Fusion In Children Research Articles

Controlling the Apex in Early Onset Scoliosis Through Active Apex Correction (APC) Non Fusion Growth Modulating Technique, Is It a Myth?

A multicenter retrospective study. To determine the rate of Apex facet fusion in children with Early Onset Scoliosis treated surgically with the Active Apex Correction (APC) technique. Seventeen patients were treated with the APC technique as index surgery for Early Onset Scoliosis with more than 1year of follow-up. A 3D CT scan was done to determine the facet fusion rate in the deformity's apex controlled with posterior tethering. The average follow-up time was 26.4months (12-56), Average age at index surgery was 81.2months (30-132), and average number of surgeries done 1.3. Apical vertebrae studied for facet fusion were the 3 vertebrae in the apex in each patient that were subjected to posterior tethering according to the APC technique. In total they were 86 apical vertebrae (172 Facets studied with 86 convex side, 86 concave side). Our observations showed that 29 facet joints were fused (16% of the total facets studied),15 were on the convex, 14 on the concave side (no statistically significant difference). Regarding the facet joint distance in the non-fused facets was 0.99mm on the convex side and 1.08mm on the concave side with no statistical significance difference. APC for Early Onset Scoliosis achieves apical growth modulation and control utilizing posterior tethering without inducing fusion. This study demonstrated that APC is an effective non-fusion technique through the low incidence of facet fusion levels at the Apex, limiting the crankshaft phenomena seen in cases with apex control through arthrodesis.

Evaluation of the efficacy of posterior hemivertebrectomy combined with two or more segments fusion

BackgroundAlthough early hemivertebra (HV) resection and short fusion (within 4 segments) have been successful in treating congenital HV, there is limited research comparing the outcomes of the shortest-segment fusion (2 segments) versus 3 or 4 segments, particularly in young children. To evaluate the efficacy of posterior hemivertebrectomy combined with two or more segments fusion in children under the age of 10 years with a solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar HV (T8-L5).MethodsThis retrospective study included patients under the age of 10 with lower thoracic or lumbar solitary simple HV who underwent hemivertebra resection (HVR) and transpedicular short fusion and were divided into HV ± 1 group (2 segment fusion) and HV ± 2 group (3 or 4-segment fusion). The study recorded preoperative, postoperative (1 week), and the latest follow-up radiographic parameters and complications. The results of the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed, and the main curve, segmental scoliosis curve, compensatory scoliosis curve, segmental kyphosis curve, and trunk shift were compared.ResultsThe study included 35 patients (15 in the HV ± 1 group and 20 in the HV ± 2 group) with a mean age of 5.26 ± 2.31 years and a mean follow-up of 22.54 months (12–68). The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 32.66° ± 7.339° (HV ± 1) and 29.31°±6.642° (HV ± 2). The final Cobb angle was 10.99°± 7.837° (HV ± 1) and 8.22° ± 4.295° (HV ± 2). The main curve corrected by 72% (HV ± 1), 75% (HV ± 2) postoperatively and 67% (HV ± 1), 72% (HV ± 2) at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the correction of the segmental scoliosis curve, compensatory scoliosis curve, segmental kyphosis curve, and trunk shift between the HV ± 1 and HV ± 2 groups (P > 0.05). The unplanned reoperation rate for HV in the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) is significantly higher (P = 0.038).ConclusionIn the context of solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar HV (T8-L5), HV ± 1 segment fusion suffices and yields comparable correction outcomes in the midterm period when compared to HV ± 2. The reoperation rate exhibited a statistically significant increase in the thoracolumbar region.

Keratin-Positive Giant Cell Tumor of Bone and Soft Tissue With HMGA2::NCOR2 Fusion in Children Under 10 With Response to Imatinib Therapy: A Case Series.

HMGA2::NCOR2 keratin-positive giant cell tumors in children with response to imatinib in an infant.

Clinical outcomes and spinal growth after posterior hemivertebra resection and short segment fusion in children.

To evaluate the corrective effect of posterior hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion surgery on pediatric patients and to assess the impact of short-segment fixation surgery on vertebral development during follow-up, a retrospective analysis was performed on 28 pediatric patients who underwent posterior hemivertebra resection surgery. The corrective effect was evaluated by comparing indicators such as segmental scoliosis Cobb angle, upper and lower compensatory curves and trunk balance at different time points. Meanwhile, the vertebral and spinal canal diameters of instrumented vertebrae and adjacent noninstrumented vertebrae were measured and compared to assess vertebral and spinal canal development. The correction rate of segmental scoliosis was 72.2%. The estimated mean vertebral volume of the instrumented vertebra was slightly lower than that of the unfused segment at the final follow-up, but the difference was not statistically significant. The growth rate of the spinal canal during follow-up was much smaller than that of the vertebral body. In summary, internal fixation at a young age shows no significant inhibitory effects on spinal development within the fusion segment. Posterior hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion surgery are safe and effective.

