Cobb Angle Of Major Curve Research Articles

Surgical treatment of scoliosis in osteogenesis imperfecta with cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation.

A retrospective study. To report the early postoperative results of scoliosis surgery in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients utilizing all pedicle screw constructs and present a novel cementing technique to increase pedicle screw purchase in the osteoporotic OI spine. Scoliosis surgery utilizing hooks and wire systems have high complication rates in OI. Pedicle screw fixation systems have the biomechanical advantage of 3-column fixation, and cement augmentation of pedicle screws provides additional pull-out strength in the osteoporotic OI spine. The clinical and radiologic results of 10 consecutive OI patients treated with all pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion were retrospectively reviewed. The radiologic data included preoperative and postoperative major curve measurements: major curve Cobb angle, global coronal balance (GCB), apical vertebral translation (AVT), and the lowest instrumented vertebral (LIV) tilt. Operative findings included blood loss, surgery time, and additional procedures. All patients received intravenous pamidronate therapy preoperatively to increase bone mineral density. Ten patients with OI were operated on between 2005 and 2009. Seven had cement-augmented pedicle screw insertion at the proximal and distal foundations. The mean hospital stay was 10±7.5 days (range, 4-27 d) and the average follow-up period was 25.7±13.1 months (range, 14-50 mo). Mean preoperative and postoperative major Cobb angles were 83.7±23.8 and 40.3±14.6 degrees, respectively (48% correction; P<0.05). Mean preoperative and postoperative GCB deviations were 26.7±18.6 and 14.1±13.3 mm, respectively (P=0.097). Mean preoperative and postoperative AVTs were 69.3±29.1 and 29±12.2 mm, respectively (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative LIV tilts were 18.5±8.9 and 5.2±3.9 degrees, respectively (P<0.05). At the latest follow-up, the mean major curve Cobb angle was 37.7±13.1 degrees, the GCB deviation was 13.8±5.1 mm, the AVT was 31.7±13.3 mm, and the LIV tilt was 11.3±8.8 degrees. There was no difference between the early postoperative and the latest follow-up major curve Cobb angle, GCB deviation, AVT, or LIV tilt, indicating maintenance of correction. The mean blood loss was 23,75 mL (range, 800-45,00 mL). The mean operative time was 375.4 minutes (range, 262-491 min). The mean postoperative Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient-based outcome scores were 4.6±0.7 (out of 5). There were no instrumentation failures or permanent neurological deficits in this series. Pedicle screw instrumentation in OI scoliosis is safe and effective. Cement augmentation in these patients may help to increase the pedicle pull-out strength and decrease the screw failure rates, especially at the proximal and the distal ends of instrumentation.

Growth-Sparing Spinal Instrumentation in Skeletal Dysplasia

Retrospective case series. To report the outcomes of distraction-based, growth-sparing spinal instrumentation in patients with skeletal dysplasia. Patients with skeletal dysplasia with spinal deformity often undergo early fusion, further compromising an already small chest. Nonfusion techniques may provide a safe alternative and allow for thoracic growth. Between 2004 and 2010, 12 children with a diagnosis of various types of skeletal dysplasia underwent growth-sparing spinal instrumentation for severe spinal deformities. The mean duration of treatment with growing rods was 57 months (42-84 mo). Nine patients were treated with growing rods (8 dual, 1 single), and 3 were treated with vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR; Synthes). Preoperative, initial postoperative, and final follow-up anteroposterior and lateral spine radiographs were measured for magnitude of deformity, junctional kyphosis, and implant failure. The major curve Cobb angle improved from a mean of 79° preoperatively to a mean of 41° at the last follow-up (52%). There was a decrease in mean thoracic kyphosis from 77° preoperatively to 64° at final follow-up and an increase in mean lumbar lordosis from 58° preoperatively to 63° at final follow-up. The mean space available for the lungs increased by 26 mm on the concave and 24 mm on the convex side. Six patients required revision surgery for proximal junctional kyphosis. There were 4 rod failures and 6 hook and 8 screw dislodgements. One patient with vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib had failed rib fixation that required revision. Growth-sparing spinal instrumentation in patients with skeletal dysplasia and severe spinal deformity has a high complication and revision rate, and surgeons should closely monitor these patients. The complication rate is comparable with previous reports on patients with other diagnoses. However, deformities were well controlled, some trunk growth was achieved, and fusion surgery was delayed in all cases. 4.

