颈椎牵引预矫形结合手术矫形治疗重度颈椎后凸畸形

目的 :研究颈椎牵引预矫形结合手术矫形与单纯手术矫形治疗重度颈椎后凸畸形的疗效,探讨重度颈椎后凸畸形的治疗策略。方法:回顾性分析2003年3月~2017年3月,在我院接受手术治疗的大于40°的重度颈椎后凸畸形患者共32例,男24例,女8例。年龄5.9~63.4岁,平均19.5±12.2岁。根据治疗方案是否行牵引预矫形分为牵引组及非牵引组。牵引组26例,其中4例为颅骨牵引,22例为颈椎平衡悬吊牵引,6例先行颈椎松解手术、而后采用牵引预矫形,最后进行颈椎矫形内固定融合手术。非牵引组6例,单纯采用颈椎矫形内固定融合手术。测量及记录所有患者治疗前、矫形手术(前路、后路或前后联合入路矫形融合内固定手术)后出院前(术后2周左右)、末次随访时,以及牵引组患者牵引后(矫形手术前)不同时间点的颈椎后凸节段的后凸角、JOA脊髓功能评分并进行比较。结果 :本组32例后凸角由治疗前73.5°±26.5°矫正至术后16.6°±17.2°,最终矫正率平均(79.8±19.0)%,术后与治疗前存在统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗前JOA评分11.9±4.5分,术后JOA评分15.2±2.9分,有统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗前牵引组的后凸角(77.9°±26.5°)明显大于非牵引组(54.7°±18.2°,P0.05),但是牵引组的手术矫正率(81.7±17.9)%高于非牵引组(73.4±25.8)%,存在统计学差异(P0.05)。采用平衡悬吊牵引的牵引预矫正率(70.3±18.7)%及手术后的最终矫正率(83.8±14.4)%与采用颅骨牵引的相应指标(52.2±21.8)%、(70.4±32.1)%相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 :对于重度颈椎后凸畸形,采用颈椎牵引预矫形,结合前路、后路或者前后联合入路矫形固定融合手术,可以取得良好的矫形效果。     

前路ADS联合后路PRSS应用治疗重度僵硬脊柱侧弯

[目的]研究前后路联合矫形治疗僵硬脊柱侧弯畸形。[方法]男6例,女12例;年龄11~18岁,平均15.2岁,先天性胸腰段侧凸8例,胸段侧凸 胸腰段侧凸9例,其中Luque氏棒后路矫形后翻修1例。均采用前路松解后,进行ADS(anterior derotation spondylodese,ADS)前路矫形,2周后再进行后路PRSS(plate-rod system forscoliosis)矫形。[结果]本组病例获得6个月~2年(平均18个月)随访,其矫形效果满意。术前平均Cobb s角99.4°(70°~110°),术后平均Cobb s角42.4°(30°~64°),平均矫正率57.4%。侧弯(冠状面畸形)矫正效果良好,平背或后凸畸形者与腰椎前凸术后基本达到正常的矢状重建。无明显并发症。仅内固定棒断裂1例。[结论]前后路联合矫形治疗重度脊柱侧弯畸形可取得较好的矫正结果。     

手术治疗胸腰段僵硬性角状后凸畸形21例分析

[目的]探讨手术矫形治疗胸腰段僵硬性角状后凸畸形的疗效.[方法]自2001～2006年手术矫形治疗胸腰段僵硬性角状后凸畸形21例,其中一期后路顶椎楔形截骨矫形固定术18例,如前方骨缺损较多,则采用前后方联合矫形手术,即后路截骨固定前方植骨融合.[结果]术后随访10～36个月,平均22.6个月.后凸Cobb's角由术前的56.4°(47.5°～98°)矫正至术后的8.3°(-6°～17°).矫正率85.2%.21例均获骨性融合,无明显矫正丢失及骨固定失败.9例有神经损伤的患者术后均获得改善.无严重并发症发生.[结论]后路截骨矫形固定可有效地治疗胸腰段僵硬性角状后凸畸形,前后路联合手术可使用于严重后凸畸形及椎体前方骨缺损较多者.     

