Reversing the concept: correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the convex rod de-rotation maneuver

Purpose

To show the radiological results of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with posterior fusion using all-pedicle-screw construct with correction carried out using a convex rod reduction technique.

Methods

Between October 2004 and June 2007, 42 AIS patients were treated with posterior fusion using all-pedicle-screw construct with correction done through the convex side. Two patients were lost to follow-up and were not included in the study. Forty patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were evaluated for the deformity correction in coronal and sagittal planes and for spinal balance.

Results

The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve and secondary minor curves was 60° and 41°, respectively. Immediate postoperative mean Cobb angle of the major curve and secondary minor curves was 17° and 13°, respectively. Postoperative 2-year average major curve loss of correction was 7 %. Postoperative 2-year average minor curve loss of correction was 5 %. Preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 28° was changed to 22° in 2-years follow-up. The loss of thoracic kyphosis was most noted in hyperkyphotic patients.

Conclusions

The correction of AIS by convex-sided pedicular screws yields a coronal correction comparable to what is described in the literature for segmental concave-sided screws.     

Prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after the selective anterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar (Lenke 5C) curves in idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextPrognosis of minor lumbar curve correction after selective thoracic fusion in idiopathic scoliosis is well defined. However, the prognosis of minor thoracic curve after isolated anterior fusion of the major lumbar curve has not been well described.PurposeTo define the prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after selective anterior fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis.Study designA retrospective cohort study on the prognosis of the minor curve after selective anterior correction and fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis.Patient sampleIdiopathic lumbar scoliosis patients treated with anterior spinal fusion.Outcome measuresThe Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire was used as an outcome measure at the final follow-up.MethodsTwenty-eight patients were included in this study. Four patients were male, 24 patients were female, and average age at the time of surgery was 16 years. Mean follow-up was 48 months. According to the Lenke Classification, 22 patients were 5CN, 5 were 5C?, and 1 was 5C+. All operations were performed in the same institution. Standing long posterior-anterior and lateral radiographs were taken just before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and at final follow-up.ResultsThe mean preoperative Cobb angle of the lumbar (major) curve was 53° (standard deviation [SD]=8.6) and that of the thoracic (minor) curve was 38.4° (SD=6.24). The lumbar and thoracic curves were corrected to 10° (SD=7.6) and 25° (SD=8.3) postoperatively and measured 17° (SD=10.6) and 27° (SD=7.7), respectively, at the last follow-up. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements of the minor curves (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference between the early postoperative and the final follow-up measurements (p>.05). Regarding the overall sagittal balance, there was no significant difference between preoperative, early, and late postoperative measurements (p>.05).ConclusionsSelective anterior fusion of the major thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was an effective method for the treatment of Lenke Type 5C curves. Minor thoracic curves did not progress after selective fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in minimum 2-year follow-up.     

Increase in spinal longitudinal length by correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose

One of the downsides of spinal correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the cessation of spinal longitudinal growth within the fused levels in growing children. However, the surgery itself has the potential to increase spinal longitudinal length by correcting the curvature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between curve correction and increased spinal longitudinal length by corrective surgery for AIS.

Methods

This study included 208 consecutive patients (14 male, 194 female) with AIS who underwent posterior or anterior correction and fusion surgeries. Mean age at the time of surgery was 15.7 ± 3.3 years (range 10–20 years). Patients with hyperkyphosis of more than 40° were excluded. All patients had main curves in the thoracic spine (Lenke type 1 or 2). Forty-three patients underwent anterior spinal correction and fusion (ASF) and 164 underwent posterior spinal correction and fusion (PSF). The mean preoperative height was 154.7 ± 6.9 cm (range 133–173 cm). Pre and postoperative PA standing X-ray films were used to measure the Cobb angle and spinal length between the end vertebrae of the main thoracic curve, and between T1 and L5. The patients were divided into ASF and PSF groups, within which correlations between the Cobb angle correction and spinal length increase were evaluated.