Comparative Analysis of Hook, Hybrid, and Pedicle Screw Instrumentation in the Posterior Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Spinal instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) aims to correct spinal deformity and maintain long-term spinal stability until bony healing is ensured. The purpose of this study was to compare the minimum 2-year postoperative radiographic and clinical results of posterior spine correction and fusion with all-hook instrumentation versus hybrid segmental instrumentation versus pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS from a single institution. A total of 105 patients with AIS who underwent a posterior spinal fusion with segmental pedicle screw (35), hook (35), or hybrid (35) instrumentation were sorted and matched according to the following criteria: similar age at surgery, identical Lenke curve types, curve magnitude, and Risser grade. Patients were evaluated before, immediately after, and at 2 years after surgery for radiographic parameters, complications, and outcome, as well as on the basis of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) questionnaire. The age and Risser grade, major curve Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation (AVR), apical vertebral translation (AVT), lowest instrumented vertebral tilt, global coronal and sagittal balance, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis were determined as part of preoperative evaluation. All 3 groups showed significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative major curve Cobb angle, lowest instrumented vertebral tilt, AVT, and AVR. At the latest follow-up, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and global coronal and sagittal balance remained similar among the 3 groups. Major curve Cobb angle, AVT, and AVR were significantly different--the hook group's measurements were significantly higher than the other groups, but there was no difference between the pedicle screw and hybrid groups. Major curve correction rate was significantly different among all groups (screw=71.9%±13.8%, hybrid=61.4%±16.6%, hook=48.1%±19.7%) (P<0.001). The pedicle screw group had the least amount of correction loss but there was no statistically significant difference between groups (screw=2.6±6.7 degrees, hybrid=4.5±7.4 degrees, hook=4.4±6.2 degrees) (P=0.35). The hook group had the least amount of AVT correction, but the screw group and the hybrid groups were similar (pedicle=67.3%±15.5%, hybrid=57.5%±22.4%, hook=39.9%±32.5%) (P<0.001). Surgery time and blood loss were higher in the screw group. No differences in global SRS-22 scores were demonstrated between the patients treated with pedicle screw, hybrid, and hook constructs; however, the satisfaction domain was higher in the screw group at the latest follow-up. Pedicle screw and hybrid instrumentations offer significantly better spinal deformity correction than hook constructs in major curve coronal correction, AVT, and AVR. Patients with pedicle screw instrumentation had the greatest curve correction percentage, maintenance of this correction in the coronal and sagittal planes, and higher patient satisfaction by the SRS outcome scores. Global SRS-22 scores were similar at 2-year follow-up in all groups. Therapeutic level III retrospective comparative study.

Clinical Evaluation of the Anterior Chest Wall Deformity in Thoracic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

A retrospective radiographical study of pre- and postoperative anterior chest wall shape in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To assess the anterior chest wall deformity and define its relationship with other deformed components in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The surgical influence on the deformed chest wall contour was also evaluated to improve the clinical recognition of the risk factors associated with aggravated chest wall shape postoperatively. Anterior chest wall deformity is one of the major cosmetic concerns that may be attributable to rotational coupling in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients could be quite different in their anterior chest wall appearance with similar spinal angulation. The surgical improvement of this deformed chest wall shape is also quite elusive and the reverse could also happen despite excellent correction in Cobb angle. We investigated whether or not the anterior chest wall deformity was independent in the severity from the codevelopment of spinal curvature, translation, and vertebral rotation. In this retrospective study, 110 sets of computed tomographic scans, 70 of which had both pre- and postoperative images, were retrieved and analyzed. The ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) was used to manipulate formatted computed tomographic scans into 3-dimensional anterior chest wall reconstructions. Multiple anterior and posterior deformity parameters were evaluated, correlated, and compared. The preoperative Cobb angle of major thoracic curve, chest wall angle (CWA), rib hump (RH), angle of the sternum relative to the apical vertebral body (α), sternum-rib ratio (S-R ratio), apical vertebral rotation (AVR), and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) averaged 54.4° ± 15.2°, 5.4° ± 3.9°, 14.7° ± 5.4°, 80.5° ± 7.8°, 1.3° ± 0.2, 12.3° ± 6.5°, and 8.8° ± 4.6°, respectively. The thoracic Cobb angle demonstrated moderate correlation with CWA, RH, α, S-R ratio, AVR, and ATR (r = 0.377, 0.604, -0.401, 0.514, 0.530, and 0.517, respectively, P < 0.001). The RH demonstrated moderate correlation with AVR (r = 0.546, P < 0.001). No statistically significant relationships between CWA and RH, AVR, and ATR were detected (r = 0.129, 0.043, -0.039, P > 0.05). The AVR demonstrated significant correlation with α and S-R ratio (r = -0.757, P < 0.001; r = 0.213, P < 0.05). Averaged CWA with different curve apex showed a normal distribution shape, with the highest at T9 level. The postoperative thoracic Cobb angle, S-R ratio, AVR, and ATR improved significantly (P < 0.05), with the exception of the postoperative CWA and α (P > 0.05). Postoperative |CWA| aggravated in 52.8% of the patients, with 38.6% beyond 5°, which showed a significantly lower average preoperative CWA (3.0° ± 2.8°) compared with the rest of patients with decreased CWA (7.9° ± 3.1°) (P < 0.001). Idiopathic scoliosis is associated with distinctive anterior chest wall deformity, with its variations partially attributable to Cobb angle and apex location, but not directly correlated with AVR. Incidence of aggravated postoperative anterior chest wall shape is notable in our study, and patients should be informed of this risk beforehand. Small preoperative CWA and apical vertebra located above T9 were associated with relatively higher risk of postoperative chest wall shape aggravation.

