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PubMed2004

Is there a need for anterior release for 70-90 degrees masculine thoracic curves in adolescent scoliosis?

Large and stiff thoracic scoliotic curves in the adolescent represent a classic indication of anterior release followed by posterior instrumentation. However, third-generation segmental spinal instrumentations have shown increased correction of thoracic curves. Indication for an anterior release may therefore not be required even in large and stiff thoracic curves. The objective of the study was, therefore, to analyze retrospectively the results of third-generation segmental posterior instrumentation in large and stiff thoracic curves and to compare our results with the current literature of anterior release followed by posterior instrumentation. An independent observer, who had not participated in any of the case, reviewed our electronic database of adolescent scoliosis surgery (Scolisoft) with the following query: thoracic curves, Cobb angle between 70 degrees and 90 degrees and posterior surgery only. He was able to identify 19 patients whose thoracic curves were measured between 70 degrees and 90 degrees . Out of these, four had convex-side bending Cobb angle values of less than 45 degrees and were not included in the study, as they were judged too flexible. Fifteen patients (aged 11-18 years, mean 13.6 years) with thoracic scoliosis were left for the study (average Cobb angles 78.5 degrees with a flexibility index of 32.5% (range, 19-42%). The mean follow-up period was 32 months (range 18-64 months). Classic parameters of deformity correction were analysed. The average operative time was 314 min and the mean total blood loss was 1,875 ml. Average level of instrumented vertebrae was 12 (Range, 10-14). Postoperatively, the thoracic Cobb angle was measured at 34.8 degrees (range, 25-45 degrees ), which represents a correction rate of 54% (range, 40.0-67.1%) and remained unchanged at the last follow-up (35 degrees ). Patients with thoracic hypokyphosis improved from an average 11 degrees to 18 degrees . There were three complications (one excessive bleeding, one early infection and one late infection). One case showed an add-on phenomenon at the last follow-up. Coronal balance was improved from 1.8 cm (Range 0-4 cm) down to 0.75 cm (range 0-2.5 cm). Shoulder balance was improved from 1.3 cm (range 0-4 cm) down to 0.75 (0-2.5 cm). All patients reported satisfactory results except the patient with an adding-on phenomena. In the literature, most of the results of anterior thoracoscopic release and posterior surgery give a percentage of Cobb angle correction similar or inferior to our series for an average initial Cobb angle of less magnitude. Therefore, with adequate posterior release, and the use of third-generation segmental instrumentation there is no need for anterior release even for curves in the 70-90 degrees range.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of anterior and posterior double-rod instrumentation for thoracic idiopathic scoliosis: results of 141 patients.

