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Scoliosis in young men with spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. A comparative study in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.

While an increased incidence of scoliosis in symptomatic spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis has been established previously, a comparison of its occurrence in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals has not been performed. The present study is a comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic young men with analysis as to the incidence of scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis was not found and all cases were due to spasm scoliosis or olisthetic scoliosis with the spasm type being much more common. Scoliotic curves were divided into mild (0-9 degrees) and moderate (10-20 degrees). No case of a curve greater than 20 degrees was seen. Scoliosis incidence in asymptomatic individuals without a pars break was 6.65%. In the groups of: (1) asymptomatic unilateral spondylolysis, (2) asymptomatic bilateral spondylolysis, (3) symptomatic bilateral spondylolysis, and (4) asymptomatic spondylolisthesis the scoliosis incidence was similar, ranging from 13.3-23.8%. These figures are significantly higher than those seen in the asymptomatic subjects without a pars break, but they are in the same range as in symptomatic patients without a pars break, suggesting that muscle spasm is the principal cause of the scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Long-term follow-up of patients with untreated scoliosis. A study of mortality, causes of death, and symptoms.

The mortality and causes of death in 115 patients (80 women), born 1902-1937, with untreated scoliosis were compared to the expected according to official Swedish statistics. Subgrouping for cause and onset of scoliosis was done. Fifty-five patients had died; 21 of respiratory failure and 17 of cardiovascular diseases. The mortality was significantly (P less than 0.001) increased. The increased risk was apparent at 40-50 years of age. The mortality was significantly increased in infantile (P less than 0.001) and juvenile (P less than 0.01) scoliosis but not in adolescent scoliosis. The mortality was also increased in post-polio scoliosis, scoliosis combined with rickets and scoliosis of unknown etiology indicating an increased mortality in idiopathic scoliosis. Among the surviving patients anti-hypertensive treatment was frequent (23 of 50).

Adolescent↗

Results of surgical treatment of painful adult scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: In a consecutive clinical series, using before and after treatment measures, outcome was evaluated in adults with pain and scoliosis who underwent spinal fusion. OBJECTIVE: This outcome study tested the hypothesis that adult scoliosis patients with chief complaints of pain can have good results, reflected in decreased pain and increased activity postoperatively, when surgical intervention is based not only on analysis of structural deformity, but also on comprehensive evaluation of pain-producing pathology. METHODS: Twenty-eight adults with idiopathic scoliosis and 25 adults with degenerative scoliosis treated with spinal fusion were followed prospectively for 2 to 7 years. All patients had chief complaints of pain and underwent comprehensive evaluations of pain-producing pathology, as well as evaluations of structural deformity. Before initial evaluations, patients completed questionnaires including pain rating, activity level specifically related to standing, sitting, and walking tolerances, ability to work, and period of disability. At a minimum of 24 months postop, patients completed confidential questionnaires seeking report of pain, activity, and work status. These data were compared to responses obtained before surgery. Pseudoarthroses were assessed by superimposed flexion/extension films. RESULTS: The pseudoarthrosis rate was 17.5%, all occurring in patients fused to the sacrum in single posterior procedures. Pain relief was associated with solid fusion (P = .02). Reported pain reduction was 80% among patients with idiopathic scoliosis and 70% among patients with degenerative scoliosis. Improved sitting and walking tolerances were seen in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, and improved standing and walking were seen in patients with degenerative scoliosis.

Adult↗

Efficacy of multimodality spinal cord monitoring during surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: This study determined the relative efficacy of somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials in monitoring spinal cord function during surgery for patients with idiopathic versus neuromuscular scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients with idiopathic versus neuromuscular scoliosis demonstrate significantly different somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials recorded during surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Ashkenaze et al (1993) and others have reported that cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials are unreliable when used to monitor spinal cord function in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. It was recommended that other neurophysiologic tests be used. METHODS: Somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials were recorded from two groups of patients: those with idiopathic scoliosis and those with neuromuscular scoliosis. Somatosensory-evoked potentials were obtained before and during surgery. Motor-evoked potentials were obtained during surgery. Normal variability, as indicated from idiopathic scoliotic results, was compared with data obtained from patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Motor-evoked potentials and somatosensory-evoked potentials were obtained sequentially during the duration of surgery. RESULTS: Single-channel cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials demonstrated a 27% positive rate, which was consistent with results (28%) from Ashkenaze et al. The use of multiple recording sites for the somatosensory-evoked potentials and the addition of motor-evoked potential procedures indicated that a reliable response could be obtained in more than 96% of the patients. It also was found that cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials were more affected by anesthetic agents when recorded from patients with neuromuscular scoliosis compared with patients with idiopathic scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Single-channel cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials demonstrated a high level of unreliability, which reduced their clinical effectiveness. However, by using multiple recording sites with the somatosensory-evoked potentials and by administering motor-evoked potential procedures, it was possible to monitor spinal cord function in neuromuscular patients and avoid postoperative neurologic deficits.

