Progressive Early-onset Scoliosis Research Articles

The efficacy of bracing in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis

Serial casting as one of the applications to treat early-onset scoliosis has been reported efficiently to improve deformity, but no report has focused on the efficacy of braces in the treatment of congenital early-onset scoliosis and comparison with progressive idiopathic early-onset scoliosis. Patients with progressive EOS treated with braces in our institution with a minimum of 4 years follow-up were reviewed. Two groups according to the etiological diagnosis were analyzed and compared: the congenital scoliosis (CS) group and idiopathic scoliosis (IS) group. The success cases and the failure cases were also compared. 27 patients with an average main Cobb angle of 38.19° (20–55) underwent initial bracing at an average age of 55.7 months (24–108), the average follow-up time was 76.19 months (49–117). In IS group the main Cobb angle was corrected to 18.69 ± 12.06° (48.61%) following the first bracing; the final Cobb angle was 23.08 ± 22.15°(38.76%) after brace removal. In CS group the main Cobb angle was corrected to 33.93 ± 10.31°(17.1%) following the first bracing and 37.93 ± 14.74°(3.53%) after brace removal. Both coronal chest width and T1-T12 height increased dramatically from pre-bracing to the last follow-up. Patients diagnosed as IS tended to have a better result in main Cobb angle correction than that of CS (P = 0.049). By the time of last follow-up, 8 patients had undergone surgery, and the operation time was postponed by 68.88 ± 26.43 months. For patients with progressive early-onset scoliosis, bracing is an efficient nonsurgical alternative to casting, and some of them can be cured; if not, eventual surgical intervention can be delayed for a period of time without restrictions on the thoracic cavity.

LGG-03. Pediatric spinal deformities concomitant with spinal cord pilocytic astrocytoma

INTRODUCTION: Childhood spinal cord tumours may lead to spinal deformity. Rapid scoliosis progression, a left thoracic curve and early onset scoliosis are associated with an increased risk of intraspinal anomalies, therefore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 1-year-old girl presented with progressive early onset scoliosis. MRI of the spine showed diffuse intramedullary lesion at vertebral level T5 – T11 and abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine to the right – 39-degree Cobb angle, after a few moths – 71-degree. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid examination ruled out a neuroinfection and autoimmune diseases. Histology revealed BRAF V600E-mutant pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) (IDH non-mutant), DNA methylation profiling – PA, MGMT promoter methylation – not detected, SNP-A karyotyping – normal. Treatment with weekly vinblastin was started due to non-operable tumour and progressive scoliosis. Spinal deformity was managed using serial casting with only mild correction of curvature. In the second case report, a 14-year-old boy either presented with progressive scoliosis. Spine x-ray showed abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine to the left - 89-degree Cobb angle and after a few years - 120-degree. MRI of the spine detected intramedullary tumour masses located at vertebral level T3-T5. Surgical resection revealed BRAF V600E-mutant PA (IDH, ATRX, TERT non-mutant), DNA methylation profiling – PA, MGMT promoter status – not methylated, SNP-A karyotyping – non-specific trisomy of chromosome 5. The patient was followed-up by routine spine MRI. However, after 8 months new spinal cord masses appeared. It was decided to correct scoliosis only after the total tumour removal. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary spinal tumours are overall rare in the pediatric population. Of these, PA accounts for the majority, however treatment remains challenging. BRAF V600E mutation has relatively high frequency in PA. This mutation identification opens more treatment options such as targeted therapy with BRAF V600E and MEK inhibitors for progressive disease.

Surgical management of early-onset scoliosis: indications and currently available techniques

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is a heterogeneous group of spinal deformities affecting children under the age of 10 years of which the aetiology, natural history and treatment options vary considerably. In progressive EOS, treatment is based on exhausting conservative measures (casting or bracing) to halt curve progression while allowing for continuous growth of the spine and chest development. Early spinal fusion leads to loss of longitudinal spinal growth and restriction of cardiopulmonary function. In rapidly progressive curves that have failed conservative treatment a range of ‘growth-friendly’ surgical techniques have been developed to control curve deterioration. The indications and characteristics of distraction-based or compression-based methods, growth guidance and promising new techniques are discussed according to aetiology of EOS. Definitive spinal fusion remains reserved for patients ideally towards the end of their spinal growth and for short-segment treatment in congenital scoliosis.