Ultrasound diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion in children and adolescents.

Many studies have reported Xp 11.2 translocation renal cancer in radioimaging,but there is little literature on the evaluation of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma by ultrasound. To investigate the ultrasonographic features and diagnostic value of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion in children and adolescents. The clinical and ultrasonographic data of 10 patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion confirmed by pathology in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The age ranged from 3 to 18 years old, including 7 males and 3 females. The tumor location, size, boundary, echo, hemorrhage, cystic change, calcification, blood flow, lymph node status and metastasis were mainly observed, and the results were compared with the pathological results. There were 10 masses in 10 cases of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion, including 4 in the right kidney and 6 in the left kidney; the maximum diameter line is 5-23cm; 9 cases had clear mass boundary (90%); 9 masses (90%) showed mixed cystic and solid masses with high echo of solid components, and 1 mass (10%) showed huge multilocular cystic mass with multiple septations; necrosis and cystic changes were seen in all 10 masses (100%); calcification in 5 masses (50%); blood flow signals were seen in the solid components of the mass (100%). Renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion in children and adolescents are mostly large cystic and solid mixed echo masses, with high echo of solid components, and often accompanied by cystic changes and calcification. Its ultrasonic manifestations have certain characteristics. Color Doppler ultrasound has a certain diagnostic value for this disease.

Mortality after spinal fusion in children with cerebral palsy and cerebral-palsy-like conditions: A 30-year follow-up study.

To report survival probability of a large cohort of children with cerebral palsy (CP) after spinal fusion. All children with CP who had spinal fusion between 1988 and 2018 at the reporting facility were reviewed for survival. Death records of the institutional CP database, institutional electronic medical records, publicly available obituaries, and the National Death Index through the US Centers for Disease Control were searched. Survival probabilities with different surgical eras, comorbidities, ages, and curve severities were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. A total of 787 children (402 females, 385 males) had spinal fusion at a mean age of 14 years 1 month (standard deviation 3 years 2 months). The 30-year estimated survival was approximately 30%. Survival decreased for children who had spinal fusion at younger ages, longer postoperative hospital stays, longer postoperative intensive care unit stays, gastrostomy tubes, and pulmonary comorbidities. Children with CP who required spinal fusions had reduced long-term survival compared with an age-matched typically developing cohort; however, a substantial number survived 20 to 30 years after the surgery. This study had no comparison group of children with CP scoliosis; therefore, we do not know whether correction of scoliosis affected their survival.

NCPD Tests: Parental Caregiver Expectations and Satisfaction Following Hip Reconstruction and Spinal Fusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

NCPD Tests: Parental Caregiver Expectations and Satisfaction Following Hip Reconstruction and Spinal Fusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Parental Caregiver Expectations and Satisfaction Following Hip Reconstruction and Spinal Fusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Children with severe (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] IV-V) cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit profound physical and developmental impairments and require assistance for all activities of daily living. No curative treatments exist although surgical procedures to correct underlying hip and spine deformities can improve their quality of life. Despite the efficacy of these surgeries, little is known regarding parental caregivers' expectations specific to surgical outcomes and their satisfaction with surgical outcomes. The purpose was to explore parental caregiver expectations and satisfaction with hip and spine surgeries that their children with GMFCS IV-V CP underwent. Variations among preoperative expectations, changes in expectations over time, and the relationship of expectations on caregiver satisfaction were examined. A qualitative descriptive approach with conventional content analysis was utilized. Three preoperative caregiver expectation themes were identified: increasing functionality, increasing comfort, and maintaining health and averting crisis. These themes were still present at 5-year follow-up; however, more caregivers refocused their expectations from improving function to providing palliation. A clear relationship between expectations and caregiver satisfaction, however, was not identified. A deeper understanding surrounding caregiver expectation and satisfaction following surgical procedures is needed.