脊柱节段切除截骨、双轴旋转矫形固定植骨融合术治疗严重脊柱角状后凸畸形

目的 针对严重脊柱角状后凸畸形设计一种新的矫形固定手术方式,观察手术的可行性、安全性和有效性.方法 2004年5月至2007年2月,采用后凸局部节段切除截骨,于断端撑开状态下双轴旋转矫形固定植骨融合技术治疗严重脊柱后凸畸形(平均Cobb角90.8°,范围50°～130°)16例.对所有患者进行手术前后的后凸局部和全脊柱正侧位X线摄片,测量后凸Cobb角,对7例合并侧凸的患者测量侧凸Cobb角.对手术前后和随访时的患者进行Frankel神经功能分级、Oswestry评分和术后PSI满意指数的评定,并观察术前存在腰背痛的患者术后的恢复情况.结果 16例患者手术时间平均为6.9 h,手术出血量平均为4000 ml.术中和术后并发症包括1例人工椎体松动,3例神经根损伤,3例硬膜撕裂,1例术后短期下肢功能障碍等,经妥善处理后均恢复良好.术后平均随访25个月.手术前脊柱后凸畸形平均为90.8°,术后即刻的平均后凸畸形为26.9°,平均矫正率为72.5%;随访时平均后凸畸形为28.9°,平均矫正率为70.1%,后凸畸形矫正无明显丢失.7例合并脊柱侧凸畸形的患者术前侧凸平均为35.9°,术后即刻的平均侧凸为4.4°,平均矫正率为87.2%;随访时平均侧凸畸形为6.1°,平均矫正率为78.6%,侧凸畸形矫正亦无明显丢失.部分患者神经功能较术前有所恢复,Frankel分级改善,术前共有E级5例,D级5例,C级5例,B级1例.随访时有E级10例、D级3例、C级3例.除外术前无症状的3例患者,术前患者平均Oswestry评分为18.9,术后平均Oswestry评分为10.8,平均改善率为52.7%.术后患者PSI满意指数显示完全满意10例,基本满意5例,总满意率为93.8%.术前共有3例患者存在明显的腰背痛,术后腰背痛完全缓解.结论 节段切除和截骨面撑开矫形固定植骨融合技术是治疗严重脊柱角状后凸畸形的有效方法 ,其畸形矫正率高,较为安全,中远期疗效良好.     

多节段脊髓型颈椎病伴后凸畸形不同入路方式的选择及疗效

目的 :探讨多节段脊髓型颈椎病伴后凸畸形的术式选择及疗效。方法 :回顾性分析2013年6月~2015年6月手术治疗的59例伴有后凸畸形的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者的临床及影像学资料,其中55例获得随访。依据颈椎后凸Cobb角大小并结合影像学特点,分为轻度后凸(Cobb角5°但20°)、中度后凸(Cobb角20°~40°)和重度后凸(Cobb角40°)3组。依据致压因素和颈椎后凸角度采用前路或者后路手术治疗,其中轻度组29例,前路手术11例,后路手术18例;中度组18例,前路手术14例,后路手术4例;重度组8例,均行前路减压重建手术。比较各组内前路和后路手术时间、术中出血量、后凸矫正率及神经功能改善率的差异,比较组间前路手术后凸矫正率及神经功能改善率,比较轻度后凸组与中度后凸组间后路手术神经功能改善率。结果:轻度组和中度组中前、后路手术时间无统计学差异(P0.05),术中出血量后路手术大于前路手术(P0.05)。重度组1例术后6h发生颈部血肿,中度组1例术后12h发生硬膜外血肿;喉返神经牵拉伤4例,其中轻度组1例,中度组1例,重度组2例;11例出现术后四肢麻木、无力症状加重,轻度组2例,中度组5例,重度组4例;9例术后1周左右出现颈肩部疼痛症状加重,轻度组4例,中度组3例,重度组2例。3组间随访时间无统计学差异(P0.05)。轻度组中,末次随访时前路手术后凸畸形矫正率高于后路手术(P0.05),JOA评分改善率前路手术与后路手术无统计学差异(P0.05)。中度组中,末次随访时后凸畸形矫正率前路手术高于后路手术(P0.05),JOA评分改善率前、后路手术无统计学差异(P0.05)。末次随访时,轻度组的前路手术后凸畸形矫正率为223.1%,明显高于中度组(135.1%)与重度组(120.4%)(P0.05)。末次随访时,3组间前路手术JOA评分改善率无统计学差异(P0.05),轻度组与中度组后路手术JOA评分改善率无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:伴有轻、中度后凸畸形的多节段脊髓型颈椎病,手术入路依据脊髓受压情况而定,后凸畸形不影响神经功能的改善;而重度后凸畸形,则应当兼顾减压和矫形,前路手术可同时达到减压和矫形的目的,获得较为满意的神经功能改善。     

