Surgical treatment of Scheuermann's disease with segmental compression instrumentation

Twenty-one patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis had surgery for progressive kyphotic deformity of 50 degrees or greater. There were six adolescents, with a mean age of 15.6 years (range, 13-17 years) and 15 young adults, with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 18-40 years). All patients had posterior spine arthrodesis with segmental compression instrumentation. Seven patients with rigid kyphosis had combined anterior and posterior spine arthrodesis. One patient died of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. In the group of 13 patients with posterior arthrodesis only, followup was 4.5 years. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphotic curve of 68.5 degrees improved to 40 degrees at latest review, with an average loss of correction of 5.75 degrees. Junctional kyphosis occurred in two patients with a short arthrodesis: one at the cephalad end and one at the caudal end of the fused kyphotic curve. In the second group of seven patients with combined anterior and posterior arthrodesis, followup was 6 years. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphotic curve of 86.3 degrees improved to 46.4 degrees at latest review, with an average loss of correction of 4.4 degrees. Overall, there was no postoperative neurologic deficit and no pseudarthrosis. Thus, posterior arthrodesis and segmental compression instrumentation seems to be effective for correcting and stabilizing kyphotic deformity in Scheuermann's disease. Despite a long operating time, this technique provided significant correction, avoiding the development of any secondary deformity in most patients. Combined anterior and posterior spine arthrodesis is recommended for rigid, more severe kyphotic deformities.     

Surgical treatment of congenital kyphosis

STUDY DESIGN: In this study, 26 cases of congenital kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcomes and surgical indications for posterior only versus anteroposterior surgery in the child. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Congenital kyphosis usually is progressive without surgical intervention. Current recommended treatment includes posterior arthrodesis for deformities of less than 50 degrees to 60 degrees, and anterior release or decompression, anterior fusion, and posterior instrumented arthrodesis for large deformities and cord compression. METHODS: Cases involving myelodysplasia, spinal dysgenesis, and skeletal dysplasia were excluded from the study. Kyphoscoliosis was included if the kyphotic deformity was greater than the scoliotic deformity. Patients were grouped by age and surgical technique. The patients in group P1 underwent posterior arthrodesis at an age younger than 3 years, and those in group P2 underwent the procedure at an age older than 3 years. The patients in group AP1 underwent anterior and posterior procedures at an age younger than 3 years, and those in group AP2 underwent the procedures at an age older than 3 years. The preoperative deformity, complications, and postoperative deformity correction were analyzed. There were nine Type 1 (failure of formation), nine Type 2 (failure of segmentation), and eight Type 3 (mixed) deformities. Four patients had associated spinal dysraphism. Three patients with Type 1 deformities had clinical or radiographic evidence of cord compression. RESULTS: In Group P1, five patients at an average age of 16 months underwent posterior arthrodesis alone for an average kyphotic deformity of 49 degrees. The immediate postoperative correction improved over a period of 6 years and 9 months by an additional 10 degrees, resulting in a final deformity of 26 degrees. Pseudarthrosis developed in two patients, requiring fusion mass augmentation or anterior arthrodesis. Neither patient was instrumented. In Group P2, five patients at an average age of 13 years and 7 months underwent posterior arthrodesis with instrumentation for kyphotic deformity of 59 degrees. Approximately 30 degrees of intraoperative correction was achieved safely using compression instrumentation and positioning. No further correction occurred with growth. The final residual kyphotic deformity was 29 degrees after a follow-up period of 4 years and 5 months. In Group AP1, seven patients underwent anterior release or vertebra resection for deformity correction and posterior arthrodesis for an average kyphotic deformity of 48 degrees at the age of 16 months. There were no iatrogenic neurologic injuries. The final residual kyphotic deformity was 22 degrees after a follow-up period of 6 years and 3 months. In Group AP2, nine patients underwent anterior release or decompression with posterior arthrodesis for kyphotic deformity of 77 degrees at the age of 11 years and 6 months. The deformity was corrected to 37 degrees, with no significant loss over a follow-up period of 5 years and 2 months. There were two postoperative neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing their experience, the authors made the following observations: 1) The pseudarthrosis rate was low even without routine augmentation of fusion mass if instrumentation was used; 2) gradual correction of kyphosis may occur with growth in patients younger than 3 years with Types 2 and 3 deformities after posterior fusion, but appears to be unpredictable; 3) the risk of neurologic injury with anterior and posterior fusion for kyphotic deformity was associated with greater age, more severe deformity, and preexisting spinal cord compromise.     