The Relationship of OCD and OCD Symptoms with the Thought Action Fusion in Children and Adolescents during the Pandemic Period

The Relationship of OCD and OCD Symptoms with the Thought Action Fusion in Children and Adolescents during the Pandemic Period

Association of Race With Post-operative Complications After Spinal Fusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Neuromuscular scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy (CP) can lead to debilitating difficulties with pain, ambulation, sitting, and respiratory or cardiac compromise. Spinal fusion can halt deformity progression, though the decision to undergo surgery involves an individualized risk-benefit assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether race is a risk factor for patients with CP to experience post-operative complications after spinal fusion. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a national database. Analyses methods include univariate analyses, multivariate regression models, and other ad-hoc tests. There were 3,081 pediatric patients with CP who underwent spinal fusion. Black patients had an increased risk of experiencing any post-operative complication compared to Caucasians (OR 1.322, 95% CI 1.099-1.590). Both Caucasian(p=0.005) and Black (p<0.001) races were risk factors for experiencing medical complications; Black patients had an increased risk compared to Caucasians (OR 1.373, 95% CI 1.130-1.667). Other races had a greater length of ICU stay than Caucasians (median {Mdn}=3.00 days vs Mdn=2.00, p=0.029), and longer total hospital stays than Caucasian and Black patients (Mdn=9.00 days vs Mdn=6.00 days vs Mdn=6.00 days, p<0.001). Race is an independent risk factor for pediatric patients with CP to experience medical complications following spinal fusion surgery, with Black patients having an increased risk compared to Caucasians. Further, other races were found to have significantly longer ICU and total hospital length of stay.This study is the first to present race as a risk factor for children with CP to experience increased post-operative complications following spinal fusion and will be valuable in understanding their individualized peri-operative courses and risks.

Cranio-cervical decompression associated with non-instrumented occipito-C2 fusion in children with mucopolysaccharidoses: Report of twenty-one cases

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a multisystemic storage disorder of glycosaminoglycan deposits. Infiltration of the dura mater and supporting ligaments caused spinal cord compression and consecutive myelopathy, especially at the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ). Craniocervical instability and posterior decompression often raise the problem of fixation in children. The main purpose of this paper was to report the result of an original technique of occipito-cervical arthrodesis using a cranial halo-cast system in pediatric population. MethodsWe recorded 21 patients with cervical myelopathy. All of them had spinal cord decompression by enlargement of the foramen magnum, C1 laminectomy, and occipito-C2 fusion using corticocancellous bone graft. Only one child has an extended laminectomy from C1 to C3. The occiput-C2 arthrodesis was stabilized by the cranial halo-cast system. This immobilization was performed preoperatively and kept for three months then switched to rigid cervical collar. Clinical assessment, including the Goel grade and mJOA, radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before surgery. The occipito-cervical arthrodesis was controlled by standard X-rays and CT scan. ResultsAccording to the type of mucopolysaccharidosis, the patients were divided into MPS type I: n= 3, II: n=7, IV: n=11. The mean age of patients at surgery was 6.76 years. All mucopolysaccharidoses cases required a foramen magnum decompression by craniectomy, C1 laminectomy and occipito-C2 arthrodesis. As major complications, a child had immediate post-operative paraplegia due to spinal cord ischemia. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 4 years, with an average of 3.3 years. The average preoperative mJOA score was 8.9, and it improved to 14 points at the last follow-up. ConclusionsSatisfactory fusion and good clinical results were obtained with the 2-stage approach to CCJ anomalies.