Ventral derotation spondylodesis, according to Zielke, achieves good results in operative treatment of idiopathic thoracic scolioses. Corrections of scoliotic major and secondary curve as well as derotation of the spine are reliably performed. The high rate of rod fractures with subsequent correction loss as well as a proportionate kyphogenic effect represents a problem. By keeping to the correcting principle, anterior double-rod instrumentation (Halm-Zielke Instrumentation) is to be stable in a similar way as posterior double-rod systems. Thus, it is done to facilitate brace-free postoperative care and to prevent excessive kyphotic pattern of the spine. In this prospective study, we retrospectively collected data. We performed radiological follow-up of two groups of patients with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (King II, III and IV) undergoing an operation with posterior approach (USS instrumentation, posterior group, n=104) in 1997 and 1998 or being corrected with an anterior fusion (Halm-Zielke instrumentation, anterior group, n=37) between 2000 and 2001. Mean age of all patients for operation was 15+/-4 years. Follow-up was performed after 4+/-2 years on average. Preoperative measurements of the major and secondary curve, the lateral profile, rotation and frontal balance (C7 to S1) did not show any significant differences apart from a more severe scoliotic curve in the lumbar spine for the anterior group with appropriately higher lumbar rotation. During follow-up we noticed similar corrections of the thoracic major and lumbar curve in both groups ranging from 49 to 56%. In case of hypokyphotic (T4-T12 or=40 degrees ) scolioses were flattened by posterior spinal fusion; the effect of anterior spinal fusion was not significant. Correction of thoracic and lumbar rotation in the anterior group by 37 or 30% was more significant than in the posterior group by 27 or 20%. There was no impact of anterior technique on the balance of the spine whereas the latter shifted by an average of 7 mm to the left in the posterior group. The number of fused segments was significantly smaller in the anterior group with 7+/-1 vertebral bodies (posterior, 11+/-1 vertebral bodies). Rates of complication were identical with 11 or 12% in both groups during follow-up. Anterior and posterior double-rod instrumentations result in comparable corrections for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis of the major and secondary curve. In case of posterior technique, however, four vertebral bodies less were integrated in spondylodesis on average. Balance of the spine did not change after anterior spondylodesis; however, it declined by using the posterior technique. Augmentation of the anterior threaded rod combined with a solid second rod significantly decreases the rate of implant breakages and reliably reduces consecutive correction losses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Mycoplasma hominis deep wound infection after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery: the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Mycoplasma hominis is a commensal of the genitourinary tract. It mostly causes infections to associated structures of this system; however, occasionally it is a pathogen in nongenitourinary tract infections. Since, M. hominis strains require special growth conditions and cannot be Gram stained, they may be missed or delay diagnosis. This report describes a deep wound infection caused by M. hominis after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery; M. hominis was recovered by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An awareness of the role of M. hominis as an extragenital pathogen in musculoskeletal infections, especially in neuromuscular scoliosis, being a high-risk group for postoperative wound infection, it is necessary to identify this pathogen. Real-time PCR for postoperative deep wound infection, in patients with a history of genitourinary infections, decreases the delay in diagnosis and treatment. In these cases rapid real-time PCR on deep cultures should be considered.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Effect of different surgical strategies on screw forces after correction of scoliosis with a VDS implant.

Pullout of the cranial end-vertebra screw following the correction of a scoliosis with the VDS implant is a common complication. Very little is known about the forces acting on the screws during ventral derotation spondylodesis (VDS) in ventral scoliosis surgery. These forces determine the risk of screw-loosening. The purpose of this study was to identify implant properties and to determine surgical correction strategies that reduce the risk of cranial end-vertebra screw pullout. For this aim, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a scoliotic thoracic spine was created with a Cobb angle of 61 degrees and 32 degrees rotation. The VDS implant was inserted between T5 and T9. The longitudinal rod diameter, the implant material and seven surgical correction strategies were examined to determine their influence on the Cobb angle as well as on derotation and on axial and transverse forces in the screws. A stiffer implant achieves a better correction but causes higher axial and transverse screw forces. Axial tensile forces act on the screws fixed to the cranial end vertebra and the middle vertebra, while axial compressive forces act on the other screws. A strong correction at the cranial segment leads to high axial and transverse screw forces in the farthest cranial screw and thus to a high risk of screw pullout. The resultant transverse force is often much higher than the axial force component. Simulation of local trunk muscle forces has only a minor effect on the results. The axial tensile forces and thus the risk of screw pullout are highest at the cranial end vertebra. A strategy in which surgical correction is strong in the middle segments and moderate in the outer ones leads to a good reduction of the Cobb angle, a wide derotation angle, and relatively low axial tensile forces at the cranial end vertebra screw.

