Lumbar Kyphosis Research Articles

Optimizing sacral screw fixation in patients with caudal regression syndrome.

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare techniques and outcomes associated with two different technique of pelvic screw insertion in patients with caudal spine absence. A cohort of patients with varying degrees of caudal structural regression, serves as the focal point of this investigation. Pelvic configurations were classified based on established criteria to facilitate comparative analysis. Each patient underwent spinal surgical interventions, with a follow-up period extending beyond 2years. The primary surgical interventions predominantly involved spinal stabilization coupled with correction of scoliosis and kyphosis through one or two pairs of pelvic screws. In this study, we investigated a cohort of 22 patients with caudal spine absence, encompassing diverse conditions, such as lumbo-sacral aplasia, hemisacrum, and lumbar absence, with preserved sacrum. Following spinal surgery, notable improvements were observed in scoliosis and pathological lumbar kyphosis, with several patients achieving significant functional milestones such as independent ambulation. There were no significant differences in short-term complications between patients undergoing single versus double pair pelvic screw implantation. Long-term complications, primarily non-fusion, were notably more prevalent in patients undergoing fixation with a single pair of pelvic screws. Surgical intervention, particularly spinopelvic fixation, demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of improving spinal deformities. The implantation of two pairs of pelvic screws demonstrates greater reliability compared to the insertion of a single pair, diminishing the risk of non-fusion.

The Effect of Dynamic Lumbar Kyphosis on the Biomechanical Factors of the Lumbar Joints during Deep Squats

PURPOSE This study analyzed the effect of dynamic lumbar kyphosis on the biomechnical factors affecting the lumbar joints during deep squats.METHODS Thirty adults in their 20s who had experienced weight training for more than one year participated in this study (age: 23.4±3.5years old, height: 175.3±4.3cm, weight: 75.8±6.5kg, squat single repetition maximum (1RM) weight: 115.3±19.5kg). Under both restricted dynamic lumbar kyphosis (RDLK) and dynamic lumbar kyphosis (DLK), subjects completed one repetition of deep squats at a load of 70% of their 1-RM weight. To verify the consistency of deep squat movements performed under DLK and RDLK conditions, intra-rater reliability was analyzed using intra-class correlation . The biomechnical variables of the lumbar joint were calculated during DLK and RDLK deep squats. Paired sample t-tests (IBM SPSS 27.0, Armonk, New York, USA) were used for statistical verification.RESULTS During the deep squat movement performed in DLK and RDLK conditions, the peak angles of the ankle, knee, and hip joints, the minimum height of the pelvis, and the time and tempo showed statistically high reliability, confirming the accuracy of the movement. The peak flexion angle and moment, left flexion moment, left rotation moment, and compression force factors of the lumbar joint during deep squat were significantly lower in RDLK than in DLK.CONCLUSIONS Restricting lumbar dynamic kyphosis during deep squats is essential for decreasing the risk of lumbar joint injury.

The Influence of Radiographic Parameter on the S2 Alar-Iliac Screw Virtual Trajectory in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients: A Computed Tomography Study.

S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw had been widely used in the pelvic fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients. However, whether S2AI screw trajectory was influenced by sagittal profile in DLS patients had not been comprehensively investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between the optimal S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw trajectory and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in DLS patients. Computed tomography (CT) scans of pelvis were performed in 47 DLS patients for three-dimensional reconstruction of S2AI screw trajectory from September 2019 to November 2021. Five S2AI screw trajectory parameters were measured in CT reconstruction images, including: 1) angle in the transverse plane (Tsv angle); 2) angle in the sagittal plane (Sag angle); 3) maximal screw length; 4) screw width; and 5) skin distance. The lumbar Cobb angle, lumbar apical vertebral translation (AVT); global kyphosis (GK); thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); sagittal vertical axis (SVA); sacral slope (SS); pelvic tilt (PT); and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured in standing X-ray films of the whole spine and pelvis. Both Tsv angle and Sag angle had significant positive associations with SS (p < 0.05) but negative associations with both PT (p < 0.05) and LL (p < 0.05) in all cases. Patients with SS less than 15° had both smaller Tsv angle and Sag angle than those with SS equal to or more than 15° (p < 0.05). The decreased LL would lead to the backward rotation of the pelvis, resulting in a more cephalic and less divergent trajectory of S2AI screw in DLS patients. For DLS patients with lumbar kyphosis, spine surgeons should avoid both excessive Tsv and Sag angles for S2AI screw insertion, especially when using free-hand technique.