Results

In the ASF group, the mean preoperative Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve was 54.9 ± 8.3° (range 41–83°) and it was corrected to 19.7 ± 9.5° (range 0–47°) with a mean correction of 35.2 ± 11.1° (range 10–74°) after surgery. The mean increase in the length of the main thoracic curve was 1.5 ± 4.6 mm (range ?8 to 13 mm), and the mean increase in T1–L5 length was 16.6 ± 7.7 mm (range ?3 to 51 mm). Significant correlation between the correction of the Cobb angle and increase in T1–L5 length was observed, with a correlation coefficient of 0.44. In the PSF group, the mean preoperative Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve was 58.8 ± 11.6° (range 36–107°) and it was corrected to 17.1 ± 7.6° (range 10–49°), with a mean correction of 41.7 ± 10.2° (range 21–73°) after surgery. The mean increase in the length of the main thoracic curve was 14.0 ± 5.2 mm (range 0–42 mm), and the mean increase in T1–L5 length was 32.4 ± 10.8 mm (10–61 mm). Correlation between the correction of the Cobb angle and increase in T1–L5 length was high, with a correlation coefficient of 0.64. The increase in T1–L5 length could be calculated by the following formula based on linear regression analysis: increase in T1–L5 length (mm) = correction of the Cobb angle (º) × 0.77.

Conclusion

Spinal longitudinal length was significantly increased after surgery in both the ASF and PSF groups. Correction of the Cobb angle and increase in T1–L5 length were highly correlated with each other, especially in the PSF group.     

Operative Therapie der idiopathischen Skoliose mittels ventraler Doppelstabinstrumentation

Background

In the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis both anterior and posterior correction and instrumentation techniques are available. The aim of the present study was to analyse the results of a new anterior dual rod instrumentation.

Patients and methods

Prospective analysis of radiometric and clinical parameters of 93 patients operated on between 1996 and 2004 using the Münster Anterior Dual Rod System.

Results

The average curve correction was 65% (fusion length usually Cobb levels) with a preoperative Cobb angle of 59°. Postoperative loss of correction amounted to 1.5° (average follow-up of 36 months). Apical vertebral derotation averaged 45% in the thoracic and 53% in the lumbar spine with a subsequent correction of the rib hump of 66% and the lumbar hump of 81%. There were no revisions or neurological complications.

Conclusion

Anterior dual rod instrumentation enables an effective and safe three-dimensional curve correction in single structural curves with only minimal loss of correction.     

Efficacy of perioperative halo-gravity traction for treatment of severe scoliosis (≥100°)

Background

There have been no standardized surgical options for severe scoliotic curvatures ≥100°. Halo-gravity traction is a viable option for surgical treatment of severe scoliosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative halo-gravity traction for scoliosis curves ≥100° with respect to radiographic outcomes and clinical complications.

Methods

A total of 21 scoliosis patients with ≥100° curves (average 118.7°; range 100°-158°) with a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 41.8 months; range 24.0-97.0 months) who underwent spinal instrumented fusion using perioperative halo-gravity traction were analyzed. Diagnoses were neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 10), idiopathic (n = 9), and congenital (n = 2). In all, 15 patients were treated by the anterior release procedure followed by final posterior fusion and 6 patients by posterior fusion alone. Six patients had only preoperative traction preceding posterior fusion alone, 6 patients only staged traction between anterior release and final posterior fusion, and 9 patients had both preoperative traction preceding anterior release and staged traction preceding final posterior fusion. The average overall traction period in all patients was 67 days (range 10–78 days).