Evaluation of surgical treatment for burst fractures

The authors instituted a prospective, randomized study of patients presenting with acute burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine. Patients were alternately treated by posterior distraction using pedicle instrumentation (AO fixateur interne) or anterior decompression and instrumentation (Kostuik-Harrington device). Forty patients are presented with a mean follow-up of 20 months. Preoperatively, there was significant canal compromise in 39 patients. This measured 44.5% in those patients undergoing posterior surgery and 58% in those patients undergoing anterior surgery. Postoperatively, this was reduced to 16.5% and 4%, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference between these two groups (P less than 0.0001). The mean preoperative kyphotic deformity was 18.7 degrees in those patients treated by anterior surgery and 18.2 degrees in the group treated by posterior surgery. At last follow-up, the mean improvement in kyphotic deformity was 9.3 degrees in the anterior group and 11.3 degrees in the posterior group. There is no statistically significant difference between these two groups. There were two implant failures of the anterior Kostuik-Harrington construct and two implant failures of the AO fixateur interne. Blood loss was significantly higher in the patients undergoing anterior surgery, but there were no complications from thoracotomy and anterior decompression of the dural sac. This study supports the hypothesis that posterior distraction instrumentation can effectively decompress the canal and correct kyphosis in patients sustaining burst-type injuries. Anterior surgery, however, results in a more complete and reliable decompression of the canal.     

Simultaneous anterior-posterior approach through a costotransversectomy for the treatment of congenital kyphosis and acquired kyphoscoliotic deformities

BACKGROUND: Congenital kyphosis and acquired kyphoscoliotic deformities are uncommon but are potentially serious because of the risk of progressive deformity and possible paraplegia with growth. Our current approach for the treatment of these deformities is to use a single posterior incision and costotransversectomy to provide access for simultaneous anterior and posterior resection of a hemivertebra or spinal osteotomy, followed by anterior and/or posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis. To our knowledge, this approach has not been reported previously. METHODS: The medical records and radiographs for sixteen patients who had been managed at our institution for the treatment of congenital kyphosis and acquired kyphoscoliosis between 1988 and 2002 were analyzed. The mean age at the time of surgery was twelve years. The diagnosis was congenital kyphosis for fourteen patients and acquired kyphoscoliotic deformities following failed previous surgery for two. The mean preoperative kyphotic deformity was 65 degrees (range, 25 degrees to 160 degrees ), and the mean scoliotic deformity was 47 degrees (range, 7 degrees to 160 degrees ). Fifteen patients were managed with vertebral resection or osteotomy through a single posterior approach and costotransversectomy, anterior and posterior arthrodesis, and posterior segmental spinal instrumentation. The other patient was too small for spinal instrumentation at the time of vertebral resection. A simplified outcome score was created to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 60.1 months. The mean correction of the major kyphotic deformity was 31 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 82 degrees ), and the mean correction of the major scoliotic deformity was 25 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 68 degrees ). Complications occurred in four patients; the complications included failure of posterior fixation requiring revision (one patient), lower extremity dysesthesias (one patient), and late progressive pelvic obliquity caudad to the fusion (two patients). The outcome, which was determined with use of a simplified outcomes score on the basis of patient satisfaction, was rated as satisfactory for thirteen patients, fair for two patients, and poor for one patient. CONCLUSIONS: A simultaneous anterior and posterior approach through a costotransversectomy is a challenging but safe, versatile, and effective approach for the treatment of complex kyphotic deformities of the thoracic spine, and it minimizes the risk of neurologic injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.     