Adolescent↗

Scoliosis in twins. A meta-analysis of the literature and report of six cases.

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a meta-analysis of the world's literature on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Additionally, six previously unreported cases of scoliosis in twins are presented. OBJECTIVES: To compare and contrast the concordance, severity, and curve patterns in monozygotic and dizygotic twins with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in an attempt to document a genetic etiology and delineate inheritance patterns for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are numerous case reports of twins sets with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, this data has not been previously analyzed as a single data base. METHODS: The literature was searched for cases of twins with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and six cases of patients treated by authors were added. One hundred cases of sets of twins were discovered, 68 of which had sufficient data for comparative analysis. Each set was evaluated for monozygosity, concordance of scoliosis, curve pattern, and severity of curve. RESULTS: Thirty-seven sets of twins were monozygous, and 31 sets were dizygous. Concordance was 73% among monozygous twins and 36% among dizygous twins. The difference is statistically significant at P < 0.003. Curve severity could be compared in 20 sets of monozygous twins and 16 sets of dizygous twins. Among monozygous twins, there was a correlation coefficient of r = 0.399 (P < 0.126). Curve pattern comparison was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Monozygous twins have a significantly higher rate of concordance than dizygous twins, and the curves in monozygous twins develop and progress together. Based on these data, there is strong evidence for a genetic etiology for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Total 24-hour melatonin secretion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A case-control study.

STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study of 24-hour urinary melatonin production in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To address the controversy over the role of melatonin deficiency in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by measuring total melatonin production over a 24-hour period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An association between melatonin deficiency and experimental scoliosis has been suggested in several animal species. Recent work has failed to show a deficiency in humans with scoliosis. However, this conclusion was based on single urinary estimations. In this study the period assayed was standardized to 24-hours for all patients to include the full diurnal cycle of melatonin excretion. METHODS: Consecutive patients at an outpatient clinic for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were recruited as subjects for this study, and patients from a fracture clinic who were of similar age and gender were recruited as controls at their final follow-up examination after the healing of their fracture. Patients and control individuals collected urine over a 24-hour period that was divided into consecutive day and night collections of 12 hours each. Total urinary excretion of 6-sulphatoxy melatonin was determined by radioimmunoassay for each 12-hour period in patients and control individuals. RESULTS: No significant difference in diurnal, nocturnal, or total urine 6-sulphatoxy melatonin excretion was found between adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis and controls of similar age and gender. There was also no difference between the two groups when 6-sulphatoxy melatonin excretion was corrected for body weight, body surface area, and body mass index. Nor was there a significant difference between 6-sulphatoxy melatonin excretion of patients with scoliosis whose curves failed to progress over the course of a year and the excretion of those who underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, neither the presentation with a stable spinal deformity, nor presentation with a severe deformity requiring surgery is associated with melatonin deficiency.

Adolescent↗

Posterior tibial nerve somatosensory cortical evoked potentials in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Somatosensory-evoked potentials were used to evaluate neurologic function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To compare the somatosensory-evoked potentials between patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and healthy control individuals, and to determine the incidence of abnormal somatosensory function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Somatosensory-evoked potentials are sensitive in detecting structural lesions in the somatosensory pathway. Previous studies on somatosensory function in patients with idiopathic scoliosis have demonstrated statistical differences in somatosensory-evoked potential latency between scoliotic and normal groups. However, no documentation of the actual incidence of abnormal somatosensory-evoked potentials is available. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Posterior tibial nerve somatosensory cortical evoked potentials were evaluated on 147 young patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and 31 healthy control individuals. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with idiopathic scoliosis showed pathologic evoked potentials. Among them were seven with absent somatosensory-evoked potential waveform and 10 with delayed latency. The results were reproducible on repeated measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis could be subdivided according to the somatosensory-evoked potential findings into two subgroups, those with and those without a somatosensory pathologic process. Potential clinical significance in predicting curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis could be pursued further.

