Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire Research Articles

Unplanned Reoperations Affect Long-Term Outcomes in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients Undergoing Long Fusions to the Sacrum

Study DesignRetrospective clinical cohort study. ObjectiveTo compare the long-term complications and outcomes scores of primary and revision surgeries for adult spinal deformity of patients treated with long fusions to the sacrum. Summary of Background DataLong fusions in patients with adult spinal deformity are fraught with complications and the need for reoperation that can significantly impact patient health-related quality of life. MethodsData from 134 consecutive patients who underwent spinal fusion from the thoracic spine to the sacropelvis and had a minimum of 5-year follow-up were analyzed. Patients were classified as primary surgery (PS) and index revision (IR) surgery; they were then subdivided based on whether they returned to the operating room (RTO) or not (NRTO). RTO complications were classified as 1) infection, 2) neurologic, 3) fusion status, 4) implants, and 5) global alignment and stratified as <6 months, <2 years, and >2 years. Final Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS 22r) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared between subgroups. ResultsSeventy-one PS and 63 IR were included in the analysis. Mean age at surgery was 54.9 years (30–78), mean follow-up 5.8 years (4.9–12.8). RTO rates were 21.1% and 34.9%, respectively, for PS and IR (p = .16). 43.8% of patients requiring reoperation did so on multiple occasions. Fifty PS and 41 IR cases had complete SRS 22 and ODI scores. Final SRS 22 total scores were 3.74 and 3.41 (p = .02) for the respective groups. ODI scores were 25.4% and 34.0% (p = .02). ConclusionsBoth groups had a significant number of revision surgeries performed by 5 years of follow-up. Unplanned reoperation significantly affected ODI and SRS 22 outcomes scores in the individual domains of pain, function, and overall satisfaction as well as total score at the 5-year follow-up regardless of PS or IR status. Overall, the PS group had improved outcomes when compared to the IR group.

How the neck affects the back: changes in regional cervical sagittal alignment correlate to HRQOL improvement in adult thoracolumbar deformity patients at 2-year follow-up.

OBJECT Regional cervical sagittal alignment (C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA]) has been shown to correlate with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The study objective was to examine the relationship between cervical and thoracolumbar alignment parameters with HRQOL among patients with operative and nonoperative adult thoracolumbar deformity. METHODS This is a multicenter prospective data collection of consecutive patients with adult thoracolumbar spinal deformity. Clinical measures of disability included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Cervical radiographic parameters were correlated with global sagittal parameters within the nonoperative and operative cohorts. A partial correlation analysis was performed controlling for C-7 SVA. The operative group was subanalyzed by the magnitude of global deformity (C-7 SVA ≥ 5 cm vs < 5 cm). RESULTS A total of 318 patients were included (186 operative and 132 nonoperative). The mean age was 55.4 ± 14.9 years. Operative patients had significantly worse baseline HRQOL and significantly larger C-7 SVA, pelvic tilt (PT), mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), and C2-7 SVA. The operative patients with baseline C-7 SVA ≥ 5 cm had significantly larger C2-7 lordosis (CL), C2-7 SVA, C-7 SVA, PI-LL, and PT than patients with a normal C-7 SVA. For all patients, baseline C2-7 SVA and CL significantly correlated with baseline ODI, Physical Component Summary (PCS), SRS Activity domain, and SRS Appearance domain. Baseline C2-7 SVA also correlated with SRS Pain and SRS Total. For the operative patients with baseline C-7 SVA ≥ 5 cm, the 2-year C2-7 SVA significantly correlated with 2-year Mental Component Summary, SRS Mental, SRS Satisfaction, and decreases in ODI. Decreases in C2-7 SVA at 2 years significantly correlated with lower ODI at 2 years. Using partial correlations while controlling for C-7 SVA, the C2-7 SVA correlated significantly with baseline ODI (r = 0.211, p = 0.002), PCS (r = -0.178, p = 0.009), and SRS Activity (r = -0.145, p = 0.034) for the entire cohort. In the subset of operative patients with larger thoracolumbar deformities, the change in C2-7 SVA correlated with change in ODI (r = -0.311, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Changes in cervical lordosis correlate to HRQOL improvements in thoracolumbar deformity patients at 2-year follow-up. Regional cervical sagittal parameters such as CL and C2-7 SVA are correlated with clinical measures of regional disability and health status in patients with adult thoracolumbar scoliosis. This effect may be direct or a reciprocal effect of the underlying global deformities on regional cervical alignment. However, the partial correlation analysis, controlling for the magnitude of the thoracolumbar deformity, suggests that there is a direct effect of cervical alignment on health measures. Improvements in regional cervical alignment postoperatively correlated positively with improved HRQOL.