Hip Displacement Does Not Change After Pelvic Obliquity Correction During Spinal Fusion in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently develop both neuromuscular hip dysplasia and scoliosis, and occasionally, the timing of the worsening of both of these pathologies is concurrent. The question as to whether the hip or spine should be addressed first in CP remains controversial, with the majority of evidence being "expert opinion." The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) on the change in hip displacement for children with CP without previous reconstructive hip surgery. This was an Institutional Review Board-approved study that observed 67 patients from 2004 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included children with CP, 18 years of age and younger, Gross Motor Function Classification System IV and V, undergoing PSF at a single tertiary care children's hospital with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in hip displacement as quantified by the migration percentage (MP). The hip with the highest MP (worst hip) at the spine preoperative analysis were included for analysis. Triradiate cartilage (TRC) status and pelvic obliquity correction were analyzed with multivariate analysis. Sixty-seven patients were included for analysis, with a mean age of 12.5±2.3 years. The mean major curve angle of the major curve was 77±23 degrees and the mean preoperative pelvic obliquity was 21±12 degrees. There was no statistically significant change in MP after PSF from a mean preoperative value of 41±27%, to a mean postoperative value of 41±29% at the last follow-up, (P=0.76) The mean follow-up time was 4.1±2.7 years. TRC status (P=0.52) and the severity of pelvic obliquity (P=0.10) did not statistically impact the change in MP after PSF. PSF did not influence-either negatively or positively-the progression of hip displacement in children with CP, regardless of pelvic obliquity correction or TRC status. The lack of deterioration in hip displacement post-PSF, however, may suggest a protective effect of spine surgery. Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Medium-term and Long-term Follow-up Surgical Outcomes of the 1-stage Posterior-only Lumbosacral Hemivertebra Resection With Short-segment Fusion in Children.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term and long-term surgical outcomes of the 1-stage posterior-only lumbosacral hemivertebra resection with short-segment fusion in children. This retrospective chart review included 21 children with congenital scoliosis due to lumbosacral hemivertebra who received 1-stage posterior-only hemivertebra resection with short-segment fusion from 2012 to 2016 with at least 5 years of follow-up. Standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the spine were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up. Radiographic evaluation included measured changes in segmental scoliosis and lordosis, compensatory scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, trunk shift, and sagittal spinopelvic alignment. There were 12 boys and 9 girls with a mean age of 6.5±3.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 6.7±1.3 years. The mean fusion level was 2.7±0.9 segments. The mean segmental scoliosis was 29±6 degrees preoperatively, 9±3 degrees (correction rate of 71%) postoperatively ( P <0.05), and 7±3 degrees (correction rate of 76%) at the latest follow-up. The compensatory curve of 26±12 degrees was spontaneously corrected to 14±8 degrees (correction rate of 47%) at last follow-up ( P <0.05). Trunk shift was significantly improved on both coronal (53%) and sagittal (56%) planes after surgery ( P 0.05) and stable at follow-up. The sagittal spinopelvic alignment was balanced in all cases. There were no neurological or infectious complications. It is safe and effective to perform 1-stage posterior-only lumbosacral hemivertebra resection with short-segment fusion, which can significantly correct the segmental scoliosis, prevent the compensatory curve progress and improve the trunk shift. This strategy also can save motion segments and avoid long lumbar fusion. Medium-term and long-term follow-up outcomes are satisfactory. Level III.

Finite Element Analysis and Comparative Study of 4 Kinds of Internal Fixation Systems for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Children.

Background Spinal injury in children usually occurs in the cervical spine region. Anterior fixation of the lower cervical spine has been applied in treating pediatric cervical spine injury and disease due to its stable and firm mechanical properties. This study performed finite element analysis and comparison of four different anterior cervical internal fixation systems for children to explore more standard methods of anterior cervical internal fixation in children and seek more effective and safe treatment for children's cervical spine diseases. Methods A finite element model of 6-year-old children with lower cervical spine C4/5 discectomy was established, and the self-designed lower cervical spine anterior locking internal fixation system ACBLP and the children's anterior cervical internal fixation system ACOP, ACVLP, and ACSLP plate screws were fixed and loaded on the model. 27.42 N·m torque load was applied to each internal fixation model under six working conditions of anteflexion, backward flexion, left flexion, right flexion, left rotation, and right rotation, to simulate the movement of the cervical spine. The activity and stress distribution cloud diagram of each finite element model was obtained to explore the optimal method of anterior cervical fixation in children. Results In the four internal fixation models of ACOP, ACVLP, ACSLP, and ACBLP, the mobility of the C4/5 segment showed a decreasing relationship, and the mobility of adjacent segments increased significantly. In the Mises stress cloud diagram of the cervical spine of the four models, the vertebral body and accessories of the ACBLP model born the least stress, followed by ACSLP. The steel plate and screws in the ACVLP internal fixation model were the most stressed. The stress of the internal fixation system (plate/screw) in all models increased in the order of ACBLP, ACSLP, ACVLP, and ACOP. Conclusions ACBLP internal fixation system had obvious advantages in anterior internal fixation of the lower cervical spine in children, C4/5 had the smallest degree of movement, relative displacement was minimal, and the stress on the centrum and pedicle was the least, while the stress on the plate screw was relatively the smallest.