Results

Radiographic outcomes demonstrated 51.3% correction of the major Cobb angle, 40 mm correction of apical vertebral translation, 76 mm increase of T1-S1 length, and 20.7% increase of space available for lungs at the ultimate follow-up (all comparisons P < 0.05). Preoperative traction demonstrated 27.5% correction of the major curve Cobb angle, 51.5 mm increase of T1-S1 length, 14.9% increase of space available for the lungs (all comparisons P < 0.05). Staged traction after anterior release demonstrated 37.2% correction of the major curve Cobb angle, 26.1 mm correction of apical vertebral translation, 56.5 mm increase of T1-S1 length, 14.2% increase of space available for the lungs (all comparisons P < 0.05). There were only two patients with a pin-site problem, and one required débridement. There were no neurological deficits or clinical complications.

Conclusions

Scoliosis patients with ≥100° curves can be managed successfully by corrective fusion surgery concomitant with perioperative halo-gravity traction without significant complications.     

胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸术前胸椎后凸对术后矢状面代偿模式的影响

目的 探讨胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸 (AIS) 患者选择性胸椎融合术前胸椎矢状面 形态对术后矢状面代偿模式的影响.方法 回顾性分析1999年2月至2005年12月行前路或后路 选择性胸椎融合术且有完整随访资料的90例 AIS患者的临床资料,其中男性15例,女性75例;年龄 11-18岁,平均(14.5±1.9)岁;前路手术41例,后路手术49例.根据术前胸椎后凸角(TK)大小,再 将前后路手术患者分别分为TK<10°组和TK≥10°组.对这四组患者术前及术后随访的胸弯侧凸 角、腰弯侧凸角、TK、腰椎前凸角(LL)、内固定远端交界性后凸角(DJK)、胸腰段交界性后凸(TJK)及 骶骨后上缘与C_7,铅垂线的距离 (SVA) 等指标进行测昔并进行统计学分析.结果 末次随访时,前路 TK<10°组TK、TJK和 DJK均较术前增大,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),总体上由前凸变成后凸; 前路TK≥10°组TK 较术前无明显变化,DJK虽有增大的趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而 TJK 较术前增大,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);后路TK<10°组TK、TJK均较术前增大,差异有统计 学意义(P<0.05),DJK虽有增大的趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)°后路TK≥10°组TK、TJK 和DJK在随访过程中均无明显变化.末次随访时全部TK<10°患者LL与术前相比差异虽无统计学 意义,但总体上呈现逐渐增大的趋势.而四组患者术后的SVA与术前相比无明显变化且均保持在正 常范围.结论 术前TK减少的胸弯型AIS患者行选择性胸椎融合术后,TK、LL均获良好蕈建.但 术后随访过程中DJK和TJK有后凸增大趋势,可能与前路内固定节段短及术后矢状面的重建有关.     

Surgical treatment of scoliosis using allograft bone from a regional bone bank

Introduction

Routine spinal fusion techniques have involved removal of all soft tissues and articular facets, decortication of all posterior elements, and application of bone graft to the fusion area. Bone grafting has been performed mainly using the patient’s own bone (autograft bone), most commonly from the iliac crest. The use of autograft bone is accompanied by complications or problems because of harvesting and donor-site morbidity. Several studies have already reported the use of allograft bone in scoliosis surgery. However, these studies are small series with short-term follow-up.

Method

Twenty-two patients with scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and pedicle-screw-alone fixation using banked allograft bone obtained from the regional bone bank in Japan were analyzed. The average age at surgery was 13 years 5 months. The average follow-up was 2 years 7 months, and the average age at the last follow-up was 15 years 6 months. Scoliosis curves were divided into two groups (single curve group and double curve group).