Adult thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis treated with long vertebral fusion to the sacropelvis: a comparison between new hybrid selective spinal fusion versus anterior-posterior spinal instrumentation

Background contextCombined anteroposterior spinal fusion with instrumentation has been used for many years to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This surgery remains a technical challenge to spine surgeons, and current literature reports high complication rates. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to validate a new hybrid technique (a combination of single-rod anterior instrumentation and a shorter posterior instrumentation to the sacrum) to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. Study designThis study is a retrospective consecutive case series of surgically treated patients with adult lumbar or thoracolumbar scoliosis. Patient sampleThis is a retrospective study of 33 matched pairs of patients with adult scoliosis who underwent two different surgical procedures: a new hybrid technique versus a third-generation anteroposterior spinal fusion. Outcome measuresPreoperative and postoperative outcome measures include self-report measures, physiological measures, and functional measures. MethodsIn a retrospective case-control study, 33 patients treated with the hybrid technique were matched with 33 patients treated with traditional anteroposterior fusion based on preoperative radiographic parameters. Mean follow-up in the hybrid group was 5.3 years (range, 2–11 years), compared with 4.6 years (range, 2–10 years) in the control group. Operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss, and levels fused were collected as surrogates for surgical morbidity. Radiographic parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22r) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected for clinical outcomes. ResultsOperating room time, EBL, and levels fused were significantly less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (p<.0001). The postoperative thoracic Cobb angle was similar between the hybrid and control techniques (p=.24); however, the hybrid technique showed significant improvement in the thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (p=.004) and the lumbosacral fractional curve (p<.0001). The major complication rate was less in the hybrid group compared with the control group (18% vs. 39%, p=.01). Clinical outcomes at final follow-up were not significantly different based on overall SRS-22r scores and ODI scores. ConclusionThe new hybrid technique demonstrates good long-term results, with less morbidity and fewer complications than traditional anteroposterior surgery select patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This study received no funding. No potential conflict of interest-associated bias existed.

Validation of Italian version of Brace Questionnaire (BrQ)

BackgroundBrace questionnaire (BrQ) is a tool used to evaluate Health Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) that undergo bracing treatment. The BrQ has not been translated and validated for Italian-speaking patients with AIS. The aim of the study was to perform a trans-cultural validation of BrQ to be used in an Italian speaking population.MethodsTranslation into Italian (I-BrQ) and back translation to the original Greek (G-BrQ) was performed. The final I-BrQ was then analyzed for Italian cultural characteristics and no inconsistencies were found. After that, construct validity was measured analyzing the I-BrQ relationship with 1) Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient Questionnaire (SRS-22), in order to evaluate the relationship with another patient-oriented questionnaire not focused on brace therapy; 2) Cobb degree scale, in order to evaluate the relationship with the magnitude of the curve. Reproducibility was also tested.ResultsTranslation of the G-BrQ into Italian was successful and back-translation to Greek corresponded well with the original Greek version.Global I-BrQ correlated strongly with SRS-22 (r = 0.826; p < 0.001). Almost all sub scores from each I-BrQ domain strongly correlated with the single domain scores of SRS-22. Only two I-BrQ sub scores weakly inversely correlated with Cobb degree value.Reproducibility was good (Spearman-Brown coefficient value was 0.943; p < 0.05).ConclusionsTrans-cultural validation in Italian language showed the validity and reliability of the I-BrQ.