青少年先天性半椎体脊柱侧凸畸形的手术治疗

[目的]探讨治疗青少年先天性半椎体脊柱侧凸畸形的手术方法及治疗效果。[方法]对18例青少午先天性半椎体脊柱侧凸患者,按照术式分为侧前路矫正、前后路联合矫正。首先通过胸腰段、腰段脊柱侧凸的半椎体、椎间盘切除,然后采用侧前路短节段椎体螺钉固定,旋转棒的三维旋转矫正脊柱的畸形7例;采用前后路联合入路,经后路行残余半椎体的关节突、椎板切除,凸侧加压、凹侧支撑固定11例。[结果]18例患者中侧凸平均矫正Cobb's角36.7°,矫正率77%,经18~28个月随访,达到满意的矫形效果,丢失率低,融合良好。[结论]小儿半椎体畸形应早期手术治疗。侧前路和前、后路联合半椎体切除临床效果满意,其中前路矫正手术用于胸腰椎、腰椎单一半椎体畸形。     

单纯前路与前后联合入路矫形手术治疗重度颈椎后凸畸形

目的:探讨单纯前路与前后联合入路矫形手术治疗重度颈椎后凸畸形的适应证及疗效。方法 :我院2005年7月～2008年12月收治重度颈椎后凸畸形(Cobb角>40°)患者12例,男8例,女4例,年龄13～69岁,平均28.75岁。引起颈椎后凸的病因为:先天性发育畸形4例,神经纤维瘤病3例,退变性后凸2例,创伤性畸形2例,因颈脊膜瘤行后路C2～C5椎板切除术后颈椎后凸1例。术前JOA评分7～16分,平均11.6分;后凸Cobb角41°～113°,平均69.7°。均行颈椎矫形手术,其中8例(Cobb角41°～86°,平均58.9°,后凸节段无明显后方骨性融合,JOA评分平均11.9分)行前路手术;4例(3例Cobb角>90°,1例前后方均有明显的骨性融合,Cobb角48°～113°,平均91.3°,JOA评分平均11.0分)行前后路联合手术,一期完成1例,二期完成3例。记录患者手术时间、术中出血量,观察术后Cobb角及随访时的JOA评分、Cobb角变化。结果:8例单纯前路手术患者的平均手术时间为196min,平均术中失血量为520ml;术后2例患者出现肢体肌力下降,其中1例因术后5d内固定松动行手术重置内固定,再手术后肌力恢复到术前,另1例患者经甲强龙冲击治疗后肌力恢复到术前;术后Cobb角平均24.1°,畸形矫正率为59.1%;随访8～60个月,平均27.3个月,末次随访时Cobb角平均为36.9°,矫形丢失率为36.8%;末次随访时JOA评分为11～17分,平均15.1分,改善率为62.7%。4例前后联合入路患者的平均手术时间为420min,平均术中失血量为1088ml;1例患者术后出现肢体肌力下降,经甲强龙冲击治疗后肱二头肌、三角肌肌力仍较术前减弱,其余肌力恢复至术前;术后Cobb角平均32°,畸形矫正率为65.0%;随访6～45个月,平均24.8个月,末次随访时Cobb角平均为45.5°,矫形丢失率为22.8%;末次随访时JOA评分为9～16分,平均13.5分,改善率为41.7%。结论:重度颈椎后凸畸形患者Cobb角40°～90°且无明显后方骨性融合时采用单纯前路矫形手术治疗,Cobb角>90°或前后方结构均有明显的骨性融合时行前后路联合矫形手术治疗,近期疗效均较好。     