1066 Comparative Outcome Using Expandable Versus Static Cage in Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease

INTRODUCTION: Subsidence has been a common concern or complication in patients undergoing TLIF with an expandable cage or standalone DLIF with a static cage. It could lead to further complications such as pseudoarthrosis, lumbar kyphosis, and radiculopathy. Recently, expandable technology has emerged in lateral interbody fusion, which could be delivered through the smaller surgical corridors. Therefore we sought to determine the extent of radiological outcome and subsidence rate in patients with expandable cages. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent DLIF was performed. Only patients with degenerative lumbar disc disease were included. Baseline demographic and radiographic outcomes such as cage subsidence, anterior and posterior disc height, foraminal dimensions, and other spinopelvic parameters were collected. The primary endpoint was severe cage subsidence (grade 2 and 3) per level according to the classification by Marchi et al. Multivariate Analysis was performed. RESULTS: 59 patients underwent DLIF with expandable (n = 25) and static (n = 34) cages respectively. Both expandable and static groups have comparable baseline demographic such as age, gender, BMI, and medical comorbidities. The average follow-up period was 16 months. Both groups also had a comparable rate of the standalone construct (40% vs 68%, p 0.088). Significant higher cage width and length were used in the expandable group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the restoration of both anterior and posterior disc heights, foraminal height, and central canal diameter. A significantly lower rate of severe subsidence was observed in the expandable group (4% vs 26.5%, p = 0.023) compared to the static group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, expandable cages in DLIF patients were observed to have a significantly lower rate of subsidence when compared to those who received static cages.

Kyphectomy and sliding growing rod technique in patients with congenital lumbar kyphosis deformity with myelomeningocele

ObjectiveNeural tube defects are the most common congenital disorders after cardiac anomalies. Lumbar kyphosis deformity is observed in 8–15% of these patients. This deformity severely limits the daily lives of these patients. In our study, we aimed to correct the kyphosis angle of the patients with lumbar kyphosis associated with myelomeningocele (MMC) and allow them to continue their growth without limiting their lung capacity by applying kyphectomy and sliding growing rod technique.Patients and methodsIn this study, we retrospectively evaluated 24 patients with congenital lumbar kyphosis deformity associated with MMC, aged between 4 and 9 years, and who applied to Umraniye Training and Research Hospital between the dates of 2018 and 2021. We evaluated preoperative and postoperative kyphosis angles, correction rates, bleeding during operations, operation time, level of instrumentation, number of the resected vertebrae, initial levels of the posterior defects, duration of hospital stays, annual lengthening, and weight of the patients.ResultsMean age was 5.04 (between 4 and 9). Mean preoperative and early postoperative kyphosis angles were 129.8° (87–175°) and 0.79° (− 20–24°), respectively. The kyphotic deformity correction rate was 99.1%. A difference was found regarding kyphosis measurements between preoperative and early period values (p < 0.05). The annual height lengthening of patients was calculated as 0.74 cm/year and 0.77 cm/year between T1–T12 and T1–S1, respectively. Mean preoperative level of hemoglobin (Hgb) was 11.95, postoperative Hgb value was 10.02, and the decrease was significant (p < 0.05). In terms of complications, 50% (12) had broken/loosen screws, 50% (12) had undergone debridement surgery, 37.5% (9) had vacuum-assisted closure therapy, and 33.3% (8) had to get all of their implants removed.ConclusionWe believe that our sliding growing rod technique is a new and updated surgical method that can be applied in these patient groups, facilitating the life, rehabilitation process, and daily care of MMC patients with lumbar kyphosis. This technique seems to be a safe and reliable method which preserves lung capacity and allows lengthening.

How Does the Slump Sitting Radiograph Increase Proportion of Segmental Instability and Kyphotic Alignment of Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?