Results

For the single curve group, the average preoperative coronal curve measured 78° (48°–85°) and the postoperative curve measured 22° (8°–35°), with no loss of correction at the last follow-up. For the double curve group, the average preoperative thoracic curve measured 64° (48°–85°) and the lumbar curve measured 42° (38°–60°). The average postoperative thoracic curve measured 12° (8°–34°) and lumbar curve measured 15° (8°–32°), with no significant loss of correction at the last follow-up. No patients had clinical complaints in the region of surgery at 9 months after surgery and thereafter. There were no complications including loss of correction, nonunion, infection and instrumentation failure. At the last follow-up, patients/parents were interviewed and asked to complete an outcome satisfaction questionnaire. They were asked to rate the outcome as very satisfactory, satisfactory, neither satisfactory nor unsatisfactory, unsatisfactory, or very unsatisfactory. Seventeen patients (77%) were very satisfied, four patients (17%) were satisfied, and one patient (6%) was neither satisfied nor unsatisfied. Autograft bone and banked allograft bone appear to yield comparable results and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

However, in Japan, various expenses accrue to supply a safe and premium quality of banked allograft bone. Financial issue must be resolved as soon as possible.     

Reciprocal sagittal alignment changes after posterior fusion in the setting of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose

Surgical adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) management can be associated with loss of thoracic kyphosis and a secondary loss of lumbar lordosis leading to iatrogenic flatback. Such conditions are associated with poorer clinical outcomes during adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate sagittal plane reciprocal changes after posterior spinal fusion in the setting of AIS.

Methods

Thirty consecutive adolescents (mean age 14.6 years) with AIS Lenke 1, 2 or 3 were included in this retrospective study with 2 year follow-up. Full-spine standing coronal and lateral radiographs were obtained preoperatively, at 3 and 24 months postoperatively. Coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured. Surgical procedure was similar in all the cases, with use of pedicular screws between T11 and the lowest instrumented vertebra (≥L2), sublaminar hooks applied in compression at the upper thoracic level and sub-laminar bands and clamps in the concavity of the deformity. Statistical analysis was done using t test and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Between preoperative and last follow-up evaluations a significant reduction of Cobb angle was observed (53.6° vs. 17.2°, p < 0.001). A significant improvement of the instrumented thoracic kyphosis, TK (19.7° vs. 26.2°, p < 0.005) was noted, without difference between 3 and 24 months postoperatively. An improvement in lumbar lordosis, LL (43.9° vs. 47.3°, p = 0.009) was also noted but occurred after the third postoperative month. A significant correlation was found between TK correction and improvement of LL (R = 0.382, p = 0.037), without correlation between these reciprocal changes and the amount of coronal correction.

Conclusion

Results from this study reveal that sagittal reciprocal changes occur after posterior fusion when TK is restored. These changes are visible after 3 months postoperatively, corresponding to a progressive adaptation of patient posture to the surgically induced alignment. These changes are not correlated with coronal plane correction of the deformity. In the setting of AIS, TK restoration is a critical goal and permits favorable postural adaptation. Further studies will include pelvic parameters and clinical scores in order to evaluate the impact of the noted reciprocal changes.     

Radiological and clinical outcome of selective thoracic fusion for patients with Lenke 1C and 2C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years

Background Context

In Lenke 1C and 2C curves, the choice between selective thoracic fusion (STF) versus non-selective thoracic fusion as the optimal surgical treatment is controversial.

Analysis of risk factors for loss of lumbar lordosis in patients who had surgical treatment with segmental instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose

Iatrogenic flattening of lumbar lordosis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was a major downside of first generation instrumentation. Current instrumentation systems allow a three-dimensional scoliosis correction, but flattening of lumbar lordosis remains a significant problem which is associated with decreased health-related quality of life. This study sought to identify risk factors for loss of lumbar lordosis in patients who had surgical correction of AIS with the use of segmental instrumentation.

Methods

Patients were included if they had surgical correction for AIS with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation Lenke type 1 or 2 and if they had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Two groups were created, based on the average loss of lumbar lordosis. The two groups were then compared and multivariate analysis was performed to identify parameters that correlated to loss of lumbar lordosis.

