TSRH内固定治疗脊柱侧凸

目的　回顾性研究TSRH(TexasScottishRiteHospital)脊柱内固定系统在治疗脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。 方法　对 1998年 1月至 2 0 0 0年 12月手术治疗的 12 9例脊柱侧凸患者 ,总结其侧弯矫形、脊柱平衡、并发症及 3年以上的随访结果。根据手术方法不同 ,共分为 4组。A组 :单纯脊柱后路融合固定术 ;B组 :单纯脊柱前路融合固定术 ;C组 :分期前、后路融合固定术 ;D组 :Ⅰ期前、后路融合固定术。四组患者均应用TSRH内固定系统。手术时平均年龄 14 .2岁 (6～ 5 5岁 ) ,平均随访 34个月。结果　A组 :78例病人行单纯脊柱后路融合TSRH内固定 ,术后平均矫形率为6 3.4 %。随访 38个月 (2 4～ 5 0个月 ) ,平均矫形丢失 7°,矫形丢失率平均 9.5 %。本组并发症发生率为 12 .8% ,包括 3例脱钩 ,3例螺钉断裂 (共 6枚螺钉 ) ,1例术后侧弯失代偿 ,1例术后发生曲轴现象。B组 :2 2例患者行单纯脊柱前路融合、短节段TSRH内固定 ,平均矫形率为 74 .8%。平均随访 36个月 ,平均矫形率丢失 5 %。 2例发生一过性交感神经损伤。术后 6个月内均自然恢复。C组 :17例有 90°以上的侧弯 ,且Bending像上侧弯仍大于 7°的患者行前路松解 ,2～ 3周后再行后路融合TSRH内固定。本组平均手术时间 8.3h ,出血 935ml,输血 6 83ml,平均矫形 33.6°,矫     

Posterior spinal fusion: allograft versus autograft bone

The effectiveness of allograft bone for posterior spinal fusion in neuromuscular scoliosis is controversial. Thirty patients with cerebral palsy, treated with posterior spinal fusion, were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 18 patients treated by posterior spinal fusion using autogenous bone graft. Group 2 consisted of 12 patients treated by posterior spinal fusion using freeze-dried allograft bone. The average preoperative curve of 70 degrees in Group 1 was corrected to 35 degrees (50% correction). At 3.2 years average follow-up, the curves averaged 51 degrees (46% loss of correction). The average preoperative curve of 80 degrees in Group 2 was corrected to 39 degrees (51% correction). At 3.5 years average follow-up, the curves averaged 54 degrees (38% loss of correction). Anesthesia time decreased from 344 to 281 minutes (p less than 0.05), and intraoperative blood loss decreased from 2730 to 1740 ml (p less than 0.025) when allograft bone was used as a substitute for autograft bone. Freeze-dried allograft bone is a readily available, safe, and effective substitute for autogenous bone graft in patients with cerebral palsy undergoing posterior spinal fusion.     

A prospective evaluation of pulmonary function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis relative to the surgical approach used for spinal arthrodesis