Adolescent↗

Morphologic discrimination among healthy subjects and patients with progressive and nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective and controlled comparative study. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables that would allow discrimination among patients with progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, patients with nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and control subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In a previous study, the correlation was demonstrated between morphologic somatotypes and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: One hundred forty-six subjects were evaluated anthropometrically and were classified according to their morphologic somatotype. Of these subjects, 52 were adolescent girls with progressive idiopathic scoliosis, whereas 32 girls had nonprogressive idiopathic scoliosis. The control group was composed of 62 healthy adolescent girls. Somatotype values for ectomorphism, mesomorphism, and endomorphism were obtained according to a technique based on Sheldon's method, and 77 anthropometric measurements of segments of the thorax, head, and limbs were taken. RESULTS: The discriminant analysis realized on a subset of 18 variables allowed the correct identification of each subject's group in 84% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to differentiate healthy adolescent subjects, patients with nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and patients with progressive idiopathic scoliosis by using anthropometric measurements and morphologic classification. These findings may be useful in the early detection of children at risk for progression of scoliosis and may allow earlier application of treatment methods without waiting for a significant increase in the curve.

Adolescent↗

Changes in serum melatonin levels in response to pinealectomy in the chicken and its correlation with development of scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Normal, sham, and groups of chickens subjected to pinealectomy from which serum melatonin levels were measured and correlated with scoliosis development in a period of 5 weeks. OBJECTIVES: To measure serum melatonin levels in chickens subjected to pinealectomy and control chickens and correlate findings with development of scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In a previous study by others, scoliosis developed in 100% of chickens subjected to pinealectomy, and serum melatonin levels were found to be reduced. Previous results in a study by the authors showed scoliosis developing in only approximately 55% of chickens that underwent pinealectomy. METHODS: Young chickens were subjected to pinealectomy. Control groups consisted of sham operation and normal groups. Radiographs and blood samples were taken at weekly intervals to monitor scoliosis development and measure serum melatonin levels using radioimmunoassay techniques. RESULTS: Scoliosis developed in only 52% of chickens that underwent pinealectomy, but all had low levels of serum melatonin and no circadian rhythm. The chickens in the two control groups maintained normal serum melatonin levels and rhythms. CONCLUSIONS: Pinealectomy in young chickens reduces serum melatonin levels and eliminates the melatonin circadian rhythm. It can also produce scoliosis, but low levels of serum melatonin are a poor predictor of development of scoliosis.

Animals↗

Experimental external fixation combined with percutaneous discectomy in the management of scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: An assessment of the value of external fixation with or without percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis in young rabbits with induced progressive thoracic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate in an experimental setting the effect of external fixation with or without percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis, as a preliminary study to precede clinical consideration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: External fixation of the spine using percutaneous transpedicular screws has been used clinically for cases of traumatic spinal injury, infectious spine, or chronic low back pain caused by a disc lesion. Percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis has been reported. METHODS: Thirty-two young rabbits underwent partial resection of the right lower ribs. Nine rabbits were not treated after production of scoliosis and were followed as controls. At 4-6 weeks after production of scoliosis, in 23 animals, Kirschner wires were inserted percutaneously into the T9-T10 and L1-L2 disc space, and both ends were attached to an external fixator after correction of the scoliosis. In 8 of those 23 animals, percutaneous discectomy was also performed at the apex of the caudal compensatory curvature. RESULTS: In these 23 animals, the initial correction by fixation on of the caudal vertebrae was accompanied by a derotation in the apex. Five animals treated with external fixation only and four treated with combined percutaneous discectomy survived with external fixation until the age of 17 weeks and were followed to the natural cessation of the curve progression, at which the fixation was removed and a final assessment was made. The mean progression of curvature was 15.8 degrees in the group of five animals with external fixation only, and 33.8 degrees in the controls. In the group of four animals treated with supplementary percutaneous discectomy, however, the treated disc space became rigid, and the mean progression of curvature after removal of the fixation was only 5.3 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest the potential for external fixation to allow for derotation and, when combined with percutaneous discectomy, to offer a feasible method of managing scoliosis in the human adolescent. This study was a preliminary experimental study; further experimental studies are planned to develop this novel technique.

