Fusion For Idiopathic Scoliosis Research Articles

Relaxation Training and Postoperative Music Therapy for Adolescents Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most painful surgeries experienced by adolescents. Music therapy, utilizing music-assisted relaxation with controlled breathing and imagery, is a promising intervention for reducing pain and anxiety for these patients. It can be challenging to teach new coping strategies to post-operative patients who are already in pain. This study evaluated the effects of introducing music-assisted relaxation training to adolescents before surgery. Outcome measures were self-reported pain and anxiety, recorded on 0-10 numeric rating scale, and observed behavioral indicators of pain and relaxation. The training intervention was a 12-minute video about music-assisted relaxation with opportunities to practice before surgery. Forty-four participants between the ages of 10 and 19 were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group that watched the video at the preoperative visit or to the control group that did not watch the video. All subjects received a music therapy session with a board certified music therapist on post-operative day 2 while out of bed for the first time. Pain and anxiety were significantly reduced from immediately pre-therapy to post-therapy (paired t-test; p).

Are We Prescribing Our Patients Too Much Pain Medication? Best Predictors of Narcotic Usage After Spinal Surgery for Scoliosis.

Physicians play a role in the current prescription drug-abuse epidemic. Surgeons often prescribe more postoperative narcotic pain medication than patients routinely need. Although narcotics are effective for severe, acute, postoperative pain, few evidence-based guidelines exist regarding the routinely required amount and duration of use post-hospital discharge. Patients in a prospective cohort undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis were asked preoperatively to rate their pain level, the level of pain expected each week postoperatively, and their pain tolerance. Post-discharge pain scores and narcotic use were reported at weekly intervals for 4 weeks postoperatively. Demographic data, preoperative Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores, operative details, perioperative data, and self-reported pain levels were analyzed with respect to their association with total medication use and refills received. Disposal plans were also assessed. Seventy-two patients were enrolled, and 85% completed the surveys. The mean patient age was 14.9 years; 69% of the patients were female. The cohort was divided into 3 groups on the basis of total medication usage. The mean number of pills used in the middle (average-use) group was 49 pills. In postoperative week 4, narcotic usage was minimal (a mean of 2.9 pills by the highest-use group). Also by this time point, pain scores had, on average, returned to preoperative levels. Older age, male sex, a higher body mass index, and a higher preoperative pain score were associated with increased narcotic use. Sixty-seven percent of the patients planned to dispose of their unused medication, although only 59% of those patients planned on doing so in a manner recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Postoperative narcotic dosing may be improved by considering patient age, weight, sex, and preoperative pain score. The precise estimation of individual narcotic needs is complex. Patient and family education on the importance and proper method of narcotic disposal is an essential component of minimizing the availability of unused postoperative medication. Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Posterior Spinal Instrumented Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Patients with Multisystemic Neurodegenerative Disorder: A Report of Two Cases

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke (MELAS) syndrome is a progressive multisystemic neurodegenerative disorder. MELAS syndrome impairs oxidative phosphorylation and predisposes patients to lactic acidosis, particularly under metabolic stress. We report 2 siblings with MELAS-associated idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal instrumented fusion with measures taken to minimise anaesthetic and surgical stress, blood loss, and operating time.

Rapid Recovery Pathway After Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is associated with significant pain and prolonged hospitalization. There is evidence that early mobilization and multimodal analgesia can accelerate functional recovery and reduced length of stay (LOS). Using these principles, we implemented a quality improvement initiative to enable earlier functional recovery in our AIS-PSF population. We designed and implemented a standardized rapid recovery pathway (RRP) with evidence-based management recommendations for children aged 10 to 21 years undergoing PSF for AIS. Our primary outcome, functional recovery, was assessed using statistical process control charts for LOS and average daily pain scores. Our process measures were medication adherence and order set utilization. The balancing measure was 30-day readmission rate. We included 322 patients from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015 with 134 (42%) serving as historical controls, 104 (32%) representing our transition population, and 84 (26%) serving as our RRP population. Baseline average LOS was 5.7 days and decreased to 4 days after RRP implementation. Average daily pain scores remained stable with improvement on postoperative day 0 (3.8 vs 4.9 days) and 1 (3.8 vs 5 days) after RRP implementation. In the second quarter of 2015, gabapentin (91%) and ketorolac (95%) use became routine and order set utilization was 100%. Readmission rates did not increase as a result of this pathway. Implementation of a standardized RRP with multimodal pain management and early mobilization strategies resulted in reduced LOS without an increase in reported pain scores or readmissions.