The effect of the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) on pain and quality of life in patients surgically treated for an idiopathic scoliosis

Materials and methods 40 patients (36 women, 4 men) were included (mean age 27 years); average time since surgery was 135 months. The mean residual major curve Cobb angle was 35.4°. Lumbar mobility was measured during forward and lateral lumbar flexions using a dual digital inclinometer. Patients fulfilled the SRS22 Questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Spine Deformities Profile to estimate the perceived sensation of rigidity. Additionally, they rated the pain in the low back area.

Quality of life for Chinese patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: evaluation of the Chinese version of the Scoliosis Research Society's outcomes instrument 22

Objective To evaluate the health-related quality of life ( HRQL) of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis ( AIS) before treatment. Methods Sixty-two female patients with AIS were evaluated using the Chinese version of Scoliosis Research Society's outcomes instrument 22 ( SRS-22) HRQL questionnaire before treatment. The patients were categorized into thFee groups: a mild deformity group with a major curve Cobb angle less than 30° ( n =14),a moderate deformity group with Cobb angles of 30° to 50° ( n =42), and a severe deformity group with Cobb angles more than 50° ( n =6). Results The severe deformity group scored lowest in the self-image domain.There was,however,no significant difference in the functional activity,pain or mental health domain scores between the three groups. Conclusions The Chinese version of the SRS-22 HRQL questionnaire can be used to assess the HRQL of Chinese AIS patients.AIS patients with a major curve Cobb angle more than 50° have relatively low self-image scores. Key words: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis ; Assessment ; Quality of life ; Questionnaires

Radiographic Features of the Lenke 1A Curves to Help to Determine the Optimum Distal Fusion Level Selection

Retrospective study. Investigate the radiographic features of the subtypes of Lenke 1A curves to help to determine the optimum distal fusion level selection. The Lenke 1A was the most frequently evaluated curve type in adolescent idiopathic curves. Miyanji et al suggested that the lumbar modifier type A does not accurately define the behavior of the compensatory lumbar curve in Lenke 1A. The tilt of L3 and L4 in the coronal plane may have a significant role in determining distal fusion level. Thirty-six patients with Lenke type 1A idiopathic scoliosis treated by segmental posterior instrumentation with an average of 52.1-month follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Four different curve types depending on L3-L4 vertebral tilt were described. The radiographic measurements including proximal and distal junctional kyphosis was obtained at latest follow-up. RESULTS.: Preoperative mean major curve Cobb angle of 47.6° was corrected to 12.9° showing a correction rate of 72.8% and maintained at 14.2°. Loss of correction at final follow-up was 2.7%. The mean compensatory curve Cobb angle of 24.4° was corrected to 8.2°. All patients balanced after surgery although seven had more than -5° clavicle angle before surgery. The mean preoperative and postoperative sagittal T5-T12 angles were 30.6° and 26.2°, respectively, and 29.1° at latest follow-up. The mean preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up T10-L2 sagittal Cobb angles were -0.2°, 2.0°, and 4.2°. Three patients diagnosed as distal junctional kyphosis at latest follow-up. Distal fusion level should be extended to at least lower end vertebra (LEV) -1 in type 1A-A and type 1A-D curves, while it might be necessary to go down to LEV in the type 1A-B and 1A-C. It seems that LEV might be a reliable guide to select ideal distal fusion level in Lenke type 1A curves.