Bone Screws↗
PubMed2005

Morphological study of rib regeneration following costectomy in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

This is a prospective observational study comparing cases with retrospective controls. The aim of the study is to compare rib regeneration with a scaffold placed intra-periosteally against no scaffold, after costectomy in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A prospective study was conducted at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on 16 consecutive patients (51 ribs) with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent costectomy and application of gel foam in the rib bed as a scaffold. These patients were compared with a retrospective group of 15 patients (33 ribs) who did not have the scaffold. All prospective and retrospective patients were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months and were analyzed radiographically for rib regeneration and morphology. A classification system was devised to include all possible morphologies of regenerate. The resulting data, when analyzed showed that majority of ribs re-grew to normal morphology in 3-6 months in the trial group. In comparison the regeneration in the retrospective controls was slower and poorer in quality. Ribs treated by placement of gel foam scaffold in the bed regenerate to a near normal radiological profile within 6 months of costectomy compared to a slower regeneration in those without gel foam scaffold.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Infantile scoliosis in Beals syndrome: the use of a non-fusion technique for surgical correction.

Beals syndrome (congenital contractural arachnodactyl) is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue phenotypically related to Marfan syndrome. It is characterised by dolichostenomelia, arachnodactyly, multiple joint contractures, crumpled ears, hypoplastic muscles and scoliosis. The latter, the most important clinical feature of this rare condition, presents in the infantile and juvenile age group and has a tendency to rapid progression. Bracing often fails to control the scoliosis and surgery is the recommended treatment. We present our experience of two cases managed with the paediatric Isola instrumentation and a non-fusion technique.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2006

Correction of flexible thoracic scoliosis below 65 degrees--a radiological comparison of anterior versus posterior segmental instrumentation applied to similar curves.

UNLABELLED: Direct comparison of the correction of scoliosis achieved by different surgical methods is usually limited by the heterogeneity of the patients analyzed (their age, curve pattern, curve magnitude, etc.). The hypothesis is that an analysis of comparable scoliotic curves treated by different implant systems could detect subtle differences in outcome. The objective of this study was therefore: (1) to measure the 3D radiological parameters of scoliotic deformity and to quantify their postoperative changes, and (2) to compare the radiographic results achieved with one anterior and one posterior instrumentation methods applied to similar curves but representing different mechanisms of correction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical notes and radiographs of 46 patients operated on for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed. The inclusion criteria consisted of: a single thoracic curve, right convex, a frontal Cobb angle minimum of 45 degrees and a maximum of 65 degrees , flexibility on a lateral bending test of more than 30%, and a Risser test value of between 1 and 4. The operative procedures were: Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) for 25 patients (the CD group) and correction by anterior instrumentation (Pouliquen plate) for 21 patients (the ANT group). Preoperative and postoperative long cassette standing antero-posterior and lateral radiographs were examined. The frontal and sagittal thoracic Cobb angle, apical vertebra transposition (AVT), apical vertebra rotation (AVR), lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt, C7 vertebra shift and rib cage shift (RCS) were all compared. A computed reconstruction was produced with Rachis-91 software. Vertebral axial rotation angle was evaluated throughout the spine. RESULTS: Postoperative assessment revealed a mean correction of the frontal Cobb angle of 37.0 degrees for the CD group and 41.0 degrees for the ANT group. The AVT operative correction was 45.8 and 42.7 mm, respectively, and AVR correction was 1.8 and 12.6 degrees , respectively. The postoperative change of the sagittal Th4-Th12 Cobb angle was not significant for any method but it was significant (P=0.05) for the CD group if the curves were divided preoperatively into hypokyphotic and normokyphotic subgroups and then analyzed separately. Computed assessment demonstrated a correction of segmental axial rotation of more than 50% in the main thoracic curve in the ANT group, significantly more than that in the CD group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior instrumentation provided better correction of the vertebral axial rotation and of the rib hump. CD instrumentation was more powerful in translation and more specifically addressed the sagittal plane: the postoperative thoracic kyphosis angle increased in the hypokyphotic curves and slightly decreased in the normokyphotic curves.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Short anterior correction of the thoracolumbar/lumbar curve in King 1 idiopathic scoliosis: the behaviour of the instrumented and non-instrumented curves and the trunk balance.