Clinical and radiographic degenerative spondylolisthesis (CARDS) classification was proposed to differentiate homogenous lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) subgroups. The sitting radiograph exhibited lumbar malalignment with maximum lumbar kyphosis, intervertebral kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis.This study aimed to assess the sitting radiograph for distribution of clinical and radiographic degenerative spondylolisthesis classification, and to elucidate its significance for exhibiting kyphotic alignment (CARDS type D) and segmental instability. A cohort of 101 patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) between September 2018 and December 2020 were recruited. The distribution and relibility of CARDS classification with or without sitting radiograph was assessed. The translational and angular range of motion and segmental instability was also evaluated. Univariate analysis of variance was used for multiple groups, and the least significant difference for two groups. Kappa consistency test of intrarater and interrater was evaluated for CARDS classification with or without sitting radiograph. Chi-square test was used to compare paried categorical data. Utility of sitting radiographs for CARDS classification revealed higher percentage of type D than that without the sitting radiograph (p < 0.001). The sitting radiograph revealed a larger slip distance than the flexion radiograph (p = 0.003), as well as a lower slip angle than flexion radiograph (p < 0.001). The sitting-supine modality demonstrated the largest translational range of motion compared to the sitting-extension (p < 0.001) and flexion-extension modalities (p < 0.001). The sitting-supine modality showed larger angular range of motion than the flexion-extension modality (p < 0.001). The percentage of flexion, extension, upright, supine, and sitting radiograph to identify translational instability was higher than that without sitting radiograph (p < 0.001), as well as taking angular motion ≥10° as an additional criterion for segmental instability (p < 0.001). The CARDS classification was reliable for LDS. The sitting radiograph showed maximal slip distance and kyphotic slip angle. Application of the sitting radiograph was necessary for evaluating segmental instability and kyphotic alignment of LDS.

Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis-The Importance of Thoracolumbar Junction in Sagittal Alignment and Balance.

To conduct a more comprehensive study of sagittal alignment in patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) degenerative kyphosis. A total of 133 consecutive patients from September 2016 to March 2019 with degenerative spinal kyphosis were enrolled. These patients were divided into different types according to sagittal alignment, including thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis (TLJK). Then, we divided the patients with TLJK into two groups: the Sagittal Balance group (C7-SVA < 50 mm) and the Sagittal Imbalance group (C7-SVA ≥ 50 mm). The sagittal parameters of each type or group were compared and correlation analysis was conducted. Thoracolumbar/lumbar degenerative kyphosis consists of four types: Type I, lumbar kyphosis; Type II, degenerative flat back; Type III, thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis; and Type IV, global kyphosis. According to different sagittal alignments, Type III can further be divided into three subtypes: IIIA, with smooth kyphosis of thoracic and upper lumbar; IIIB, like a clasp knife, with a flat thoracic and lumbar angle; and IIIC, with bigger thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. The thoracolumbar kyphosis angle (°) of the three subtypes were -23.61 ± 5.37, -25.40 ± 7.71, and -40.01 ± 8.40, respectively. Lumbar lordosis was correlated with thoracic kyphosis (IIIA, r = -0.600, p = 0.005; IIIB, r = -0.312, p = 0.046; IIIC, r = -0.657, p = 0.015), and correlated with sacral slope (IIIA, r = 0.537, p = 0.015; IIIB, r = 0.654, p = 0.000; IIIC, r = 0.578, p = 0.039). All spinopelvic parameters were compared between the Sagittal Balance group and the Sagittal Imbalance group, and only the thoracolumbar kyphosis angle showed statistical difference (t = -2.247, p = 0.028). The common characteristics of thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis were found to be a bigger thoracolumbar junctional angle and vertex of kyphosis located in the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2). Despite TLJK, a change in the thoracic angle was still important to maintain sagittal balance. The thoracolumbar junction plays an important role in sagittal alignment and balance.

Comparisons of lumbosacral kinematics among non-specific chronic low back pain subgroups and healthy during prolonged sitting: A cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundThe literature has suggested a variety of postural changes of the spine that possibly contribute to the increase in back pain during sitting in persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP). However, the heterogeneity of NS-CLBP persons has made the ability to attribute pain increase to a particular sitting posture very difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare lumbosacral kinematics and their roles in pain increase among homogenous NS-CLBP subgroups and healthy controls over a 1-h sitting period. MethodsTwenty NS-CLBP subjects with motor control impairment [10 classified as having flexion pattern (FP) disorder, and 10 with active extension pattern (AEP) disorder], and 10 healthy controls participated in the study. Subjects underwent a 1-h sitting protocol on a standard office chair. Lumbosacral postures including sacral tilt, third lumbar vertebrae (L3) position, and relative lower lumbar angle were recorded using two-dimensional inclinometers over the 1-h period. Perceived back-pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale every 10 min throughout the sitting period. ResultsAll study groups (FP, AEP and healthy controls) significantly differed from each other in the measured lumbosacral kinematics at the beginning as well as at the end of the sitting period (p ≤ 0.05). Only the NS-CLBP subgroups showed significant changes in the lumbosacral kinematics across the 1-h sitting period (p < 0.01), and that the directions of change occurred toward end spinal postures (lumbar kyphosis for FP subgroup and lumbar lordosis for the AEP subgroup). In addition, both NS-CLBP subgroups reported a similarly significant increase in pain through mid-sitting (p < 0.001). However, after mid-sitting, the AEP subgroup reported much less increase in pain level that was accompanied by a significant decrease in the lumbar lordotic postures (p = 0.001) compared to FP subgroup. ConclusionThe present study's findings suggest that each NS-CLBP subgroup presented with differently inherent sitting postures. These inherently dysfunctional postures coupled with the directional changes in the lumbosacral kinematics toward the extreme ranges across the 1-h sitting period, might explain the significant increase in pain among subgroups.