Fusión de imágenes de tomografía computarizada cardiaca y ecocardiografía: un nuevo enfoque en las cardiopatías congénitas

Introduction and objectivesDiagnosis, management, and surgical decision-making in children and adults with congenital heart disease are largely based on echocardiography findings. A recent development in cardiac imaging is fusion of different imaging modalities. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) fusion in children and adults with congenital heart disease. MethodsWe prospectively included 14 patients, 13 of whom had congenital heart disease, and who underwent both CT and 3D TTE as part of their usual follow-up. We described the steps required to complete the fusion process (alignment, landmarks, and superimposition), navigation, and image evaluation. ResultsMedian age was 9.5 [2.7-15.7] years, 57% were male, and median body surface area was 0.9 m2 [0.6-1.7]. Congenital heart disease was classified as simple (n=4, 29%), moderate (n=4, 29%), or complex (n=6, 42%). 3D TTE-CT fusion was successful in all patients. Median total time to complete the fusion process was 735 [628-1163] seconds, with no significant difference according to the degree of complexity of the defects. Landmarks were significantly modified in complex congenital heart disease. ConclusionsWe established the feasibility and accuracy of 3D TTE-CT fusion in a population of children and adults with a variety of congenital heart diseases. The simultaneous visualization of many intracardiac structures may help to understand the anatomical features of congenital heart disease without limitations regarding age, weight, or complexity of the congenital defects.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Pelvic Rod/Screw Radiographic Lucency Following Scoliosis Surgery in Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Longitudinal Study.

Radiographic lucency around a smooth pelvic rod (Galveston/unit rod technique) or sacroiliac/iliac screw following spinal fusion in children with nonambulatory spastic cerebral palsy (CP) has been described as a "windshield wiper" phenomenon. We evaluated demographics, radiographs, and complications in 101 cases from a single center to determine prevalence, risk factors, and complications associated with persistent radiographic lucency from 1 to 5 years following spinal fusion. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of nonambulatory spastic quadriplegic CP [Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV-V], under 18 years of age, scoliosis treated by posterior fusion from upper thoracic to sacrum with pelvic fixation (Galveston rod, iliac screw, or sacroiliac screw), adequate radiographs (preoperative, immediate postoperative, first-year, and second-year), and minimum 5-year follow-up. We evaluated demographics, radiographic parameters, comorbidities, scoliosis curve type, type of pelvic screw/rod, use of off-set connector, screw width, associated with posterior column osteotomy and/or additional anterior spinal release concurrent with posterior spine fusion, and infection over the follow-up period. Specific attention was given to the area and shape of the radiographic lucency. The logistic regression analysis was performed for continuous and categorical variables to define risk factors ( P =0.05). In 101 patients, data were collected at mean intervals of 1-year, 2-year, and >5-year follow-up and were 12.9±1.5, 25.8±2.5, and 81.5±23.0 months, respectively. Prevalence of pelvic rod/screw radiographic lucency was unchanged at 33%, 35%, and 24% at 1-year, 2-year, and >5-year follow-up, respectively, and radiographic parameters did not change ( P >0.05). Furthermore, no risk factors or complications were associated with radiographic lucency around pelvic rods/screws ( P >0.05). In patients with spastic nonambulatory CP who had scoliosis treated with posterior spinal fusion from upper thorax to pelvis, the prevalence of pelvic rod/screw lucency is high. Persistent lucency >2 mm around pelvic implants is not clinically significant, does not warrant advanced imaging, or indicate a complication if stable over time and wider distally than proximally. Level III.

Cardiac tomography-echocardiography imaging fusion: a new approach to congenital heart disease

Introduction and objectivesDiagnosis, management, and surgical decision-making in children and adults with congenital heart disease are largely based on echocardiography findings. A recent development in cardiac imaging is fusion of different imaging modalities. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) fusion in children and adults with congenital heart disease. MethodsWe prospectively included 14 patients, 13 of whom had congenital heart disease, and who underwent both CT and 3D TTE as part of their usual follow-up. We described the steps required to complete the fusion process (alignment, landmarks, and superimposition), navigation, and image evaluation. ResultsMedian age was 9.5 [2.7-15.7] years, 57% were male, and median body surface area was 0.9 m2 [0.6-1.7]. Congenital heart disease was classified as simple (n=4, 29%), moderate (n=4, 29%), or complex (n=6, 42%). 3D TTE-CT fusion was successful in all patients. Median total time to complete the fusion process was 735 [628-1163] seconds, with no significant difference according to the degree of complexity of the defects. Landmarks were significantly modified in complex congenital heart disease. ConclusionsWe established the feasibility and accuracy of 3D TTE-CT fusion in a population of children and adults with a variety of congenital heart diseases. The simultaneous visualization of many intracardiac structures may help to understand the anatomical features of congenital heart disease without limitations regarding age, weight, or complexity of the congenital defects.