Smaller Intervertebral Disc Volume and More Disc Degeneration after Spinal Distraction in Scoliotic Children.

In recent decades, magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) were established to treat progressive early-onset scoliosis. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effect of long-term MCGR with continuous distraction on intervertebral discs in scoliotic children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 33 children with spinal muscular atrophy was analyzed by grading intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and measuring intervertebral disc volume. Cohort I (n = 17) were children who had continuous spinal distraction with MCGRs for 5.1 years and MRI before (av. age 8.1) and after (av. age 13.4) MCGR treatment. Cohort II (n = 16, av. age 13.7) were patients without prior surgical treatment. Lumbar intervertebral disc volume of cohort I did not change during 5.1 years of MCGR treatment, whereas disc volumes were significantly larger in age- and disease-matched children without prior treatment (cohort II). Cohort I showed more IDD after MCGR treatment in comparison to early MRI studies of the same patients and children without surgical treatment. MRI data showed a volume reduction and disc degeneration of lower thoracic and lumbar intervertebral discs in scoliotic children after continuous spinal distraction with MCGRs. These effects were confirmed in the same subjects before and after treatment as well as in surgically untreated controls.

One-way self-expanding rod for early-onset scoliosis: early results of a clinical trial of 20 patients

Progressive early-onset scoliosis raises major challenges for surgeons, as growth must be preserved. With traditional growing rods, the need for repeated surgery is associated with numerous complications, high costs, and heavy psychosocial burden on the patient and family. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a new one-way self-expanding rod (OWSER). This prospective single-centre phase 2 study included two groups of children with progressive EOS treated by the OWSER in 2016-2017: Ten received a unilateral construct to treat progressive non-neuromuscular curves and 10 others a bilateral construct for neuromuscular scoliosis. Clinical and radiological data were assessed at surgery and 3, 6, 12, 18months later. The primary endpoint was success defined as the absence of repeated surgery at 12months. In the non-neuromuscular group, rod expansion occurred in 5 of 10 patients [95% CI 19-81]; in the five other patients, rotational conflict inside the domino prevented rod expansion, four of them required surgery within the first 12months. Rod expansion occurred spontaneously and during monthly traction sessions in all 10 neuromuscular patients [95% CI 69-100], without mechanical or device-related complications. Residual pelvic obliquity was improved by -3° [- 6.0 to 9.5] at 18months. Lung function improved in the non-neuromuscular group. In neuromuscular diseases, the OWSER bilateral construct seems to be safe and less aggressive. Used as unilateral construct in non-neuromuscular group, it was less effective. Accordingly, we recommend the bilateral construct for all aetiologies. That device could avoid further surgery and reduce the rate of complications after long follow-up.

Comparison of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods with Other Distraction-Based Surgical Technologies for Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Severe and progressive early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has a serious prognosis including cardiopulmonary compromise. Growth-friendly technologies are the current surgical standard of care. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are newer implants with the potential for better quality of life and cost savings; however, they have not been well compared with the traditional distraction-based implants. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes, complications, metal ion levels, quality-of-life outcomes, and cost of MCGRs with other distraction-based surgical technologies for the treatment of EOS. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Record screening and data abstraction were completed in duplicate. Summary outcomes were calculated in a meta-analysis, if heterogeneity was appropriate, using a fixed-effects model. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 18 studies. MCGRs were as clinically effective as other distraction-based technologies, with no significant difference in the Cobb angle at the latest follow-up (mean difference [MD], 1.20°; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.80° to 4.20°; p = 0.43) and a significantly lower complication rate (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.71; p = 0.001). Quality of life measured using the EOSQ-24 (24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire) was better in the MCGR group compared with other technologies (MD, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.40 to 3.95; p = 0.02). Serum titanium levels were 2.98 ng/mL (95% CI, 1.41 to 4.55 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) greater in patients with MCGRs, but the clinical impact is unclear. MCGRs had greater cost for the device and insertion but became cost-neutral or cost-effective compared with other technologies by 4 years postoperatively. MCGRs are clinically equivalent and cost-effective in the long term compared with other distraction-based technologies for the treatment of EOS. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The potential of spring distraction to dynamically correct complex spinal deformities in the growing child