Animals↗

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: the effect of brace treatment on the incidence of surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of outcome in terms of incidence of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during a period when bracing was not practiced. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether centers with an active bracing policy have lower numbers undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis than a center where nonintervention is the practice. BACKGROUND DATA: Two major recent publications have claimed that bracing significantly improves the outcome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, one had no control subjects and the other did not examine the final status of the subjects under review. While statistically significant differences in progression have been observed, what will convince patients to submit to an onerous treatment is the conviction that it will make a substantial difference, such as the avoidance of surgery. METHODS: Since 1991, bracing has not been recommended for children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at this center. The scoliosis database was searched for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were at least 15 years of age at last review and who had adequate documentation of curve parameters. The incidence of surgery was compared with that of published data from other centers. RESULTS: A total of 153 children, 11 boys and 142 girls, fitted the criteria. Forty-three of these (28.1%) have undergone surgery. This was not statistically different from the surgery rate reported from an active bracing center. CONCLUSIONS: If bracing does not reduce the proportion of children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who require surgery for cosmetic improvement of their deformity, it cannot be said to provide a meaningful advantage to the patient or the community. Recent studies notwithstanding, the question of the efficacy of orthoses in idiopathic scoliosis remains unresolved.

Adolescent↗

The critical stage of pinealectomy surgery after which scoliosis is produced in young chickens.

STUDY DESIGN: Stages of the surgical procedure for pinealectomy in chickens were identified. Groups of chickens were selected for each stage. Scoliosis development was identified from radiographs. OBJECTIVES: To determine the critical stage of surgery for pinealectomy after which scoliosis develops in young chickens. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pinealectomy in young chickens consistently produces scoliosis in young chickens that has many characteristics similar to those seen in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unknown. METHODS: Five distinct stages in the pinealectomy surgery were identified. Groups of chickens were selected to undergo surgery to represent these five stages. Scoliosis was determined from weekly radiographs. RESULTS: Cutting the pineal stalk was identified as the critical stage in the surgery after which scoliosis developed. The incidence of scoliosis did not increase after more extensive surgery in which the pineal bulb was removed from the skull. This stage was also correlated with a significant reduction of serum melatonin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Cutting the pineal stalk was identified as the critical stage of pinealectomy surgery after which scoliosis may develop. This stage was also correlated with the significant reduction of average serum melatonin levels. These results allow the focus of attention into the mechanism behind this phenomenon to center on the consequences of cutting the pineal stalk rather than total removal of the pineal gland.

Animals↗

Correlation between the age of pinealectomy and the development of scoliosis in chickens.

STUDY DESIGN: Pinealectomy induces experimental scoliosis in chickens. This study analyzed the correlation between the age at which pinealectomy was performed and the development of scoliosis in chickens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in the rate or magnitude of scoliosis and the type of curvature in chickens pinealectomized at different times after hatching. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Scoliosis develops in almost all chickens pinealectomized within 3 days after hatching, but there are no data on whether the condition will develop in chickens pinealectomized earlier or later after hatching. METHODS: In this study, 106 female white leghorn chickens were divided into six groups: four pinealectomy groups (pinealectomy was performed 2, 4, 11, or 18 days after hatching in Groups P-2, P-4, P-11, and P-18, respectively), a control group (Group C), and a sham operation group (Group S). Ventrodorsal radiographs of the spine were taken at 4-week intervals until the age of 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, a 1-mL sample of blood was taken from the heart at the middle of the dark cycle, and the serum melatonin concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: At the age of 12 weeks, scoliosis was present in 63.6% of the chickens in Group P-2, 72.7% in Group P-4, 81% in Group P-11, and 70% in Group P-18, and the Cobb angles in the scoliotic chickens averaged 32.6, 29.8, 23.8, and 22.3 degrees in the respective groups. There were no significant differences in the rate or magnitude of scoliosis and the type of curvature among the pinealectomy groups at the age of 12 weeks. At the age of 12 weeks, the serum melatonin levels at the middle of the dark cycle in the pinealectomized chickens were significantly lower than those of chickens in Groups C and S. However, there were no differences in the serum melatonin levels between scoliotic and nonscoliotic pinealectomized chickens. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study show that scoliosis develops in 60% to 80% of chickens pinealectomized within 18 days after hatching, and that scoliotic development is not influenced by the age at which pinealectomy is performed. However, this study suggests that melatonin plays a complicated role in spinal development, inasmuch as the serum melatonin levels after pinealectomy approximated zero. Yet scoliosis did not develop in all pinealectomized chickens.