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective evaluation of pulmonary function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing surgical correction. OBJECTIVES: 1) To evaluate prospectively, at regular intervals, the changes in pulmonary function after surgical arthrodesis of primary thoracic and double primary thoracic-lumbar (double major) types of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in a homogeneous population; 2) to compare the changes in pulmonary function after surgical correction relative to the surgical approach used for spinal arthrodesis; and 3) to determine if short- to midterm morbidity with respect to pulmonary function is associated with the type of surgical approach used for spinal arthrodesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of surgical correction on the pulmonary function of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. Studies have shown improvement, decline, or no change in pulmonary function after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing surgical treatment at the authors' institution were prospectively evaluated with pulmonary function tests assessing volume (forced vital capacity and total lung capacity) and flow (forced expiratory volume in 1 second). Pulmonary functions were evaluated before surgery and after surgery at 3 months, 1 year, 2 years, and at the final follow-up visit. All patients were divided into four groups depending on the surgical approach used for spinal fusion: Group 1 (n = 47) underwent a posterior spinal fusion with iliac crest bone graft; Group 2 (n = 33) underwent a posterior spinal fusion with rib resection thoracoplasty; Group 3 (n = 7) underwent an anterior spinal fusion with a rib resection thoracotomy; and Group 4 (n = 11) underwent a combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion with autogenous rib and iliac crest graft used, respectively. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 had improved pulmonary function values at 3 months after surgery, whereas patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed a decline at 3 months after surgery. Two years after surgery, Group 1 had significantly improved pulmonary function values (P < 0.0001), whereas the pulmonary function values of patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4 had returned to preoperative values. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Patients with chest cage disruption during surgical treatment showed a decline in pulmonary function at 3 months after surgery. 2) In contrast, patients without chest cage disruption showed an improvement in pulmonary function at 3 months after surgery. 3) Irrespective of the surgical approach used for spinal arthrodesis, postoperative pulmonary function tests (absolute values) returned to preoperative values at 2 years after surgery. 4) Patients who had no chest cage disruption experienced a significantly greater improvement in two of their pulmonary function values at 2 years after surgery than patients with chest cage disruption.     

Long-term three-dimensional changes of the spine after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

This is a prospective study comparing the short- and long-term three-dimensional (3D) changes in shape, length and balance of the spine after spinal instrumentation and fusion in a group of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the stability over time of the postoperative changes of the spine after instrumentation with multi rod, hook and screw instrumentation systems. Thirty adolescents (average age: 14.5 ± 1.6 years) undergoing surgery by a posterior approach had computerized 3D reconstructions of the spine done at an average of 3 days preoperatively (stage I), and 2 months (stage II) and 2,5 years (stage III) after surgery, using a digital multi-planar radiographic technique. Stages I, II and III were compared using various geometrical parameters of spinal length, curve severity, and orientation. Significant improvement of curve magnitude between stages I and II was documented in the frontal plane for thoracic and lumbar curves, as well as in the orientation of the plane of maximum deformity, which was significantly shifted towards the sagittal plane in thoracic curves. However, there was a significant loss of this correction between stages II and III. Slight changes were noted in apical vertebral rotation, in thoracic kyphosis and in lumbar lordosis. Spinal length and height were significantly increased at stage II, but at long-term follow-up spinal length continued to increase while spinal height remained similar. These results indicate that although a significant 3D correction can be obtained after posterior instrumentation and fusion, a significant loss of correction and an increase in spinal length occur in the years following surgery, suggesting that a crankshaft phenomenon may be an important factor altering the long-term 3D correction after posterior instrumentation of the spine for idiopathic scoliosis. Received: 3 March 1998 Revised: 22 August 1998 Accepted: 15 September 1998     

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.     

The Cotrel-Dubousset system--results in spinal reconstruction. Early experience in 47 patients.

Forty-seven patients were treated with spinal fusion and Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation and were followed for an average of 28 months. Spinal procedures included: 1) posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis (26 patients); 2) posterior pseudarthrosis repair (5 patients); 3) combined anterior/posterior fusion to the sacrum (6 patients); and 4) combined anterior/posterior osteotomies (10 patients). Group 1: Partial derotational correction was achieved for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Group 2: Successful pseudarthrosis repair was achieved in four patients. Group 3: A solid arthrodesis was obtained in two patients, whereas the other three patients underwent revision of sacral screw fixation for pseudarthrosis. One patient died postoperatively. Group 4: Pain relief and a balanced correction was achieved in all patients. The Cotrel-Dubousset system appears to be a versatile system and provides a wide range of possibilities for a variety of spinal problems.     

