinal seeding from a clival chordoma 11 years after his initial surgical treatment. He had undergone skull base surgery five times with extra- and intradural approaches, and adjuvant radiotherapy. His complaints of lumbago, paraparesis, and sensory disturbance of the lower left extremity prompted us to carry out imaging studies of the spinal cord, which revealed multiple intradural, extramedullary mass lesions at the thoracic and lumbosacral spinal level. The tumours were histopathologically diagnosed as spinal seeding of the clival chordoma with high proliferative potential (Ki-67 labelling index of 8.4%). Interpretation. As long-term local control of skull base chordoma appears to be improving by the introduction of skull base surgical techniques and adjuvant radiotherapy, spinal intradural seeding might emerge as a potential complication. Close observation and timely imaging studies for spinal seeding of skull base chordoma would be required in long-term postoperative follow-ups, particularly for those patients with highly proliferative tumours.Published online July 25, 2003     

脊柱外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤影像学表现(7例报告)

目的观察脊柱外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤(pPNET)的影像学表现。方法回顾性分析7例经病理证实的脊柱pPNET患者的影像学资料。结果 7例脊柱pPNET病例中,男性4例,女性3例。病变位于颈段(C2~7)1例,颈胸段(C7~T2)1例,胸段(T10~12)1例,腰段(L3~4、L4~5)2例,腰骶段(L1~S2)1例,骶段(S1~4)1例;其中,髓外硬膜内1例,硬膜外6例。MR(n=7)和CT(n=4)检查表现为硬膜内或硬膜外肿块,信号/密度不均,T1WI为等或稍低信号,T2WI为稍高信号,CT为等密度,增强扫描呈不同程度不均匀强化。肿瘤位于髓外硬膜内者可伴有多发蛛网膜下腔转移,硬膜外pPNET肿瘤的主体部分多位于椎骨或椎旁组织,肿块椎管内部分累及多个椎体平面,并通过椎间孔、骶孔与椎旁部分沟通。结论脊柱pPNET可表现为髓外硬膜内或硬膜外肿瘤,确诊依赖病理及免疫组化检查。     

Local and systemic metal ion release occurs intraoperatively during correction and instrumented spinal fusion for scoliosis

Study design

Prospective pilot study.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to measure titanium, niobium and aluminium levels in various intraoperative and postoperative samples to determine patterns of metal ion release that occur within the first month following instrumented spinal fusion.

Summary of background data

Raised serum metal ion levels are reported following instrumented spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The exact topological origin and chronology of metal ion release remains conjectural. Recent literature suggests an immediate rise in serum metal levels within the first postoperative week.

Methods

Titanium, niobium and aluminium levels were measured before, during and after surgery in serum and local intraoperative fluid samples obtained from two pediatric patients undergoing posterior correction and instrumentation for scoliosis.

Results

Measurable metal ion levels were detected in all local samples obtained from wound irrigation fluid, cell saver blood, and fluid that immersed metal universal reduction screw tabs. Postoperative serum metal ion levels were elevated compared to baseline preoperative levels. In general, metal ion levels were considerably higher in the intraoperative fluid samples compared to those observed in the serum levels.

Conclusion

Our findings of contextually high metal ion concentrations in intraoperative and early postoperative samples provide further empirical support of a ‘putting-in’ phenomenon of metal ion release following instrumented spinal fusion. This challenges existing beliefs that metal ion release occurs during an intermediate ‘wearing-in’ phase. We recommend thorough irrigation of the operative site prior to wound closure to dilute and remove intraoperative metal ion debris. Possibilities of filtering trace metal ions from cell saver content may be considered.     