A long-term follow-up study of anterior tibial allografting and instrumentation in the management of thoracolumbar tuberculous spondylitis

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of anterior instrumentation following radical debridement and tibial allografting and its long-term progression in patients with multilevel spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: This prospective observational study was undertaken to analyze 22 patients with multilevel spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease) who underwent anterior radical debridement, decompression, and fusion using anterior spinal instrumentation and tibial allograft replacement between 1999 and 2001. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale and a visual analog scale (VAS). Preoperative and postoperative plain radiographs were obtained, and the focal kyphotic angle of the surgically treated spinal segments and the overall sagittal and coronal contours of the thoracic and lumbar spine were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 84 months (range 36-96 months). All patients demonstrated clinical healing of the tuberculosis infection. All patients showed evidence of successful bone fusion. The mean late postoperative kyphosis correction was 74% (range 63-91%). On average, 2 degrees (range 0-5 degrees ) of loss of correction was noted in the local kyphotic angle postoperatively in late follow-up findings. Evaluation of the surgical effect on sagittal global contours showed a significant correction rate in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar regions. The mean late postoperative coronal plane alignment correction was 99%. The ASIA Impairment Scale scores demonstrated significant improvement in late follow-up results in our series. Surgical decompression also resulted in a dramatic reduction of overall pain in all patients (late postoperative VAS score 1.61 +/- 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior tibial allografting and instrumentation provide correction of the curvature, prevention of further deformation, improvement of sagittal and coronal balance, and restoration of neurological function in patients with spinal tuberculosis.     

Anterior and posterior spinal fusion for paralytic scoliosis

Twenty-three patients with paralytic scoliosis were treated with a combination of anterior and posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. The sequence was anterior surgery first in 19 patients and posterior surgery first in 4. The average age was 14.4 years. Preoperative correction with a halo-hoop apparatus was performed in 12 patients. The average preoperative curve for the group measured 100 degrees, and the average postoperative curve at a mean follow-up time of 21 months was 37 degrees. The mean loss of correction was 8 degrees. Although superior hook dislodgment occurred in 5 patients, no pseudarthrosis or beinding of the fusion mass was documented.     

Changes in cervical spine curvature after uninstrumented one- and two-level corpectomy in patients with spondylotic myelopathy

OBJECTIVE: We studied changes in the cervical spine curvature in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent one- or two-level central corpectomy and iliac bone grafting without the use of instrumentation. METHODS: Curvature of the fused segment and of the whole cervical spine was evaluated on preoperative and follow-up x-rays in 93 patients (30 underwent one-level corpectomy, and 63 underwent two-level corpectomy). In 59 patients, the changes in the cervical spine curvature were studied using one follow-up x-ray; in the other 34 patients, the changes were studied on x-rays obtained at two or more follow-up visits. The sagittal alignment of the fused segment was categorized as lordotic (>+5 degrees), straight (+5 to -5 degrees) or kyphotic (>-5 degrees). The whole spine curvature also was recorded as lordotic, straight, or kyphotic. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 22.2 months (range, 6-71 mo), there was a mean change of -10.4 degrees in the segmental curvature (P < 0.001). The fused segment sagittal alignment also worsened (lordotic angles becoming straight or kyphotic and straight angles becoming kyphotic) in 44 patients (47%)(P < 0.001). However, serial studies in 34 patients (mean first and last follow-ups, 11.9 and 30.8 mo, respectively) did not demonstrate significant worsening of the kyphotic angle or the sagittal alignment over time (P = 0.9). Whole spine curvature worsened in 33 (35%) of the 93 patients (P < 0.001); serial studies did not reveal a significant change (P = 0.9). Patients improved in their functional status from a preoperative mean Nurick grade of 2.9 (range, 1-5) to a follow-up mean Nurick grade of 1.5 (range, 0-4) (P < 0.001). Patients with a kyphotic change in their whole spine curvature (n = 33) and those without such change (n = 60) had a similar functional outcome (mean change in Nurick grade, 1.5 and 1.4, respectively). CONCLUSION: Cervical spine curvature tended to undergo a kyphotic change at the fused segment in 47% of patients and a kyphotic change of the whole spine curvature in 35% of patients who underwent one- or two-level uninstrumented central corpectomy. This kyphotic change in the cervical spine, which stabilizes within 1 year after surgery, is not progressive, and it does not affect neurological outcome in these patients.     

