Spinal Distraction Research Articles

Anterior superior iliac spine distraction for severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers

PurposeThe study aimed to introduce anterior superior iliac spine distraction to treat severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers. For comparison, we also included another group of diabetic foot ulcers treated with proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction. MethodsFrom February 1998 to February 2020, 87 patients (87 feet) with severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers were treated. The mean age of patients at surgery was 64 years (range, 47 to 87 years). The severity of the narrowed artery was assessed using the ankle-brachial index test. For comparison, another group of 91 patients (91 diabetic foot ulcers) treated with proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction was included. ResultsThe mean preoperative ankle-brachial indexes of the two groups were 0.41±0.07 and 0.39±0.05 (OR 0.65 [95% CI -0.77 to 1.58]; P=0.62), respectively. The mean preoperative limb pain was 3.42±2.84 cm and 3.52±3.11 cm (OR 1.54 [95% CI -077 to 1.35]; P=0.083), respectively. At the 2-year follow-up visit, ulcers healed in 72 (83%) and 74 (81%) patients, respectively (P=0.188). The mean postoperative limb pain was 0.52±0.23 cm and 0.49±0.41 cm (OR 2.32 [95% CI -0.27 to 1.66]; P=0.078), respectively. Pin-site infection occurred in 2 patients and 8 patients (P=0.09), respectively. Ulcer recurrence occurred in 13 (15%) patients and 15 (16%) patients (P=0.205), respectively. ConclusionsAnterior superior iliac spine transverse distraction may be an effective alternative treatment for severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers. It may be associated with fewer distraction-site complications than proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction. Level of evidenceTherapeutic study, Level IIa.

Use of intra-operative internal distraction for the application of magnetically controlled growth rods (MCGR): a technique for maximizing correction in the rigid immature spine during index surgery.

Operative treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) with Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod (MCGR) in moderate-to-severe curves poses a challenge due to the limited amount of force and length available with the implant. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of the intra-operative internal spine distraction using Harrington Outrigger, before definitive implantation of MCGR, with regard to initial correction, maintenance of correction, truncal balance, and complication rates. 16 EOS patients treated with the application of MCGR using the intra-operative internal distractor technique were included in the study. More than 50% of cases were congenital scoliosis with multiple vertebral anomalies. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2years. Radiological measurement of change in Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, T1-S1 length, T1-T12l length, and sagittal balance were done at pre-op, immediate post-op, after 1year, and 2years. All the complications were noted and documented. The mean age of the operated patients was 8±1.7years, range (4-10years). Mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 70.4 degrees. The mean correction of major Cobb angle was 34.6°. The percentage correction achieved in post-operative Cobb angle was about 51%. Mean change in post-operative thoracic kyphosis was 18.5° (40%). The average gain in immediate post-operative spinal length (T1-S1) and thoracic height (T1-T12) was 46.7mm (18.3%) and 41mm (23%), respectively. Large and rigid curves in EOS can achieve a significant correction of Cobb angle and coronal imbalance during the index operation, by the use of intra-operative internal distraction at the time of MCGR insertion. Retrospective clinical study, level 4.

Kinematic and biomechanical responses of the spine to distraction surgery in children with early onset scoliosis: A 3-D finite element analysis.

Periodical and consecutive distraction is an effective treatment for severe early onset scoliosis (EOS), which enables the spinal coronal and sagittal plane deformity correction. However, the rate of rod fractures and postoperative complications was still high mainly related to the distraction process. Previous studies have primarily investigated the maximum safe distraction force without a rod broken, neglecting the spinal re-imbalance and distraction energy consumption, which is equally vital to evaluate the operative value. This study aimed to reveal the kinematic and biomechanical responses occurring after spinal distraction surgery, which were affected by traditional bilateral fixation. The spinal models (C6-S1) before four distractions were reconstructed based on CT images and the growing rods were applied with the upward displacement load of 0–25 mm at an interval of 5 mm. Relationships between the distraction distance, the distraction force and the thoracic and lumbar Cobb angle were revealed, and the spinal displacement and rotation in three-dimensional directions were measured. The spinal overall imbalance would also happen during the distraction process even under the safe force, which was characterized by unexpected cervical lordosis and lateral displacement. Additionally, the law of diminishing return has been confirmed by comparing the distraction energy consumption in different distraction distances, which suggests that more attention paid to the spinal kinematic and biomechanical changes is better than to the distraction force. Notably, the selection of fixed segments significantly impacts the distraction force at the same distraction distance. Accordingly, some results could provide a better understanding of spinal distraction surgery.