Preoperative Diagnosis of Infection in Patients with Nonunions

The surgical treatment of a fracture nonunion is complicated in the presence of infection. The purpose of the present study is to report on the utility of a standardized protocol to rule out infection in high-risk patients and to evaluate the efficacy of each component of the protocol. A single protocol of preoperative laboratory tests (white blood-cell count, C-reactive protein level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and a combined white blood cell/sulfur colloid scan were performed for patients with a high risk of fracture nonunion. Infection was diagnosed on the basis of positive intraoperative cultures, evidence of gross infection at the time of the procedure, or evidence of gross infection during the immediate postoperative period. With use of infection as the end point, univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to compare tests. A risk stratification method was used to combine tests. Ninety-three patients with ninety-five nonunions were evaluated. Thirty of the ninety-five nonunions were ultimately diagnosed as being infected. With use of a combination of elevated white blood-cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level and a positive scan, the predicted probabilities of infection associated with zero, one, two, and three positive tests were 18%, 24%, 50%, and 86%, respectively. With the elimination of the nuclear scan, the predicted probabilities for zero, one, two, and three risk factors were 20%, 19%, 56%, and 100%. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the C-reactive protein level were both independently accurate predictors of infection. Use of a risk stratification method showed that the likelihood of infection increased with each additional positive test. A combined white blood cell/sulfur colloid scan was the least predictive method of revealing infection and is not cost effective, even as part of a stratification scheme. Diagnostic level III. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The timing of surgical staging has a significant impact on the complications and functional outcomes of adult spinal deformity surgery

Background contextTo our knowledge, the effect of the staging regimen on the surgical outcome in patients undergoing combined anterior/posterior surgery for the treatment of spinal deformity has not been previously studied. PurposeTo compare outcomes of anterior/posterior surgery for adult spinal deformity staged less than 21 days apart versus those 21 or more days apart. Study designA retrospective comparison study. Patient samplePatients aged 40 years or older who underwent combined anterior/posterior fusions for spinal deformities. Outcome measuresSelf-reported measures, physiological measures, and functional measures. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for 63 consecutive patients (50 females and 13 males) older than 40 years who underwent combined anterior/posterior fusions for spinal deformities and who had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. We divided them into those who had surgery staged less than 21 days apart (Group 1, N=29) and those who had surgery staged 21 or more days apart (Group 2, N=34). The groups were not statistically different in age; preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists, Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores; number of previous surgeries; number of levels fused; or total operative time. Hotelling t square test and the chi-squared test were used to compare clinical and radiographic parameters, complications, and functional outcomes between groups (significance, p<.05). ResultsCompared with Group 1 patients, Group 2 (staged) patients had a lower total estimated blood loss (average, 4.5 L [range, 1.90–8.75 L] vs. 4 L [range, 1.8–10.1 L], respectively), fewer combined hospital days (average, 14 days [range, 7–70 days] vs. 12 days [range, 6–44 days], respectively), and fewer major complications (total, 10 [35%] vs. 6 [18%], respectively). Preoperative SRS-22 and ODI scores were significantly better in Group 2 than in Group 1 at 6 weeks (p<.001) and at final follow-up (p<.001), respectively. ConclusionFor patients who require both anterior and posterior surgery for spinal deformity correction, staging the two procedures 21 or more days apart decreases total perioperative transfusion requirements although significantly improving functional outcomes.

Outcome of Revision Surgery in Pediatric Spine Deformity Patients

Study DesignRetrospective case series. ObjectivesTo report the complications and outcomes of pediatric revision spine surgery and review the surgical indications and treatment methods. Background SummaryRecent reports have shown the necessity of revision spine surgery for pediatric deformities. Many reports have shown the result of revision surgery for pediatric spinal deformity. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 638 patients with pediatric spinal deformity who were treated with surgery from 1996 to 2007. We identified 50 patients who underwent revision spinal fusion surgery with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. ResultsMean follow-up was 4 years (range, 3-8.3 years). The diagnosis at index surgery was idiopathic scoliosis in 18 patients, congenital scoliosis in 13, neuromuscular scoliosis in 13, tumor and spinal arteriovenous malformation in 4, burst fracture in thoracic spine in 1, and Scheuermann kyphosis in 1. The primary surgeries were 1 hemi epiphysiodesis, 3 anterior spinal fusions, 4 posterior decompressions, 8 combined anterior and posterior spinal fusions, and 34 posterior spinal fusions. A total of 16 patients had pseudarthrosis, 12 decompensation, 11 progressive kyphosis, 8 crankshaft phenomenon, 2 infections, and 1 junctional degeneration. All 50 reoperations included spinal instrumentation and fusion. The revision surgeries were 2 anterior spinal fusions, 14 posterior fusions, and 34 combined anterior and posterior spinal fusions. Spine arthrodesis was obtained in 98% of patients (49 of 50) and complications occurred in 14% of patients (7 of 50). The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire outcomes at the latest follow-up were as follows: total 3.95, function 3.88, pain 3.83, self-image 3.98, and mental health 4.04. ConclusionPseudarthrosis was the most common indication for revision surgery, and bony union was achieved in 98% with revision surgery. Despite the complications, pediatric revision spine surgery can achieve successful outcomes.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Low Back Pain of Patients Surgically Treated for Scoliosis After 21 Years or More of Follow-up