Sagittal alignment changes after thoracic laminectomy in adults

OBJECT: The increased kyphosis after thoracic laminectomy in adult patients was retrospectively evaluated and various factors affecting this spinal deformity were analyzed. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 58 cases in which laminectomy was performed and more than half of the facet joints were left intact. The study group included 44 men (mean age 59 years) and 14 women (mean age 61 years) with thoracic myelopathy due to ossifications of the ligamentum flavum and/or the posterior longitudinal ligament or due to posterior bone spurs. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Their neurological condition was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale (a full score is 11), and the magnitude of local kyphosis in the laminectomized area was determined using the Cobb angle method. RESULTS: The mean preoperative JOA score was 5.4; the mean postoperative score was 8.3. No relationship was found between postoperative JOA score and increased kyphotic angle. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle was 7.0 degrees . The mean postoperative kyphotic angle was 10.8 degrees . Thus local kyphosis in the treated area increased by only 3.8 degrees . The mean increase in kyphosis per spinal segment, calculated by dividing the kyphotic angle of the surgically decompressed area by the number of resected laminae, was 1.9 degrees . Female patients with >or= 3-level laminectomies showed a significant increase of kyphosis in both the laminectomized area and each spinal segment. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in kyphosis after thoracic laminectomy is not large and thus spinal fusion is usually not necessary. In cases involving female patients who undergo long-segment laminectomies, however, careful radiographic follow-up is recommended.     

Harrington and Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Long-term functional and radiographic outcomes

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the long-term clinical outcome does not correlate with the radiographic outcome in patients treated with Harrington instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation has been reported to provide better correction radiographically, but it is unclear whether it provides better long-term clinical or functional outcomes. We are not aware of any long-term studies comparing Harrington and Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients in whom adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was treated with Harrington instrumentation and fifty-seven in whom it was treated with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation participated in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.8 years for the Harrington instrumentation group and 13.0 years for the Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation group. The mean age at the time of follow-up was thirty-six years and twenty-eight years, respectively. Radiographs were made preoperatively and at the two-year and final follow-up examinations. The Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire was completed, a physical examination was performed, and spinal mobility and non-dynamometric trunk strength were measured at the final follow-up visit. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the thoracic curves was 53 degrees in the Harrington instrumentation group and 55 degrees in the Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation group. The mean numbers of vertebrae included in the instrumentation were 10.7 and 9.9, respectively. At the two-year follow-up evaluation, the mean postoperative Cobb angles were 38 degrees and 25 degrees, respectively (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up evaluation, the mean angles were 45 degrees and 32 degrees (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in thoracic kyphosis or lumbar lordosis was observed between the study groups at the final follow-up evaluation. The average score on the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire was 97 points in both groups. Measurements of non-dynamometric trunk strength corresponded with age and sex-adjusted reference values, on the average, but patients with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation performed significantly better in the squatting test (p = 0.010). Abnormal lumbar extension and trunk side-bending were significantly more common in the Harrington instrumentation group (p = 0.050 and p = 0.0061, respectively). Complications were recorded for nine (12%) of the patients treated with Harrington instrumentation and fifteen (26%) of those treated with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation yielded better long-term functional and radiographic outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis than did Harrington instrumentation. However, complications were more common in the Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation group.     