This is a retrospective clinical, radiological and patient outcome assessment of 21 consecutive patients with King 1 idiopathic adolescent scoliosis treated by short anterior selective fusion of the major thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve. Three-dimensional changes of both curves, changes in trunk balance and rib hump were evaluated. The minimal follow-up was 24 months (max. 83). The Cobb angle of the TL/L curve was 52 degrees (45-67 degrees) with a flexibility of 72% (40-100%). The average length of the main curve was 5 (3-8) segments. An average of 3 (2-4) segments was fused using rigid single rod implants with side-loading screws. The Cobb angle of the thoracic curve was 33 degrees (18-50 degrees) with a flexibility of 69% (29-100%). The thoracic curve in bending was less than 20 degrees in 17 patients, and 20-25 degrees in 4 patients. In the TL/L curve there was an improvement of the Cobb angle of 67%, of the apex vertebral rotation of 51% and of the apex vertebral translation of 74%. The Cobb angle of the thoracic curve improved 29% spontaneously. Shoulder balance improved significantly from an average preoperative imbalance of 14.5-3.1 mm at the last follow-up. Seventy-five percent of the patients with preoperative positive shoulder imbalance (higher on the side of the thoracic curve) had levelled shoulders at the last follow-up. C7 offset improved from a preoperative 19.8 (0-40) to 4.8 (0-18) mm at the last follow-up. There were no significant changes in rotation, translation of the thoracic curve and the clinical rib hump. There were no significant changes in thoracic kyphosis or lumbar lordosis. The average score of the SRS-24 questionnaire at the last follow-up was 91 points (max. 120). We conclude that short anterior selective fusion of the TL/L curve in King 1 scoliosis with a thoracic curve bending to 25 degrees or less (Type 5 according to Lenke classification) results in a satisfactory correction and a balanced spine. Short fusions leave enough mobile lumbar segments for the establishment of global spinal balance. A positive shoulder imbalance is not a contraindication for this procedure. Structural interbody grafts are not necessary to maintain lumbar lordosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Quantifier variables of the back surface deformity obtained with a noninvasive structured light method: evaluation of their usefulness in idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis.

New noninvasive techniques, amongst them structured light methods, have been applied to study rachis deformities, providing a way to evaluate external back deformities in the three planes of space. These methods are aimed at reducing the number of radiographic examinations necessary to diagnose and follow-up patients with scoliosis. By projecting a grid over the patient's back, the corresponding software for image treatment provides a topography of the back in a color or gray scale. Visual inspection of back topographic images using this method immediately provides information about back deformity, but it is important to determine quantifier variables of the deformity to establish diagnostic criteria. In this paper, two topographic variables [deformity in the axial plane index (DAPI) and posterior trunk symmetry index (POTSI)] that quantify deformity in two different planes are analyzed. Although other authors have reported the POTSI variable, the DAPI variable proposed in this paper is innovative. The upper normality limit of these variables in a nonpathological group was determined. These two variables have different and complementary diagnostic characteristics, therefore we devised a combined diagnostic criterion: cases with normal DAPI and POTSI (DAPI < or = 3.9% and POTSI < or = 27.5%) were diagnosed as nonpathologic, but cases with high DAPI or POTSI were diagnosed as pathologic. When we used this criterion to analyze all the cases in the sample (56 nonpathologic and 30 with idiopathic scoliosis), we obtained 76.6% sensitivity, 91% specificity, and a positive predictive value of 82%. The interobserver, intraobserver, and interassay variability were studied by determining the variation coefficient. There was good correlation between topographic variables (DAPI and POTSI) and clinical variables (Cobb's angle and vertebral rotation angle).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Minimum 10 years follow-up surgical results of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with TSRH instrumentation.