A case-control study. To compare health-related quality of life and low back pain of healthy subjects with those of patients with nonidiopathic scoliosis (non-IS) and idiopathic scoliosis (IS) 21 years or more after surgery. There have been a very small number of reports on long-term results of surgery for non-IS. There have not been any reports that compare non-IS, IS, and healthy subjects. The subjects with scoliosis were 602 patients who had undergone surgery between 1968 and 1988. The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), and our institution's original questionnaire were used for evaluating long-term clinical outcomes. The 136 respondents consisted of 56 patients with non-IS (non-IS group) and 80 patients with IS (IS group). The control group (CTR group) consisted of 80 healthy volunteers who were age- and body mass index-matched to the scoliosis groups. In the SRS-22, the 3 groups had no significant differences in pain and mental health. For function and self-image, the non-IS group and the IS group had a significantly lower score than the CTR group. In the RDQ, the non-IS group had significantly more severe low back pain than the CTR group. There was no significant difference in low back pain between the non-IS group and IS group or between the IS group and CTR group. The non-IS group had a significantly lower marriage rate than the IS and CTR groups. The patients with non-IS and IS had similar health-related quality of life and low back pain. The patients with non-IS were found to have lower function and self-image in the SRS-22 questionnaire and more severe low back pain in the RDQ than healthy subjects. The patients with non-IS had a significantly lower marriage rate than the other 2 groups.

Silicate-substituted calcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The purpose of this prospective clinical study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes using a silicate-substituted calcium phosphate (Si-CaP) as a bone graft substitute in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). In posterior corrective surgery for AIS, harvesting autologous bone from the iliac crest still represents the gold standard to augment the local bone graft though it is comparatively invasive and associated with donor site morbidity. Si-CaP enriched with bone marrow aspirate (BMA) might be an appropriate bone graft extender to overcome these difficulties. Eighteen female and three male patients with AIS who underwent corrective posterior instrumentation were observed clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 24 months. In all cases, 20-40 ml Si-CaP granules (ACTIFUSE) mixed with BMA from vertebral bodies was used to extend the local bone graft. Fusion was assessed by standardized conventional radiographs regarding loss of correction and implant failure. Clinical outcome was evaluated with use of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain. Cobb angle of major curves averaged 63° preoperatively, 22° after surgery, and 24° at final follow-up, with a maximum loss of correction of 7° recorded after 4 months. No adverse effects related to the study material had been observed. In all patients, there was no evidence of implant failure, and formation of an increasingly densifying 'fusion mass' was visible, as assessed by conventional radiography. VAS score for back pain averaged 1.7 before surgery, 2.3 at discharge, and 1.5 at final follow-up. Outcome assessment using the SRS-22 revealed a significantly enhanced overall health-related quality of life (84 vs. 74 % before surgery; P = 0.0005) due to a significant improvement of the domains 'self image' (77 vs. 59 %; P = 0.0002) and 'pain' (88 vs. 80 %; P = 0.02). Patients' management satisfaction averaged 93 %. Si-CaP augmented with BMA from vertebral bodies seems to prove an effective, safe, and easy to handle bone graft extender in scoliosis surgery and thus a suitable alternative to bone harvesting procedures.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis 21 to 41 Years Later