Risk of revision surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis: a survival analysis of 517 cases over 25years.

Little is known about the long-term status of patients operated for spine deformities. The aim of this study was to determine the survival of primary fusion in adult idiopathic scoliosis and identify the risk factors of revision surgery. Adult patients who underwent primary fusion for idiopathic scoliosis between 1983 and 2011 were included in a continuous monocentric retrospective series. Any additional surgery was registered for survival analysis. Survival and follow-up were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and an analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of revision surgery. This series included 447 women (86.5%) and 70 men (13.5%) reviewed after a mean follow-up of 7years (range 0-26.4). Mean age was 44.4years. Fusion was performed on a median 11 levels (range 3-15); revision rate was 13% (CI 10-17), 18% (CI 14-23) and20% (CI 16-26) at 5, 10 and 15years, respectively. Revision surgery was associated with age, anterior release, length of fusion, the inferior limit of fusion, post-operative sagittal balance and junctional kyphosis. The length of fusion (HR 1.13 per vertebrae fused, p=0.007) and the lower limit of fusion (HR 5.9, p<0.001) remained independent predictors of revision surgery on multivariate analysis. This series evaluated the risk of revision surgery following spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Our results show that the risk seemed to increase linearly with a rate of nearly 20% after 10years. The length and lower limit of fusion are the main risk factors for revision surgery. Level IV (e.g. case series).

Gelatine matrix with human thrombin decreases blood loss in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis: a multicentre, randomised clinical trial.

In a multicentre, randomised study of adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis, we investigated the effect of adding gelatine matrix with human thrombin to the standard surgical methods of controlling blood loss. Patients in the intervention group (n = 30) were randomised to receive a minimum of two and a maximum of four units of gelatine matrix with thrombin in addition to conventional surgical methods of achieving haemostasis. Only conventional surgical methods were used in the control group (n = 30). We measured the intra-operative and total blood loss (intra-operative blood loss plus post-operative drain output). Each additional hour of operating time increased the intra-operative blood loss by 356.9 ml (p < 0.001) and the total blood loss by 430.5 ml (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the intervention significantly decreased the intra-operative (-171 ml, p = 0.025) and total blood loss (-177 ml, p = 0.027). The decrease in haemoglobin concentration from the day before the operation to the second post-operative day was significantly smaller in the intervention group (-6 g/l, p = 0.013) than in the control group. The addition of gelatine matrix with human thrombin to conventional methods of achieving haemostasis reduces both the intra-operative blood loss and the decrease in haemoglobin concentration post-operatively in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. A randomised clinical trial showed that gelatine matrix with human thrombin decreases intra-operative blood loss by 30% when added to traditional surgical haemostatic methods in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.

Infection after anterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis using the Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf system: A clinical case series of three patients.

Three patients with late-onset infection after multilevel instrumented anterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis, using the Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf (CDH) system, are presented. The CDH-system is an anterior instrumentation with high biomechanical stability and rigidity, ensuring a stable primary fixation. Unlike after posterior spinal fusion, infection after anterior spinal fusion (ASF) for idiopathic scoliosis has rarely been reported. The files of three patients who developed an infection after ASF for scoliosis using the CDH-system, were reviewed. The clinical presentation and diagnostic and therapeutic options are discussed. All three patients had a late-onset infection of the CDH-system, which was difficult to diagnose because of nonspecific symptoms. Radiographs and technetium bone scan appeared to be of low value. When an abscess was present, this could accurately be diagnosed with MRI or CT imaging. Operative treatment with implant removal and antibiotic therapy was successful in all cases. Late onset infections after ASF using the CDH-system presented with few and nonspecific symptoms. The clinical presentation was mainly characterized by vague abdominal- or back-pain after an interval of normal postoperative recovery, moderately raised infection parameters and inconclusive findings with imaging modalities. As treatment, implant removal, debridement and parenteral antibiotics are recommended. It should be noted though that implant removal poses serious risks for vascular and visceral structures.