Results

Four hundred and seventeen patients were analyzed for this study. The average loss of lumbar lordosis at 24 months follow-up was an increase of 10° lordosis for group 1 and a decrease of 15° for group 2. Risk factors for loss of lumbar lordosis included a high preoperative lumbar lordosis, surgical decrease of thoracic kyphosis, and the particular operating surgeon. The lowest instrumented vertebra or spinopelvic parameters were two of many parameters that did not seem to influence loss of lumbar lordosis.

Conclusion

This study identified important risk factors for decrease of lumbar lordosis in patients who had surgical treatment for AIS with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation, including a high preoperative lumbar lordosis, surgical decrease of thoracic kyphosis, and factors attributable to a particular operating surgeon that were not quantified in this study.     

Radiographic evaluation of selective anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

According to Lenke classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), patients with type 5 curve in which the structural major curve is thoracolumbar or lumbar curve with nonstructural proximal thoracic and main thoracic curves, could be surgically treated with selective anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) fusion. This study retrospectively analyzed the radiographies of selective anterior TL/L fusion in 35 cases of AIS with Lenke type 5 curve. Segmental fixation with a single rigid rod through anterior thoracoabdominal approach was applied in all patients. Measurements of scoliosis curve in preoperative, immediate postoperative and follow-up radiographies were analyzed. The average follow up time was 36 months (24-42 months). The average preoperative Cobb angle of the TL/L curve was 45.6 degrees and improved into 9.7 degrees immediate postoperatively, with 79.7% curve correction. In addition, the minor thoracic curve decreased from 29.7 degrees preoperatively to 17.6 degrees postoperatively, with a spontaneous correction of 41.5%. During the follow-up, a loss of 4.6 degrees correction was found and the average Cobb angle of TL/L increased to 14.4 degrees . Also, the minor thoracic curve increased to average 20.1 degrees with a loss of 2.4 degrees correction. Trunk shift deteriorated slightly immediate postoperatively and improved at the follow-up. The lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt was improved significantly and maintained its results at the follow-up. During the follow-up, the coronal disc angle immediately above the upper instrumented vertebra (UIVDA) and below the LIV (LIVDA) aggravated, while the sagittal contours of T5-T12 and T10-L2 were well maintained. The lumbar lordosis of L1-S1 and the sagittal Cobb angle of the instrumented segments were reduced slightly postoperatively and at the follow-up. There were no major complications or pseudarthrosis. The outcomes of this study show that selective anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar fusion with solid rod instrumentation is effective for surgical correction of AIS with Lenke type 5 curve. The TL/L curve, minor thoracic curve, and LIV title can be improved significantly, with good maintenance of sagittal contour. However, the UIVDA and LIVDA aggravate postoperatively when the trunk rebalances itself during follow-up. The degeneration of LIV disc warrants longer-term follow-up.     

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with segmental pedicle screws and combined local autograft and allograft bone for spinal fusion: a retrospective case series

Background

High morbidity has been reported with iliac crest bone graft harvesting; however, donor bone is typically necessary for posterior spinal fusion. Autograft bone combined with allograft may reduce the morbidity associated with iliac crest bone harvesting and improve the fusion rate. Our aim in this study was to determine the presence of complications, pseudarthrosis, non-union, and infection using combined in situ local autograft bone and freeze-dried cancellous allograft bone in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

A combination of in situ local autograft bone and freeze-dried cancellous allograft blocks were used in 50 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior fusion and Moss Miami pedicle screw instrumentation. Results were assessed clinically and radiographically and quality of life and functional outcome was evaluated by administration of a Chinese version of the SRS-22 survey.

Results

There were 41 female and 9 male patients included for analysis with an average age of 14.7 years (range, 12-17). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 18 months (range, 18 to 40 months). The average preoperative Cobb angle was 49.8° (range, 40° to 86°). The average number of levels fused was 9.8 (range, 6-15). Patients had a minimum postoperative follow-up of 18 months. At final follow-up, the average Cobb angle correction was 77.8% (range, 43.4 to 92.5%). There was no obvious loss in the correction, and the average loss of correction was 1.1° (range, 0° to 4°). There was no pseudarthrosis and no major complications.