Aging↗

Scoliosis in Proteus syndrome: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: The case of patient with scoliosis based on a rare hamartomatous, Proteus syndrome, is reported. OBJECTIVES: To present the characteristics of scoliosis associated with Proteus syndrome, and to investigate the mechanisms that cause it. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Proteus syndrome, a rare hamartomatous disorder first coined by Wiedemann, manifests many clinical morphologic abnormalities including scoliosis. The characteristics and cause of scoliosis in this syndrome are fully unknown. METHODS: A patient with Proteus syndrome was followed from the age of 3 months to the age of 21 years. This patient received spinal corrective surgery for severe scoliosis. Detailed investigations of the scoliosis as well as the physical and imaging examinations were performed to characterize the scoliosis. RESULTS: Computed tomography showed exclusive asymmetric appearance of lumbar spine, hypertrophy of the only right facet joints, and pedicles at L1-L4, which accorded with the right-side hemihypertrophy of the patient's extremities. CONCLUSIONS: Scoliosis with Proteus syndrome seems to be based on hemihypertrophy, with no influence of mechanical stress.

Humans↗

Prospective radiographic and clinical outcomes and complications of single solid rod instrumented anterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical cases series. OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate outcomes and critically review radiographic results and complications associated with single solid rod anterior spinal fusions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with 2-year minimum follow-up (range, 2-6 years). METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients at a single institution with thoracic (n = 43) or thoracolumbar/lumbar (n = 47) adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated by one of two surgeons with a similar anterior surgical technique using rib autograft, intradiscal structural (Harms) cages placed below T12, and anterior single solid rod convex compressive instrumentation. The patients were evaluated prospectively with the Scoliosis Research Society outcome instrument and upright radiographs before surgery and minimum 2-year follow-up. RESULTS (RADIOGRAPHIC): The average coronal correction of thoracic curves was from 55 degrees to 29 degrees (47%). The average correction of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves was from 50 degrees to 15 degrees (70%). In the sagittal plane, kyphosis was improved in thoracic fusions from 23 degrees to 30 degrees (T5-T12) and lordosis maintained in thoracolumbar/lumbar fusions at -58 degrees (T12-sacrum). Five patients (5.5%) developed a pseudarthrosis, four with implant failure. Three of five required a posterior fusion for a reoperation rate of 3.3%. The fourth and fifth patients were asymptomatic and appeared fused at the 2-year follow-up, with minimal loss of correction. Common risk factors for pseudarthrosis were smoking (4 of 5), weight >70 kg (4 of 5), and for thoracic pseudarthrosis, hyperkyphosis >40 degrees T5-T12 (2 of 3). RESULTS (CLINICAL OUTCOME): Scoliosis Research Society domain average scores were improved for function, pain, and self-image (P < 0.01). With the Scoliosis Research Society satisfaction domain, 88% responded that they were satisfied with their results and 89% would undergo the same treatment again. Four of five patients with pseudarthrosis did not have statistically significant lower final Scoliosis Research Society scores than those with solid fusions (93 vs. 97, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Anterior instrumented fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a single solid rod had good radiographic and clinical outcomes. Consideration should be given to alternate techniques in larger adolescents (>70 kg) with thoracic hyperkyphosis (>40 degrees ), and smoking should be avoided. Poor radiographic outcomes did not correlate with final Scoliosis Research Society scores.

Adolescent↗

The associated effects of untreated unilateral hip dislocation in cerebral palsy scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of a unilateral hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy (CP) may cause problems with sitting imbalance, pressure ulcers, and hip pain. There is a dynamic interplay between hip dislocation, pelvic obliquity (PO), and scoliosis. The effect of an untreated unilateral hip dislocation on the rate of curve progression of CP scoliosis has not been defined in the literature. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of unilateral hip dislocation on PO and the rate of curve progression in children with spastic quadriplegic CP. METHODS: Patients with spastic quadriplegic CP who had spine radiographs at the time of initial presentation with scoliosis and at the latest follow-up were evaluated. Twenty-three children with spastic CP who had an untreated unilateral hip dislocation and scoliosis constituted the study group. The control group consisted of 83 quadriplegic CP patients with scoliosis and well-located hips. The rate of curve progression, incidence of PO, and the rate of PO progression at follow-up were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean ages of patients with a unilateral dislocation and with well-located hips at initial radiograph were 10.4 and 10.5 years, respectively. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The mean rate of scoliosis curve progression in patients with a unilateral hip dislocation was 12.9 degrees per year. In the control group, the mean progression rate was 12.2 degrees per year. The incidence of PO at follow-up was 74% in scoliotic patients with a dislocation and 63% in scoliotic patients with normal hips. Using repeated-measures analysis of variance, unilateral hip dislocation was found to have no significant effect on scoliosis progression; however, progression of PO was significantly increased in the hip dislocation group (P < 0.05). Pelvic obliquity was corrected after posterior spinal fusion to the sacrum with pelvic fixation, without reducing the hip(s) at the same surgery. CONCLUSION: Unilateral hip dislocation causes a significant increase of PO but does not affect the rate of scoliosis curve progression.