PurposeCurrent treatment of progressive early onset scoliosis involves growth-friendly instrumentation if conservative treatment fails. These implants guide growth by passive sliding or repeated lengthenings. None of these techniques provide dynamic correction after implantation. We developed the spring distraction system (SDS), by using one or multiple compressed springs positioned around a standard sliding rod, to provide active continuous distraction of the spine to stimulate growth and further correction. The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility and proof of concept of the SDS.MethodsWe developed a versatile, dynamic spring distraction system for patients who would benefit from active continuous distraction. This prospective case series evaluates four patients with exceptional and progressive congenital spine deformities.ResultsFour patients had a mean age of 6.8 years at surgery with a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 25–45). The mean progressive thoracic lordosis, which was the reason for initiating surgical treatment in two patients, changed from 32° lordosis preoperatively to 1° kyphosis post-operatively. During follow-up, this further improved to 32° thoracic kyphosis. In the two other patients, with cervicothorcacic scoliosis, the main coronal curve improved from 79° pre-operatively to 56° post-operatively and further improved to 42°. The mean T1-S1 spine growth during follow-up for all patients was 1.3 cm/year. There was one reoperation because of skin problems and no device-failures.ConclusionThese early results show the feasibility and the proof of concept of spring-based distraction as a dynamic growth-enhancing system with the potential of further correction of the deformity after implantation.

New growth rod concept provides three dimensional correction, spinal growth, and preserved pulmonary function in early-onset scoliosis.

This study aims to describe a novel minimal invasive early-onset scoliosis (EOS) growth rod concept, the Cody Bünger (CB) Concept, which combines concave interval distraction and contralateral-guided growth with apical control and to investigate the 3D deformity correction, the spinal growth, and the pulmonary development. A series of 38 children with progressive EOS and growth potential, receiving a highly specialized surgical treatment, including primary and conversion cases. Mean age was 10.2years (4.4-15.8) with a mean follow-up of 5.6years, and they underwent 168/184 open/magnetic lengthening procedures. Outcomes were as follows: scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis angles; apical rotation; spinal length; apical translation; coronal and sagittal vertical alignment; complications; and pulmonary function in a subgroup. Scoliosis improved from mean 76° (46-129) to 35° (8-74) post-op and was 42° (13-83) at end of treatment. Apical rotation was reduced by 30% but was partially lost during treatment. Thoracic kyphosis initially decreased by mean 15° and was partially lost during treatment. Lordosis was largely unaltered during treatment. Mean T1-S1 height increased from 30.7cm (22.7-39.2) to 34.6cm (27.8-45.1) postop and further increased to 38.5cm (30.1-48.1) during treatment. This corresponded to a T1-S1 growth rate of 12mm/year, and positive growth rates were found in all height parameters evaluated. Frontal balance and apical translation improved, whereas sagittal balance was unaltered. Complications occurred in 22/38 patients, and 11/38 had an unintended reoperation. Pulmonary function (FVC and FEV) increased but the relative lung function was unchanged. The new growth rod concept provided 3D correction and spinal growth at complication rates comparable with other growth-friendly techniques for EOS, while pulmonary function was preserved. Single magnetic rod distraction was incorporated successfully, replacing surgical elongations.

One-Way Self-Expanding Rod for Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Prospective Observational Study of 20 Patients

Background: Progressive early-onset scoliosis (EOS) raises major challenges for surgeons, as growth must be preserved. With conventional growing rods, the need for repeated surgery for rod lengthening is associated with numerous complications, high costs, and a heavy psychosocial burden on the patient and family. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a new One-Way Self-Expanding Rod (OWSER). Methods: This prospective single-centre phase 2 study included two groups of children with progressive EOS treated by the OWSER in 2016-2017: ten received a unilateral construct to treat progressive non-neuromuscular curves and ten others a bilateral construct for neuromuscular scoliosis. Clinical and radiological data were assessed at surgery then 3, 6, 12, and 18 months later. The primary endpoint was success defined as absence of repeated surgery or Cobb angle progression <15° at 12 months. Findings: In the non-neuromuscular group, rod expansion occurred in 50% of patients [95CI, 19-81]; in the 5 other patients, rotational conflict at the flat part of the rod prevented rod expansion, 4 of them required surgery within the first 12 months. Rod expansion occurred spontaneously and during monthly traction sessions in all ten neuromuscular patients [95%CI, 69-100], without mechanical or device-related complications, and residual pelvic obliquity was improved by -3° [-6·0 to 9·5] at 18 months. Lung function improved in the non-neuromuscular group. Interpretation: Used in a bilateral construct, the OWSER seems safe and less aggressive than traditional growing rods. It should avoid further surgery and reduce the complication rate. The bilateral construct seemed effective in correcting EOS in our small sample. The OWSER may be the treatment of choice for progressive spinal deformities in skeletally immature children. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02266667. Funding Statement: Euros Company, SAS. Declaration of Interests: LM received grant and research support from Euros Company SAS and is a co-designer of the device. All other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: All parents or guardians provided written informed consent. The study protocol was sponsored by the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris and approved by the appropriate ethics committee (Comite de Protection des Personnes Ile-de France 2, n° 2014-06-10) and Agence Nationale de Securite du Medicament (ANSM, DMTCOS/DMCHIR/LAB/2014-A01043-44-A).

