Surgical Correction Of Spinal Deformity Research Articles

Sublaminar fixation versus hooks and pedicle screws in scoliosis surgery for Marfan syndrome.

Background:In patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), surgical correction of spinal deformities with hooks and/or pedicle screws involves a higher rate of complications than in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Therefore, sublaminar instrumentation is often a last resort option. This study wants to assess the ability of sublaminar fixation to achieve three-dimensional scoliosis correction and spine stabilization compared with hook and/or pedicle screw systems.Methods:Twenty-one MFS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion at a highly specialized medical center in 1995–2017 were divided into two different groups retrospectively evaluated at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Group 1 (8 patients) was composed by hooks and screws instrumentation, while Group 2 (13 patients) was composed by hook or pedicle screw system associated to sublaminar wires/bands. Radiological (correction and long-term stability) and general endpoints (mean blood loss, surgery time, and complications) were compared between the groups.Results:The degree of correction compared with the preoperative status was satisfactory with both approaches, although the difference between them was not significant. No significant differences were found for general endpoints between groups.Conclusion:Our data suggest that scoliosis correction with sublaminar fixation is not inferior to treatment with hooks and/or pedicle screws.Level of Evidence:III.

Intraoperative response of the pyramidal system to surgical correction of spinal deformities of various etiologies

Objective . To assess the information value of comparing the results of formalizing intraoperative changes in transcranial motor evoked potentials during surgical correction of spinal deformities of various etiologies. Material and Methods . Study design: analysis of monocentric retrospective unselected cohort over 5 years, evidence class 2b. Surgical correction of spinal deformity under neurophysiological control was performed in 364 patients (mean age 12.80 ± 0.40 years). The scores of changes in motor evoked potentials were used to compare the pyramidal system response to surgical aggression in patients with congenital spinal deformities, idiopathic scoliosis, and systemic skeletal diseases. Results. Basic motor responses in patients with systemic diseases of the axial skeleton are to a greater extent depressed and unstable than in those with congenital deformity and idiopathic scoliosis. On surgery completion, these differences are exacerbated. Five identified types of response of the spinal cord conduction pathways to surgical correction of spinal deformity allow comparing intraoperative neuromonitoring results in different groups of patients. The most dangerous types of response are observed more often in patients with congenital and systemic pathologies than in those with idiopathic scoliosis. Conclusion . The proposed method for the rank assessment of intraoperative changes in motor evoked potentials during surgical correction of spinal deformity allows comparative studies of patients’ reactions to surgical intervention in different etiological and age groups. The greatest risk of iatrogenic motor disorders in the postoperative period is observed in patients with systemic skeletal pathology.

State-of-the-Art Reviews: Safety in Complex Spine Surgery

The surgical correction of spinal deformities carries a high risk of perioperative morbidity. As the incidence of debilitating spinal deformities continues to increase, so too does our obligation to search for ways to enhance safety in our delivery of surgical care. Standardized work processes and other lean manufacturing methodologies have the potential to improve efficiency, safety, and hence value in our delivery of surgical care to patients with complex spine pathologies by reducing variability in our work processes. These principles can be applied to patient care from the initial preoperative assessment to long-term postoperative follow-up in the creation of comprehensive protocols that guide the management of these complex patients. Early evidence suggests that short-term outcomes can be improved by implementing packages of systems reform aimed at reducing variability in our work processes; however, contradicting evidence exists on the utility of several specific components of these systems-reform packages.

Physiological variations in the sagittal spine alignment in an asymptomatic elderly population