Last two decades witnessed great advances in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, the number of studies evaluating the long-term results of these treatment methods is relatively low. During recent years, besides radiological and clinical studies, questionnaires like SRS-22 assessing subjective functional and mental status and life-quality of patients have gained importance for the evaluation of these results. In this study, surgical outcome and Turkish SRS-22 questionnaire results of 109 late-onset adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients surgically treated with third-generation instrumentation [Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRH) System] and followed for a minimum of 10 years were evaluated. The balance was analyzed clinically and radiologically by the measurement of the lateral trunk shift (LT), shift of head (SH), and shift of stable vertebra (SS). Mean age of the patients was 14.4+/-1.9 and mean follow-up period was 136.9+/-12.7 months. When all the patients were included, the preoperative mean Cobb angle of major curves in the frontal plane was 60.8 degrees +/-17.5 degrees . Major curves that were corrected by 38.7+/-22.1% in the bending radiograms, postoperatively achieved a correction of 64.0+/-15.8%. At the last follow-up visit, 10.3 degrees +/-10.8 degrees of correction loss was recorded in major curves in the frontal plane with 50.5+/-23.1% final correction rate. Also, the mean postoperative and final kyphosis angles and lumbar lordosis angles were 37.7 degrees +/-7.4 degrees , 37.0 degrees +/-8.4 degrees , 37.5 degrees +/-8.7 degrees , and 36.3 degrees +/-8.5 degrees , respectively. A statistically significant correction was obtained at the sagittal plane; mean postoperative changes compared to preoperative values were 7.9 degrees and 12.9 degrees for thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. On the other hand, normal physiological thoracic and lumbar sagittal contours were achieved in 83.5% and 67.9% of the patients, respectively. Postoperatively, a statistically significant correction was obtained in LT, SH, and SS values (P<0.05). Although, none of the patients had completely balanced curves preoperatively, in 95.4% of the patients the curves were found to be completely balanced or clinically well balanced postoperatively. This rate was maintained at the last follow-up visit. Overall, four patients (3.7%) had implant failure. Early superficial infection was observed in three (2.8%) patients. Radiologically presence of significant consolidation, absence of implant failure, and correction loss, and clinical relief of pain were considered as the proof of a posterior solid fusion mass. About ten (9.2%) patients were considered to have pseudoarthrosis: four patients with implant failure and six patients with correction loss over 15 degrees at the frontal plane. About four (3.7%) patients among the first 20 patients had neurological deficit only wake-up test was used for neurological monitoring of these patients. No neurological deficit was observed in the 89 patients for whom intraoperative neurological monitoring with SSEP and TkMMEP was performed. Overall, average scores of SRS-22 questionnaire for general self-image, function, mental status, pain, and satisfaction from treatment were 3.8+/-0.7, 3.6+/-0.7, 4.0+/-0.8, 3.6+/-0.8, and 4.6+/-0.3, respectively at the last follow-up visit. Results of about 10 years of follow-up these patients treated with TSRH instrumentation suggest that the method is efficient for the correction of frontal and sagittal plane deformities and trunk balance. In addition, it results in a better life-quality.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Results of brace treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in boys compared with girls: a retrospective study of 102 patients treated with the Boston brace.

The aim of the study was to compare the results of brace treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in male patients with matched female patients and to assess the effectiveness of bracing of boys in AIS and to discuss the results with published data. Between 1987 and 1995, 51 consecutive male patients with AIS were treated with the Boston brace. The patients were advised to wear the brace 23 h/day. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Cobb angles and Risser signs were measured before bracing, in brace, at brace discontinuation and at final follow-up. Everyone of 51 male patients was compared with a female patient who was treated by the same method and matched by Risser sign, curve pattern, curve magnitude and duration of treatment and follow-up time. Compliance with brace was noted at every visit. Fourteen boys had worn the brace only during nighttime or occasionally and were considered non-compliant. Only compliant patients with treatment period > 1 year and follow-up > 1 year after treatment were accepted for the analyses of effectiveness of brace treatment and its prognostic factors. Thirty-three boys met these inclusion criteria. Bracing was considered to have a failure if > 5 degrees progression occurred or if surgery was performed. At the final follow-up study progression > 5 degrees was found in 16/51 (31.4%) of male patients. Corresponding figures of female patients were 11/51 (21.6%), respectively. In compliant boys progression > 5 degrees occurred in 6/33 boys compared with 9/33 girls. The association between risk of progression and correction% in brace was statistically significant. The overall results of brace treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in male patients were inferior compared with matched females. One reason for inferior overall results in boys was poor compliance with brace wear. However, brace treatment in AIS may be recommended with the same principles in both genders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Is anterior release effective to increase flexibility in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis? Assessment by traction films.