Upper Instrumented Vertebrae Distal to T2 Leads to a Higher Incidence of Proximal Junctional Kyphosis During Growing-rod Treatment for Early Onset Scoliosis.

A retrospective case series. We sought to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after growing-rod surgery in patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS). Growing-rod surgery is the primary treatment in patients with progressive EOS when conservative treatment fails. PJK is one of the most commonly reported postoperative complications. We retrospectively evaluated 50 patients (24 boys and 26 girls) diagnosed with EOS who underwent growing-rod surgery. Preoperative and follow-up demographic data, surgical strategies, and radiographic parameters were recorded and analyzed to identify PJK risk factors. The mean age of patients at the time of the initial surgery was 8.6±2.5 years. Mean follow-up was 33.5±10.8 months, and mean number of lengthening surgeries were 2.14±1.52. Twenty-eight of the surgical procedures were single growing-rod surgeries, of which 22 were dual growing-rod surgeries. The upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) ranged from C6-T6, and the lower instrumented vertebrae ranged from L1-S1. Ultimately, PJK developed in 14 (28%) of 50 patients. Taller patients, UIV distal to T2, and greater postoperative upper thoracic scoliosis (UTS) were suspected potential risk factors of PJK during the univariate analysis (P<0.1). Multifactorial regression analysis confirmed that UIV distal to T2 (hazard ratio=5.474; P=0.044) and postoperative UTS >50 degrees (hazard ratio=1.049; P=0.046) were the independent risk factors of PJK during growing-rod treatment in patients with EOS. The prevalence of PJK was 28% during growing-rod treatment in EOS. The independent risk factors for PJK were UIV distal to T2 and postoperative UTS >50 degrees. It is important for spine surgeons to recognize these risk factors when planning surgeries, and counseling patients and families about this possible complication. Level III.

Hardware Complications for Early Onset Scoliosis Patients with Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods are Higher than Traditional Growth Rods at 2-years Follow-Up

Purpose: Since FDA approval (2014), magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) has been increasingly utilized for patients with progressive early onset scoliosis (EOS) compared to traditional growth rod (TGR). However, it is still unproven whether MCGR is superior in reducing unplanned surgeries or complications. The purpose of this study is to compare complications between MCGR and TGR at 2 years. We hypothesize that MCGR patients will have fewer unplanned surgeries and complications compared to TGR at 2 years. Methods: …

The Recognition, Incidence, and Management of Spinal Cord Monitoring Alerts in Early-onset Scoliosis Surgery.

The objective of the research was to study the relevance of intraoperative neuromonitoring throughout all stages of surgical management in patients with progressive early-onset scoliosis (EOS).The routine monitoring of spinal cord potentials has gradually become standard of practice among spinal surgeons. However, there is not a consensus that the added expense of this technique necessitates monitoring in all stages of surgical management. A retrospective review of 180 surgical cases of 30 patients with EOS from July 2003 to July 2012 was performed. All monitoring alerts as judged by the neuromonitoring team were identified. Both somatosensory-evoked potentials and transcranial electric motor-evoked potentials were studied and no limiting thresholds for reporting electrophysiological changes were deemed appropriate. Of 150 monitored cases there were 18 (12%) monitoring alerts. This represented 40% of the patient cohort over the 9-year study period. Index versus routine lengthening rate of alerts showed no significant difference in incidence of monitoring alerts. Conversely, several patients whose primary implantation surgeries were uneventful had monitoring alerts later in their treatment course. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is warranted throughout all stages of surgical management of EOS. Level IV. This study is a retrospective review of surgical cases of 30 patients with EOS.

VEPTR Implantation to Treat Children With Early-Onset Scoliosis Without Rib Abnormalities: Early Results From a Prospective Multicenter Study.