后路全椎节切除、双轴旋转矫形手术治疗重度陈旧结核性后凸的疗效分析

目的:分析后路全椎节切除、双轴旋转矫形手术治疗重度陈旧结核性后凸的手术效果,探讨影响疗效的因素。方法:2004年5月~2011年9月,采用后路全椎节切除、双轴旋转矫形固定融合术治疗重度陈旧结核性后凸畸形患者33例。男15例,女18例;平均年龄34.7±14.1岁(11~63岁),其中年龄≥35岁18例,35岁15例;术前平均后凸角98.9°±18.2°(70.0°~130.0°),其中≥100°者17例,100°者16例;后凸顶点位于上中胸椎(T10及以上)19例,胸腰段及腰椎(T11及以下)14例。脊髓损伤Frankel分级A、B级各1例,C级5例,D级12例,E级14例。ODI术前平均19.5±9.4分。根据年龄、后凸顶点位置、后凸角度、术前Frankel分级、有无并发症等情况进行分组。对所有患者行手术前后及末次随访时的后凸局部和全脊柱正侧位X线摄片,测量后凸Cobb角,对合并侧凸的患者测量侧凸Cobb角。对手术前和随访时的患者进行脊柱矢状位平衡测量、实际身高测量、Frankel神经功能分级、Oswestry评分、VAS评分和手术PSI满意指数的评定。总结患者术中和术后并发症,并积极采取相应处理。结果:所有患者术前平均后凸Cobb角98.9°±18.2°,术后平均为30.9°±11.3°,矫正率为69.1%,末次随访时平均为34.8°±15.1°,矫正率为65.3%。患者脊柱矢状位平衡、身高测量、神经功能Frankel分级、生活质量Oswestry评分、腰背痛VAS评分均改善,手术总体满意率为87.9%。并发症发生率为54.5%,其中术中并发症12例、术后短期并发症2例、术后中远期并发症4例。所有并发症均及时采取相应处理。发生并发症者的总体后凸矫正率与未发生并发症者相当,但严重神经并发症发生者在神经功能恢复和生活质量改善方面均明显不如无并发症者。结论:后路全椎节切除、双轴旋转矫形手术是治疗重度陈旧结核性后凸畸形的有效方法,可以获得较好的手术效果,但需要尽量防止严重神经并发症的发生。     

胸腔镜下前路松解结合后路矫形治疗Scheuermann病后凸畸形

目的探讨胸腔镜下前路松解结合后路矫形治疗Scheuermann病后凸畸形的效果。方法对16例Scheuermann病后凸畸形患者在胸腔镜下行前路松解、椎间盘摘除、植骨融合,结合后路矫形内固定。手术前后及随访期间测量后凸畸形Cobb角,了解后凸畸形矫正情况。评定术前及术后Oswestry功能障碍指数,了解背部疼痛缓解情况。结果16例后凸畸形患者均获得满意矫形,术前Cobb角平均788°(70°～92°),术后平均405°(36°～47°),最后一次随访平均417°(36°～50°)。患者背部疼痛症状明显改善,Oswestry功能障碍指数术前平均373(0～72),术后平均64(0～30)。结论胸腔镜下前路松解结合后路矫形是一种较好的治疗Scheuermann病后凸畸形的手术方法。     