With the advent of thoracoscopy, anterior release procedures in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have come into more frequent use, however, the indication criteria for an anterior release in thoracic AIS are still controversial in the literature. To date, few studies have assessed the influence on spinal flexibility and no study has so far been able to show a beneficial effect on the correction rate as compared to a single posterior procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of thoracic disc excision on coronal spinal flexibility. Six patients (5 females, 1 male) with AIS and a mean age of 15.6 years (range 13-20 years) underwent an open anterior thoracic release prior to posterior instrumentation. Cotrel dynamic traction along with radiographs of the whole spine including traction films were conducted pre- and postoperatively and were evaluated retrospectively. The mean preoperative thoracic curve was 89.7 degrees +/- 15.4 degrees (range 65 degrees-110 degrees). The flexibility rate in Cotrel traction was 22.8 +/- 8.1%. After performance of the anterior release the thoracic curve showed a mean increase of coronal correction by 5.5 degrees +/- 5.0 degrees as assessed by traction radiographs. The flexibility index changed by 6.2 +/- 5.6%. After posterior instrumentation the thoracic curve was corrected to a mean of 36.5 degrees +/- 10.1 degrees (correction rate 59.6%). Disc excision in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis only slightly increased spinal flexibility as assessed by traction films. In our view a posterior release with osteotomy of the concave ribs (concave thoracoplasty, CTP) is more effective in increasing spinal flexibility. According to our clinical experience, an anterior release prior to posterior instrumentation in AIS should only be considered in hyperkyphosis, coronal imbalance or massive curves.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Operative treatment of severe scoliosis in osteogenesis imperfecta: results of 20 patients after halo traction and posterior spondylodesis with instrumentation.

Correction and stabilisation of the scoliotic spine in osteogenesis imperfecta is difficult. The optimal technique has yet to be determined, since no large series in which a single procedure has been carried out by a single surgeon using a single protocol has yet been described. The charts of 20 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who had undergone halo gravity traction (HGT) and a posterior spondylodesis with Cotrel-Dubousset (n = 18) or Harrington (n = 2) instrumentation were reviewed. No correction was made at the time of the surgical spondylodesis. The average follow-up was 4.8 years (range 2-10.5 years). The preoperative traction improved the Cobb angle of the scoliosis by 32% (from a mean of 78.5 degrees to a mean of 53.3 degrees) and improved the kyphosis by 24% (from a mean of 56.0 degrees to mean of 42.5 degrees). This correction deteriorated slightly at final follow-up, for both the scoliosis and the kyphosis (mean 57.6 degrees and 44.4 degrees respectively). Few complications were encountered during the HGT period. In 16 cases no complications occurred during the follow-up period. Ambulation and functional ability were upgraded for 7 of 20 patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Gait analysis in idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgery: a comparison of the pre- and postoperative muscle activation pattern.