Thoracoplasty and insertion of vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) for thoracic and spine distraction has been found to be effective in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) with ribs anomalies and congenital vertebral anomalies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VEPTR in preventing further progression of scoliosis without impeding spinal growth in children with progressive EOS without rib abnormalities. This is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study. Erect radiographs were analyzed for coronal and sagittal curve and height measurements at preimplant, immediate postoperative, and at 2-year follow-up. Sixty-three patients met inclusion: 35 males and 28 females. Mean age at time of implantation was 6.1±2.4 years. Etiologies included congenital (n=6), neuromuscular (n=36), syndromic (n=4), and idiopathic (n=17). The mean follow-up was 2.2±0.4 years. Scoliosis (72±18 degrees) decreased after implant surgery (47±17 degrees) followed by slight increase at 2-year follow-up (57±18 degrees), P<0.0001. Kyphosis (48±22 degrees) also showed significant decrease after implantation (40±14 degrees), but increased after 2 years (48±16 degrees), P<0.0001. Coronal spine height measurements including T1-T12 (15.7±3 cm) and T1-S1 (25±6 cm) showed significant increases after implantation surgery (17.7±4 cm and 28.6±6 cm, respectively) and at 2 years (18.4±4 cm and 29.1±5 cm, respectively), P<0.0001. The increase in coronal spine height represented 144% of expected age-matched T1-T12 growth and 193% of expected age-matched T1-S1 growth. Similarly, sagittal spine length of T1-T12 and T1-S1 increased from 16.9±2.7 cm and 27.1±3.9 cm, respectively preoperatively to 19.7±3.5 cm and 31.9±5.1 cm, respectively at 2-year follow-up, P<0.0001. The instrumented spine segment continued growth from 25.8±5.2 cm after implantation to 27.4±5.3 cm at 2-year follow-up, P<0.0001. Thirty-one patients (49%) had at least 1 complication with total of 58 complications. At 2-year follow-up, VEPTR was effective in treating EOS without rib abnormalities with 86% of patients having an improvement in scoliosis and 94% of patients having an increased spinal height as compared with preoperative values. This study proved that spine continues to grow after VEPTR instrumentation during the distraction phase. This amount of growth represents about 40% for T1-T12 and 31% for T1-S1 spine of the expected age-matched growth based on Dimeglio reference numbers. We find this growth important as it proves continuous spine growth with VEPTR treatment. Level II.

Magnetic Controlled Growing Rods as a Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis: Early Results With Two Patients.

Prospective unicentral nonrandomized study. To evaluate the safety and effectivity profile of magnetic controlled growing rods (MCGR) in patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS). Conventional growing rods are the most commonly used growth sparring devices in the treatment of EOS, as this technique requires repeated surgical operations for lengthening; it is associated with high rate of complications and increased costs. MCGR in treatment of EOS is effective in correcting deformity whereas allowing continuous spinal growth as reported by a few studies. A total of 18 patients with progressive EOS were treated by MCGR, two of them had undergone final fusion operation. Patients were followed-up for a minimium time of 9 months from the time of initial surgery. Radiological data were analyzed in terms of Cobb angle, kyphosis angle, T1-T12, and T1-S1 distances in preoperative, postoperative, and last follow up. The mean preoperative Cobb and kyphosis angle were 68° (44-116°) and 43° (98-24°), it was corrected to 35° (67-12°) and 29° (47-21°) immediately after initial operation and maintained at 34.5° (52-10°) and 33° (52-20°) at last follow up, respectively.The mean preoperative T1-T12 and T1-S1 distance were 171 mm (202-130 mm) and 289 mm (229-370 mm), it was increased to 197 mm (158-245 mm) and 330 mm (258-406mm) immediately after initial operation and further increased to 215 mm (170-260 mm) and 357 mm (277-430 mm) at last follow up, respectively.Two patients had undergone final fusion, they had overall mean Cobb angle correction of 66° (62-70°), and kyphosis angle change of 53° (26-80°). Total height gain in T1-T12 and T1-S1 of 80.5 mm (67-94 mm) and 119 mm (105-133 ), respectively. MCGR is safe and effective technique in correction of EOS deformity and in maintaining the correction during nonsurgical distraction procedures. A further correction of the deformity and more spinal height gain can be achieved in the final fusion operation. 3.