Kyphectomy in myelomeningocele revisited: risk factors for failure.

Lumbar kyphosis occurs in approximately 8-20% of patients with myelomeningocele (MMC). The purpose of this article is to analyze the risks and benefits of vertebrectomy and spinal stabilization in MMC children with severe lumbar kyphosis and to establish treatment guidelines. This is an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of 59 patients with MMC who underwent kyphectomy and posterior instrumentation in three centers. Average age at surgery was 7.9years (2weeks-17years). Sitting trunk position, skin status, kyphosis angle, and thoracic lordosis were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at an average follow-up of 8.2years (range 2.5-16). The correction was maintained by applying a short posterior instrumentation in 6 patients, and extending to the pelvis in 53 cases. Pelvic fixation was achieved using the Warner and Fackler technique in 24 patients, the Dunn-McCarthy in 8, Luque-Galveston in 8, sacral screws in 2, and ilio-sacral screws in 11. Sitting position improved postoperatively in 47 of the 53 patients who underwent pelvic fixation and only in one patient with short instrumentation. All 6 patients with long instrumentation and poor postoperative sitting balance were in the Dunn-McCarthy fixation group. Skin sores at the apex of the deformity disappeared postoperatively in all patients but recurred in two patients with short instrumentations. Kyphosis angle improved from 109° (45°-170°) preoperatively to 10° (0°-45°) postoperatively and 21° (0°-55°) at last follow-up. The best results were seen in cases where a cross-k-wire fixation of the kyphectomy site was used, augmented with a long thoraco-pelvic instrumentation consisting of Luque sublaminar wires in the thoracic region and a Warner-Fackler type of pelvic fixation. Good results were also found with the bipolar technique and ilio-sacral screw fixation. Six over 24 patients with the Warner and Fackler technique showed gradual dislodgment or hardware failure, with subsequent nonunion of the kyphectomy site in four. Infection, with or without wound dehiscence and/or hardware exposure, occurred in 17 cases, necessitating hardware removal in 9 patients. Lumbar kyphosis in MMC children is best managed by resection of enough vertebrae from the apex to produce a flat lumbar spine, with perfect bone-to-bone contact and long thoraco-pelvic instrumentation using the Warner and Fackler technique through the S1 foramina or the bipolar technique with ilio-sacral screw fixation. Additional local fixation of the osteotomy site using cross-wires with or without cerclage increases the stability of the construct. The majority of complications occurred in patients with short instrumentations or where residual kyphosis persisted postoperatively regardless of the type of pelvic fixation or hardware density. The Dunn-McCarthy technique for pelvic fixation following kyphectomy in MMC was less successful in producing stable pelvic fixation and should not be considered in this patient category.

Long-Term Changes in Sagittal Balance After Microsurgical Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis in Elderly Patients: A Follow-Up Study for 5-Years After Surgery

The purpose of this study is to investigate long-term changes in spinal sagittal balance after microsurgical decompression in lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). Fifty-two patients who underwent microsurgical decompression for symptomatic single level L4/5 spinal canal stenosis at our hospital were included in the study. All patients had standing full spine radiographs taken preoperatively, 1year postoperatively, and 5years postoperatively. Spinal parameters including sagittal balance were measured from the obtained images. First, preoperative parameters were compared with 50 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers. Next, the parameters before and after surgery were compared to examine long-term changes. Sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was significantly increased in the LCS cases compared to the volunteers (P= 0.03). Postoperative lumbar lordosis (LL) was significantly increased (P= 0.03). Postoperative mean SVA decreased but the difference was not significant (P= 0.12). Although there was no correlation between preoperative parameters and the Japanese Orthopedic Association score, postoperative pelvic incidence (PI)-LL and pelvic tilt changes correlated with changes in Japanese Orthopedic Association score (PI-LL; P= 0.0001, pelvic tilt; P= 0.04). However, after 5years of surgery, LL decreased and PI-LL increased (LL; P= 0.08, PI-LL; P= 0.03). Sagittal balance began to deteriorate but was not significant (P= 0.31). At 5years postoperatively, 18 of 52 patients (34.6%) were found to have L3/4 adjacent segment disease. Cases with adjacent segment disease showed significantly worse SVA and PI-LL (SVA; P= 0.01, PI-LL; P < 0.01). In LCS, lumbar kyphosis improves and sagittal balance tends to improve after microsurgical decompression. However, after 5years, adjacent intervertebral degeneration occurs more frequently and sagittal balance begins to deteriorate in about one third of cases.