Distraction forces on the spine in early-onset scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and biomechanical literature

Distraction-based growing rods are frequently used to treat Early-Onset Scoliosis. These use intermittent spinal distractions to maintain correction and allow for growth. It is unknown how much spinal distraction can be applied safely. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and biomechanical literature to identify such safety limits for the pediatric spine.This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Three systematic searches were performed including in-vivo, ex-vivo and in-silico literature. Study quality was assessed in all studies and data including patient- or specimen characteristics, distraction magnitude and spinal failure location and ultimate force at failure were collected. Twelve studies were included, 6 in-vivo, 4 ex-vivo and 2 in-silico studies. Mean in-vivo distraction forces ranged between 242 and 621 N with maxima of 422–981 N, without structural failures when using pedicle screw constructs. In the ex-vivo studies (only cervical spines), segment C0-C2 was strongest, with decreasing strength in more distal segments. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that ultimate force at birth is 300–350 N, which increases approximately 100 N each year until adulthood. Ex-vivo and in-silico studies showed that yielding occurs at 70–90% of ultimate force, failure starts at the junction between endplate and intervertebral disc, after which the posterior- and anterior long ligament rupture. While data on safety of distraction forces is limited, this systematic review and meta-analysis may aid in the development of guidelines on spinal distraction and may benefit the development and optimization of contemporary and future distraction-based technologies.

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.

Vertebral body changes after continuous spinal distraction in scoliotic children

PurposeGrowth-friendly spinal implants (GFSI) were established for scoliotic children as an interim solution until definite spinal fusion could be performed during puberty. While deformity control was clearly proven, the effects on vertebral shape and morphology are still unclear. Our prospective study assesses the effect of GFSI with continuous distraction on vertebral body shape and volume in SMA children in comparison with previously untreated age-matched SMA patients.MethodsCohort I (n = 19, age 13.2 years) were SMA patients without prior surgical scoliosis treatment. Cohort II (n = 24, age 12.4 years) were children, who had continuous spinal distraction with GFSI for 4.5 years. Radiographic measurements and computed tomography (CT) 3D volume rendering were performed before definite spinal fusion. For cohort II, additional radiographs were analyzed before the first surgical implantation of GFSI, after surgery and every year thereafter.ResultsOur analysis revealed decreased depth and volume in scoliotic patients with prior GFSI compared to scoliotic patients without prior implants. This difference was significant for the lower thoracic and entire lumbar spine. Vertebral body height and pedicle size were unchanged between the two cohorts.ConclusionCT data showed volume reduction in the vertebral body in scoliotic children after GFSI treatment. This effect was more severe in the lumbar and lower thoracic area. While vertebral height was identical in both groups, vertebral depth was reduced in the GFSI-treated group. Reduced vertebral depth and altered vertebral morphology should be considered before instrumenting the spine in previously treated scoliotic SMA children.Level of evidence IIIDiagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Immediate effect of thoracic distraction thrust versus upper thoracic crossed hand manipulation in mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES: The aim is to compare the immediate effect of thoracic spine distraction thrust and upper thoracic crossed hand manipulation on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals with mechanical neck pain. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 individuals of mean age 27.35 ± 6.78 with mechanical neck pain. Individuals were allocated to one of the two groups. Group A (n = 20) received thoracic spine distraction thrust and Group B (n = 20) received upper thoracic crossed hand manipulation. Both the groups were also given Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) , hot moist pack, stretching, and exercises. The outcome measures used were the Numerical pain Rating (NPR) scale, cervical ranges, and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). The outcome measures were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: The data were statistically analyzed using an independent t-test for comparing the two groups and dependent t-test for comparison of pre and post of each group. Pre- and post-mean difference values in Group A were 2.00 ± 0.86 and 11.13 ± 5.39, for NPR scores and NPQ scores. Whereas, in Group B, pre- and post-mean difference values were 2.00 ± 0.73 and 10.54 ± 10.05 for NPR scores and NPQ scores. In Group A and Group B, there was improvement seen in cervical ranges. The comparison within groups showed a statistically significant difference (P CONCLUSION: Thoracic spine distraction thrust and upper thoracic crossed hand manipulation, both were seen to be effective in pain, ranges, and disability.

Multi-Site Optical Monitoring of Spinal Cord Ischemia during Spine Distraction.