Conclusions

In situ autograft bone combined with allograft bone may be a promising method enhances spinal fusion in AIS treated with pedicle screw placement. By eliminating the need for iliac crest bone harvesting, significant morbidity may be avoided.     

Cervical sagittal alignment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (Lenke type 1–6)

Objective

We collected the radiographic and clinical data of 129 AIS patients (Lenke type 1–6) to analyze the characteristics of cervical sagittal alignment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients and the correlations between cervical sagittal alignment and global sagittal alignment, and clinical symptoms.

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的选择性胸椎融合治疗

目的　探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸选择性胸椎融合治疗的适应证。方法　回顾性分析12例行选择性胸椎融合患者术前、术后及随访时的X光像 ,对侧凸类型、侧凸Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、顶椎偏距、侧凸柔韧性、躯干偏移及胸腰段矢状面Cobb角进行测量和分析。患者 12例中男 2例 ,女10例 ,平均年龄 15 1(13～ 18)岁。侧凸均为KingⅡ型 ,其中PUMCⅡb1型 9例 ,Ⅱc3型 3例。所有病例均行选择性胸椎融合 ,平均随访 3 5 (1～ 10 5 )年。结果　手术前后胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为5 4 0°、19 0° ,平均矫正率 6 2 7% ;腰弯冠状面Cobb角分别为 34 6°、12 5° ,自动矫正率为 6 4 7%。最后随访时 ,胸、腰弯的冠状面Cobb角分别为 18 8°、15 9°;腰弯冠状面Cobb角、顶椎偏距及顶椎旋转度与术后相比无显著变化。术后发生胸腰段后凸 1例 ,最终随访时未见进一步加重。无躯干失平衡现象发生。选择性胸椎融合较后路融合双弯平均减少 3 5个融合节段。结论　对腰弯柔韧性好且度数较小的KingⅡ (PUMCⅡb1和部分Ⅱc3)型特发性脊柱侧凸 ,可安全有效地行选择性胸椎融合     

Role of thoracoscopy for the sagittal correction of hypokyphotic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

Purpose

Thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves (Lenke 1–4) are often characterized by hypokyphosis. Sagittal alignment remains challenging to correct, even with recent posterior segmental instrumentation. Some authors recommend anterior endoscopic release (AER) to reduce anterior column height, and facilitate thoracic kyphosis correction. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of AER to sagittal correction in hypokyphotic AIS.

Methods

Fifty-six hypokyphotic (T4T12<20°) AIS patients were included. In group 1 (28 patients), patients first underwent AER, followed by posterior instrumentation and correction 5–7 days later. In group 2 (28 patients), patients underwent the same posterior procedure without AER. Posterior correction was performed in all cases using posteromedial translation and hybrid constructs consisting of lumbar pedicle screws and thoracic sublaminar bands. From radiological measurements performed using low-dose EOS radiographs, the correction of thoracic kyphosis was compared between the two groups.

Results

Groups 1 and 2 were comparable regarding demographic data and preoperative thoracic kyphosis (group 1: 11.7° ± 6.9° vs group 2: 12.1° ± 6.3°, p = 0.89). Postoperative thoracic kyphosis increase averaged 18.3° ± 13.6° in group 1 and 15.2° ± 9.0° in group 2. The benefit of anterior release was not statistically significant (p = 0.35).

Conclusion

Although previous studies have suggested that thoracoscopic release improved correction compared to posterior surgery alone, the current study did not confirm this finding. Moreover, results of the current series showed that no significant benefit can be expected from AER in terms of sagittal plane improvement when the posteromedial translation technique is used, even in challenging hypokyphotic patients.     