Surgical and functional results of spine fusion in spinal muscular atrophy

From 1965 to 1987, 84 spinal muscular atrophy patients were followed at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center (RLAMC). Twenty-seven patients were excluded from this study due to insufficient medical documentation (16), lack of follow-up (5), and death (6); leaving 57 patients in the general study group. Group I (34 patients) had posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with Harrington rod instrumentation (HRI); mean age at surgery was 12 years, average preoperative curve was 57 degrees, average postoperative correction was 42%, with a loss of correction of 9 degrees. The complication rate in this group was 35%. The average follow-up interval was 9 years (range, 4-19 years). Group II (six patients) underwent PSF with Luque segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI); mean age at surgery was 11 years, preoperative curves averaged 37 degrees, average postoperative correction was 42% with a loss of correction of 3 degrees. The complication rate in this group was 16%. Follow-up was 3.5 years. Physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluations were done preoperatively and postoperatively at 2- and 5-year intervals. Information was gathered in three categories: 1) ambulation, 2) equipment use, and 3) functional activities. After fusion, sitting tolerance was maintained but additional use of mobile arm supports, lapboards, and reaching aides was necessary for all patients. The ability to perform activities such as drinking, self-feeding, and self-hygiene declined during the 2 years immediately following surgery but improved by 5 years. Surgical patients never approached their preoperative skill levels. Therapy evaluations further demonstrated that there were no difference in function between either operative group.     

一期前后路手术治疗合并严重后凸畸形的胸腰椎活动性结核

目的 探讨合并严重后凸畸形(后凸角度≥45.)的活动性胸腰椎结核的合理治疗方案.方法 回顾性分析2004年1月至2008年1月治疗的30例合并严重后凸畸形的活动性胸腰椎结核患者的临床资料.其中男性8例,女性22例,年龄7～60岁(平均35岁),病程3～18个月(平均8个月).后凸角度45°～70°(平均58°).30例均有较大的椎旁脓肿,28例合并椎管内脓肿,10例合并不完全性截瘫(Frankel 分级B级2例、C级6例、D级2例).HREZ 方案化疗至少2周后手术治疗,先行后路多节段椎弓根螺钉植入(6～10枚),通过钉棒连接产生提拉力使后凸矫正;再经前入路清除脓肿、部分或全部切除病变椎体,行支撑性植骨重建.术后化疗方案为6HREZ/6～12HRE.对所有病例的后凸角度、术后矫正效果和神经功能恢复程度进行比较分析,同时观察患者的红细胞沉降率和植骨融合情况.结果 手术时间4～6 h(平均5.2 h),出血量600～900 ml(平均760 m1),围手术期无严重并发症发生.后凸角纠正至0°～10°,最大纠正65°.随访1～4年(平均1.5年),术后6个月所有患者的结核病灶均治愈.术前合并瘫痪者,2例Frankel B级者恢复至D级,其余8例均恢复至E级.末次随访时未见内固定松动断裂及结核复发征象.结论 一期后路多节段椎弓根螺钉固定矫形联合前路病灶清除植骨融合,是治疗合并严重后凸畸形的活动性胸腰椎结核安全、有效的方案.     

Hemivertebra resection and scoliosis correction by a unilateral posterior approach using single rod and pedicle screw instrumentation in children under 5 years of age

Ten consecutive patients under 5 years of age with congenital scoliosis caused by single-level hemivertebra underwent hemivertebra resection and scoliosis correction by a unilateral posterior approach using single rod and pedicle screw instrumentation. The mean age at the time of surgery was 3.3 years. The mean correction of main curve, segmental curve, and segmental kyphotic angle was 65.9, 62.8, and 78.1%, respectively. The average follow-up duration was 3.5 years. All patients achieved solid fusion on the convex side. No patient required revision surgery. The results indicate that this therapeutic method is less traumatic, simple, and safe.     