Optimal surgical management of spine trauma will restore blood flow to the ischemic spinal cord. However, spine stabilization may also further exacerbate injury by inducing ischemia. Current electrophysiological technology is not capable of detecting acute changes in spinal cord blood flow or localizing ischemia. Further, alerts are delayed and unreliable. We developed an epidural optical device capable of directly measuring and immediately detecting changes in spinal cord blood flow using diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). Herein we test the hypothesis that our device can continuously monitor blood flow during spine distraction. Additionally, we demonstrate the ability of our device to monitor multiple sites along the spinal cord and axially resolve changes in spinal cord blood flow. DCS-measured blood flow in the spinal cord was monitored at up to three spatial locations (cranial to, at, and caudal to the distraction site) during surgical distraction in a sheep model. Distraction was halted at 50% of baseline blood flow at the distraction site. We were able to monitor blood flow with DCS in multiple regions of the spinal cord simultaneously at ∼1 Hz. The distraction site had a greater decrement in flow than sites cranial to the injury (median -40 vs. -7%,). This pilot study demonstrated high temporal resolution and the capacity to axially resolve changes in spinal cord blood flow at and remote from the site of distraction. These early results suggest that this technology may assist in the surgical management of spine trauma and in corrective surgery of the spine.

Controlled Dynamic Spine Distraction Increases Vertebral Body Growth, Disc Height and Volume, and Nucleus Pulposus Expansion; An in Vivo Study on Rodent Tail Model

Controlled Dynamic Spine Distraction Increases Vertebral Body Growth, Disc Height and Volume, and Nucleus Pulposus Expansion; An in Vivo Study on Rodent Tail Model

Instrumented cervical fusion in nine dogs with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy.

ObjectiveTo report the long‐term outcome of nine dogs treated for caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM) with surgical spinal fusion.Study designShort case series.AnimalsNine large‐breed dogs.MethodsMedical records of dogs treated for disc‐associated CCSM (2013‐2016) were reviewed. The surgery objective was spinal distraction by implantation of a SynCage and fixation with two Unilock plates. Follow‐up included the Helsinki pain score questionnaire, neurological grading, radiography, computed tomography (CT), and micro‐CT (μCT) with subsequent histopathology (two dogs).ResultsClinical follow‐up was obtained between 9 and 51 months (27.4 ± 13.4 months). The Helsinki pain score and neurological Griffith score improved (P < .01) in all dogs and in eight of nine dogs, respectively. According to CT, the volume of bone (mean ± SD) through the cage was 79.5% ± 14.3%, including compact bone (53.0% ± 23.4%). Subsidence was seen in one of nine dogs. Implant failure was evident in four dogs, and plates were removed in two dogs. In seven of nine dogs, infraclinical pathology was observed in adjacent segment, associated with implants engaging adjacent intervertebral discs. Radiographic evidence of bony fusion between vertebral bodies was noted in all dogs. Spinal fusion was confirmed by μCT and histopathology in two cervical spine segments that became available at 22 and 40 months postoperatively.ConclusionInstrumented spinal fusion in dogs with disc‐associated CCSM resulted in owner satisfaction and radiographic evidence of interbody spinal fusion in all dogs.Clinical significanceThe fusion distraction technique reported here can be used to achieve spinal fusion with a good long‐term outcome.

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries with Fractures in a Québec Level I Trauma Center.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) have devastating consequences on patients' quality of life. More specifically, TSCI with spinal fractures (TSCIF) have the most severe neurological impairment, although limited data are available. This study aimed at providing data and analyzing TSCIF in a level I trauma center in the province of Québec, Canada. Two hundred eighty-two TSCIF were reviewed. Spinal injuries and neurological impairment were assessed with AO classification and AIS, respectively. Variables included age, sex, cause, location, mechanism of injury (MOI), and severity of TSCIF. Chi-squared Pearson determined significant associations (p < 0.05). Male-to-female ratio was 3.21:1. Patients were 42.5 ± 18.7 years. The leading causes of TSCIF were high-energy falls (28.4%), cars (26.2%) and vehicle without restraint system (motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, and bicycle) (21.3%). Vehicle collisions, pooling cars and unrestrained vehicles, mostly affected the 20-49-year population (62.2%). The main MOI was distraction in males (47.9%), and axial compression in females (44.8%). There were significant associations between causes and injured spinal level, as well as between MOI and injured spinal level, sex, and TSCIF severity. Most patients involved in unrestrained vehicle accidents sustained a thoracolumbar spine distraction with complete motor deficit. A severe neurologic deficit affected most patients following car accidents that caused cervical spine distraction or axial torsion. In Québec, most TSCIF caused by vehicle collisions affect a young population and have severe neurological impairments. Future efforts should focus on better understanding accidents involving the unrestrained vehicle category to further improve preventive measures.