High-Volume Hospitals and Surgeons Experience Fewer Early Reoperation Events After Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

Study DesignRetrospective analysis of relevant in-hospital patient records from the New York State Inpatient Database. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess reoperation risk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by surgeon and hospital operative volume. Summary of Background DataThe need for early reoperation can be devastating for patient and family, is a burden to the physician and adds significant cost. Previous studies have shown improved outcomes associated with higher volume surgeons and hospitals, but reoperation events have not yet been explored. MethodsThe 2008-2011 New York State Inpatient Database was queried using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients aged 10-21 undergoing spine arthrodesis. Patient identifiers and revisit linkage variables were used to identify reoperation events. Annual surgeon and hospital volumes were stratified into tertiles (low, medium, high) via identifier codes. The relative risk of reoperation after spine arthrodesis was computed based on relevant patient inpatient stays. ResultsOver 2008 to 2011, a total of 3,928 primary fusion operations for AIS were identified. The overall rate of reoperation after spine fusion for idiopathic scoliosis was 7.1%. Low volume surgeons performed less than 6 AIS fusions per year, medium volume surgeons performed less than 43, and high volume surgeons performed from 43 to 228. Reoperation after a primary fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis showed reduced frequency among higher volume surgeons (14.1% for low vs. 5.1% for high, p<0.001, see Table for Hospitals). ConclusionsEarly reoperation after spine fusion for idiopathic scoliosis is seen more frequently in lower volume institutions and surgeons. Appreciating the resources and limitations at a clinician's institution is important to developing practices to prevent these devastating events. This work also has implications for strategies that aim to direct limited healthcare resources to centers with low complication rates.

Are routine postoperative radiographs necessary during the first year after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis? A retrospective cohort analysis of implant failure and surgery revision rates.

Radiographs are routinely obtained at postoperative visits during the first year after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The goal of this study was to determine how often radiographic findings change postoperative care. A total of 227 consecutive patients aged 10 to 21 years who underwent surgery for IS at our institution from 2004 to 2010 were identified. Charts were reviewed to determine the frequency of the following clinical symptoms during the first year after surgery: pain greater than expected, implant prominence, and sensory/motor disturbance. Radiographs were reviewed to identify implant failure and curve change. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify clinical symptoms associated with treatment deviation. During the first year after surgery, an average of 6 (range, 2 to 12) radiographs were obtained from patients during an average of 3 (range, 2 to 10) follow-up visits. Pain (14%) was the most common symptom. Neurologic symptoms (13%) and implant prominence (4%) were less common. Implant failure was identified in 4 subjects (2%), of which 3 required revision surgery. The incidence of revision surgery was 2.9/1000 radiographs (95% confidence interval, 0.6-8.3). Curve progression >5 degrees in the uninstrumented curve occurred in 2 patients (0.9%). Curve progression did not result in a change in treatment for any of the patients. Pain was the only clinical symptom associated with implant failure (P=0.0047). 169/227 patients did not have any symptoms and only one of these underwent revision surgery. The sensitivity of a clinical test, which uses the presence of pain to guide the need for radiographic evaluation and rule out implant failure, was 75%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 10%, and negative predictive value 99.5%. After obtaining baseline postoperative radiographs, additional radiographs during the first year after surgery for IS may not be required in the absence of clinical symptoms. Reducing the number of radiographs taken during the first year after surgery for IS in patients without symptoms can reduce radiation exposure to patients and health care costs without affecting treatment. Level II, Diagnostic Study.

Anthropometric estimation of body height after surgical correction of scoliosis.