Anterior radical debridement and anterior instrumentation in tuberculosis spondylitis

The conventional procedure in the treatment of vertebral tuberculosis is drainage of the abscess, curettage of the devitalized vertebra and application of an antituberculous chemotherapy regimen. Posterior instrumentation results are encouraging in the prevention or treatment of late kyphosis; however, a second-stage operation is needed. Recently, posterolateral or transpedicular drainage without anterior drainage or posterior instrumentation following anterior drainage in the same session has become the preferred treatment, in order that kyphotic deformity can be avoided. Information on the use of anterior instrumentation along with radical debridement and fusion is scarce. This study reports on the surgical results of 63 patients with Pott's disease who underwent anterior radical debridement with anterior fusion and anterior instrumentation (23 patients with Z-plate and 40 patients with CDH system). Average age at the time of operation was 46.8+/-13.4 years. Average duration of follow-up was 50.9+/-12.9 months. Local kyphosis was measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up visit as the angle between the upper and lower end plates of the collapsed vertebrae. Vertebral collapse, destruction, cold abscess, and canal compromise were assessed on magnetic resonance (MR) images. It was observed that the addition of anterior instrumentation increased the rate of correction of the kyphotic deformity (79.7+/-20.1%), and was effective in maintaining it, with an average loss of 1.1 degrees +/-1.7 degrees. Of the 25 patients (39.7%) with neurological symptoms, 20 (80%) had full and 4 (16%) partial recoveries. There were very few intraoperative and postoperative complications (major vessel complication: 3.2%; secondary non-specific infection: 3.2%). Disease reactivation was not seen with the employment of an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. It was concluded that anterior instrumentation is a safe and effective method in the treatment of tuberculosis spondylitis.     

Flexion-distraction injury of the thoracolumbar spine

Flexion–distraction injury of the thoracolumbar spine results from a failure of both the posterior and middle columns under tension, and this injury is uncommon. Progressive kyphotic deformity frequently develops after conservative treatments. We report our 10 years’ experience with the surgical treatment of flexion–distraction injuries.

From January 1991 to December 2000, 30 flexion–distraction thoracolumbar spinal injuries were treated at our hospital. We included 23 patients in this study, and seven patients were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 37.2 years. Six were female and 17 were male. All patients received open reduction, posterior instrumentation, and posterior fusion at the level of injury. Post-operatively, patients were all placed in total contact orthoses for 3 months. Ambulation was allowed immediately after brace application.

The mean follow-up period was 84.7 months follow-up. The final average follow-up kyphotic angulation was 5.4°, which is an average improvement of 9.5°. Post-operative back pain ratings indicated that result of surgery was mostly good, and the neurological evaluation was almost normal after long-term follow-up. A satisfactory reduction and good stabilisation with solid fusion was achieved in all cases, without any significant loss of reduction.

Surgical treatment of reduction and stabilisation with posterior instrumentation and fusion is suggested in patients with flexion–distraction injury of the thoracolumbar spine.     

Die Einstellung des sagittalen Profils nach operativer Therapie der unspezifischen destruierenden Spondylodiszitis: ventrales oder ventrodorsales Vorgehen

From 1989 to 1998, 129 patients underwent surgery for unspecific spondylodiscitis in the Department of Orthopedics of the Free University of Berlin. Fifty-six of them were followed up, and their clinical and radiological results were evaluated in this study. The surgical results of 40 patients with only ventral removal of a focus and defect coverage with an iliac crest graft were compared to those of 16 with additional dorsal bridging instrumentation by internal fixation. A mean of 2.3 vertebrae were fused in ventral spondylodesis; the mean length of dorsal instrumentation by internal fixation was 3.8 vertebrae. Patients were followed up a mean of 5.1 years after surgery. The mean age of patients was 57.1 years at the time of surgery. Patients were postoperatively mobilized a mean of 5 days after ventrodorsal fusion. A purely ventral procedure required a mean postoperative immobilization period of 3.6 weeks and brace fitting of a mean 8.2 months. There was one case of recurrent spondylodiscitis 25 months postoperatively, which made a revision of the focus necessary. The consolidation rate of the ventral spondylodesis was 84-100% in the different subgroups. A differential view of the spinal areas and ventral fusion segments was used to make a statement about the development of the sagittal spine profile. The segmental position of the spine in the sagittal plane was assessed by comparing the segmental kyphosis angles to normal values in the literature. All subgroups submitted to combined ventrodorsal fusion had a greater preoperative segmental kyphosis angle than those undergoing ventral fusion alone. In marked segmental kyphotic false positioning, the combined ventrodorsal procedure achieved good postoperative repositioning results, and an increase in segmental kyphosis was prevented. Ventral removal of a focus and bone graft spondylodesis seem to be adequate in single-level spondylodiskitis especially in the lumbar spine, but additional dorsal instrumentation should be performed in the case of long ventral fusion.     