Hybrid Growing Rod Technique of Osteotomy With Short Fusion and Spinal Distraction

Retrospective study. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid growing rod (GR) technique for the treatment of young children with congenital scoliosis (CS). Congenital vertebral anomalies within long-spanned kyphoscoliosis were difficult to be managed by either definitive spinal fusion or standard GR technique. Hybrid technique of one-stage posterior osteotomy with short fusion and GR distraction was proposed in previous studies. There is, however, paucity of data regarding its effectiveness. Thirteen patients (mean age, 5.4 ± 2.0 yr) who had undergone hybrid GR treatment were retrospectively reviewed, including 8 patients treated with single GR and 5 patients with dual GR. All of their radiographic data were measured, and surgical complications were recorded. On average, the current cohort had 4.1 ± 1.7 lengthening procedures. After the index surgery, the major curve improved remarkably from 86.4° ± 11.9° to 37.3° ± 12.4° (P < 0.001). The global kyphosis significantly decreased from 66.8° ± 16.1° to 33.3° ± 3.5° postoperatively. Both value remained steady during follow-up. There were no significant difference between single GR and dual GR groups in terms of the coronal deformity correction, whereas correction loss of global kyphosis in single GR group was significantly higher than that in dual GR group (P = 0.039). After the index surgery, T1-S1 height averagely gained 4.4 ± 0.8 cm and it grew at an average rate of 1.31 ± 0.24 cm/yr during the follow-up. Two complications were identified in two patients, including one with rod fracture and one with proximal junctional kyphosis. The hybrid GR technique was effective in correcting spinal deformity and allowing continuous spinal growth. The optimal indications were young children with apical vertebrae anomalies and a long-spanned kyphoscoliosis. 3.

Comparison of the efficacy of three cervical collars in restricting cervical range of motion: A randomized study

Background: The cervical collar has been used as a common device for the initial stabilization of the cervical spine. Although many cervical collars are commercially available, there is no consensus on which offers the greatest protection, with studies showing considerable variations in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. The use of the XCollar (Emegear, Carpinteria, CA) has been known to decrease the risk of spinal cord injury by minimizing potential cervical spinal distraction. We compared XCollar with two other cervical collars commonly used for adult patients with cervical spine injury to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between the three cervical collars to restrict cervical range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between the three cervical collars in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. Method: A total of 30 healthy university students aged 21–25 years participated in this study. Participants with any cervical disease and symptoms were excluded. Three cervical collars were tested: Philadelphia® Collar, Stifneck® Select™ Collar, and XCollar. A digital camera and an image-analysis technique were used to evaluate cervical range of motion during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. Cervical range of motion was evaluated in both the unbraced and braced condition. Results: XCollar permitted less than a mean of 10° of movement during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. This was less than the movement permitted by the other two cervical collars. Conclusion: XCollar presented superior cervical immobilization compared to the other two commonly used cervical collars in this study. Thus, when cervical collar is considered for an adult patient with cervical spine injury, XCollar might be one of the considerate options as a cervical immobilization device.

Placement of vertebral screws for spinal stabilization and distraction in a dog with disc-associate cervical spondylomyelopathy: case report

ABSTRACT A 10-year-old male Rottweiler was evaluated for a 2-month history of recurrent forelimb weakness. Neurologic examination revealed proprioceptive ataxia, tetraparesis and moderate cervical pain. Disk-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) with static lesion at C3-4 was diagnosed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The dog was surgically treated by a ventral slot procedure and distraction-stabilization of the vertebral bodies through insertion of vertebral screws with transverse connective bars. The patient had favorable clinical outcome. Neurologic assessment performed 120 days after surgery showed absence of neurologic defects. Radiographic assessment performed at the same time indicated adequate spinal cord decompression although vertebral fusion was not achieved. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of distraction-stabilization with vertebral (pedicle) screws to treat CSM in a dog. The treatment was well tolerated with no complications and excellent outcome and can be a viable option for this condition.

Short Segment Spinal Instrumentation in Early-onset Scoliosis Patients Treated With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods: Surgical Technique and Mid - Short-term Outcomes.