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) that have Food and Drug Administration clearance since 2014 for the treatment of progressive early onset scoliosis in immature patients at risk for thoracic insufficiency syndrome are designed to reduce the number of planned open surgical procedures for lengthening and minimize the complications of more conventional techniques such as traditional growing rods (TGR). MCGR is a safe and effective distraction-based growing rod technique with similar results in curve correction and growth achievement as TGR. However, its main advantage over TGR is to allow noninvasive lengthenings, which significantly decrease number of planned surgeries and affect the rate of complications due to repeated surgeries associated with this technique. The indications and surgical techniques for MCGR are similar to TGR. However, it requires attention to detail, and the purpose of this article is to thoroughly discuss the technique with specific attention to these trivial but important points that makes it different from TGR. In this article, we have described the surgical technique for MCGR. We have also detailed indications and contraindications, preoperative evaluation, imaging, surgical anatomy, positioning, exposure, postoperative lengthening, and expected outcomes.

Casting for Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis

Over the past decade, casting for scoliosis has become increasingly popular, likely because surgical methods still fall short of a perfect solution. Casting is a useful technique for treating progressive early-onset scoliosis, because the treatment often results in either a cure for younger children with smaller curves or a delay in the need for surgery in others. Proper technique focuses on the rotational component of the curve and avoids pushing the convex ribs further into the chest.

Efficacy and Risk Factors, for Complications Associated with Growing Rods, in the Management of Progressive Early-Onset Scoliosis

Introduction Growing-rod spinal instrumentation systems are a valuable option for managing progressive early-onset scoliosis. However, some studies had suggested that its efficacy may be lost over a period time and could be counterbalanced by a high rate of complications. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of growing rods for the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis. Materials and Methods An Institutional Review Board approved cross-sectional study was performed, including patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with growing rods between 1997 and 2012. A retrospective review of the chart and radiographic data were performed. Risk factors for complications were explored using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Records of 35 patients were included. The mean age at implantation of the rods was 5.8 ± 2.3 years. Overall, 18 patients had a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis, 11 with congenital scoliosis, and 6 with neuromuscular scoliosis. The mean Cobb measurement for the preoperative major curves was 66.7 ± 14.4 (range, 42–98) degrees. After a mean of 4 ± 1.4 lengthening procedures, there was a statistically significant improvement in the coronal plane deformity to a mean of 34.9 ± 11.2 degrees ( p &lt; 0.001), resulting in an average decrease of 31.8 ± 14.6 degrees. Following complications have occurred in 11 patients (31.4%): implant failure/fracture (22.9%), surgical site infection (5.7%), and transient brachial plexus injury (2.8%). The only risk factor associated with the presentation of postoperative complications was the total number of lengthening procedures (OR = 2.79). Conclusion Growing rods are effective for reduction of the magnitude of the spinal deformities in patients with progressive early-onset scoliosis before the definite fusion. However, this treatment is related with a relatively high rate of postoperative complications. Those complications appear to be associated with the total number of lengthening procedures previous to the definitive fusion. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of lengthening as much as needed for maintaining the correction and allow the longitudinal growing of the spine.

Serial Derotational Casting in Idiopathic and Non-Idiopathic Progressive Early-Onset Scoliosis

IntroductionSerial derotational casting has been used as a definitive treatment or as delaying strategy in progressive idiopathic (IS) and non-idiopathic (NIS) early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MethodsRetrospective chart and radiographic review of patients who underwent serial casting for progressive EOS between 2005 and 2012 at a single institution. ResultsA total of 74 consecutive patients entered serial cast treatment. Twenty-eight were currently being casted, 30 completed cast treatment and were converted to thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO), 9 were treated surgically, 6 were lost to follow-up, and 1 had no further treatment. The researchers diagnosed IS in 41 patients; 33 had NIS. At presentation the IS group had an average Cobb angle (CA) of 49° and a rib vertebral angle difference (RVAD) of 37°. The NIS group had a CA of 51° (p = .69) and RVAD of 37° (p = .94). In patients currently being casted, 19 IS patients had a decreased CA, from 47° to 27°. The 9 NIS patients had a decreased CA, from 62° to 57° (p = .0002). Cobb angle improvement was significantly better in IS (p = .0005). In the TLSO group the 17 IS patients had a decreased average CA, from 46° to 18°, after serial casting and the 13 NIS patients decreased CA from 42° to 32°. Patients with IS had better improvement in CA than the NIS group (p < .001). At last follow-up, this was reduced to 11° in the IS group and maintained at 32° in the NIS. In the IS group, 5 of 41 patients were converted to growth constructs, and 4 of 26 in the NIS group. Casting initiated before age 2 years yielded better curve correction for IS (p < .01) compared with NIS. ConclusionsProgressive idiopathic scoliosis patients had better curve correction with casting than NIS patients. Casting in IS patients before age 24 months yielded better curve correction. Patients who required surgery had a higher age and Cobb angle at presentation than those who transitioned to a TLSO. The surgical group was observed for a similar duration of time and there was no significant statistical difference. Although RVAD is a predictor of progression in infantile IS, it did not show a predictive value in the response to casting of either the IS or NIS groups.