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraplegia with sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy: a case report

BackgroundSporadic late onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM) is a muscle disorder characterized by the presence of nemaline rods in muscle fibers. SLONM has no known genetic cause but has been associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) is a known causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraplegia (HAM/TSP), a chronic inflammatory neurological disease. HTLV-1 has been reported to be implicated in inflammatory myopathies, as well as in HIV infection.; however, there have been no reports of an association between HTLV-1 infection and SLONM to date.Case presentationA 70-year-old Japanese woman presented with gait disturbance, lumbar kyphosis, and respiratory dysfunction. The diagnosis of HAM/TSP with SLONM was made based on characteristic clinical symptoms of HAM/TSP, such as spasticity in the lower extremities, and cerebrospinal fluid test results; and of SLONM, such as generalized head drooping, respiratory failure, and muscle biopsy results. Steroid treatment was initiated and improvement in her stooped posture was observed after 3 days of treatment.ConclusionThis is the first case report of SLONM combined with HTLV-1 infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between retroviruses and muscle diseases.

Changes in spinal alignment one month post abdominal surgery: A prospective cohort study.

Following abdominal surgery, many patients assume a bending or stooping posture to protect the surgical wound. Such postural changes are known to induce side effects, but the improvement and persistence of these effects are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the nature of postural changes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 25 patients who underwent abdominal surgery from February 2019 to January 2020. Measurements were obtained during the preoperative, pre-discharge, and first outpatient stages. The sacral tilt, lumbar lordotic, thoracic kyphosis, and overall tilt angles were measured in the static standing position in a private room. Wound pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale. Repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to compare spine measurements for each measurement period, followed by the Bonferroni method for each level. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was performed to examine the relationship between wound pain and spinal column angle. The lumbar kyphosis angle was lower before discharge (-7.2 ± 7.4°) compared to preoperatively (-11.1 ± 7.5°) (95% CI 0.76, 7.08; P < .01, η2 = 0.21). Regarding the overall tilt angle, the anterior tilt angle increased before discharge (3.4 ± 3.9°) compared to preoperatively (1.1 ± 4.1°) (95% CI 0.86, 3.78; P < .01, η2 = 0.33). No statistically significant correlation with pain was observed. Compared to the preoperative period, the patients had an anterior tilt, mainly due to lumbar spine changes, prior to discharge from the hospital. Changes in spinal alignment were not associated with wound pain.

Effects of simulated trunk flexion contracture on the margin of stability during obstacle crossing in elderly individuals

BackgroundTrunk flexion contracture is an abnormal posture in elderly individuals with lumbar kyphosis. It is unclear whether this posture affects locomotor stability (margin of stability [MoS]) during obstacle crossing, which is a common trigger for falls in elderly people. Research questionDoes trunk flexion contracture negatively affect MoS during obstacle crossing in elderly people? MethodsTen healthy elderly individuals performed five trials of obstacle crossing using a comfortable speed under two experimental conditions, namely, with (FLEX) or without (NORMAL) a hard lumbar brace to simulate trunk flexion contracture. The obstacle-crossing motion was captured using an optical motion analysis system in order to calculate the MoS in the anteroposterior direction. The MoS at initial contact (IC) and that when the swing foot was above the obstacle (Obs) was compared between FLEX and NORMAL. A greater MoS suggests greater risk of a forward fall. The trunk and lower limb joint angles were measured at Obs. ResultsFLEX significantly increased the MoS at IC, whereas the MoS at Obs did not differ between the two conditions. FLEX demonstrated a crouch posture characterized by an increased flexion angle of stance-side hip and knee joints at the Obs instant. SignificanceForward fall chance might be increased at IC in obstacle crossing with trunk flexion contracture. Meanwhile, the MoS at Obs might be controlled by increasing the crouch posture to offset a forward shift in the CoM position due to the trunk flexion. Because the risk of a stumble on an obstacle and of forward falls should be higher at Obs than at IC, the crouch posture seems to be an effective adaptation that enables elderly people with trunk flexion contracture to safely cross obstacles.