Minimum 5-year Radiographic Results of Long Scoliosis Fusion in Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients

Previous studies reported on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) scoliosis surgery outcomes without focus on major curve progression (MCP). The purpose of this study was to assess minimum 5-year radiographic outcomes, MCP, and factors for MCP after spinal surgery in juvenile SMA patients with open triradiate cartilage at the time of surgery. Retrospective review of radiographic and clinical data of 22 SMA patients treated surgically at 3 institutions over 20 years was performed. Major curve Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation, pelvic obliquity, coronal balance, and sagittal Cobb angles (T5-T12 and T12-sacrum) were measured at preoperative, initial, and ultimate follow-up. MCP was defined as an increase in Cobb angle of ≥ 10 degrees between initial and ultimate follow-up. Overall, SMA patients had significant improvement in radiographic measurements at follow-up. Eight patients (36%) developed MCP and were similar in age (7.8 vs. 8.8 y, P=0.09) to non-MCP patients. Initial major curve Cobb angle correction was greater for MCP patients than for non-MCP patients (19 vs. 36 degrees, P=0.004). MCP patients lost 26 degrees (P=0.001) and non-MCP patients lost 2 degrees of major curve Cobb angle correction during follow-up. Both groups had similar ultimate follow-up radiographic outcomes and remained improved from preoperative deformity. All 14 non-MCP patients had long posterior instrumentation (T4 or higher to sacrum/pelvis), whereas all 4 patients with short posterior instrumentation developed MCP. Six patients underwent anterior-posterior spinal fusion (ASF-PSF) and had greater preoperative deformity than PSF-only patients, but ultimate major curve Cobb angle (38 vs. 44 degrees, P=0.4) was similar for both the groups. Two ASF-PSF patients developed MCP. Overall, SMA patients maintained scoliosis correction with nonpedicle screw-based (predominantly Luque-Galveston instrumentation) long spinal instrumentation at minimum 5-year follow-up. MCP >10 degrees developed in 36%, contrary to our expectation of 100% in these young juvenile SMA patients. All non-MCP patients had instrumentation from the upper thoracic spine (T1 to T4) to the sacrum, whereas all 4 patients with short instrumentation developed MCP. MCP and non-MCP patients had similar ultimate correction and remained improved from preoperative deformity. Skeletal immaturity and length of posterior instrumentation may influence MCP in SMA scoliosis surgery and should be considered during preoperative planning. Case Series; Level IV.

Changes in Life Satisfaction and Self-esteem in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis With and Without Surgical Intervention

Pre-/poststudy comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment. To identify whether orthopedic spinal surgery can effectively improve life satisfaction and self-esteem in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. There have been many studies about the effect of spinal deformity and its various treatments on the mental health of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis has been reported to have a negative effect on the life quality and mental health of patients. It has also been reported that no matter what the treatment, the existence of scoliosis is a risk factor for depression. However, there has been no report on whether orthopedic spinal surgery affects the life satisfaction and self-esteem of scoliosis patients. Forty-six patients with Cobb angles of more than 30° were recruited from a group of patients that were treated from January 2007 to August 2007. Twenty-one patients with Cobb angles of more than 40° underwent surgical correction while the remaining patients received regular observation (n = 11) or bracing (n = 14). Self-esteem and life satisfaction were assessed before and approximately 1 year after treatment using previously validated scales. There were no between-group differences in age, sex, or major curve location between the surgically and nonsurgically treated groups. The major curve Cobb angle decreased significantly following treatment in the surgically treated (52° ± 10° to 15° ± 8°, P < 0.001), but not the nonsurgically treated group (37° ± 9° to 39° ± 8°, P = 0.4419) using paired t tests. There were no preintervention between-group differences in life satisfaction (8 ± 1 vs. 7 ± 10); however, preintervention self-esteem scores were significantly higher in the nonsurgically treated group (28 ± 4 vs. 25 ± 3, P = 0.008). Postintervention, both life satisfaction (9 ± 1) and self-esteem (31 ± 2) scores improved significantly (P < 0.05) in the surgically treated, but not the nonsurgically treated group (7 ± 1 and 24 ± 5, respectively). Self-esteem levels decreased significantly in the nonsurgically treated group (P < 0.05) Postintervention self-esteem and life satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the surgically treated than the nonsurgically treated group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in eligible patients can lead not only to curve correction, but also to an increase self-esteem and life satisfaction.