后路椎弓根螺钉内固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合治疗胸腰段脊柱结核

目的：探讨一期前路病灶清除、自体骨椎间植骨融合、后路椎弓根螺钉固定治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法：2002年2月至2007年3月,共收治脊柱结核患者21例,其中男13例,女8例;平均年龄45.3岁。病变部位为胸腰段,2个椎体3例,3个椎体17例,4个椎体1例,皆有后凸畸形,平均Cobb角（28.0±9.7）°。术前Frankel脊髓功能分级：B级3例,C级5例,D级1例,E级12例。术前应用异烟肼、利福平、乙胺丁醇、吡嗪酰胺抗痨及全身支持治疗,手术采用后路椎弓根钉棒固定、前路病灶清除、前后路植骨融合术,术后继续化疗9～12个月。术后随访,观察脊髓功能改善情况,根据术前、术后X线片分析植骨融合情况及脊柱Cobb角并进行统计学分析。结果：切口均Ⅰ期愈合,随访1～6年,平均2.5年,末次随访时平均Cobb角（9.8±3.3）°,平均矫正17.2°,术前、术后比较,P〈0.01,植骨均融合。Frankel脊髓功能分级：C级1例,D级3例,E级17例。结论：胸腰段脊柱结核经后路椎弓根螺钉内固定、前路病灶清除、植骨融合,可有效纠正脊柱后凸畸形,重建脊柱稳定性,获得良好的骨性愈合。     

后路病灶清除椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎结核后凸畸形

目的 探讨经后路病灶清除椎问植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎结核后凸畸形的疗效。方法 采用经后路病灶清除椎问植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗23例胸腰椎结核后凸畸形患者。结果 术后随访1,5～3年,23例患者胸腰椎结核全部治愈,无复发病例,X线片显示椎问植骨全部融合,后凸矫正度无明显丢失。结论 该术式可在一次手术中同一切口内达到椎管内减压、脊柱矫形、融合和脊柱恢复稳定的目的,能获得满意效果。     

Combined anterior and posterior fusion for spinal deformity in myelomeningocele

Since 1973, 50 of 54 children have been treated by the author with a combined anterior and posterior fusion. Twenty males and 34 females, ranging in age from 1 to 16 years, have been followed for a mean period of 5.5 years. Sixteen patients with a kyphosis averaging 113 degrees (range, 77 to 170 degrees) had correction of deformity to a mean of 35 degrees. Thirty-seven patients with a scoliosis averaging 73 degrees (range, 20 to 135 degrees) had correction to an average of 34 degrees (range, 0 to 75 degrees). There were 4 cases of deep wound infection successfully treated with drainage and antibiotics and only one case required implant removal after fusion/maturation. A pseudarthrosis was noted by radiograph in 6 patients, 3 of whom had isolated asymptomatic lumbosacral pseudarthroses. Three patients had pseudarthrosis at the thoracolumbar junction. These required repair and were successfully treated by supplemental posterior fusion resulting in an overall pseudarthrosis rate of 5.7%. Anterior fusion of the dysraphic spine allows greater correction of both spinal deformity and pelvic obliquity in addition to contributing significant strength to the fusion mass. Segmental spinal instrumentation with sublaminar and pedicular wiring to custom-contoured Luque rods provides excellent correction and immediate postoperative stability.     

Material removal after anterio-posterior spondylodesis -- necessity of posterior instrumentation removal after osseous fusion

BACKGROUND: The present study on spondylitis patients with anterio-posterior spondylodesis was carried out to get a recommendation whether material removal is necessary after osseous fusion. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with spondylitis were operated on at the Orthopaedic Department of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich with posterior instrumentation after debridement and fusion with autologous bone transplant. In a prospective clinical investigation we examined our patients regarding clinical and radiological outcome preoperatively, 2 weeks, 12 months and 4.9 years after operation. We paid special attention on complications and loss of correction in leaving posterior instrumentation. RESULTS: Compared with the advanced clinical signs of spondylitis, minor intra- and postoperative complications were seen. Two patients showed superficial wound infections with fistulization because of the posterior implants 3 years postoperatively. Both cases closed after revision and material removal without complications. 12 months and 4.9 years postoperatively the average loss of correction was constant 2 degrees . CONCLUSION: Generally material removal of posterior spinal instruments results in a significant loss of correction in the spondylodesis segment. Our study shows, that persisting posterior instrumentation could prevent loss of correction. On the other hand we recommend material removal in case of spondylodesis after osseous fusion to prevent wound healing complications.     