In a prospective experimental study the level gait activity scores of the iliocostalis lumborum, glutaeus medius, tensor fasciae latae, vastus lateralis and peronaeus longus muscles of both body sides were examined by computerized electromyography in 23 patients with idiopathic scoliosis before and after CD instrumentation. The pre- and postoperative findings were examined as to asymmetric patterns in muscle requisition during gait and the respective changes induced by the spinal correction. These results were compared with the corresponding results obtained in healthy subjects in two independent sessions with identical experimental conditions. A muscle activity asymmetry coefficient was defined to quantify the degree of left/right muscle activation asymmetry observed. Postoperatively a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) of a preoperatively strongly increased activity was found in the lumbar muscles of the convex side of double major scolioses as well as in the glutaeus medius and tensor fascia lata muscles of the concave side of thoracic curvatures. Both the casuistic and statistical analysis of the results of our study support the hypothesis that activity asymmetries observed in the paravertebral musculature in idiopathic scoliosis patients are the result of the scoliotic body deformities, with consequent asymmetries in the biomechanical force patterns of body postures and body motions, rather than an aetiological factor of scoliotic curvatures.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Quantification of cosmesis for patients affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The aim of this study was to quantify cosmesis for patients affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eight nonmedical judges were asked to examine photographs of 40 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and to score the cosmesis of their backs without any information. Various parameters were measured from radiographs, Moiré topographies, and physical measurements of patients, and these were compared with the cosmetic scores of the judges. The judges' scoring proved to be reliable. The cosmetic scores showed a significant correlation with the Cobb angle, hump severity, asymmetry of the waist line, circumference of the chest, and obesity. Multivariate analysis produced equations to calculate the cosmetic score for the back. This equation is thought to have a useful clinical application.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

An algorithm for selection of instrumentation levels in scoliosis.

Appropriate levels for instrumentation and fusion in scoliosis have been a matter of debate among surgeons since the introduction of operative management of this deformity. We set out to examine the hypothesis that the amount of correction achieved in all planes during surgical instrumentation of a curve should be less than, or comparable to, the degree of correction attainable at any non-instrumented adjacent curve. An algorithm was designed to facilitate preoperative planning and intraoperative performance of spinal fusion procedures in the management of scoliosis. To test the validity of the hypothesis and the proposed algorithm, measurements were taken from the preoperative radiographs of 200 patients. The dimensions of the curves were obtained from an initial set of four X-ray films: (1) standing anteroposterior film of the whole spine, (2) standing lateral film of the whole spine, (3) two properly performed side-bending films including each curve of the spine. With this data, a plan was designed using the algorithm. The results of this plan were compared with the actual results of the surgery, which were revealed only at this stage. All patients in whom actual instrumentation levels fell within those predicted by the proposed algorithm had no imbalance at follow-up. All patients whose actual instrumentation levels were short of those recommended by the algorithm showed obvious imbalance on final postoperative standing radiograph.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Gait asymmetries in patients with idiopathic scoliosis using vertical forces measurement only.

This study aimed at identifying measurable asymmetries during gait and relating them to the spinal deformity in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. We investigated 21 patients aged between 10 and 26 years for gait asymmetries using force plates. All subjects completed five walking cycles over two force plates measuring vertical ground reaction forces. Among the parameters measured were contact time and magnitude of the two peaks of the vertical forces as well as the rate of application of those forces. Published gait data on normal subjects were used as a control group. In 20 subjects an asymmetry of at least one gait parameter was noted. Multiple regression analysis showed, however, that there was no relation between the noted gait asymmetry and the curve direction, curve magnitude or vertebral rotation. This suggests that although functional asymmetries of the central nervous system have been described in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, they do not appear to have a reproducible effect on gait.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A physiological approach to surgical treatment of progressive early idiopathic scoliosis.

The results of previous clinical and experimental studies have provided accumulated evidence for the role of rib asymmetry in the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Moreover, it has been shown that scoliosis induced in rabbits can be corrected by elongation or growth stimulation of ribs on the side of the convexity. Taking these observations into consideration, a 7-year-old girl with right convex thoracolumbar IS was operated upon by 2-cm shortening of three concave ribs. The preoperative coronal Cobb angle was 46 degrees and the sagittal angle was 55 degrees. Twenty-seven months after the operation the curves were reduced to 21 degrees and 35 degrees, or by 54 and 36%, respectively. It is concluded that new, easy to perform and harmless interventions on the ribs may have vast implications for the overall treatment of young patients with early progressive, thoracic, IS.

Child↗