A case control study. To determine the clinical outcome of middle-aged patients surgically treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to compare their outcomes with assessments of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Several long-term follow-up studies have been published on the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in patients who have reached their 20s or 30s. However, clinical outcomes in patients who have reached middle age remain unknown. This study included 256 patients surgically treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) between 1968 and 1988. The Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) were used for evaluating long-term clinical outcomes. Sixty-six (25.8%; 62 females, 4 males; mean age, 46.0 years [range 34-56]) of the 256 patients responded to the questionnaires. The mean follow-up period was 31.5 (range 21-41) years. Seventy-six healthy age- and sex-matched individuals with neither a history of spinal surgery nor scoliosis were selected as a control (CTR) group. On the basis of the SRS-22 responses, AIS patients had significantly decreased function (AIS: 4.3 ± 0.6, CTR: 4.7 ± 0.5, P < 0.01) and decreased self-image (AIS: 3.0 ± 0.8, CTR: 3.7 ± 0.5, P < 0.01) in comparison with the controls, but the 2 groups were similar with respect to pain (AIS: 4.3 ± 0.6, CTR: 4.2 ± 0.5, P = 0.14) and mental health (AIS: 3.9 ± 0.9, CTR: 3.7 ± 0.7, P = 0.14). The RDQ responses indicated that low back pain was not significantly increased in the AIS group compared with the CTR group (AIS: 1.8 ± 3.5, CTR: 1.4 ± 3.1, P = 0.36). Surgery had no demonstrable adverse effects on pain or mental health in these middle-aged AIS patients 21-41 years after surgery, although the AIS patients did have significantly lower function and lower self-image than the controls.

Re-evaluation of Reliability and Validity of Simplified Chinese Version of SRS-22 Patient Questionnaire

A multicenter cross-cultural study to re-evaluate the reliability and validity of the simplified Chinese version of Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) Patient Questionnaire. To assess the concurrent validity and reliability of this instrument in mainland China. The SRS-22 Questionnaire was developed to assess the health-related quality of life for patients with scoliosis in the United States. More recently, the reliability and validity analyses of traditional and simplified Chinese versions of this questionnaire were performed, respectively. However, with respect to the diversity of population and large proportion of rural patients in China, a multicenter study might be necessary to re-evaluate its adaptation. The original English version of the SRS-22 Questionnaire was translated into simplified Chinese. Considering the different health care systems in mainland China, the question 15 was modified; the respondent might be the parent if the patient was younger than 18 years. This multicenter study was performed by 13 scoliosis surgeons involving seven spine centers. The SRS-22 Questionnaire and a previously validated 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire were given to 391 patients with idiopathic scoliosis or congenital scoliosis without neurologic deficits. Of those, 136 patients were randomly selected for a second identical SRS-22 Questionnaire filled 1 week later and mailed back with a stamped return envelope. A total of 333 patients fully completed both SRS-22 and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaires. Good consistency was observed for all the five domains of the SRS-22. Poorer internal consistency was found in questions 15 and 18. If question 15 was excluded, the α coefficient would increase to 0.68. The pain domain of SRS-22 had a high ceiling effect being 67.5%. The test-retest reproducibility was observed "good" in the pain domain and "excellent" for the remaining domains of SRS-22 Questionnaire. Good (10 domains) and moderate (23 domains) correlations were demonstrated while seven domains had poor correlation. The simplified Chinese version of the SRS-22 Questionnaire was re-evaluated by a multicenter study to respect the diversity of population and cultural differences in mainland China, which showed good internal consistency and satisfactory test-retest reproducibility. It might be useful for clinical evaluation of Chinese adolescents and young adults with scoliosis treated with bracing or surgery, although it also encountered previously reported difficulties with some of the items related to different cultures and health care systems.

Development of the Italian Version of the Revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire, SRS-22r-I

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of a translated and culturally adapted questionnaire. Translating, culturally adapting, and validating the Italian version of the revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22r-I) in order to allow its use with Italian-speaking patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Increasing attention is being given to health-related quality of life measures as a means of adding information about the evaluation of AIS. A translated form of the revised SRS-22 has never been validated in Italian patients with AIS. The development of the SRS-22 questionnaire involved its translation and back-translation, a final review by an Expert Committee, and testing of the prefinal version to establish its correspondence to the original English version. Psychometric testing included factor analysis, reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and test-retest repeatability (Intraclass Coefficient Correlation), and concurrent validity (Pearson correlation) by comparing the SRS-22r-I domains with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) subscales. It took 4 months to develop a shared version of the SRS-22r-I, which proved to be satisfactorily acceptable when administered to 223 subjects with AIS. Factor analysis indicated a 4-factor solution (54% of the explained variance), and the questionnaire had an acceptable level of internal consistency (α = 0.77) and a high level of test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.957). In terms of concurrent validity, the correlations with the related Short-Form-36 subscales were moderate to good in the case of the Pain and Mental Health domains, and moderate in the case of the Function and Self-Image domains. The Italian translation of the SRS-22r has a good factorial structure and psychometric properties, and replicates the results of existing English versions of the questionnaire. Its use for research purposes can therefore be recommended.