A prospective, a single-institution, nonrandomized study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectivity of short-segment instrumentation in early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients treated by magnetic-controlled growing rods (MCGRs). Despite the common use of conventional growing rods and the recent popularity of MCGR in the treatment of progressive EOS, distal instrumented vertebra and number of the spanned levels are not standardized. Patients with progressive EOS, characterized by the major thoracic curve and nonstructural compensatory curve, were a candidate to be treated by dual MCGR short segment spinal instrumentation spanning the major thoracic curve; such patients are followed up for a minimum period of 30 months. Radiological data were collected and analyzed in terms of Cobb angle of both primary and secondary curve, kyphosis angle, T1-T12, and T1-S1 distances, and T1-T12/T1-S1 ratio in preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up. Sixteen patients with different diagnoses of EOS, mean age at the operation was 7 years and 10 months (5 years and 6 months-9 years and 10 months), and mean period of follow-up was 37 (30-54) months. The Cobb angle of both major and compensatory curve are corrected by the mean value of 62° (44-85), 35° (22-45) preoperatively to 29° (12-49), 14° (9-24) postoperatively, and maintained at 28° (10-47), 10° (2-20) in the last follow-up, respectively. The T1-T12/T1-S1 ratio was 0.58 preoperatively, 0.6 postoperatively, and 0.62 at the last follow-up. The average yearly T1-T12 and T1-S1 length increase were calculated as 7 and 9 mm/year, respectively. Selective fusion principals are applicable to EOS, in that short segment instrumentation with MGCR in thoracic curve EOS patients is an effective technique in correction of both structural and compensatory curve, and in maintaining the correction during subsequent nonsurgical spinal distraction. 4.

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.

Research progress in treatment of spinal flexion distraction injuries

Research progress in treatment of spinal flexion distraction injuries

Strategies for Surgical Management of Large, Stiff Spinal Deformities in Children.

Management of large, severe, stiff spinal deformities in children can be challenging. Adjunctive treatments used in conjunction with spinal osteotomy, instrumentation, and fusion can improve the ultimate degree of deformity correction. These adjunctive treatments include preoperative halo-gravity traction, intraoperative halo-femoral traction, temporary internal spinal distraction, and anterior spinal release. Each of these techniques has unique indications and individual risks. When the appropriate protocols are followed, these techniques can be safe and efficacious.

Atraumatic Spine Distraction Induces Metabolic Distress in Spinal Motor Neurons.

Corrective forces during spine deformity surgery, including distraction, impart significant stresses to the spinal cord that may result in permanent injury. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is commonly used by surgeons to recognize possible damage to the spinal cord in cases of evident traumatic or vascular damage to the spinal cord. However, mild insult to the spinal cord that does not result in obvious trauma or electrophysiological changes present a major clinical challenge as the mechanisms of this type of spinal cord injury (SCI) remain largely unknown, and thus preventive strategies are lacking. We used a sustained bidirectional spinal distraction animal model to determine the role of stretch-induced hypoxia in mild SCI. Direct measurement of intraparenchymal oxygen revealed an immediate decrease in partial pressure (47.08 ± 5.79% pO2) distal to the injury site following a 5-mm distraction. This hypoxic insult induced mitochondrial dysfunction as evidenced by an acute increase (216%) in protein oxidation 30 min post-injury, as well as a 37% decrease in perikaryal size and a 42% decrease in nuclear area (pyknosis) in ventral motor neurons at the injury site. These results indicate that hypoxic events during mild spine distraction may lead to cellular metabolic impairments and permanent functional deficits. The development of strategies targeting the prevention of hypoxic injury during spine distraction may be useful in protecting the cellular metabolic damage that may occur during spine surgery in the absence of overt mechanical or vascular SCI.

Pulmonary Embolism due to Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): A Case Report of an 11-year-old Child Undergoing Scoliosis Surgery and Literature Review

Background: Thromboembolic events are rare in children even during conditions at risk of thrombosis like surgeries. Unlike adults, thromboprophylaxy in prepubescent children is not well established and preventive anticoagulation is usually given on a case by case basis. Methods: We report the case of an 11-year-old prepubescent boy suffering from a scoliosis refractory to braces, on which a spinal distraction without fusion was carried out. Prophylactic treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was started on day 2 after surgery. Results: LMWH treatment was stopped on day 10 due to a thrombocytopenia. On day 14, a distal pulmonary embolism was detected on chest angioscan. HemosIL HIT-Ab (IL) and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) Asserachrom HPIA (Stago) showed positive results. After consultative discussion with the hematology and vascular surgery teams, the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) was considered. A curative nonheparinic intra-venous (IV) anticoagulation treatment (Danaparoid sodium, Orgaran, Msd, France) was administrated for one month in addition to IV hydration and compression stockings. Eight day later, the pulmonary artery thrombosis completely resolved. No further complication occurred. Conclusions: We emphasize the difficulty of deciding whether a prepubescent child has to be prophylactically covered with an anticoagulant in situations of increased thrombosis risks knowing that serious adverse reactions to anticoagulant can occur. HIT is a well-known complication of heparin therapy in adults but it is less documented in children. Potential risk of HIT should be kept in mind during heparin treatment and patients should be closely followed clinically and biologically.