Midterm surgical outcomes of a short fusion strategy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with Lenke 5C curve

BACKGROUND CONTEXTA previous study examined the short-term (2 years) outcomes of a short fusion strategy for Lenke type 5C curves. This strategy had a little less correction rate with no difference in coronal and sagittal balance and SRS-22 scores to those of a conventional strategy and was superior in operative time and intraoperative bleeding. However, its effectiveness in longer follow-up periods was unknown.PURPOSETo assess midterm surgical outcomes of a short fusion strategy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with Lenke type 5C curve, involving posterior correction and fusion surgery (PSF) using pedicle-screw constructs.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective case series.PATIENT SAMPLETwenty-nine patients who underwent PSF for AIS with Lenke type 5C curve with a minimum 5-year follow-up.OUTCOME MEASURESRadiographic parameters and SRS-22.METHODSWe compared radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes between patients with an upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) at the end vertebra (EV) (n=12) and those treated by short fusion (S), with a UIV one level caudal to the EV (n=17).RESULTSA preoperative mean Cobb angle of 51.9±13.8° was corrected to 11.7±7.7° in the EV group, and an angle of 46.0±6.6° was corrected to 9.3±5.2° in the S group. The correction was maintained in both groups at the final follow-up, and the mean correction loss was 2.8±6.8° in the EV and 6.5±6.5° in the S group (p=.143). The mean correction rate at the final follow-up was not significantly different between the EV (71.4±11.8%) and S (64.9±13.7%) groups (p=.199). A Cobb angle of a thoracic curve was significantly improved immediately after surgery and maintained during the follow-up period in the both groups. Coronal and sagittal balance, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, L4 tilt, UIV/LIV tilt, shoulder balance, and SRS-22 had no difference between the two groups.CONCLUSIONSThere was no difference in radiographic parameters and SRS-22 between patients treated with a UIV at the UEV and patients treated using a short fusion strategy, in which the UIV was one level caudal to the UEV. The short fusion strategy can be one of the alternatives in PSF for Lenke type 5C curves, at least in 5-year time frame.     

Multiple concave rib head resection improved correction rate of posterior spine fusion in treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background

Hybrid constructs have been widely used to surgically correct thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To enhance the correction obtained with hybrid constructs, we perform concave rib head resection and convex costovertebral release as posterior release procedures. The objective of the study was to evaluate coronal and sagittal curve correction in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with hybrid constructs combined with concave rib head resection and convex transverse process resection as posterior release procedures.

全节段椎弓根螺钉后路选择性融合胸弯或腰弯后代偿弯的自发性矫形比较

目的 比较后路选择性融合胸弯或胸腰弯/腰弯矫正青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)后代偿弯的自发性矫形.方法 回顾性分析随访2年以上的双弯型AIS患者共41例(男6例,女35例),手术时平均年龄为13.8(11～16)岁,随访时间平均29(24～36)个月.北京协和医学院(Peking Union Medical College Hospital,PUMC)分型Ⅱb1型13例,Ⅱc1型5例,Ⅱc3型7例,Ⅱd1型16例.分为选择性胸弯融合(STF)组21例和选择性胸腰弯/腰弯融合组(SLF)20例.术前、术后和随访2年时摄站立位全脊柱正侧位和术前仰卧位左右弯曲像.结果 STF组和SLF组融合节段分别为(9.1±0.9)个和(5.5±0.7)个;术前和术后随访2年以上躯干偏移(TS)在STF组分别为(14.8±7.8)mm和(11.4±5.9)mm(P=0.048);SLF组为(24.7±7.3)mm和(13.2±4.9)am(P＜0.001);STF组代偿性腰弯由37.7°±6.8°自发矫形为15.1°±8.4°(P=0.001);SLF组代偿性胸弯由27.4°±6.7°自发矫形为14.9°±5.0°(P＜0.001).术前和术后2年在STF组中胸后凸由18.0°±6.8°降至13.5°±7.6°(P＜0.01),腰前凸由37.9°±8.4°增至43.8°±6.8°(P＜0.05);SLF组中胸后凸由12.8°±7.8°增至28.4°±10.8°(P＜0.001),腰前凸由33.4°±8.8°增至39.6°±6.9°(P＜0.05).两组术前与术后即刻、术后2年腰弯Lenke分型差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001).结论 后路全节段椎弓根螺钉系统选择性融合胸弯或胸腰弯/腰弯矫正AIS代偿弯在冠状面、矢状面上自发性矫形程度不同,腰弯Lenke分型在两组中变化明显.     