胸腰段脊柱侧凸的侧前路矫正

目的：应用中华长城器械(China Great Wall Pedicle Screw System)对胸腰段脊柱侧凸进行前路矫正，观察其手术疗效及随访效果。方法：通过胸腰段脊柱侧凸较少节段的椎间盘切除，椎体螺钉固定，旋转棒的三维旋转矫正脊柱的侧凸和旋转畸形。结果：20例患者使用中华长城器械进行前路手术，达到满意的矫形效果。2年后随访，丢失率低。结论：中华长城器械应用于前路矫正手术固定节段少，矫正效果好，术后随访结果理想，是一种可靠的手术方法。     

Anterior lumbar instrumentation improves correction of severe lumbar Lenke C curves in double major idiopathic scoliosis

Fifteen skeletally immature patients with double major adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with large lumbar curves and notable L4 and L5 coronal plane obliquity were retrospectively studied. Seven patients who underwent anterior release and fusion of the lumbar curve with segmental anterior instrumentation and subsequent posterior instrumentation ending at L3 were compared with eight patients treated with anterior release and fusion without anterior instrumentation followed by posterior instrumentation to L3 or L4. At 4.5 years follow-up (range 2.5-7 years), curve correction, coronal balance and fusion rate were not statistically different between the two groups; however, the group with anterior instrumentation had improved coronal plane, near normalangulation in the distal unfused segment compared with the group without anterior instrumentation. In cases involving severe lumbar curvatures in the context of double major scoliosis, when as a first stage anterior release is chosen, the addition of instrumentation appears to restore normal coronal alignment of the distal unfused lumbar segment, and may in certain cases save a level compared with traditional fusions to L4.     

Combined staged anterior and posterior correction and fusion of the spine in scoliosis following poliomyelitis.

The problems with severe forms of scoliosis following poliomyelitis include the associated muscle imbalance, soft tissue contractures and pelvic obliquity. Such deformities militate against optimal correction and maintenance of that correction and their treatment is often marred by pseudarthroses. Seventeen patients with an average curve of 93 degrees have been treated and followed for up to 38 months. Preliminary traction was used in 8 patients, then a staged anterior and posterior correction and fusion was done, using Dwyer's instrumentation of the major curve in all and a Harrington rod to supplement the posterior fusion in eleven patients. With this technique the major curve was corrected by 80 per cent with an average 2 per cent loss over 18 months. No pseudarthroses were seen when the Harrington rod was used. Great care must be taken if halo-pelvic traction is to be used for patients with pelvic obliquity, for preliminary correction halo-femoral traction will often be adequate. In the more severe forms of paralytic scoliosis a combined staged anterior and posterior correction and fusion should be considered if the aim is maximal correction of the scoliosis and avoidance of pseudarthroses.     

合并胸腰段后凸的青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的临床研究

目的 探讨合并胸腰段后凸的青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)的临床特点和手术治疗策略. 方法对2001年1月至2007年1月收治的413例AIS患者进行回顾性分析,合并胸腰段后凸者共10例,其中男2例,女8例;年龄12～18岁,平均14.3岁.侧凸类型包括PUMC Ⅱb2型3例,Ⅱc 3型4例,Ⅱd2型1例,Ⅲb型2例.单纯后路内固定术8例,前路松解+后路内固定术2例.术前、术后及随访时摄X线片,对侧凸类型、Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、顶椎偏距、侧凸柔韧性、胸腰段后凸、冠状面及矢状面躯干偏移进行评测和分析.结果 本组患者中双弯8例,三弯2例;胸腰弯/腰弯Cobb角≥45°者7例,柔韧性指数≤70%者6例,顶椎旋转度≥Ⅱ度者9例.所有病例的融合范围均符合PUMC分型原则.手术前后平均胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为71.7°和37.4°,平均矫正率为47.8%;手术前后平均胸腰弯/腰弯冠状面Cobb角分别为65.0°和27.8°,平均矫正率为57.2%;手术前后平均胸腰段后凸分别为35.5°和4.2°,平均矫正率为88.2%.全部病例随访12～72个月,平均23.1个月;最终随访时无躯干失平衡发生. 结论 合并胸腰段后凸的AIS一般多为双弯或三弯,胸腰弯/腰弯畸形往往比较严重,并有明显的旋转畸形.对合并胸腰段后凸的AIS,应融合胸腰弯/腰弯以防止术后发生失代偿或后凸加重, PUMC分型可以有效识别病变类型并指导融合范围的选择.     