Health-related quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after treatment: short-term effects after brace or surgical treatment, a comment

We have read with great interest the article published by Bunge EM and colleagues [1] about short-term effects regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after a brace or surgical treatment. Recently, we performed a similar study about long-term effects on HRQoL in surgically or conservatively treated patients affected by scoliosis between 45°–60° Cobb and we believe we can provide a further contribution to this important topic. We have reviewed 840 clinical histories of patients treated for scoliosis (between 45°–60° Cobb) from 1975 to 1985 at the Fondazione Don C. Gnocchi (Rome). Of the initial population (840 patients), 98 showed a scoliosis with 45°–60° Cobb, 13 out of these 98 refused to participate in this study, 64 were untraceable, and the remaining 21 patients agreed to participate in this study giving their informed consent. Ten patients were surgically treated (SURG) and 11 received a conservative treatment (CONS). In terms of gender, 20 of the patients were women and 1 was man; and the mean age at follow-up was 36.7 ± 4.7 years (range 20–31 years). The conservative treatment consisted of the use of: plaster cast in one patient; plaster cast and Lyonnais in three patients; plaster cast, Lyonnais and Milwaukee brace in five; plaster cast and Milwaukee in one; Lyonnais in two patients; Milwaukee brace in one; and all treatments presented in eight patients. All the patients were instructed to wear their braces for about 20 h per day. In addition, all CONS patients underwent a rehabilitation program based on a postural re-education method. Wearing over was initiated when the patient’s curve had not progressed on two successive visits and the patient was judged skeletally mature. The brace period was mean 5.2 years (range ±3.4). With regard to SURG cases, after surgery, all patients wore a plaster brace and performed a rehabilitation program based on a postural re-educational method. Note that, the surgical treatment was always indicated in patients with a documented progression (Cobb angle between 45° and 60°) and expected remaining skeletal growth. Our 11 CONS patients had refused the surgical treatment and they chose the conservative management. At follow-up each patient underwent a multidimensional protocol including an anamnestic evaluation (school abandonment, current employment, sport practices, occurrence of pregnancy, menarche and abortions, cervicalgy and headache) physical examination (rib-hump measuring, sagittal and coronal alignment), radiological evaluation (using the Cobb technique), disability evaluation (Barthel Index and Deambulation Index), HRQoL and back pain evaluation (the Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36], NASS scale, Backill Scale and Visual Analogue Scale). As expected, comparing the two groups, we have observed: (1) an higher brace period in CONS group (P = 0.005); (2) a more severe pre-therapy scoliosis degree in SURG group (mean value 59.2° in SURG group versus 50.4° in CONS group, P = 0.005) and (3) a more severe post-therapy scoliosis degree in CONS group (mean value: 54.4° in CONS group versus 37.5° in SURG group, P = 0.005). Moreover, we recorded an higher school abandonment in SURG group (P = 0.04) since the global treatment duration (about 25 years ago) resulted to be longer in SURG group. Regarding HRQoL, disability and pain, the comparison of the two groups at follow-up did not show statistical differences. Table 1 shows mean, SD and statistical results of disability and patient-oriented measures recorded in the two groups. Table 1 Mean, SD and statistical results of disability and patient-oriented measures recorded in the CONS and SURG groups With respect to the Bunge’s study we have reported a long-term follow-up. We have studied HRQoL aspects using the SF-36 showing significant correlation with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire [2], adopted by Bunge in his study. Bunge and colleagues enrolled a larger sample of patients including also patients with scoliosis lower of 45° Cobb, and they divided their surgery patients into two subgroups: brace before surgery and only surgery (not possible in our for small sample). Our study, even if on a little sample, focuses the attention on patients with 45–60 Cobb degree. As Bunge observed in short-term follow-up, we did not found in long-term follow-up any significant differences in disability, HRQoL and pain in patients undergoing conservative or surgical treatment. In scoliosis patients, the curve between 40° and 50° is a issue still discussed during the therapy decision (bracing or surgery) and Bunge’s and our results can not support the preference of surgical treatment above the conservative treatment and viceversa.