To estimate the height loss in 28 patients who had undergone surgery for scoliosis before skeletal maturity. 28 women patients aged 11 to 18 (mean, 15) years underwent Harrington instrumentation, segmental sublaminar wiring, and posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. The patients' mean age at menarche was 13 (range, 10-16) years. Pre- and post-operative radiographs of the spine were taken to determine curve types, the Cobb angle, and the degree of correction. The standing and sitting heights were measured using a flexible steel tape, and the expected standing and sitting heights were derived using formulae. At the final follow up, the mean patient age was 20 (16-32) years. The mean standing height was 155.2 cm and the mean sitting height was 77.4 cm. Using the formulae, the mean expected standing height was 158.4 cm, indicating height loss of 3.2 cm (t=4.6, p=0.0001), and the mean expected sitting height was 79.9 cm, indicating height loss of 2.6 cm (t=3.84, p=0.001). The curve types of the 28 patients were sub-divided as thoracic (n=7), thoracolumbar (n=18), and double major (n=3). Patients with thoracolumbar curves achieved better correction and less loss of standing and sitting heights. Percentage loss of standing and sitting heights were not correlated with the apex of the curve or the degree of correction. Height loss after surgery was acceptable in comparison with height loss associated with progression of scoliosis without surgery.

Prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after the selective anterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar (Lenke 5C) curves in idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextPrognosis of minor lumbar curve correction after selective thoracic fusion in idiopathic scoliosis is well defined. However, the prognosis of minor thoracic curve after isolated anterior fusion of the major lumbar curve has not been well described. PurposeTo define the prognosis of spontaneous thoracic curve correction after selective anterior fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis. Study designA retrospective cohort study on the prognosis of the minor curve after selective anterior correction and fusion of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curve in idiopathic scoliosis. Patient sampleIdiopathic lumbar scoliosis patients treated with anterior spinal fusion. Outcome measuresThe Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire was used as an outcome measure at the final follow-up. MethodsTwenty-eight patients were included in this study. Four patients were male, 24 patients were female, and average age at the time of surgery was 16 years. Mean follow-up was 48 months. According to the Lenke Classification, 22 patients were 5CN, 5 were 5C−, and 1 was 5C+. All operations were performed in the same institution. Standing long posterior-anterior and lateral radiographs were taken just before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and at final follow-up. ResultsThe mean preoperative Cobb angle of the lumbar (major) curve was 53° (standard deviation [SD]=8.6) and that of the thoracic (minor) curve was 38.4° (SD=6.24). The lumbar and thoracic curves were corrected to 10° (SD=7.6) and 25° (SD=8.3) postoperatively and measured 17° (SD=10.6) and 27° (SD=7.7), respectively, at the last follow-up. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements of the minor curves (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference between the early postoperative and the final follow-up measurements (p>.05). Regarding the overall sagittal balance, there was no significant difference between preoperative, early, and late postoperative measurements (p>.05). ConclusionsSelective anterior fusion of the major thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was an effective method for the treatment of Lenke Type 5C curves. Minor thoracic curves did not progress after selective fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in minimum 2-year follow-up.

Pulmonary function after less invasive anterior instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis

PurposeStandard thoracotomy for anterior instrumentation and fusion of the thoracic spine in idiopathic scoliosis may have detrimental effects on pulmonary function. In this study we describe a less invasive anterior surgical technique and show the pre- and postoperative pulmonary function with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.MethodsTwenty patients with Lenke type 1 adolescent thoracic idiopathic scoliosis were treated with anterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the thoracic curve was 53° ± 5.8. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and radiographic evaluation was performed.ResultsThe mean postoperative correction in Cobb angle of the thoracic curve was 27° ± 8.2 (49%).The mean preoperative FEV1 was 2.81 ± 0.43 L, which increased to 3.14 ± 0.50 L at 2 years postoperatively (P = 0.000). The mean FEV1% did not change (89.60 ± 7.49% preoperatively, versus 90.53 ± 5.95% at 2 years follow-up, P = 0.467). The TLC increased from 4.62 ± 0.62 L preoperatively to 5.17 ± 0.63 L at 2 years follow-up (P = 0.000). The FEV1% at two years of follow-up improved to 104% of the FEV1% predicted value. The FEV1 improved to 97% of the FEV1 predicted value.ConclusionAnterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis by means of a minimal open thoracotomy proved to be a safe surgical technique that resulted in an improvement of pulmonary function. Our results are similar to those of thoracoscopic procedures reported in literature.