Is anterior release necessary in severe scoliosis treated by posterior segmental pedicle screw fixation?

With the advent of segmental pedicle screw fixation that enables more powerful corrective forces, it is postulated that an additional anterior procedure may be unnecessary even in severe deformities. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the results of a posterior procedure alone using segmental pedicle screw fixation in severe scoliotic curves over 70°. Thirty-five scoliosis patients treated by pedicle screw fixation and rod derotation were retrospectively analyzed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 2–10.4). The mean age of patients was 15.3 years (range 9.8–34.2). Diagnoses were idiopathic scoliosis in 29, neuromuscular scoliosis in 3 and scoliosis associated with Marfan syndrome in 3. Scoliosis consisted of single thoracic curve in 18, double thoracic in 5 and double major in 12. Twenty-five patients showed a major thoracic curve greater than 70° (range 70–100), and different ten patients showed a major lumbar curve greater than 70° (range 70–105), pre-operatively. The deformity angle, lowest instrumented vertebral tilt (LIVT) and spinal balance were measured. Pre-operatively there were nine patients with coronal decompensation. The pre-operative thoracic curve of 80 ± 9° with the flexibility of 45 ± 11% (45 ± 11° in side-bending film) was corrected to 27 ± 10° at the most recent follow-up, showing a correction of 66% (53°) and loss of correction of 3.0% (3.7°). The pre-operative lumbar curve of 79 ± 12° with the flexibility of 62 ± 14% (30 ± 11° in side-bending film) was corrected to 33 ± 14° at the most recent follow-up [59% (46°) curve correction, 3.5% (3.0°) loss of curve correction]. The pre-operative LIVT of 30 ± 8° was corrected to 11 ± 6°, showing a correction of 62% (19°). Residual coronal decompensation was observed in three patients postoperatively. Pre-operative thoracic kyphosis of 27° (range 0–82) improved postoperatively to 31° (range 14–53). In conclusion, posterior segmental pedicle screw fixation without anterior release in severe scoliosis had satisfactory deformity correction without significant loss of curve correction. In this series a posterior procedure alone obviated the need for the anterior release and avoided complications related anterior surgery.     

Vertebral decancellation for severe scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: The results of staged surgery including vertebral decancellation were reviewed retrospectively for 21 patients with severe scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and limitations of vertebral decancellation as new anterior surgical procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The curvatures of severe scoliosis are often very rigid, and surgical correction using the anterior or posterior approach may not achieve the desired correction. Some studies reported neurologic complications might appear due to the aggressive approach or excessive correction force. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (average age, 17.0 years) with severe scoliosis, in whom Cobb angle was over 80 degrees (average angle, 107 degrees), underwent staged anterior and posterior spinal reconstruction. Vertebral decancellation was performed as anterior procedure, and until posterior instrumentation, halo traction was carried out. The transition of curvatures in coronal and sagittal planes was assessed in this series. RESULTS: The average correction rate of lateral curvature at the final follow-up was 46%. The average loss of correction was 2.5 degrees. Kyphosis, measured between T5 and T12, changed from 41 degrees to 36 degrees. Lordosis, measured between L1 and S1, changed from 56 degrees to 45 degrees. Transient neurologic deficit was seen in one case after vertebral decancellation. CONCLUSIONS: Staged surgery including vertebral decancellation is an effective surgical method for patients with severe scoliosis, where an inflexible rigid curve or the risk of occurrence of neurologic complications due to temporary correction may exist.     