选择性前路胸腰段或腰段融合治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸

目的 评价选择性前路胸腰段或腰段融合治疗PUMCⅡd1型(Lenke5型)青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)的临床效果. 方法回顾性分析35例行选择性前路胸腰段或腰段融合的PUMCⅡd1型(Lenke5型)AIS病例.所有病例均行前路单棒节段性固定融合,随访18～42个月,平均36个月.术前、术后及随访时均摄站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片,对躯干偏移、上下融合椎邻近椎间盘开角、下固定椎的倾斜、冠状面和矢状面Cobb角进行测量分析.测量数据使用SPSS 11.0统计学软件进行分析.结果 胸腰弯或腰弯冠状面Cobb角术前平均45.6°,术后9.7°,末次随访14.4°.胸弯冠状面Cobb角术前平均29.7°,术后17.6°,末次随访20.1°.躯干偏移术前平均14.0 mm,术后14.8 mm,末次随访5.1 mm.下端固定椎(LIV)倾斜术前平均-21.8°,术后-1.5°,末次随访-2.1°.冠状面上端固定椎(UIV)上位椎间盘开角(UIVDA)及LIV下位椎间盘开角(LIVDA)术前分别为0.5°和0.6°,术后为0.9°和4.9°,末次随访时均显著加重,为3.0°和7.8°.矢状面胸段(T5～12)及胸腰段(T10～L2)曲度术后及末次随访时均保持良好.矢状面腰前凸(L1～S1)及固定融合节段Cobb角在术后有所减小,末次随访时均保持良好.所有病例末次随访时均未见假关节形成及其他并发症. 结论 选择性前路胸腰段或腰段融合是治疗PUMCⅡd1型(Lenke 5型)AIS的安全、有效的方法,融合节段上、下椎间盘开角增加及部分病例残余胸弯过大现象需进一步随访评估.     

Could clinical ultrasound improve the fitting of spinal orthosis for the patients with AIS?

Purpose

This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of orthotic treatment for the patients with AIS using the three-dimensional clinical ultrasound (3D CUS) method in which the optimal location of pressure pad of spinal orthosis was determined with the assistance of ultrasound image analysis.

Methods

By means of 3D CUS method, the spinous process angle (SPA) could be traced and used as a clinical parameter to estimate the Cobb’s angle in order to determine the location of pressure pad. Twenty-one patients (test group) and 22 patients (control group) were recruited to the ultrasound-assisted fitting method and the conventional fitting method, respectively. All the measurements were done by a blinded observer.

Results

The intra-rater reliability of using 3D CUS to measure SPA was found >0.9 [ICC (3,3) = 0.91, p < 0.05]. In the test group, 13 out of 21 patients were required to adjust the location of pressure pad in order to achieve the largest curvature correction. The mean immediate in-brace corrections (Cobb’s angle measured from radiographs) of the test group (mean thoracic curve correction: 10.3°, mean lumbar curve correction: 10.1°) were found significantly higher (p < 0.005) than that of the control group (mean thoracic curve correction: 4.6°, mean lumbar curve correction: 6.0°). The results showed that the ultrasound-assisted fitting method of spinal orthosis was effective and beneficial to 62 % of the patients in this study.

Conclusions

The 3D CUS could be considered as an effective, non-invasive and fast assessment method to scoliosis, especially in enhancing the effectiveness of orthotic treatment and its applications could also be further extended to other spinal deformities.