Fixed lumbar apical vertebral rotation predicts spinal decompensation in lenke type 3c adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after selective posterior thoracic correction and fusion

Retrospective radiographic review of surgically treated double major curves (Lenke type 3C) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To evaluate the role of selective posterior thoracic correction and fusion in double major curves with third generation instrumentation and to identify preoperative radiographic parameters that predict postoperative coronal spinal decompensation. Traditionally the surgical treatment of double major curves consists of fusion of both the thoracic and the lumbar curve. Few attempt to perform selective thoracic fusion in this curve pattern because of the potential to create spinal imbalance. Thirty-six patients with Lenke type 3C curves underwent a selective posterior thoracic correction and fusion with either Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation or the Universal Spine System. Radiographs were evaluated to assess coronal and sagittal balance, curve flexibility, and curve correction at a minimum follow up of 2 years. Postoperative coronal spinal decompensation was investigated with respect to preoperative radiographic parameters on standing anteroposterior (AP), standing lateral radiographs, thoracic and lumbar supine side-bending radiographs. Coronal spinal decompensation was defined as plumbline deviation of C7 of more than 2 cm with respect to the centre sacral vertical line (CSVL) within 2 years of surgery. Twenty-six patients (72%) showed satisfactory frontal plane alignment patients (28%) showed coronal spinal decompensation. Significant group differences, however, were identified for lumbar apical vertebral rotation, measured according to Perdriolle (La scoliose. Son êtude tridimensionnelle. Maloine, Paris, pp 179, 1979) (A 16 degrees , B 22 degrees , P = 0.02), percentage correction (derotation) of lumbar apical vertebrae in lumbar supine side-bending films in comparison to standing AP radiographs (A 49%, B 27%, P = 0.002) and thoracic curve flexibility (A 43%, B 25%, P = 0.03). High correlation was noted between postoperative decompensation and derotation of lumbar apical vertebrae in pre-operative lumbar supine side-bending films with a critical value of 40% (Pearson correlation coefficient; P = 0.62, P < 0.001). Ten of 36 patients (28%) with Lenke type 3C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis showed coronal spinal decompensation of more than 2 cm after selective posterior thoracic correction and fusion. Lumbar apical vertebral derotation of less than 40% provided the radiographic prediction of postoperative coronal spinal imbalance. We advise close scrutiny of the transverse plane in the lumbar supine bending film when planning surgical strategy.     

Anterior and posterior spinal fusion. Staged versus same-day surgery

Seventy-five patients who underwent combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion were compared to evaluate the results and safety of staged vs. continuous anterior and posterior spinal fusion. Thirty-five patients underwent two-stage anterior and posterior spinal fusion. The first stage consisted of anterior release; the second stage, which took place 7-10 days later, consisted of posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. Forty patients underwent continuous anterior and posterior spinal fusion. This procedure consisted of anterior release followed by immediate posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. The results show that 1) a continuous procedure is faster than the staged procedure; 2) there is less blood loss; 3) fewer days are spent in the hospital; and 4) better correction of the spinal deformity is achieved. Also, the complications were less frequent and less severe with the continuous procedure. It was concluded that the continuous procedure is safe and efficacious and has several advantages over the staged procedure.     