Biomechanical and clinical relationships between lower back pain and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) and lower back pain (LBP) are most common health problems which lead to pain and disability. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence to find any relationship between knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and LBP or any potential causation.MethodsThe databases of Scopus, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched from inception to 01 October 2022. Any study published in English assessing live humans over 18 years with KOA and LBP was eligible to be included. Studies were independently screened by two researchers. Data of the included studies were extracted based on the participants, outcomes related to knee and lumbar spine, reported association or causation between LBP and KOA, and study design. Data were narratively analyzed and presented as graphs and table. Methodology quality was assessed.ResultsOf 9953 titles and abstracts, duplicates were removed, and 7552 were screened. Altogether, 88 full texts were screened, and 13 were eligible for the final inclusion. There were some biomechanical and clinical causations were observed for the concurrent presence of LBP and KOA. Biomechanically, high pelvic incidence is a risk factor for development of spondylolisthesis and KOA. Clinically, knee pain intensity was higher in KOA when presents with LBP. Less than 20% of studies have justified their sample size during the quality assessment.DiscussionDevelopment and progression of KOA in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis may be induced by significantly greater mismatches of lumbo-pelvic sagittal alignment. Elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and severe KOA reported a different pelvic morphology, increased sagittal malalignment with a lack of lumbar lordosis due to double-level listhesis, and greater knee flexion contracture than in patients with no to mild and moderate KOA. People with concurrent LBP and KOA have reported poor function with more disability. Both LBP and lumbar kyphosis indicate functional disability and knee symptoms in patients with KOA.ConclusionsDifferent biomechanical and clinical causations were revealed for the concurrent existence of KOA and LBP. Therefore, careful assessment of both back and knee joints should be considered when treating KOA and vice versa.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022238571

Material sensitivity of patient-specific finite element models in the brace treatment of scoliosis.

Objectives: To study the mechanical sensitivity of different intervertebral disc and bone material parameters and ligaments under different force configurations and magnitudes in the scoliosis model. Methods: The finite element model of a 21-year-old female is built using computed tomography. Local range of motion testing and global bending simulations are performed for the model verification. Subsequently, Five force of different directions and configurations were applied to the finite element model applying the brace pad position. The material parameters of the model were related to different spinal flexibilities and included different material parameters of cortical bone, cancellous bone, nucleus and annulus. The virtual X-ray technique measured Cobb angle, thoracic Lordosis, and lumbar Kyphosis. Results: The difference in peak displacement is 9.28mm, 19.99mm, 27.06mm, 43.99mm, and 50.1mm under five force configurations. The maximum Cobb angle difference due to material parameters are 4.7° and 6.2°, which are converted to thoracic and lumbar in-brace correction difference of 18% and 15.5%. The maximum difference in Kyphosis and Lordosis angle is 4.4° and 5.8°. The average thoracic and lumbar Cobb angle variation difference in intervertebral disc control group is larger than that in bone control group, while the average Kyphosis and Lordosis angle is inverse. The displacement distribution of models with or without ligaments is similar, with a peak displacement difference of 1.3mm in C5. The peak stress occurred at the junction of the cortical bone and ribs. Conclusion: Spinal flexibility largely influences the treatment effect of the brace. The intervertebral disc has a greater effect on the Cobb angle, the bone has a greater effect on the Kyphosis and Lordosis angles, and the rotation is affected by both. Patient-specific material is the key to increasing accuracy in the personalized finite element model. This study provides a scientific basis for using controllable brace treatment for scoliosis.

Relationship between the gross motor function classification system and hip and lumbar spine development in children with spastic cerebral palsy