Long-level intramedullary spinal cord astrocytoma complicated with spine scoliosis: Report of two cases

Introduction and importanceLong-level intramedullary astrocytomas complicated with spine scoliosis are rare. Surgical treatment of such tumors becomes more complicated and challenging when spinal scoliosis is present. However, studies describing the treatment of long segmental intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas complicated with severe spine scoliosis have been rarely reported.Case presentationTwo cases of long-level intramedullary astrocytomas complicated with severe spine scoliosis were surgically treated with one-stage operation of tumor resection and scoliosis correction in this report. Case 1: A 16-year-old boy presented to our hospital with a five-month progressive paresthesia, weakness of the left lower limb, and a long-time abnormal body appearance. MRI showed a T4-T12 intramedullary tumor combined with spinal scoliosis. Case 2: A 14-year-old boy presented at our service with a 6-year history of visible spine scoliosis and a 1-year progressive motor disability of bilateral lower limbs. Spine MRI indicated a long-level abnormal syringomyelia signal from C4 to L1 and there was irregular enhancement after intravenous contrast medium administration at C7-T2 and T9-T12 level.DiscussionWe performed a laminectomy over the whole length of the tumor and corrected the scoliosis with trans-pedicle screws. The patients exhibited a long-time tumor free with largely neurological function preservation. One-stage operation did not generate severe short- or long-term complications. The correction of the scoliosis prevented the progression of the spinal deformity and facilitated the recovery of normal life.ConclusionThis case report demonstrates that the one-stage resection of long-level intramedullary astrocytoma and correction of the complicated scoliosis might be a feasible option.     

Reframing Histological Risk Assessment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Era of UICC 8th Edition TNM Staging

ObjectivesTo assess whether application of the risk model originally proposed by Brandwein-Gensler, influences survival and disease progression in patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs)Materials and MethodsTumours from 134 T1 and T2 OSCC resections (7th edition) were scored independently by 3 histopathologists according to worst pattern of invasion (WPOI), lymphocytic host response (LHR) and perineural invasion (PNI) and categorised according to risk score. Local recurrence, locoregional recurrence, disease progression and overall survival were study endpoints. Interobserver variability of pathologist scoring was also assessed.ResultsSeventy-two patients (54%) were classified with low or intermediate risk and 62 (46%) patients were ‘high risk’. The inter-observer agreement was in moderate to strong agreement with the consensus scores (k range = 0.45–0.82). There was statistical significance between distant metastasis and ‘high risk’ tumours. Thirty tumours were upstaged to T3 in the 8th edition TNM staging, of which 83% had high risk scores. Overall risk score and TNM8 T stage has significant correlation with overall survival in comparison to the TNM 7 T stage.Conclusion‘High risk’ tumours were significantly associated with distant metastasis possibly due to the greater likelihood of aggressive features such as WPOI and PNI. Primary tumours are more likely to express high risk features with increasing T stage. None of the patients classified as ‘low risk’ died perhaps suggesting these tumours represent a rare variant of OSCC with excellent prognosis.     

Altered kidney function induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute kidney damage markers predict survival outcomes of COVID-19 patients: a prospective pilot study

BackgroundLiterature with regard to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated morbidities and the risk factors for death are still emerging. In this study, we investigated the presence of kidney damage markers and their predictive value for survival among hospitalized subjects with COVID-19.MethodsForty-seven participants was included and grouped as: ‘COVID-19 patients before treatment’, ‘COVID-19 patients after treatment’, ‘COVID-19 patients under treatment in intensive care unit (ICU)’, and ‘controls’. Kidney function tests and several kidney injury biomarkers were compared between the groups. Cumulative rates of death from COVID-19 were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. The associations between covariates including kidney injury markers and death from COVID-19 were examined, as well.ResultsSerum creatinine and cystatin C levels, urine Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1)/creatinine ratio, and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), CKD-EPI cystatin C, and CKD-EPI creatinine–cystatin C levels demonstrated significant difference among the groups. The most significant difference was noted between the groups ‘COVID-19 patients before treatment’ and ‘COVID-19 patients under treatment in ICU’. Advancing age, proteinuria, elevated serum cystatin C, and urine KIM-1/creatinine ratio were all significant univariate correlates of death (p < 0.05, for all). However, only elevated urine KIM-1/creatinine ratio retained significance in an age, sex, and comorbidities adjusted multivariable Cox regression (OR 6.11; 95% CI: 1.22–30.53; p = 0.02), whereas serum cystatin C showing only a statistically non-significant trend (OR 1.42; 95% CI: 0.00–2.52; p = 0.09).ConclusionsOur findings clearly demonstrated the acute kidney injury related to COVID-19. Moreover, urine KIM-1/creatinine ratio was associated with COVID-19 specific death.     