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSagittal plane alignment is of crucial importance for the treatment of spinal deformities. When planning corrective strategies, spine surgeons need to refer to normative parameters’ ranges which characterize the alignment in the asymptomatic population. Changes are known to occur with age. For the Caucasian population, the reference ranges are extensively documented for the young and middle-aged adults. In contrast, only a few studies have evaluated individuals in advanced age (>60 years) and in groups of limited numbers of subjects (less than 50). PURPOSETo describe the normative parameter ranges of sagittal spine alignment in a large population of asymptomatic elderly subjects. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGMonocentric, prospective, cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLEOne hundred sixty asymptomatic elderly volunteers (age>60 years, Caucasian heritage), consecutively enrolled. OUTCOME MEASURESSagittal parameters of spine and pelvis: thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); sacral slope (SS); pelvic incidence (PI); pelvic tilt (PT); sagittal vertical axis (SVA); T1 pelvic angle (TPA); mismatch between PI and LL (PI-LL); Roussouly classification of the lumbopelvic profile. METHODSEach subject underwent one radiographic scan, performed in standing position with EOS low-dose system (EOS Imaging, Paris, France). The radiographic images were processed with sterEOS software allowing identification of the anatomical parameters and the presence of scoliosis. SVA, TPA, and the lumbopelvic profile were manually measured in the lateral images. The results were compared to previous studies describing younger adult populations. The study was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health in the amount of $15,000. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests. RESULTSOverall, the average values of the spinopelvic parameters were the followings: TK, 55±14°; LL, 57±12°; PI, 55±11°; SS, 38±10°; PT, 16±7°. The average PI-LL, SVA, and TPA was −3±11°, 25±32 mm, and 14.6±7.4°, respectively. TK, TPA, and SVA were found increasing with age. As for classification of the lumbopelvic profile, 16% of subjects were excluded because they were considered not to belong to any of the Roussouly types. In the classified subjects, the distribution was similar to that of younger adults. Asymptomatic scoliosis (average Cobb angle, 22±7°) was identified in 27% of individuals. CONCLUSIONSThe ranges of values pointed out differences compared to younger adults and represent an important resource for spine surgeons in planning the surgical correction of spinal deformities. The characteristic changes occurring with age, as well as the observed presence of mild or moderate asymptomatic scoliosis, should be carefully taken into account. The classification of the lumbopelvic profile based on the Roussouly scheme revealed some limitations, although similar frequencies were identified compared to younger adults.

Incidence of complete spinal instrumentation removal following surgery for spinal deformity: a 22-year single institution study

The aim of this study was to define the incidence of complete implant removal following surgical correction of spinal deformity in pediatric patients over a 22-year period and identify possible risk factors. A retrospective review of our Pediatric Orthopedic Spine Database between 1992 and 2016 was performed. We included patients undergoing complete implant removal following scoliosis correction surgery with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Medical charts were reviewed to determine initial patient diagnosis and the indication for implant removal. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the associations between sex and factors such as primary diagnosis and indication for removal. A review of 1117 procedures in 1114 patients identified complete instrument removal in 52 (4.7%) patients (34 females and 18 males). Mean time to removal following surgery was 2.3 years (range: 0-5.9 years). Removal occurred in 24 of 548 (4.4%) patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, four of 117 (3.4%) patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, 11 of 287 (3.8%) patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, and three of 79 (3.8%) patients with syndromic scoliosis. Infection was the most common indication for complete implant removal [24 (46%) patients], followed by persistent pain [8 (15%) patients], and metal intolerance [8 (15%) patients]. There were two cases of early infection (<1 year following surgery) and 22 late infections (≥1 year following surgery). The overall 22-year incidence of complete implant removal following spinal correction surgery for scoliosis was 4.7%. Infection continues to be the most common indication, followed by pain and metal intolerance.

Pedicle screw insertion with patient-specific 3D-printed guides based on low-dose CT scan is more accurate than free-hand technique in spine deformity patients: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Screw misplacement incidence can be as high as 15-30% in spine deformity surgery, with possible devastating consequences. Some technical solutions to prevent misplacement require expensive devices. MySpineTM comprises a low-dose CT scan of the patient's spine to build a virtual model of the spine to plan the screw trajectories and a 3D-printed patient-specific guide system to prepare the screw trajectories and to implant the screws in the vertebrae in order to increase reproducibility and safety of the implants. The aim of this open-label, single-center, prospective randomized clinical trial with independent evaluation of outcomes was to compare the accuracy of free-hand insertion of pedicle screws to MySpineTM 3D-printed patient-specific guides. Twenty-nine patients undergoing surgical correction for spinal deformity were randomized to Group A (pedicle screws implantation with MySpineTM) or Group B (free-hand implantation). Group A received 297 pedicle screws, and Group B 243 screws. Forty-three screws in Group A crossed over to free-hand implantation. Screw position was graded according to Gertzbein in grades 0, A, B or C, with grades 0 or A considered as "safe area." Total fluoroscopy dose and time were compared in six patients of each group. Comparing the two study groups, we observed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05), with 96.1% of screws in the "safe area" in Group A versus a 82.9% in Group B. Group-A patients had a mean effective dose of 0.23mSv compared to 0.82mSv in Group B. Patient-specific, 3D-printed pedicle screw guides increase safety in a wide spectrum of deformity conditions. In addition, the total radiation dose is reduced, even considering the need of a low-dose preoperative CT for surgical planning. I. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Institutional Experience, Integration into Neurosurgical Practice, and Impact on Resident Training

Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in neurosurgery residency training may have a significant impact on resident experience, even though few trainees are likely to pursue careers in the field of AIS. The impact of this exposure on resident knowledge in adult spinal disease management is the subject of our retrospective analysis. An analysis was performed of all adolescent patients undergoing surgical correction of spinal deformity between 2006 and 2016. Patient characteristics, including age at operation, Cobb angles, length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and complications, were collected. Objective benchmarks were created for resident education in the management of AIS. A survey was sent to the last 7 years of graduates to assess the impact of exposure to AIS during neurosurgery training on their current practice. Nine male and 37 female patients ages 11 to 22 years were identified. Neurosurgical residents assisted in all procedures without fellows or surgical assistants. Average operative time was 336 minutes (range, 215-575 minutes), and blood loss per procedure was 603 mL (range, 200-4000 mL). The average Cobb angle correction was 72.2% (range, 35.3%-90.9%). Zero of the past 7 graduates currently treat AIS surgically. All 7 graduates agreed that exposure to AIS during residency enhanced their knowledge of adult spinal disease management. Treatment of AIS by surgeons with specialized training can be effective and safe. Resident exposure to these patients enhances their understanding of spinal biomechanics and deformity correction, which is applicable to treating AIS and adult spinal deformity.

Quantitative characterization of risk of iatrogenic damage to pyramidal tracts based on data of intraoperative neuromonitoring during surgical correction of spinal deformities

Development of a quantitative indicator for the risk level of intraoperative iatrogenic motor disorders in the process of surgical correction of spinal deformity based on current neurophysiological monitoring data. 288 patients 12.6±0.35 y.o. underwent surgical correction of spinal deformities under the control of intraoperative neuromonitoring. The nature of changes in motor evoked potentials was assessed according to the earlier proposed ranking scale. The incidence of different variants of changes in the rank values of the state of the pyramidal system during the operation and the resulting postoperative motor disturbances was calculated. By comparing probabilities of various changes in the conduction properties of pyramidal tracts during surgery with the incidence of the observed motor deficiencies we quantitatively assessed the possible correlation between these phenomena. We propose a method for calculating the risk index for postoperative motor disorders depending on the maximum rank of the pyramidal system's response to surgical aggression. The developed system of ranking evaluation of changes in motor evoked potentials during surgical correction of spinal deformity makes it possible to quantify the risk of postoperative motor disorders and, accordingly, to monitor the level of anxiety for a neurosurgeon during individual stages of surgical intervention.

Pediatric Corrective Spine Surgery: “The Concerns and Essentials of Anaesthetic Management”

The perioperative management of children undergoing surgical correction of spinal deformities is challenging, even in the hands of an experienced anesthesiologist. A comprehensive plan is imperative keeping in mind that the surgery is extensive, the patients have other significant organ involvement and the need for neurophysiological monitoring to assess cord function and prevent neurological deficit. Meticulous prone positioning and the application of various blood- sparing techniques are an integral part of the intraoperative management. The pre-operative status and the intra-operative events could help in predicting the need for post-operative ventilatory support. The present article aims to elucidate the importance of a streamlined evaluation, monitoring, management strategy and stratification of these patients for a favorable outcome. Keywords: Paediatric, Spine surgery, Evoked potentials.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Ileus after Scoliosis Surgery.

Introduction One complication after scoliosis surgery is ileus; however, few reports have described the frequency of and risk factors for this complication. We conducted a retrospective clinical study with logistic regression analysis to confirm the frequency of and risk factors for ileus after scoliosis surgery. Methods After a retrospective review of data from patients who underwent surgical correction of spinal deformity from 2009 to 2014, 110 cases (age range, 4-73 yr; median, 14 yr) were included in the study. We defined postoperative ileus (POI) as a surgical complication characterized by decreased intestinal peristalsis and the absence of stool for more than 3 days postoperatively. Various parameters were compared between patients with POI and those without POI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors associated with ileus; a P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Fifteen of 110 (13.6%) cases developed POI. The median height, weight, operation time, and blood loss volume of the patients with versus without POI were 146 versus 152 cm, 39.0 versus 44.0 kg, 387 versus 359 min, and 1590 versus 1170 g, respectively. There were no significant differences between patients with versus without POI in the measured parameters, with the exception of patient height, bed rest period, and presence of neuromuscular scoliosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed neuromuscular scoliosis as a significant risk factor for POI (odds ratio, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.23-14.40). Conclusions Our findings indicate a high probability of POI after scoliosis surgery, with an incidence of 13.6%. Neurogenic scoliosis, but not lowest instrumented vertebra or correction rate, was a risk factor for POI after scoliosis surgery. Digestive symptoms should be carefully monitored after surgery, particularly in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis.