Radiculopathy in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis: Correlation of Stenosis with Relief from Selective Nerve Root Steroid Injections

The purpose is to define the origin of radiculopathy of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis-stenosis and to assess the correlation between percentage of initial radicular leg pain relief with selective nerve root injections and lateral canal dimensions. Retrospective clinical study. Thirty-six consecutive patients (average age 72) from Twin Cities Spine Center with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (average major curve 25°) and radicular symptoms were studied. Patients underwent 46 selective steroid injections of nerve roots concordant with clinical symptomatology. Radiographic measurements included major and lumbosacral curve Cobb angle. Computerized measurements of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) included minimum subarticular height and foramen cross-sectional area of the nerve roots that were injected. Initial response from the nerve root injections was also rated. Twenty-five percent of nerve root symptoms were coming from the major curve, 72.2% from the lumbosacral hemicurve and 2.8% from both (P<0.001). The affected nerve roots were more frequently the L4 (34.8%) and L5 (28.3%) nerve roots. A total of 71.7% of radicular symptoms were originating from the concavity of the curve and 28.7% from the convexity (P<0.001). The relief from injections was more than 50% in 75% of the patients at 15 days postinjection. There was no statistical significant correlation (P>0.05) between the lateral canal dimensions and the initial response to injection of anesthetic plus steroid injection. In degenerative lumbar scoliotic curves, radicular symptoms are attributed mainly to nerve roots exiting from the concavity of the lumbosacral hemicurve. No evidence was found that the rate of initial relief from selective nerve root injections correlates with the degree of stenosis noted in the MRI.

Isolated Pedicle Screw Instrumented Correction for the Treatment of Thoracic Congenital Scoliosis

Retrospective study. To evaluate the radiologic results of fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation in neglected thoracic congenital curves with a mean follow-up of 51.3 months (range: 24 to 108 mo). Segmental pedicle screw fixation has been shown to be effective both in correcting and controlling the idiopathic spinal deformities. However, the choice of treatment modality is more controversial in neglected thoracic congenital curves of the aged. Fourteen patients with thoracic congenital curves treated by segmental pedicle screw fixation and fusion were analyzed. The average age of the patients was 14.9 years (range: 10 to 25 y) at surgery. Deformity correction was achieved by compression of the convex deformity side with resection of apical 3 ribs. Radiologic analyses of coronal and sagittal plane included Cobb angles of the major compensatory curves, apical vertebrae translation, and sagittal Cobb angles, respectively. In the coronal plane, the preoperative mean major curve Cobb angle of 52.3 degree (range: 32.6 to 66.7 degrees) was corrected to 25.3 degree (range: 7.2 to 44.8 degree) and the mean compensatory curve Cobb angle of 23.6 degree (range: 10.3 to 34.8 degrees) was corrected to 15.9 degree (range: 5.7 to 30.6 degrees). The mean translation of apical vertebrae was 28.8 mm (range: 4.7 to 53.6 mm) before surgery and 15.5 mm (range: 2.4 to 41.3 mm) after surgery. In the sagittal plane, the mean preoperative and postoperative sagittal T5 to T12 angles were 34.8 degree (range: 16.5 to 44.7 degrees) and 27.3 degree (range: 10.4 to 43.5 degrees), respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative sagittal T12 to S1 angles were 47.2 degree (range: 23.4 to 65.1 degrees) and 41.3 degree (range: 23.8 to 62.7 degrees), respectively. In the neglected thoracic congenital deformities of the aged, with posterior pedicle instrumented fusion, an acceptable correction can be achieved with relatively low morbidity.