Comparison of Novel Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tape Versus Conventional Metal Wire for Sublaminar Segmental Fixation in the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Retrospective study. To compare the surgical outcomes of posterior translational correction and fusion using hybrid instrumentation systems with either sublaminar Nesplon tape or sublaminar metal wire to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Nesplon tape, which consists of a thread of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, has advantages over metal wire: (1) its soft and flexible properties avoid neural damage and (2) its flat configuration avoids focal distribution of the stresses to lamina; however, the efficacy of Nesplon tape in the correction of spinal deformity is as yet, still unclear. Thirty AIS patients at a single institution underwent posterior correction and fusion using hybrid instrumentation containing hook, pedicle screw, and either sublaminar polyethylene taping (15) or sublaminar metal wiring (15). Patients were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at a 2-year follow-up according to the radiographic changes in curve correction, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and the Scoliosis Research Society patient questionnaire (SRS-24) score. The average correction rate was 63.0% in the Nesplon tape group and 59.9% in the metal wire group immediately after surgery (P = 0.62). Fusion was obtained in all the patients without significant correction loss in both groups. There was no significant difference in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative SRS-24 scores between the 2 groups. Complications were superficial skin infection in a single patient in the Nesplon tape group, and transient sensory disturbance in 1 patient and temporal superior mesenteric artery syndrome in another patient in the metal wire group. The efficacy of Nesplon tape in correction of deformity is equivalent to that of metal wire, and fusion was completed without significant correction loss. The soft and flexible properties and flat configuration of Nesplon tape make this a safe application for the treatment of AIS with bone fragility or with the fusion areas containing the spinal cord.

Validation of a Japanese Version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire Among Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients in Japan

A cross-sectional observational study to determine the response distribution, internal consistency, and construct, concurrent, and discriminative validities of The Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) Patient Questionnaire translated into Japanese as compared with the other language versions. To validate the Japanese version of SRS22. The SRS-22 was translated into several languages but yet not into Japanese. The Japanese SRS-22 and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 were simultaneously administered to 114 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4-factor structure, though several items were not loaded as theoretically expected. The originally constructed Japanese SRS-22 subscales and the English version showed similar response distribution. Internal consistency was fair but lower than that of the English version. The concurrent validity of the translated version, except for the self-image subscale, was supported using Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 subscales as a reference. The function scale differed significantly by curve angle magnitude and treatment status. The self-image score was the highest in patients under observation when curve angle was < 40 degrees, while postsurgical patients marked the highest scores when the angle > or = 40 degrees, respectively. The Japanese SRS-22 is valid and may be useful for clinical evaluation of Japanese scoliosis patients, though the self-image subscale may need further assessment.

Apical Sublaminar Wires Versus Pedicle Screws—Which Provides Better Results for Surgical Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

The results of correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were compared using apical sublaminar wires versus pedicle screws. To compare comprehensively the 2-year minimum postoperative results of posterior correction and spinal fusion using translational correction through either hybrid hook/sublaminar wire/pedicle screw constructs versus in situ rod-contouring correction with pedicle screw constructs in the treatment of AIS at 2 institutions. Despite the reports of satisfactory correction of scoliotic curves by both apical (sublaminar wire) instrumentation and apical pedicle screw instrumentation, to our knowledge, no reports on the comprehensive comparison of hybrid (hook/sublaminar wire/pedicle screw) instrumentation versus segmental pedicle screw instrumentation exist. A total of 50 patients with AIS at 2 institutions who underwent posterior spinal fusion with sublaminar wire (25 patients) or pedicle screw (25) constructs were sorted and matched according to 4 criteria: (1) similar age at surgery (14.2 years in the sublaminar wire and 14.4 in the pedicle screw group, P = 0.72); (2) similar number of fused vertebrae (11.4 in the sublaminar wire and 11.8 in the pedicle screw group, P = 0.36); (3) similar operative methods; and (4) identical Lenke curve types and similar preoperative major curve measurements (63.5 degrees in the sublaminar wire and 59.5 degrees in the pedicle screw group, P = 0.42). Patients were evaluated preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 2-year follow-up according to radiographic changes in curve correction, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, implant costs, and the Scoliosis Research Society patient questionnaire (SRS-24) scores. After surgery, average major curve correction was 67.4% in the sublaminar wire and 68.1% in the pedicle screw group (P = 0.56). At 2-year follow-up, loss of the major curve correction was 4.6% in the sublaminar wire compared to 5.1% in the pedicle screw group (P = 0.79). Postoperative global coronal and sagittal balance were similar in both groups. No significant difference was found in the average number of levels fused from the distal end vertebra (1.48 in the sublaminar wire and 0.64 in the pedicle screw group, P = 0.21). Operating time averaged 350 minutes in the sublaminar wire and 357 in the pedicle screw group (P = 0.86). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly different in both groups (1791 +/- 816 mL in the sublaminar wire and 824 +/- 440 mL in the pedicle screw group) (P = 0.0003). Average implant cost in the sublaminar wire group (16.0 fixation points; 8,341 US dollars) was significantly lower than that of the pedicle screw group (17.1 fixation points; 13,462 US dollars) (P < 0.0001). Postoperative 2-year SRS-24 scores were similar in both groups (sublaminar wire = 107.3, pedicle screw = 103.5, P = 0.19). There were no neurologic or visceral complications related to sublaminar wire or pedicle screw instrumentation and no reoperations at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Apical sublaminar wire and pedicle screw instrumentation both offer similar major curve correction with similar fusion lengths without neurologic problems in the operative treatment of AIS. Although more expensive, pedicle screw constructs had significantly less blood loss and slightly shorter fusion lengths than the sublaminar wire constructs.