Repeat Surgical Interventions Following “Definitive” Instrumentation and Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis

A retrospective case series. To identify the overall reoperation rate and factors contributing to reoperation in a recent 5-year cohort of patients (2003-2007) undergoing spinal deformity surgery. These patients were compared with a previously published 15-year cohort of consecutive patients (1988-2002) from the same institution to assess for any significant differences in reoperation rates. In a previously published report from this institution, the reoperation rate for patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated during a 15-year period (1988-2002) was 12.9%. That group was predominantly treated with first-generation TSRH (Medtronic, Memphis, TN) implants and CD implants. Lower profile, more rigid implant systems are now used along with refined techniques for correction of scoliosis deformity. We hypothesized that these factors would lead to lower rates of reoperation. METHODS.: The medical records of 452 consecutive patients (older than 9 yr) surgically treated for idiopathic scoliosis at one institution during 5 years (2003-2007) were reviewed to identify those who required reoperation. The reoperation rate for this cohort was 7.5% (34 of 452 patients). Compared with the prior cohort, significant decreases were noted with regard to total reoperation rate as well as reoperation due to infection and pseudarthrosis. Trends were noted toward decreased rates of reoperation due to prominent implants, dislodged implants, and implant proximity to vital structures. Within the newer cohort, a trend toward decreased reoperation rate was also noted for lower profile implant systems compared with first-generation TSRH implants. With the evolution of newer lower profile segmental implant systems that provide more rigid fixation and with the advancements in techniques for deformity correction, the repeat surgical intervention rate for idiopathic scoliosis has decreased.

Index of Suspicion * Case 1: Lower Extremity Weakness 2 Years After Scoliosis Surgery in a Teenager * Case 2: Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Jaundice, and Hepatomegaly in a Teenager * Case 3: Recurrent Infections in a Teenager

A 14-year-old girl presents with 10 days of progressive lower extremity weakness together with numbness from her umbilicus to her feet. She denies incontinence but notes difficulty starting her urinary stream as well as constipation. She has no fevers or headaches. There is no recent history of trauma, illness, travel, camping, or insect bites. Two years before presentation, she underwent a posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis without complications. She has done well, and her progress is monitored regularly by her orthopedic surgeon, who notes that she has complained intermittently of mild back discomfort but has had no back pain in the past few weeks. There is no family history of tumors, neurologic disorders, or autoimmune diseases. On physical examination, the girl is afebrile and has stable vital signs. She is alert and in no distress. Her skin is free of rashes and acne. Her cranial nerves are intact, and her neck is supple. There is no spine tenderness or erythema on her back. Her upper extremity strength is normal. Lower extremity strength is decreased to 2–3/5 on the left and 4/5 on the right, with normal tone, bilateral 4+ hyperreflexia, and 3 beats of clonus. She has normal rectal tone and decreased sensation to touch, pinprick, and vibration in her legs. Proprioception is difficult to elicit. She walks with support and without ataxia. Laboratory evaluation shows white blood cell (WBC) count of 10.7 × 103/μL and hemoglobin concentration of 10.2 g/dL. Her cerebrospinal fluid WBC count is 13/μL, her glucose level is 63 mg/dL, and the protein concentration is 225 mg/dL. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 27 mm/h, and her C-reactive protein level is 4.6 mg/L. An imaging study reveals the diagnosis. A 13-year-old boy presents with fever, cough, breathing difficulty, and reduced oral intake for 6 …

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis in African Patients: A Comparison of All Pedicle Screw Versus Hybrid Instrumentation

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis in African Patients: A Comparison of All Pedicle Screw Versus Hybrid Instrumentation