The transverse placement laminoplasty using titanium miniplates for the reconstruction of the laminae in thoracic and lumbar lesion

Laminoplasty for thoracic and lumbar spine surgery enables surgeons to preserve the posterior arch of the spine while preventing invasion of hematoma and scar tissue, postoperative instability, subluxation, and kyphotic deformities. The authors have developed a new surgical technique: namely, transverse placement laminoplasty (TPL) using titanium miniplates. Eight patients and 18 laminae underwent TPL using a titanium mini-plate. The preoperative diagnoses were six intradural tumors, one ossification of a yellow ligament and one spontaneous spinal cord herniation. The mean blood loss was 219 g and the mean duration of surgery was 3 h and 54 min. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 2 years and 1 month. All eight patients started to sit with a soft brace within the second postoperative day, and were able to walk within the fifth postoperative day. There were no cases of spinal deformity, an invasion of hematoma or scar tissue into the spinal canal on magnetic resonance imaging, or back pain. TPL simultaneously enables surgeons to obtain sufficient field of vision and rigid early fixation of the reduced lamina at the time of surgery. Moreover, our novel technique also simplifies the postoperative treatment, while preserving the posterior arch of the spine, and also preventing an invasion of a hematoma and scar tissue, postoperative instability, subluxation, and kyphotic deformities.     

Preservation of the spinous process-ligament-muscle complex to prevent kyphotic deformity following laminoplasty.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Long-term results of patients treated with conventional laminoplasty have shown a significant number of patients complicated with kyphotic deformity. The authors hypothesize that by maintaining the spinous process-ligament-muscle complex (SPLMC) during laminoplasty, followed by postoperative muscle strengthening exercises, the formation of kyphosis can be decreased. PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of kyphosis in a select patient group undergoing laminoplasty with preservation of the SPLMC followed by neck strengthening exercises. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A midterm retrospective study of 30 patients following laminoplasty with preservation of the SPLMC. PATIENT SAMPLE: Thirty consecutive patients with cervical myelopathy attributable to multilevel cervical spinal stenosis underwent laminoplasty with preservation of the SPLMC from April 1998 to July 2002. OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, Guigui angles, and axial symptoms were measured. METHODS: Thirty patients with multiple-level cervical myelopathy were studied. Fourteen had a normal lordotic curve, whereas 16 had a straight curve. All these patients underwent laminoplasty with preservation of the SPLMC. For the first 6 months, isometric neck muscle exercises were performed. After this time, the intensity of the exercises was gradually increased. RESULTS: The average preoperative JOA score was 5.8+/-1.4. Mean JOA score at 3.8 years follow-up was 13.6+/-2.1. The recovery ratio was 69%. All 14 presurgical lordotic curves remained lordotic. Fourteen of the 16 straight spines improved to a lordotic configuration. Using the Guigui method, the preoperative lordotic angle was corrected by approximately 9 degrees (mean preoperative of 9.89+/-1.13 degrees, mean postoperative of 18.66+/-1.85 degrees), and the preoperative straight angle was corrected by approximately 15 degrees (mean preoperative of 0.91+/-2.14 degrees, mean postoperative of 15.88+/-1.71 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: Laminoplasty with preservation of the SPLMC followed by appropriate postoperative muscle exercises may be an encouraging way to maintain or restore the physiological curve and prevent kyphotic deformity at a medium term follow-up.     