手术治疗胸腰椎结核79例临床分析

目的探讨胸腰椎结核一期病灶清除、植骨融合、内固定治疗的临床疗效。方法回顾分析自2002年9月至2008年7月我院手术治疗并获得随访的79例胸腰椎结核患者,病变范围为T5～S1,病灶累及1～2个椎体72例,大于等于3个椎体7例,其中跳跃性脊柱结核4例。手术方法：a）经前路病灶清除,椎体间植骨融合并内固定术;b）后路椎弓根固定术并前路病灶清除、椎体间植骨融合术。术后佩戴支具3～6个月,抗结核药物治疗12～18个月。定期门诊随访,进行实验室检查和影像学观察。结果该组患者随访2～9年,均获临床治愈。79例前路植骨病例,界面骨性融合时间平均4.7个月,后凸畸形平均矫正18.7°,随访期内丢失2°。合并截瘫29例,术后神经症状均得到明显改善。结论一期结核病灶清除、植骨融合内固定术是治疗脊柱结核的重要手段,有效的抗结核化疗是脊柱结核治愈的基础。     

一期前路病灶清除椎间植骨联合内固定治疗脊柱结核

目的探讨病灶彻底清除后,自体髂骨块椎间植骨联合前路或后路内固定的效果。方法1999年6月～2004年4月期间一期手术治疗脊柱结核89例,其中前路病灶清除、自体髂骨椎间植骨,前方或侧前方内固定73例;前路病灶清除、自体髂骨椎间植骨,后路内固定16例。术后支具保护6个月,正规抗结核化疗12个月。根据术前、术后及最后一次随访的X线平片分析融合情况和畸形矫正的进展。结果随访1～5年,平均28个月;除2例复发、1例内固定松动、2例出现药物性肝炎、2例出现供骨区严重疼痛外,无其他并发症;88例获骨性愈合,愈合时间3～6个月。平均4个月;术前、术后、最后一次Cobb角分别为35.3°、16.3°、19.5°。结论对合适的病例,该法可有效稳定脊柱、维持其畸形的矫正;达到牢固地融合,临床效果明显。     

经前路松解联合后路固定治疗特发性脊柱侧凸

目的:评价经前路松解联合后路矫形对特发性脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。方法:回顾性分析我院收治的51例(男16例,女35例;年龄8～17岁,平均13.2岁)特发性脊柱侧凸行前路松解及后路脊柱畸形矫形植骨融合术患者的临床资料及治疗结果。结果:本组中行前路松解、植骨,阻滞椎间盘平均2.4个。联合后路椎弓根钉(钩)-棒系统内固定,植骨、融合。术后特发性脊柱侧凸Cobb角<90°者额状平面平均矫正率为57%,矢状面后凸平均矫正率为50%;Cobb角>90°者额状平面平均矫正率为71%,矢状面后凸平均矫正率为74%。术后随访10～35个月,平均随访21.6个月,无矫正度的丢失及其他神经系统及血管损伤并发症。结论:脊柱前路松解安全、有效,联合后路相适应内固定系统矫形、植骨治疗特发性脊柱侧凸可获得满意治疗效果。     

三维融合在脊柱侧凸治疗中的临床意义

目的:评价三维融合在脊柱侧凸治疗中的重要性。方法:31例青少年脊柱侧凸患者,男12例,女19例;年龄12～17岁,平均14.4岁。采用前路松解,后路矫正同时有效植骨的方法使脊柱达到三维融合。结果:31例均经过1年～4年8个月的随访,平均2.5年。患者脊柱均达到永久性融合,1°丢失4例,2°、3°丢失各1例。其余均保持原有角度,无一例发生严重并发症。结论:脊柱的三维融合可使脊柱侧凸矫形水平得到良好保持,是防止畸形有效方法。     

Anterior fibular strut grafting in the treatment of kyphosis

An intact segment of autologous fibula provides a strong, physiologic, anterior support in the surgical treatment of short segment kyphosis. In this series of 20 patients, only 3 had no signs of spinal cord injury. Correction averaged 20 degrees. At an average follow-up of 2.2 years, 9 degress of the previously obtained correction were maintained, including 3 patients with non-union and marked loss of correction. Twenty-four complications were noted in association with traction, surgery, and immobilization. The results suggest that attempts at correction should remain secondary to those of stabilization and relief or prevention of neurologic problems. Supplementary posterior spinal fusion is necessary to increase the strength of the stabilized segment as well as decrease the incidence of pseudoarthrosis and loss of correction.     