Spinal TB: Impact of Research Evidence on Clinical Practice

The evidence generated while treating the patients is the key for growth of science. Finding answers to series of research questions spread over many years may change the clinical practice. This presentation is based on 25 research questions, 44 publications while treating 3300 patients over last 28 years ( 1990-2017) which has substantially changed the objective of treatment in spinal tuberculosis (TB) from healing of lesion with sequelae of spinal deformity and paraplegia to achieving healed status with near normal spine. Three cases of late-onset paraplegia were evaluated (1990) by newly introduced MRI. The syringohydromyelia and severe cord atrophy were attributed as the cause of paraplegia. We conducted a series of prospective studies to define and correlate MRI observations on spinal cord in paraplegia and followed the treatment outcomes. The cord edema, myelomalacia, cord atrophy and syringomyelia were observed in cases with neural complications. The patients with cord edema and liquid compression are predictor for neural recovery, while dry lesions and myelomalacia for poor neural recovery. The mild cord atrophy was consistent with neural recovery while severe cord atrophy with sequalae of neural deficit. Upto 76% canal encroachment was found compatible with intact neural state. Spinal deformity in TB spine is better prevented than treated. The contagious vertebral body disease with intact disc spaces, subperiosteal and paravertebral, septate abscesses, intra-osseous and intraspinal abscesses are considered features of spinal TB and resolution of abscess and fatty replacement is characteristic of healing. The clinicoradiological predictors for diagnosing spinal TB in predestructive disease were defined. Only 35% patients achieved healed status on MRI by DOTS regimen at 8 months, Hence, it is unscientific to stop antitubercular treatment (ATT) at fixed time schedule. The criteria to suspect multi-drug resistant (MDR)-TB and guide to treatment were defined. Residual Kyphotic deformity in spine TB produces severe proximal/distal degeneration of spine and/or late-onset paraplegia. We correlated the final kyphosis with initial vertebral body (VB) loss, where 1.5 VB height loss will produce 600 spinal deformity or more, hence surgical correction of spinal deformity is indicated. The surgical steps of kyphotic deformity correction are: anterior corpectomy, posterior column shortening, instrumented stabilization, anterior gap grafting and posterior fusion in a single stage and sequentially. The surgical incision of costo-transversectomy was modified so that kyphosis correction and posterior Hartshill instrumentation can be performed simultaneously. The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach for dorsolumbar spine was described. Meta-analysis of spinal instrumentation in TB spine established the lack of defined indication of instrumented stabilisation. Panvertebral/ long segment disease, kyphotic deformity correction are listed as indications of instrumented stabilisation in TB spine. The end point of treatment in spinal TB still eludes us to resolve the optimum duration of ATT regimen. The PET scan may be used to define it. We believe if a clinician works slow and steady on a series of research questions and by sustained focused efforts can change the clinical practice. We after this sustained research work could contribute in framing Bone and Joint TB guidelines and publish as monograph.

Intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring of influence of epidural component of multi-modal anesthesia in surgical correction of spinal deformity

Intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring of influence of epidural component of multi-modal anesthesia in surgical correction of spinal deformity

Loss of temperature and pain sensation as risk marker of neurological complications in surgical correction of severe spinal deformity

Background. Treatment of severe spinal deformity remains a challenging surgical problem, with an iatrogenic injury to the spinal cord being a critical complication. There is a high risk of neurological deficit following surgical correction of a severe spinal deformity.&#x0D; Aim. To determine the relationship between the extent of disturbed thermal and pain sensations at Th1-S2 dermatomas and the intensity of the spinal cord pathways’ responses to surgical correction of the severe spinal deformity.&#x0D; Material and methods. We reviewed 58 patients with severe spinal deformities of different etiologies (mean age, 15.7±0.8 years). All patients underwent surgical deformity correction followed by thoracic/thoracolumbar spine fixation by using a variety of internal transpedicular fixations. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) with transcranial motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) was used during operative interventions. Preoperative and postoperative thermal and pain sensations were assessed in Th1-S2 dermatomas to the right and left by using an electrical aesthesiometer.&#x0D; Results. The extent of disturbed preoperative and postoperative thermal and pain sensations in Th1-S2 dermatomas before and after correction of spinal deformities correlated with the response type scale (I–V) of the spinal cord pathways to the surgical correction we offered. Correlation between the response type and characteristics of thermal and pain sensations was mostly revealed by the test results for the thermal pain threshold (thermal analgesia). The incidence of postoperative thermal analgesia increased monotonically from patients with response type I (persistent MEP form and amplitude-time parameters close to the baseline) to patients with response type V (higher risk of neurological complications). The overall rate of thermal analgesia increased after surgical correction of the spinal deformity relative to the baseline and was higher (≤8%) in patients with response type V.&#x0D; Conclusions. Surgeons and neurophysiologists who perform IONM should give careful attention to patients with severe spinal deformity who exhibit marked postoperative thermal analgesia.