To investigate the relationship among the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS)and the development of hip joint and lumbar spine in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The clinical data of 125 children with spastic cerebral palsy admitted from January 2018 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 85 males and 40 females, aged from 4 to 12 years old with an average of (8.4±2.9) years. According to GMFCS, the patients were divided into gradeⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups. There were 27 cases in gradeⅠgroup, 40 cases in gradeⅡgroup, 35 cases in grade Ⅲ group and 23 cases in grade Ⅳ group. The migration percentage(MP), central edge angle(CE), neck-shaft angle(NSA), acetabular index(AI) were measured by the radiograph of pelvis, abnormal parameters were selected to evaluate the relationship between different GMFCS grades and hip joint development. Lumbar sagittal Cobb angle, lumbar sacral angle, lumbar lordosis index and apical distance were measured by lateral lumbar radiographs to evaluate the relationship between different GMFCS grades and lumbar spine development. ①Among the 125 spastic cerebral palsy children, there were 119 cases of pelvic radiographs that met the measurement standards. In the four groups with gradeⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, MP was (22.72±3.88), (26.53±4.36), (33.84±4.99), and (49.54±7.87)%, CE was(30.10±6.99) °, ( 22.92±4.19) °, ( 17.91±5.50) °, and (-0.70±17.33)°, AI was (16.41±2.77) °, (20.46±4.63) °, (23.76±5.10) °, and ( 29.15±7.35)°, respectively, there were significant differences between the two comparisons (P<0.05). And the higher GMFCS grade, the greater MP and AI, and the smaller CE.The NSA was(142.74±10.03) °, (148.66±9.09) °, (151.66±10.52) °, and (153.70±8.05)° in four groups with gradeⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, respectively. The differences between the two comparisons of the GMFCS gradeⅠgroup and the other three groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). NSA of GMFCSⅠgroup was significantly lower than that of the others, there was no significant difference among other groups(P>0.05). ② Among the 125 spastic cerebral palsy children, there were 88 cases of lumbar spine radiographs that met the measurement standards. ③The lumbar sagittal Cobb angle was(32.62±11.10) °, (29.86±9.90) °, (31.70±11.84) °, and (39.69±6.80)° in the four groups with gradeⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, respectively;GMFSS of grade Ⅳ group was significantly higher than that of other three groups, there was significant difference between the two comparisons (P<0.05);there were no significant differences between other groups (P>0.05). In the four groups with gradeⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, the lumbosacral angle was (31.02±9.91) °, ( 26.57±9.41) °, (28.08±8.56) °, and ( 27.31±11.50)°, the lumbar lordosis index was (4.14±12.89), (8.83±13.53), (13.00±11.78), and (10.76±9.97) mm, the arch apex distance was (9.50±6.80), (6.68±3.20), (7.16±4.94), and (6.62±4.13) mm, respectively, there were no significant differences between the two comparisons(P>0.05). ①In children with GMFCS gradeⅠ-Ⅳ, the higher the GMFCS grade, the worse the hip develops. ② Children with GMFCS grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ may be at greater risk for lumbar kyphosis.

Evaluation of preoperative calculation methods of osteotomy size in ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar or lumbar kyphosis

To evaluate the accuracy of different preoperative calculation methods of osteotomy size in ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar or lumbar kyphosis and analyze its clinical significance. Twenty-two cases of AS patients with thoracolumbar or lumbar kyphosis, from January 2015 to December 2018, who underwent one-level SPO surgery in our hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. The sagittal parameters were measured at pre-operation and last follow up using Surgimap software, and theoretical values of sagittal parameters were calculated according to pre-operative PI. The osteotomy angles of different methods were measured using Surgimap software. Paired t test was used to for the statistical analysis. The mean follow-up time of all patients was 30.00 [Formula: see text] 3.56months. The osteotomy sites were located at T12 in 3 cases, L1 in 6 cases, L2 in 9 cases, and L3 in 4 cases. Compared to pre-operative sagittal parameters, post-operative PT, SS, LL, and SVA were significantly improved (P [Formula: see text] 0.05). Compared to the OVA (46.57 [Formula: see text] 2.32 [Formula: see text]), there was a significantly larger angle predicted by Surgimap method (53.80 [Formula: see text] 9.79 [Formula: see text]), CAM-HA method (56.61 [Formula: see text] 8.58 [Formula: see text]), and HP-HA method (60.07 [Formula: see text] 13.58 [Formula: see text]), respectively (P [Formula: see text] 0.05). But no significant difference was found between the postoperative osteotomy angle and those of SFA method (51.24 [Formula: see text] 12.14 [Formula: see text]) and FBI method (48.08 [Formula: see text] 12.49 [Formula: see text]) (P [Formula: see text] 0.05). For AS patients with thoracolumbar or lumbar kyphosis, the SFA method, FBI method, and Surgimap method can be used to predict the osteotomy angle precisely, however, considering the rationality of parameter settings and the operability, SFA method is relatively more suitable for such population.

Craniofacial Malformations as Fundamental Diagnostic Tools in Syndromic Entities.