Accuracy of a multidisciplinary team-led discussion in predicting postmastectomy radiotherapy

Introduction

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed increasingly following mastectomy for breast cancer. The literature suggests higher reconstructive failure and poorer cosmesis in the subgroup of patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) following IBR. We set out to determine the accuracy of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion in predicting PMRT.

Methods

Preoperative MDT discussions were recorded prospectively over a 12-month period (from February 2011) in a symptomatic breast unit. The estimated need for PMRT was stratified into ‘PMRT not required’, ‘PMRT possibly required’, ‘PMRT probably required’ and ‘PMRT required’ groups.

Results

Of 156 referrals included in the study, 76 patients (49%) underwent mastectomy: 61 simple mastectomy, 10 skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and delayed-immediate breast reconstruction, 3 SSM and implant-based IBR, and 2 mastectomy IBR with an autologous flap. The IBR rate was therefore 19.7%. The proportion of patients who received PMRT was 14% (3/21) in the ‘PMRT not required’, 30% (7/23) in the ‘PMRT possibly required’, 65% (9/14) in the ‘PMRT probably required’ and 94% (17/18) in the ‘PMRT required’ groups. Assigning a linear numerical score (1–4) to these groups (higher score representing greater likelihood of receiving PMRT), the predicted need for PMRT correlated with the proportion of patients who ultimately received PMRT (linear regression r²=0.98, p=0.01).

Conclusions

This study has examined the factors influencing MDT discussions regarding IBR, demonstrating that the MDT is reasonably accurate at predicting need for PMRT. Whether such accuracy is clinically adequate and/or reproducible across units is debatable.     

先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形的手术治疗

目的 探讨半椎体切除后采用平移技术及悬梁臂技术治疗先天性脊柱侧后凸的有效性.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月~2010年1月于本院行手术治疗的先天性脊柱侧后凸患儿24例,男11例,女13例;年龄为6~14岁,平均10.3岁.均于全麻下接受半椎体切除联合内固定矫正脊柱侧后凸畸形,记录患者的手术时间、出血量,术后侧凸角和后凸角的矫正率及末次随访时丢失率.结果 所有患者均获随访,平均随访14个月,手术时间 （148±25） min,手术出血量 （760±85） mL.11例患者置入4对椎弓根螺钉,8例患者置入5对椎弓根螺钉,5例患者置入6对椎弓根螺钉,平均置入4.75对.侧凸Cobb角术前为52.7°±6.2°,术后为9.4°±2.3°,矫正率为82.2%,末次随访时为10.2°±1.2°,矫正丢失率为8.5%.后凸Cobb角术前为30.2°±5.3°,术后为7.2°±1.4°,矫正率为76.2%,末次随访时为7.7°±1.0°,矫正丢失率为6.9%.随访期间未发生内固定物相关并发症,无曲轴现象出现.结论 半椎体切除联合内固定矫形是治疗先天性脊柱侧凸的理想方法,应用平移及悬梁臂技术可显著矫正脊柱侧后凸畸形.     

Pediatric Simple Knee Value: a simple patient-reported outcome measure for the knee

PurposeThe pediatric Simple Knee Value (pedi-SKV) is an outcome score in which paediatric patients are asked ‘How would you rate your knee today as a percentage of normal (0% to 100% scale with 100% being normal)?’. The primary aim of this study was to validate the pedi-SKV by measuring its correlation with validated knee function scores used most often in paediatric orthopaedics.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at a teaching hospital to evaluate the pedi-SKV’s validity. A total of 44 paediatric patients (ten to 15 years old), were enrolled prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as well as 17 healthy controls. A survey form consisting of the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee Pediatric Form (Pedi-IKDC) and pedi-SKV was given to subjects twice (enrolment and six months postoperatively). The criterion validity of the pedi-SKV was determined by correlating it to existing knee functional scores. Responsiveness to change was evaluated by comparing the pedi-SKV scores before and after surgery (enrolment visit and six-month postoperative visit). Discriminative ability was evaluated by comparing the pedi-SKV distribution in patients versus controls.ResultsThere was a strong and significant correlation between the pedi-SKV and the Lysholm and Pedi-IKDC (p < 0.0001). The pedi-SKV had a good responsiveness to change (p < 0.0001 for the pedi-SKV before versus six months postoperatively). Like the other knee-specific functional sores (p < 0.0001), the pedi-SKV was able to distinguish between patients and controls (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe pedi-SKV is a valid outcome measure that is strongly correlated with the Lysholm and Pedi-IKDC. This is a novel simple score that can be used by physicians in their daily practice.Level of evidenceII     