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

BackgroundThere have been no standardized surgical options for severe scoliotic curvatures ≥100°. Halo-gravity traction is a viable option for surgical treatment of severe scoliosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative halo-gravity traction for scoliosis curves ≥100° with respect to radiographic outcomes and clinical complications. MethodsA total of 21 scoliosis patients with ≥100° curves (average 118.7°; range 100°-158°) with a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 41.8 months; range 24.0-97.0 months) who underwent spinal instrumented fusion using perioperative halo-gravity traction were analyzed. Diagnoses were neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 10), idiopathic (n = 9), and congenital (n = 2). In all, 15 patients were treated by the anterior release procedure followed by final posterior fusion and 6 patients by posterior fusion alone. Six patients had only preoperative traction preceding posterior fusion alone, 6 patients only staged traction between anterior release and final posterior fusion, and 9 patients had both preoperative traction preceding anterior release and staged traction preceding final posterior fusion. The average overall traction period in all patients was 67 days (range 10–78 days). ResultsRadiographic outcomes demonstrated 51.3% correction of the major Cobb angle, 40mm correction of apical vertebral translation, 76mm increase of T1-S1 length, and 20.7% increase of space available for lungs at the ultimate follow-up (all comparisons P < 0.05). Preoperative traction demonstrated 27.5% correction of the major curve Cobb angle, 51.5mm increase of T1-S1 length, 14.9% increase of space available for the lungs (all comparisons P < 0.05). Staged traction after anterior release demonstrated 37.2% correction of the major curve Cobb angle, 26.1mm correction of apical vertebral translation, 56.5mm increase of T1-S1 length, 14.2% increase of space available for the lungs (all comparisons P < 0.05). There were only two patients with a pin-site problem, and one required débridement. There were no neurological deficits or clinical complications. ConclusionsScoliosis patients with ≥100° curves can be managed successfully by corrective fusion surgery concomitant with perioperative halo-gravity traction without significant complications.

Changes in Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes With Primary Treatment Adult Spinal Deformity Surgeries From Two Years to Three- to Five-Years Follow-up

Retrospective analysis of data entered prospectively into a multicenter database-clinical and radiographic outcomes assessment. Our hypothesis is that between the 2-year and the 3- to 5-year points surgically treated adult spinal deformity patients will show significant reduction in outcomes by Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and numerical rating scale back and leg pain scores and will show increasing thoracic kyphosis, loss of lumbar lordosis, and loss of coronal and sagittal balance. Most analyses of primary presentation adult spinal deformity surgery assess 2-year follow-up. However, it is established that in some patients unfavorable events occur between the 2-year and 5-year points. The cohort of 113 patients entered into a multicenter database with complete preoperative, 2-year, and 3- to 5-year data. All patients who had adult spinal deformity and surgical treatment represented their first reconstruction. Diagnoses were scoliosis (82.5%), kyphosis (10%), and scoliosis and kyphosis combined (7.5%). Outcome measures and basic radiographic parameters (curve size, thoracic and lumbar sagittal plane, coronal and sagittal balance) were assessed at those 3 time intervals. Complications (pseudarthrosis/implant failure, infection, and junctional deformities) were assessed at the 2-year and the 3- to 5-year (mean, 3.76 years) points. RESULTS.: The mean major curve Cobb angle (preoperative, 57°; 2-year, 29°; 3-5 year, 26°); thoracic kyphosis T5 to T12 (30°, 31°, 32°) and lumbar lordosis T12 to sacrum (48°, 49°, 51°) did not change from the 2-year to ultimate follow-up. Likewise, coronal and sagittal balance parameters were the same at 2-year and ultimate follow-up. SRS total scores and modified ODI were similar at the 2 year and final follow-up (SRS: 3.89-3.88; ODI: 19-18). Preoperative SRS total score was 3.17. Six patients demonstrated complications at the 2-year point and additional 9 patients demonstrated complications at the 3- to 5-year point. Those 9 patients with complications at ultimate follow-up demonstrated significant deterioration in their ODI and SRS scores when compared with the patients who did not have complications at ultimate follow-up. Contrary to our hypothesis, we could not establish deterioration in mean radiographic or clinical outcomes between the 2-year and 3- to 5-year follow-up points when analyzing the group as a whole. However, for the 9 patients who experienced complications between 3- and 5-year follow-up, their outcomes were significantly worse than for the other 104 patients.One should not anticipate an overall radiographic and clinical deterioration of the outcomes of surgically treated primary presentation adult spinal deformity patients in this studied time interval. However, close to 10% of patients will experience a new complication at the 3- to 5-year point, most commonly implant failure/nonunion and/or junctional kyphosis, which will negatively effect the patient-reported outcome.