Background: A long list of syndromic entities can be diagnosed immediately through scrutinizing the clinical phenotype of the craniofacial features. The latter should be assisted via proper radiological interpretations. Patients and Methods: Different children aged from 1 month to 12 years were referred to our departments seeking orthopedic advice. Primarily, all received variable false diagnoses in other institutes. Two unrelated boys of one month and 12 months were falsely diagnosed as having positional plagiocephaly associated with contractures of idiopathic origin. Two unrelated boys of 14 months and 2 years were diagnosed with pseudo-hydrocephalus and non-specific syndrome, and were referred to explore their skeletal development. Two unrelated girls of 4 years old and 12 years old presented with multiple contractures were referred because of progressive scoliosis. A 4-year-old girl was referred with a false provisional diagnosis of facial diplegia. All children underwent detailed clinical, radiological and tomographic phenotypic characterizations and genetic testing, respectively. Results: Idaho syndrome (craniosynostosis associated with multiple dislocations) was the final diagnosis in the two unrelated boys with plagiocephaly and multiple contractures. Two children falsely diagnosed with pseudo-hydrocephalus and non-specific syndrome, were diagnosed with Silver–Russell syndrome (RSS). Contractural arachnodactyly Beals (CAB) was confirmed as the definitive diagnosis in the two unrelated girls with progressive scoliosis and multiple contractures. Parry–Romberg syndrome (PRS) associated with congenital lumbar kyphosis was the final diagnosis of the girl with the diagnosis of facial diplegia. Hypomethylation of ICR1 was confirmed in the RSS patients. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a heterozygous mutation in the PRS patients. WES and array-CGH showed that no relevant variants or copy number variations (CNV) were identified in the CAB patients. Conclusions: On the one hand, newborn children can manifest diverse forms of abnormal craniofacial features, which are usually associated with either major or minor dysmorphic stigmata. A cleft lip/ palate is a major craniofacial malformation, and frontal bossing or a disproportionate craniofacial contour can be falsely considered as a transient plagiocephaly, which is spontaneously resolved by time. On the other hand, many physicians fall into the problem of deeming a countless number of diseases, such as contractures, as an idiopathic or non-specific syndrome. The latter stems from limited clinical experience. Therefore, failing to establish between the onset of the deformity and other inexplicit abnormal features that the patient or their immediate families or relatives carry is the final outcome. In this study, we used, for the first time, a reconstruction CT scan to further delineate the congenital disruption of the craniofacial anatomy and the other skeletal malformation complex.

Costello syndrome-associated orthopaedic manifestations focussed on kyphoscoliosis: a case series describing the natural course.

Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition caused by a heterozygous mutation in the HRAS gene, with an estimated prevalence of 1: 300 000. Individuals with CS present with characteristic features including scoliosis, kyphosis, Chiari 1 malformation, and syringomyelia. The natural history of the spinal deformity associated with CS has been incompletely described. This case series describes the spinal deformity associated with CS and sets out a strategy for screening and treatment. The clinical records and spinal radiographs of nine consecutive CS patients encountered at a single centre were reviewed. Radiological assessments for the presence and progression of scoliosis were studied. Nine patients with confirmed CS were followed for a mean of 6.6 years. Five patients showed mild scoliosis. Two patients had lumbar kyphosis in addition to their scoliosis, and one showed scoliosis with proximal thoracic kyphosis. Three patients underwent investigation with MRI, one of which showed Chiari I malformation and a syrinx. One showed no change in the severity of their deformity over time. The remaining four patients showed a rate of increasing coronal deformity of 2.1° per year. There were no cases of rapid progression. All cases showed delayed skeletal maturity. The spinal deformity in CS appears to be slowly progressive. To identify those at risk of more rapid progression, brain and spine MRI should be carried out to exclude structural neurological abnormalities. Long follow-up is required for patients with spinal deformity in CS due to the delay in reaching skeletal maturity. Evidence level: 4.

Effect of the Pelvic Correction Exercise with Sports Taping Treatment on Trunk Isokinetic Muscle Function and Movement and Flexibility of Female Who Have Lumbar Kyphosis

This study aimed to provide fundamental data of pelvic correction exercise with sports taping treatment (PCE and STT) on trunk isokinetic muscle function and movement and flexibility of female who have lumbar kyphosis. This study conducted from April to September 2020 on female who have lumbar kyphosis who took part in PCE and SPT program. These subjects were compared with non-exercise group (NEG). Forty-eight voluntary subjects were divided by NEG (n=12), the second group who participated in the PCE and STT program 1 - 2 times a week (DEG, n=12), and the third group who normally participated in the PCE and STT (OEG, n=12), respectively. The results of this study were as follows: First, as a result of analyzing the change of trunk isokinetic muscle function according to PCE and STT, OEG was significantly improved compared to NEG and DEG. Second, as a result of analyzing the change of pelvic movement according to PCE and STT, OEG was significantly improved compared to NEG and DEG. Third, as a result of analyzing the change of flexibility according to PCE and STT, OEG was significantly improved compared to NEG and DEG. As conclusions, these results informed that the PCE and STT for 16 weeks would provide positive effects on trunk isokinetic muscle function and movement and flexibility.