Minimally invasive transmuscular approach for the treatment of benign intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumours: Technical note and results

BackgroundMinimally invasive surgery has expanded over the past two decades and was initially used for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Later, this approach was used to treat other spine pathologies, as well as to perform spinal fusion and extended spinal decompression. In this study, we report our experience regarding the use of a minimal surgical approach in the treatment of intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumours.MethodsBetween January 2008 and July 2013, 18 patients with an intradural extramedullary tumour were included in the study (13 thoracic, 4 lumbar and one cervical tumours). The mean age was 59 years. We operated on 11 meningiomas, 6 neurinomas and one ependymoma. All patients underwent minimally invasive surgery using a tubular retractor system to perform a hemilaminectomy in order to access the spinal canal. Fifteen patients had a neurological deficit and 7 suffered from radicular pain prior to surgery.ResultsGross completed resection was performed in all patients. Mean time of surgery was 95 min. Blood loss was less than 200cc. Fifteen patients out of 18 were able to get up the day after surgery. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. There were no complications.ConclusionA minimal surgical approach using a tubular retractor permits an effective resection of intradural extramedullary tumours. This procedure may be a useful tool to decrease the risk of secondary spine instability and postoperative kyphosis, and could also be used for spinal junctions and in fragile patients.     

Intraspinal anomalies in scoliosis: An MRI analysis of 177 consecutive scoliosis patients

Background:

The association of intraspinal neural anomalies with scoliosis is known for more than six decades. However, there are no studies documenting the incidence of association of intraspinal anomalies in scoliotic patients in the Indian population. The guide lines to obtain an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to rule out neuro-axial abnormalities in presumed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are also not clear. We conducted a prospective study (a) to document and analyze the incidence and types of intraspinal anomalies in different types of scoliosis in Indian patients. (b) to identify clinico-radiological ‘indicators’ that best predict the findings of neuro-axial abnormalities in patients with presumed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which will alert the physician to the possible presence of intraspinal anomalies and optimize the use of MRI in this sub group of patients.

Materials and Methods:

The data from 177 consecutive scoliotic patients aged less than 21 years were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups; Group A - congenital scoliosis (n=60), group B -presumed idiopathic scoliosis (n=94) and group C - scoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis, neuromuscular and connective tissue disorders (n=23). The presence and type of anomaly in the MRI was correlated to patient symptoms, clinical signs and curve characteristics.

Results:

The incidence of intraspinal anomalies in congenital scoliosis was 35% (21/60), with tethered cord due to filum terminale being the commonest anomaly (10/21). Patients with multiple vertebral anomalies had the highest incidence (48%) of neural anomalies and isolated hemi vertebrae had none. In presumed ‘idiopathic’ scoliosis patients the incidence was higher (16%) than previously reported. Arnold Chiari-I malformation (AC-I) with syringomyelia was the most common neural anomaly (9/15) and the incidence was higher in the presence of neurological findings (100%), apical kyphosis (66.6%) and early onset scoliosis. Isolated lumbar curves had no anomalies. In group-C, incidence was 22% and most of the anomalies were in curves with connective tissue disorders.

Conclusion:

The high incidence of intraspinal anomalies in presumed idiopathic scoliosis in our study group emphasizes the need for detailed examination for subtle neurological signs that accompany neuro-axial anomalies. Preoperative MRI screening is recommended in patients with presumed ‘idiopathic’ scoliosis who present at young age, with neurological findings and in curves with apical thoracic kyphosis.