Combination of luque instrumentation with polyaxial screws in the treatment of myelomeningocele kyphosis

Rigid congenital kyphosis in myelomeningocele is associated with an important morbidity with skin breakdown, recurrent infection, and decreased function. Kyphectomy is the classic treatment to restore spinal alignment; however, surgery is associated with morbidity and long-term complications. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the authors' experience using combination of Luque instrumentation with posterolaterally placed polyaxial screws in the treatment of myelomeningocele kyphosis. From June 1999 to June 2003, 7 patients were treated and followed up for an average of 68.6 months. The average age at the time of the operation was 7 year and 1 month. All patients underwent vertebral excision from just above the apex of vertebral deformity to realign the sagittal deformity. Posterolaterally placed polyaxial screws were used in combination with segmental Luque instrumentation. Kyphotic deformity averaged 104 degrees before surgery, 15.2 degrees after surgery, and 18.5 degrees at the latest follow-up. The average loss of correction was 3.3 degrees. The average blood loss was 611 mL. Complications occurred in 2 of 7 patients were superficial wound breakdown and deep wound infection that required rotational flap closure. Kyphectomy with posterior instrumentation by using Luque technique in the combination with polyaxial screws is reliable method for correcting rigid kyphotic deformity in patients with myelomeningocele. Rigidity of the construct, greater correction capacity, and low profile instrumentation by the help of posterolateral insertion of the polyaxial screws and wiring were the distinct advantages of this technique.     

胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形的外科治疗

目的总结分析胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形的手术治疗效果。方法回顾研究胸腰段陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形33例,平均年龄40 3岁。病史平均36 0个月。后凸Cobb角平均40 8°(20°~82°)。全部患者均有脊髓损伤,括约肌功能障碍26例。12例有显著腰背部疼痛。23例既往曾有手术史。手术方式包括前路椎体间隙松解植骨+后路截骨矫形固定15例,后路截骨减压矫形12例,前路松解、椎体间撑开植骨固定6例。结果全部患者后凸畸形矫正率平均为86 0%。无严重手术并发症。随访时间平均24 6个月(6个月~84个月), 32例骨性融合, 1例植骨未融合,行二次手术后骨性融合。10例术后神经功能有改善, 10例术后括约肌功能部分恢复。有显著腰背部疼痛者术后症状均明显减轻。结论单纯后路截骨矫形适用于角度较小( <45°)的后凸畸形。前路松解、后方经关节突截骨矫形适用于不同程度的后凸畸形,尤其对后凸严重或二次手术的病例更显优势。对于合并脊髓不全损伤的病例即使病史较长,手术仍然可能获得一定疗效,特别是对于腰部疼痛的缓解效果显著。     

Isolated posterior instrumentation for selected cases of thoraco-lumbar spinal tuberculosis without anterior instrumentation and without anterior or posterior bone grafting

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study is the analysis of the clinical and radiological outcomes of active thoraco-lumbar spinal tuberculosis treated with isolated posterior instrumentation without any posterior bone grafting or anterior inter-body bone grafting or anterior instrumentation.

Methods

The study was a prospective follow-up of 25 patients with active thoraco-lumbar spinal tuberculosis who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation with pedicle screws and rods. These patients had posterior stabilization of the involved segment of the spine without anterior or posterior bone grafting. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.3 years and the minimum duration of follow-up was 2 years.

Results

The mean kyphotic angle improved from 32.4° pre-operatively to 7.2° in the early follow-up period. Following a minor loss of correction during follow-up, the mean kyphotic angle settled at 11.5° at the time of final follow-up. Inter-body bony fusion was noticed at the final follow-up in all patients despite the absence of anterior bone grafting or cages.

Conclusion

Posterior instrumented stabilization followed by chemotherapy seems to be adequate for obtaining satisfactory healing of the lesions. Anterior inter-body bony arthrodesis occurs despite the absence of anterior bone grafts or cages. Careful patient selection is critical for successful outcome with this technique.