Selective Versus Nonselective Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Retrospective review of a prospective, multicentered database. To determine the relationship between preoperative lumbosacral takeoff angle (LSTOA) and postoperative thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb angle (TL/L Cobb angle) in patients undergoing selective thoracic fusions Selective fusion of the thoracic curve can improve the lumbar curve inpatients with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis and a compensatory lumbar curve. Predicting improvement is controversial and determining whether to perform a selective fusion or nonselective fusion can be difficult. Patients had undergone either nonselective or selective spinal fusion for adolescent or juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke 1B/3B/1C/3C). Outcome measures were: coronal and sagittal thoracic Cobb angle, TL/L Cobb angles, lumbar apical vertebral translation, LSTOA and coronal decompensation. Analyses compared relationships between preoperative and postoperative radiographic measures. Positive, significant correlations were found between preoperative LSTOA and preoperative TL/L Cobb angle in the nonselective (r=0.7; P<0.001) and selective (r=0.5; P<0.001) fusion groups. Mean two-year postoperative coronal TL/L Cobb angles were significantly improved in nonselective and selective fusion groups (32° and 20°, respectively, P<0.001). In the nonselective fusion group, LSTOA significantly decreased by 11° (P<0.001), and in the selective group, the LSTOA had a modest but significant decrease of 2° (P<0.001). The nonselective fusion also resulted in more lordosis between T10 and L2 (7.5° of lordosis) than the selective approach (2.7° kyphosis, P<0.001). For both groups, upper thoracic kyphosis increased after surgery (P<0.001, P<0.001). For nonselective fusions, regression modeling predicted TL/L Cobb angle at two-year follow-up based on preoperative TL/L Cobb angle and preoperative LSTOA (r=0.4, P<0.001). Collectively, these data demonstrate the preoperative TL/L Cobb angle and LSTOA can be useful predictors of postoperative TL/L Cobb angle after a selective instrumented fusion. Analyses of distal fixation levels demonstrated that to appreciably change the LSTOA using a posterior instrumented fusion, the distal level of fixation must be beyond the lumbar apex.

Does an orthotic treatment help the outcome of the spinal fusion in idiopathic scoliosis?

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the post surgical stability of the spine in patients suffering for idiopathic scoliosis and treated with the Dynamic SpineCor brace. Does the brace treatment alter in any way the post surgical results?

Extension of Prior Idiopathic Scoliosis Fusions to the Sacrum

Comparative study. To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing extension of a previous idiopathic scoliosis fusion to the sacrum using either autogenous bone graft or recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Extension of an existing idiopathic scoliosis fusion to the sacrum for distal degeneration or sagittal imbalance has been associated with a high rate of pseudarthrosis. We hypothesized that rhBMP-2 could be successfully used as a substitute for distant autograft in this challenging population. Consecutive patients were identified from a single institution prospective database. The control group (autogenous harvesting without rhBMP-2, 1998-2002) included 24 of 25 patients with minimum 2-year follow-up while the study group (rhBMP-2 without distant autograft, 2002-2006) included 36 of 39 patients with minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographs were measured using standard adult deformity criteria. Fusions were evaluated by independent observers using a published 4-point scale. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Scoliosis Research Society and Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaires. Groups were well matched with respect to demographic, radiographic, and surgical data with the following exceptions: the control group (autogenous graft, no BMP) was younger (43.5 vs. 49.8 years; P = 0.04), had more anterior levels fused (3.3 vs. 1.7; P = 0.01), more thoracoabdominal approaches (25% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.01), and greater estimated blood loss (1938 vs. 1221 mL; P = 0.01). There was 1 wound complication (deep infection) in each group. Rates of radiographic pseudarthrosis (11.1% vs. 20.8%) and revision for pseudarthrosis (5.6% vs. 12.5%) were lower in the rhBMP-2 group, although this did not reach statistical significance. Preoperative, postoperative, and improvements in Scoliosis Research Society and Oswestry Disability Index scores were similar between groups. We did not observe any increase in adverse events with the use of rhBMP-2. BMP-2 is a safe and effective alternative to iliac or rib harvesting when extending an existing idiopathic scoliosis fusion to the sacrum.