The Impact of Positive Sagittal Balance in Adult Spinal Deformity

This study is a retrospective review of 752 patients with adult spinal deformity enrolled in a multicenter prospective database in 2002 and 2003. Patients with positive sagittal balance (N = 352) were further evaluated regarding radiographic parameters and health status measures, including the Scoliosis Research Society patient questionnaire, MOS short form-12, and Oswestry Disability Index. To examine patients with adult deformity with positive sagittal balance to define parameters within that group that might differentially predict clinical impact. In a multicenter study of 298 adults with spinal deformity, positive sagittal balance was identified as the radiographic parameter most highly correlated with adverse health status outcomes. Radiographic evaluation was performed according to a standardized protocol for 36-inch standing radiographs. Magnitude of positive sagittal balance and regional sagittal Cobb angle measures were recorded. Statistical correlation between radiographic parameters and health status measures were performed. Potentially confounding variables were assessed. Positive sagittal balance was identified in 352 patients. The C7 plumb line deviation ranged from 1 to 271 mm. All measures of health status showed significantly poorer scores as C7 plumb line deviation increased. Patients with relative kyphosis in the lumbar region had significantly more disability than patients with normal or lordotic lumbar sagittal Cobb measures. This study shows that although even mildly positive sagittal balance is somewhat detrimental, severity of symptoms increases in a linear fashion with progressive sagittal imbalance. The results also show that kyphosis is more favorable in the upper thoracic region but very poorly tolerated in the lumbar spine.

The reliability and concurrent validity of the scoliosis research society-22 patient questionnaire for idiopathic scoliosis.

Outcome study to determine response distribution, internal consistency, reproducibility, and concurrent validity of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire. Further refinement of an HRQL questionnaire specific for idiopathic scoliosis. Previous experience with the original and modified SRS HRQL questionnaires suggested a need for further refinement and more complete validation. The SRS-22 and Short Form 36 (SF-36) HRQL questionnaires were mailed to 83 previously surveyed postoperative idiopathic scoliosis patients. Fifty-eight (70%) patients returned the first set of questionnaires. Their average age at surgery was 14.6 years, and their average follow-up interval since surgery was 10.8 years. Fifty-one (88%) of the 58 returned the second set of questionnaires an average of 28 days later. The psychometric attributes of the instruments were comparable: score distribution, SRS-22 56.9% ceiling and 1.7% floor, SF-36 79.3% ceiling and 1.7% floor; internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), SRS-22 0.92 to 0.75, SF-36 0.91 to 0.36; and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), SRS-22 0.96 to 0.85, SF-36 0.92 to 0.61. Concurrent validity, determined by Pearson Correlation Coefficients between SRS-22 and SF-36 domains, was 0.70 or greater ( < 0.0001) for 17 relevant comparisons. The SRS-22 HRQL questionnaire is reliable with internal consistency and reproducibility comparable to SF-36. In addition, it demonstrated concurrent validity when compared to SF-36. It is shorter and more focused on the health issues related to idiopathic scoliosis than SF-36.