Influence of pre-operative disease course on operation and post-operative quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Objective To study the influence of pre-operative disease course on the operation and post-operation quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Methods A total of 110 AIS patients who were treated with classic posterior correction,pedicle internal fixation were divided into two groups according to their disease courses (n=55):short course group with a pre-operation course 2 years(S group),long course group with a pre-operation course ≥2 years(L group).The gender,Lenke type,and major curve Cobb angle were matchable between the two groups.Various radiographic measurements and indices like fusion level,intraoperative blood loss and scores of SRS-22 scale were compared between the two groups before operation,immediately,and 2 years after operation.Results The pre-operative Cobb angles of the major curve were similar between the two groups,but the flexibility of the major curve averaged (55.7±18.77)% in the S group and (48.1±18.24)% in the L group (P=0.034).Pre-operative Cobb angles of the minor curve were larger in L group than those in S group ([30.1±12.10]° in the S group and [34.8±10.85]° in the L group,P=0.035).The post-operative radiographic measurements and the blood loss/infusion were similar between the two groups.The number of fused vertebrae in the L group was significantly more than that in the S group (P=0.027).The parameters in the SRS-22 scale,including function/activity,pain,self-image/appearance,and mental health were similar between the two groups during follow-up.And the L group had a significantly lower satisfaction rate of treatment compared with the S group ([4.0±0.70] vs [3.7±0.78],P=0.037).Conclusion The flexibility of the curve in AIS decreases with the increase of disease course,and the disease course might be a risk factor for the scoliosis progression of the minor side.Patients with a disease course ≥2 years have more fused vertebrae than those with a disease course 2 years.The length of pre-operative disease course has influence on the quality of life of AIS patients after operation.

Comparison of all segmental pedicle screws versus selective segmental pedicle screws instrumentation in severe rigid adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Objective To compare the corrective results of treatments between all segmental pedicle screws (ASPS) and selective segmental pedicle screws (SSPS). Methods A retrospective study of 48 severe rigid adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients under only posterior pedicle screws instrumentation and fusion in our department during March 2003 to December 2008 was made. Patients with a major thoracic curve >70° and flexibility <30% in antero-posterior standing radiograph and supine bending radiograph were screened. There were 48 patients suitable for this study selected from 327 AIS ones. Of them, 22 cases were fixed with SSPS and 26 with ASPS. Statistic parameters of age, preoperative Cobb angle of major thoracic curve, flexibility, blood loss during operation, correction rate of major thoracic curve in coronal plane one week after operation and last follow-up were compared between two groups. Results Mean age was 15.65 years and 17.32 years respectively in ASPS group and SSPS group, preoperative Cobb angle of major tho-racic curve in standing coronal plane was 86.77°±11.71° (71.31°-107.51°) and 87.56°±14.88° (70.10°- 117.83°), flexibility was 15.82%±7.37% (6.82%-29.74%)and 19.30%±9.19% (0.89%-29.71%), operation time was (280.69±35.92) min and (275.10±33.91) min, blood loss during operation was (988.50±287.80) ml and (800.98±360.47) ml, correction rate of major thoracic curve in coronal plane one week after operation were 60.07%±8.80% and 46.79%±14.90% respectively. Lose of correction was observed in one patient in ASPS group because of broken of the convex side rod. Conclusion There is a higher postoperative correc-tion rate of major thoracic curve in coronal plane of severe rigid AIS in ASPS group than in SSPS group. Key words: Scoliosis; Adolescent; Spinal fusion

Comparison of effectiveness of Halo-femoral traction after anterior spinal release in severe idiopathic and congenital scoliosis: a retrospective study