Lumbosacral fusion in children and adolescents using the modified sacral bar technique.

Between 1986 and 1995 10 patients who were 9 to 18 years of age underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation to the pelvis for correction of spinal deformity using the modified sacral bar technique at the authors' institution. Etiologies of the spinal deformity included congenital scoliosis, cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, neurofibromatosis, and postlaminectomy kyphosis. Indications for pelvic instrumentation were progressive scoliosis of the lower lumbar spine, pelvic obliquity greater than 15 degrees, and dysraphic posterior elements. Five of the patients had prior spinal surgery. Five patients had a prior or a planned pelvic osteotomy. Nine of the patients achieved lumbosacral fusion without an additional procedure. Major complications included loss of pelvic fixation in two patients, and a dural leak and a wound infection in another patient with myelomeningocele. Mean scoliotic curve correction was from 71.9 degrees to 34.5 degrees at final followup. Lumbar lordosis essentially was unchanged. Pelvic obliquity was corrected from a mean of 20.5 degrees preoperatively to a mean of 7.6 degrees at final followup. The modified sacral bar technique was selected for fusion to the sacrum because of planned or prior pelvic osteotomies, prior posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, sacral dysraphism, or local anatomic anomalies. The modified sacral bar technique proved to be an effective technique in these patients.     

Combined spinal arthrodesis with instrumentation for the management of progressive thoracolumbar kyphosis in children with mucopolysaccharidosis

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome and complications of a novel technique for the treatment of progressive thoracolumbar kyphosis in children with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).

Methods

The medical records and spinal imaging of four consecutive paediatric patients who underwent a single stage anteroposterior spinal fusion with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation were reviewed.

Results

Patients underwent spinal deformity correction at the mean age of 3 years (2.4–3.7) with mean clinical follow-up of 3.2 years (2.1–4.5) and mean postoperative radiographic follow-up was 2.4 years (0.8–3). Preoperative kyphosis was corrected from a mean angle of 65º (63º–70º) to 6.5º (–12º–13º). Vertebral subluxation at the apex of the deformity was corrected from an average 64 % (56–83 %) to 12 % (0–24 %). Spinal cord monitoring with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) was successfully obtained and stable throughout surgery. No instrumentation failure, loss of correction or junctional problems occurred at final follow-up.

Conclusions

Anterior and posterior spinal arthrodesis with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is a safety and reliable technique for the treatment of severe thoracolumbar kyphosis in children with MPS. This technique achieves excellent correction of the deformity with adequate decompression of the spinal canal. The fusion is limited to the thoracolumbar junction and interferes minimally with the longitudinal growth of the thorax. No neurological complications or intraoperative spinal cord monitoring events occurred. No loss of correction or junctional kyphosis was observed.     

Treatment of Charcot spinal arthropathy following traumatic paraplegia.

Four cases of Charcot's spinal arthropathy in patients with complete traumatic paraplegia were diagnosed an average of 12 years (range, 4-22 years) postinjury. Each patient had previous posterior spinal fusion with Harrington instrumentation. The Charcot joint occurred just below the fusion near the thoracolumbar junction and well below the level of spinal cord injury. All four patients experienced progressive kyphosis, flexion instability, and loss of height. Each underwent a treatment protocol that included anterior fusion with partial resection of the Charcot joint and staged posterior spinal fusion and stabilization with Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) rods. At follow-up evaluation 18-30 months postoperatively, three of four patients showed complete healing with kyphosis correction. One patient developed loosening of his lower hooks at 6 months postoperatively and required posterior revision with ultimate healing. Resection of the involved segments along with two-stage fusion with segmental instrumentation provides excellent management of this difficult problem.