Biomechanical Evaluation of 4 Different Foundation Constructs Commonly Used in Growing Spine Surgery: Are Rib Anchors Comparable to Spine Anchors?

Study DesignIn vitro animal model. ObjectiveTo compare the strength of 4 different anchor constructs commonly used as foundations in growing spine surgery. Summary of Background DataChildren with progressive early-onset scoliosis often require surgical intervention to control the deformity and allow continued growth. The foundation sites of growing spine constructs take a significant load and can fail. This study compares the strength of 4 commonly used constructs applying the same load in a porcine model. MethodsForty immature porcine specimens including soft tissues (10 per group) were instrumented with 1 of 4 bilateral proximal anchors at T5–T6. The four groups were: screw–screw (SS), lamina hook–hook (HH), rib hook–hook (RR), and transverse process to lamina hook–hook (TPL). The entire specimen was kept intact except for surgical site exposure. A unique fixture was designed to brace the specimen and provide a counterforce. The ultimate load was identified as the greatest load recorded for a construct and analyzed by a set of 1-way analysis of variance using the SPSS 12.0 statistical package. ResultsAll specimens eventually failed at the bone–anchor interface. No failures were observed in the instrumentation used. The means and standard deviations of ultimate loads were measured as RR (429 ± 133 N), SS (349 ± 89 N), HH (283 ± 48 N), and TPL (236 ± 60 N). There was no statistically significant difference between the following construct pairs: RR/SS, SS/HH, and HH/TPL. Young's modulus was calculated for each construct type and no statistically significant difference was determined. ConclusionsThis study showed that RR and SS constructs had the greatest ultimate strength but also the greatest variability among the foundations tested. However, the HH and TPL constructs had lower ultimate strength but were less variable. Rib-based anchors may be considered as an alternative in upper foundation constructs in growing rod techniques.

Traditional Growing Rods Versus Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for the Surgical Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Case-Matched 2-Year Study

IntroductionTraditional growing rod (TGR) surgery is a treatment technique commonly used for progressive early-onset scoliosis. Studies have shown that repeated TGR lengthenings can significantly increase the risk of complications. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) are currently available outside of the United States and early results have been promising. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of MCGR versus TGR for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. MethodsMagnetically controlled growing rod patients were selected based on the following criteria: aged less than 10 years, major curve greater than 30°, thoracic height less than 22 cm, no previous spine surgery, and minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 17 MCGR patients met the inclusion criteria, 12 of whom had complete data available for analysis. Each MCGR patient was matched with a TGR patient by etiology, gender, single versus dual rods, preoperative age, and preoperative major curve. ResultsMagnetically controlled growing rod patients had a mean age of 6.8 years and mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Mean follow-up was greater for TGR patients by 1.6 years. Major curve correction was similar between MCGR and TGR patients throughout treatment. The MCGR patients experienced an average of 8.1 mm/year increase in T1–S1 during the lengthening period, compared with 9.7 mm/year for TGR patients (p = .73). There was a mean increase in T1–T12 of 1.5 mm/year for MCGR patients and 2.3 mm/year for TGR patients (p = .83). The TGR patients had 73 open surgeries, 56 of which were lengthenings. The MCGR patients had 16 open surgeries and 137 noninvasive lengthenings. Three TGR patients underwent 5 unplanned revision surgeries whereas 3 MCGR patients underwent 4 unplanned revisions. ConclusionsMajor curve correction was similar between MCGR and TGR patients throughout treatment. Annual T1–S1 and T1–12 growth was also similar between groups. The MCGR patients had 57 fewer surgical procedures than TGR patients. Incidence of unplanned surgical revisions as a result of complications was similar between groups.