BackgroundHalo-femoral traction could gradually improve the coronal and sagittal deformity and restore the trunk balance through the elongation of the spine. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness of Halo-femoral traction after anterior spinal release in the management of severe idiopathic and congenital scoliosis.MethodsSixty patients with severe and rigid curve treated with anterior spinal release, Halo-femoral traction, and second stage posterior spinal fusion were recruited for this retrospective study. Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS) group was 30 patients (23 females and 7 males) with mean age of 15.5 years. The average coronal Cobb angle was 91.6° and the mean global thoracic kyphosis was 50.6°. The curve type of these patients were 2 with Lenke 1AN, 4 with Lenke 1A+, 1 with Lenke 1BN, 10 with Lenke 1CN, 3 with Lenke 1C+, 3 with Lenke 3CN, 3 with Lenke 3C+, and 4 with Lenke 5C+. Congenital Scoliosis (CS) group included 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) with average age of 15.2 years. The average coronal Cobb angle of the main curve before operation was 95.7° and the average thoracic kyphosis was 70.2°. All patients had a minimum 12-month follow-up radiograph (range 12–72 months, mean 38 months).ResultsThe average traction time was 23 days and the average traction weight was 16 kg. Four patients experienced brachial plexus palsy and complete nerve functional restoration was achieved at two months follow-up. For the IS group, the post-operative mean Cobb angle of major curve averaged 40.1° with correction rate of 57.5%. For the CS group, the post-operative mean Cobb angle was 56.5° with average correction rate of 45.2%. The difference in curve magnitude between the IS and CS patients after posterior correction was statistically significant (t = 4.15, p < 0.001). The correction rate of kyphosis between IS and CS patients was also statistically significant (t = -2.59, p < 0.016).ConclusionHalo-femoral traction was a safe, well-tolerated and effective method for the treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis patients. The posterior correction rate obtained after anterior release and traction was significant superior than that recorded from side bending film in current study.

Radiculopathy in degenerative lumbar scoliosis: treatment with selective nerve root steroid injections

Methods Ninety-three consecutive patients (average age sixty-eight years) with degenerative de novo scoliosis (74% lumbar, 26% thoracolumbar; average curve 24 degrees) were retrospectively studied in terms of presenting symptomatology. For those patients with ipsilateral radicular symptoms, plain radiographs and MRI at presentation were reviewed. Radiographic measurements included major and lumbosacral curve Cobb angle. Computerized measurements of MRI included minimum subarticular height and foramen cross-sectional area of the nerve root that was injected. The patient's reported response from the nerve root injections was rated poor, good and excellent ( 70% of relief). Correlation between MRI measurements and response from the steroid injections were done with the Pearson's test.

Use of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument to Evaluate Patient Outcome in Untreated Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients in Japan

This preliminary study evaluates untreated Japanese patients with idiopathic scoliosis using the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument (SRS-24). To determine the baseline patient outcome score using the SRS-24 for untreated Japanese scoliosis patients compared with a nonscoliosis group. The SRS instrument with 24 questions was developed to help evaluate patient-perceived outcomes of idiopathic scoliosis treatment. Evaluation of untreated Japanese idiopathic scoliosis patients using the SRS instrument has not been reported. Japanese idiopathic scoliosis patients (n = 141) (mean age, 13.6 years; range, 10-17 years) with a Cobb angle of more than 20 degrees who were not treated with a brace or surgery, were evaluated in comparison with a nonscoliosis group (healthy junior high school students; n = 72) using the SRS-24. The scoliosis group was categorized as mild deformity group with a major curve Cobb angle of less than 30 degrees, moderate deformity group with 30 degrees to 49 degrees, and severe deformity group with more than 50 degrees. The patients were evaluated using section 1 (15 questions) of the SRS-24, which was divided into four domains: total pain, general self-image, general function, and activity. Reliability, as determined by internal consistency, was validated using Cronbach's alpha for these domain scales. The severe deformity group had the lowest scores compared with the other deformity groups and the nonscoliosis group in pain (P < 0.0001) and self-image (P < 0.05) domains. The scores for questions 3 (P < 0.0001) and 5 (P < 0.0001), evaluation of self-image of back appearance, were significantly lower in the scoliosis group than those in the nonscoliosis group. This tendency was more significant in the patients with greater curve magnitude. Scores for questions 14 and 15, evaluation of general self-image, in the scoliosis group were, however, higher than those in the nonscoliosis group. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was 0.57 (pain), 0.27 (general self-image), -0.08 (general function), and 0.15 (overall level of activity). Untreated scoliosis patients with severe deformity were inclined to complain of being self-conscious or distressed regarding their back appearance compared with age- and sex-matched control adolescents. The control group was inclined to have, however, a negative general self-image compared with the patients group. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha for all domains was considerably low. The baseline of the SRS-24 scores in the Japanese population might differ from that of the Western population because of differences in national culture. Therefore, further study is necessary to clarify the validity of the SRS-24 domains for Japanese patients.