Selective ventral derotation spondylodesis in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis: a prospective study

AIM: Radiometric curve analysis of instrumented primary and spontaneous secondary curve correction after anterior correction and fusion of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. METHOD: Sixty-four patients with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis were prospectively evaluated. All patients were operated either with the Zielke-VDS or with a primary stable double rod instrumentation with selective fusion of the thoracic curve from end-to end-vertebra. Follow-up averaged 29 months (24 - 52 months). RESULTS: The Cobb angle of the primary curve averaged 63.2 degrees preoperatively and was corrected to 21.4 degrees postoperatively with an average loss of correction of 5.3 degrees (58 % final curve correction). Apical thoracic vertebral rotation was corrected by 48 %. The secondary lumbar curve measured 38.2 degrees preoperatively (72 % correction on the bending films) and was spontaneously corrected by 57 % to 16.4 degrees without significant loss of correction in the final follow-up. Apical vertebral rotation averaged 11.3 degrees in the lumbar curve and was corrected spontaneously by 24 % to 8.6 degrees without significant loss of correction. Lumbar apex vertebra deviation showed no significant reduction. There was no case of lumbar curve decompensation in either frontal or sagittal plane. Implant related complications were observed in 7 patients (rod breakage), but no pseudarthrosis occurred. There were no neurological complications noted. CONCLUSION: Selective anterior correction and fusion in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis enables a satisfactory correction of both primary and lumbar secondary curves. The advantage of selective anterior correction and fusion of thoracic scoliosis is the short fusion length, better derotation and satisfactory correction of the secondary lumbar curve. The disadvantages of single threaded rod techniques in terms of lack of primary stability and a kyphogenic effect have been eliminated by the development of a primary stable, small size double rod instrumentation.     

Lumbar hemivertebra resection

BACKGROUND: A single lumbar hemivertebra can be expected to cause progressive scoliosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a lumbar hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion through a combined posterior and anterior approach. METHODS: From 1987 to 2002, a consecutive series of twenty-one patients with congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to a lumbar hemivertebra were managed by resection of the hemivertebra through a combined posterior and anterior approach and with the use of a short anterior and posterior convex-side fusion. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of surgery was 3.3 years (range, twelve months to 10.2 years). The mean followup period was 8.6 years. There was a mean improvement of 71.4% in the segmental scoliosis curve from a mean angle of 32.9 degrees before surgery to 9.4 degrees at the time of the latest follow-up assessment, and a mean improvement of 63.9% in the global scoliosis curve from 34.1 degrees to 12.3 degrees. The mean final lordosis was within normal values. CONCLUSIONS: Excision of a lumbar hemivertebra is safe and provides stable correction when combined with a short-segment fusion. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert the development of severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities that would require a more extensive fusion later.     

Surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with anterior dual rod instrumentation

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 degrees. Postoperative loss of correction amounted to 1.5 degrees (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.     

Prospective comparison of flexibility radiographs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective evaluation of radiographs in patients undergoing anterior spinal fusion or posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective preoperative radiographic method for evaluating coronal plane flexibility by comparing preoperative and postoperative correction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Curve flexibility is traditionally evaluated with side-bending radiographs. Recently, the fulcrum-bending radiograph was shown to provide better correction of thoracic curves undergoing posterior spinal fusion but was not evaluated in thoracolumbar/lumbar curves or in patients undergoing anterior spinal fusion. METHODS: Preoperative coronal radiographs of 46 consecutive patients undergoing spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis obtained while standing, lying supine, side-bending (maximally bending while supine), push-prone (padded bolsters applied to chest wall while prone), and fulcrum-bending (curve apex suspended over a radiolucent fulcrum while lateral) were compared with standing postoperative radiographs. Cobb angles were determined and evaluated for statistical significance. RESULTS: The fulcrum-bending radiograph demonstrated statistically better correction than other preoperative methods for main thoracic curves (P < 0.01) but fell short of demonstrating the correction obtained surgically. There was no statistical difference between side-bending, fulcrum-bending, or postoperative correction for thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (all P values > 0.07). The left side-bending was the most effective method for reducing upper thoracic curves (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the results obtained for curves corrected by anterior spinal fusion or anterior spinal fusion. CONCLUSION: To achieve maximal preoperative correction, thoracic fulcrum-bending radiographs should be obtained for evaluating main thoracic curves, whereas side-bending radiographs should continue to be used for evaluating both upper thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves.     

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.