Geographic and Demographic Variability of Cost and Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis

Retrospective database review. To determine the variability in cost and surgical technique by geographic region and patient demographic. Some patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) ultimately require surgical treatment. The costs associated with hospitalization can be substantial, yet it is unknown how these vary depending on geographic region. Patients aged 10 to 24 who underwent surgical fusion for idiopathic scoliosis from 2004 to 2006 were identified in a publicly available, searchable national database of insurance billing records for patients with orthopaedic diagnoses (PearlDiver Patient Record Database) by searching ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes. Inpatient hospital charges for the procedure, length of stay (LOS), and surgical procedure (anterior, posterior, anterior-posterior, posterior interbody) were recorded. Patients were stratified by geographic region (Northeast, South, Midwest, West) and age group (10-14, 15-19, and 20-24). Seventy-six thousand seven hundred forty-one patients had IS and 955 patients had spinal fusion procedure codes. Per patient average charge (PPAC) was $113,303 with average LOS 5.6 days. There was no significant difference in procedure type based on geographic region or age. The Northeast had the lowest rate of posterior surgery and highest rate of anterior only procedures. The Midwest had the highest rate of anterior-posterior surgery and Northeast had the lowest. Patients age 10 to 14 had the highest rate of posterior only procedures, those age 20 to 24 had the lowest. Patients age 15 to 19 were more likely to have anterior only procedures. Taken together, anterior-posterior and posterior interbody techniques were most common in patients age 20 to 24. Inpatient hospital charges varied significantly from region to region. Charges were highest in the West ($152,637) and lowest in the South ($103,256). There was no significant difference in PPAC based on age. LOS was significantly highest in the Midwest (6.5 days) and lowest in the South (5.2 days). LOS was significantly higher in the oldest age group compared with the younger groups. PPAC and LOS varied by region. Although there was no significant difference in treatment type based on age or region, older patients tended to have more complex procedures and a higher LOS. This did not translate into a significant change in PPAC based on age. These data point to the need for further studies examining reasons for geographic variability in idiopathic scoliosis surgeries.

Continuous Intravenous Morphine Infusion for Postoperative Analgesia Following Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis

A retrospective study of postoperative pain management. Evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous intravenous morphine infusion for postoperative pain management in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI). Postoperative pain is a common problem following surgery for IS. There are no published reports regarding the use of a continuous intravenous morphine infusion for this patient population. We retrospectively reviewed data regarding 339 consecutive patients with IS who underwent PSF and SSI between 1992 and 2006. All patients received intrathecal morphine after the induction of general anesthesia. Following surgery, preordered morphine infusion (0.01 mg/kg/h) was started at first reported pain. The infusion rate was titrated based on vital signs, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (0-10), and clinical status. It was continued until patients were able to take oral analgesics. We reviewed intrathecal morphine dosage, VAS pain scores through the third postoperative day, interval to start of morphine infusion, total morphine requirements in the first 48 hours, and any adverse reactions (nausea/vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression, and pediatric intensive care unit admission). Mean intrathecal morphine dose was 15.5 +/- 3.9 microg/kg and mean interval to start of the intravenous morphine infusion was 17.5 +/- 5 hours. Mean VAS pain scores were 3.1, 4.5, 4.5, and 4.6 at 12 hours, 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery, respectively.The total mean morphine dose in the first 48 hours postoperatively was 0.03 +/- 0.01 mg/kg/h. Total morphine received was 1.44 +/- 0.5 mg/kg. Nausea/vomiting and pruritus, related to the morphine infusion occurred in 45 patients (13.3%) and 14 patients (4.1%), respectively. No patients had respiratory depression or required Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admission. A low frequency of adverse events and a mean postoperative VAS pain score of 5 or less demonstrate that a continuous postoperative morphine infusion is a safe and effective method of pain management in patients with IS following PSF and SSI.