Adolescent↗

Allelic variants of human melatonin 1A receptor in patients with familial adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A genetic study of patients with familial adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence for linkage on chromosome 4q and determine whether mutations in the gene coding for melatonin receptor are present. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spine deformity arising during childhood, but its cause remains unknown. The fact that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is often seen in several members of the same family strongly suggests a genetic factor. Recent work by Wise et al provides evidence for linkage of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at several different chromosome sites, including 4q. In addition, there is some evidence that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be related to a disturbance in melatonin metabolism, and the human melatonin-1A receptor is known to be located on chromosome 4q. METHODS: Probands having clinically relevant idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle >30 degrees) and their relatives were identified. Radiographic confirmation was required for a positive diagnosis. Linkage analysis was performed with 15 microsatellite markers of chromosome 4q spaced at approximately 10-cM resolution and 5 microsatellite markers surrounding the site for human melatonin receptor. The gene for human melatonin receptor was screened for mutations in the coding region using genomic DNA samples by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Amplimers showing a band shift were reamplified and sequenced bidirectionally. RESULTS: There was no evidence for linkage at chromosome 4q in this study population. Twenty-nine individuals demonstrated aberrant single-strand conformation polymorphism band patterns, and sequence evaluation demonstrated six genetic polymorphisms for the gene for human melatonin receptor. These genetic variations were found in both affected and nonaffected individuals, and there was no correlation between gene variants and the phenotype for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated no evidence of linkage to chromosome 4q and no mutations in the coding region of the gene for human melatonin receptor. The identification of variants in the human melatonin receptor could provide a useful tool for testing the gene in the predisposition to various other melatonin-related disorders and for clarifying the role of melatonin in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent↗

Treatment recommendations for idiopathic scoliosis: an assessment of the Lenke classification.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of the treatment recommendation criteria based on the Lenke classification for treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. DESIGN A retrospective radiographic review of 183 patients who underwent anterior and/or posterior fusion for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies have proven that the Lenke system is relatively efficient and consistent in classifying scoliosis curves. However, the recommendations regarding fusion level have yet to be established as reliable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-three patients with idiopathic scoliosis and with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months were included in the study and classified according to the Lenke system. Among these patients, 135 patients were treated with fusion and instrumentation in accordance with the Lenke classification system and are described as Group I. The 48 patients whose treatments were not based on the Lenke system constitute Group II. These two groups were compared in regard to the correction of the Cobb angle and the trunk shift after surgery in order to establish the effectiveness and reliability of the treatment recommendations based on the Lenke classification system. RESULTS: Type 1 primary thoracic curve: there was no difference between the results from the group with selective thoracic fusion (Group I) and from the group with both thoracic and lumbar curves fused (Group II). Type 2 double thoracic scoliosis: the correction of the upper thoracic curve, the first thoracic vertebral tilt, and left shoulder elevation were better in the group with both thoracic curves fused (Group I) than in the group with midthoracic fusion (Group II). Type 3 double major scoliosis: the lumbar curve correction was better in the group with both thoracic and lumbar curves fused (Group I) than in the group with selective thoracic fusion (Group II), and decompensation occurred more frequently in Group II. Type 4 triple major scoliosis: because there were only two patients with this type of curve, no analysis was completed. Type 5 thoracolumbar or lumbar curve: there was no difference between the results from the group with selective thoracolumbar or lumbar fusion (Group I) and the group with thoracic and lumbar curves fused (Group II). Type 6 double major scoliosis with larger lumbar curve: the thoracic curve correction was better in the group with both curves fused (Group I) than in the group with only the lumbar curve fused (Group II). CONCLUSION: Better radiologic results were achieved through the use of the Lenke classification system for the selection of fusion levels by avoiding unnecessary fusion of the nonstructural lumbar or thoracic spine as well as avoiding undercorrection of the structural secondary curves.

Adolescent↗