Approach to labial fusion in children: 16 years of experience

Aim: We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the patients with labial fusion who presented to or were referred to the pediatric surgery clinic in a tertiary pediatric hospital.&#x0D; Material and Method: Between 01/01/2005 and 31/12/2020, 889 patients admitted or consulted to the pediatric surgery clinic due to labial fusion, age at the time of diagnosis, complaints on admission, which clinic referred the patient to the pediatric surgery clinic, treatments, recurrence, and complications were evaluated retrospectively.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 2.21 (0.1–11) years. Most of the patients (82.5%) were asymptomatic. Parents noticed the condition and brought their child directly to the pediatric surgery clinic in 72.3% of the cases. Otherwise, patients were consulted to the pediatric surgery clinic from pediatric clinics, the pediatric endocrinology clinic, the pediatric nephrology clinic, or the pediatric emergency department. During the initial examination, manual separation was performed in 885 patients, and surgery was required for four patients. After the procedures, hydrotherapy with warm water and topical estrogen therapy were applied to all patients for 15 days. Recurrence was detected in 80 (9.0%) patients who were treated by manual separation. Manual separation was performed again in 78 of the patients, while surgical separation was performed in two (2.5%) patients who had severe fibrotic fusions.&#x0D; Conclusion: In the treatment of labial fusion, we recommend the combination of manual separation and topical estrogen cream treatment because it can be applied safely in the clinic, and the recurrence rate is low. Surgical separation is preferred in severe, thick, and fibrotic labial fusions.

Suitability of 3.5-mm screw for the atlas in children: a retrospective computed tomography analysis.

The growth and development of the atlas in children has not been studied to date using a large sample size. To study whether a 3.5-mm screw is suitable for the atlas in children, to explore the anatomical size and development of the atlas in 0-14-year-old children, and to provide morphological basis for lateral mass screw internal fixation. A Computed Tomography (CT) morphometric analysis was performed on 420 pediatric atlases. In the atlas, D1, D2, D3, D4, and α of the atlas lateral mass were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Students' t test. The least square method was used for the regression analysis of the change trend in anatomical structure. The curve with the greatest goodness of fit was used as the anatomic trend regression curve. D1, D2, D3, and D4 generally showed an increasing trend with age. The ranges of averages of D1, D2, D3, D4, and α in 0-14year-old children were as follows: 4.576-9.202mm, 9.560-25.100mm, 3.414-10.554mm, 11.150-27.895, and 12.41°-20.97°, respectively. The trends of the fitting curves of L1 and L3 were power functions, and those of L2 and L4 were logarithmic curves. CT examination could help in preoperative decision-making, and 3.5-mm screw was found to be suitable for lateral mass screw internal fixation in children aging 2years and older. D1-D4 increased with age. This provided a certain reference to perform posterior atlantoaxial fusion in children and is of great significance to design posterior atlantoaxial screw in children.

High-grade high-dysplastic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in children treated with complete reduction and single-level circumferential fusion: A prospective case series

IntroductionSurgical treatment of high-grade developmental spondylolisthesis remains controversial with paucity of data reporting complete reduction of the deformity, especially in pediatric patients. Research questionTo assess efficacy and safety of complete reduction and circumferential L5-S1 fusion in children with high-grade high-dysplastic spondylolisthesis. Emphasis was placed on fusion rates, correction of lumbosacral deformity and long-term clinical outcomes by means of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Material and methodsConsecutive series of 18 pediatric patients referred to surgery over an 11-years period. Several radiographic variables and PROMs were collected pre- and post-surgery with minimum follow-up of 2-years. ResultsThe mean age of cohort was 12.9 years with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years. Postoperatively, the mean slip was reduced from 64.4±9.8% to 4.5±5.9% with no loss of correction during follow-up. PROMs significantly improved following the index procedure (p<0.0001). Lumbo-pelvic parameters improved after surgery, including SS, but not PT. Development of adjacent level spondylolisthesis was noted in eight subjects (44%), two of these patients required additional surgery. Posterolateral and anterior fusion was obtained in 100% and 78% of cases, respectively. One patient developed a transient right-sided L5 nerve paresis after surgery that gradually resolved within one year post-surgery. Preoperatively, we recorded three patients with L5 nerve root motor deficit, which resolved completely in two cases and in one patient remained unchanged. Discussion and conclusionComplete reduction can safely be accomplished without an increased risk of nerve root injury. Coupled with single-level circumferential fusion, it provides high fusion rates with satisfactory spino-pelvic alignment.