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Purpose Evaluate the dynamics of the pyramidal pathway functional state in spinal deformity surgical correction in patients with genetically caused systemic skeletal pathology based on the formal criteria of a significance degree of the electrophysiological response to a surgical intervention which were developed at the RISC RTO. Materials and Methods The analyzed sample of patients included two groups for comparison. Group 1 (main group) were 28 patients with spinal deformities due to systemic hereditary diseases. Group 2 (control group) consisted of 126 patients with spinal deformities (51 subjects with idiopathic scoliosis, 71 subjects with deformities of congenital genesis, and 4 subjects of other etiology). All the patients underwent instrumental deformity correction with further fixation of the cervical, thoracic, thoracolumbar spine using different variants of internal transpedicular fixation systems. The changes in motor evoked potentials (MEP) were evaluated as ranks 0 to 7 according to the severity of the response observed. Results All the variants of changes in MEPs were observed both in the main group and in the control one. Five types of steady (reproduced in different patients) rank combinations were identified which conformed to the main types of the patient’s motor system response to spinal deformity surgical correction. Conclusion The use of the technology of MEP recording during surgical correction of spinal deformities in patients with systemic genetically caused skeletal pathology is a highly effective tool of preventing the development of intraoperative neurological complications. The proposed system of formal evaluation of the results of neuromonitoring allowed us to conduct a quantitative comparison of the character of intraoperative changes in the functional state of the pyramidal system in patients of different etiological groups depending on their age and intervention duration.

Application of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in surgical correction for spinal deformity with different etiologies

Iatrogenic nerve injury is one of the most severe complications of surgical correction for spinal deformity with different etiologies. The intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has been widely used to detect the nerve injury in spinal correction surgery. The commonly used IONM techniques involve somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), motor evoked potentials (MEP) and electromyography (EMG). All the IONM techniques have both advantages and disadvantages, while combing SEP, MEP and EMG in the spinal correction surgery could maximumly improve the accuracy and reliability of the IONM. The different pathophysiology of patients with spinal deformity due to different etiologies might significantly decrease the success rate, sensitivity, and specificity of IONM, which might further decrease the reliability of IONM. However, the IONM still serves as the most important monitoring method for the iatrogenic nerve injury in patients with different spinal deformity due to different etiologies. For those monitoring changes that cannot be distinguished, the wake-up test is still the gold standard.

Changes in Sexual Activity in Male Patients Surgically Treated for Kyphosis due to Ankylosing Spondylitis.

A retrospective study. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in sexual activities in male patients surgically treated for ankylosing spondylitis (AS)-induced kyphosis and the correlation between these changes and spinal sagittal realignment. Sexual function may be affected by AS. However, little is known about the effect of spinal surgery on the sexual activity of patients with AS-induced kyphosis. Data of 45 male patients who had been surgically treated for AS-induced kyphosis were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in sexual activity were evaluated by the international index of erectile function (IIEF), frequency of sexual activity, and time point at which sexual activity began postoperatively. We compared the above-mentioned parameters before and 24 months postoperatively and analyzed the correlation of the changes in the IIEF with the changes in radiological characteristics. Each domain of the IIEF and the total IIEF were increased postoperatively. Improved sexual function was correlated with changes in spinal sagittal characteristics, among which lumbar lordosis (LL) and the chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) were the most significant causes (P < 0.05). Most patients (71.1%) resumed their sexual activity 5 to 12 weeks after surgery. At the 24-month follow-up, the frequency of patients' sexual activity was higher than that before surgery (P < 0.05). Surgical correction of spinal deformity may improve sexual function and increase the frequency of sexual activity in men with AS. Spinal sagittal realignment and pelvic rotation may be correlated with improvement of sexual function. 4.

Surgical correction of spinal deformity with the use of transpedicular screw spinal systems in children with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis

Aim.To compare the results of surgical correction of spinal deformity in children with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis with the use of transpedicular screw spinal systems with different pedicle screw placement.Material and methods.Thirty-one patients (14–17 years) with spinal curvature with a Cobb angle from 40° to 79° were operated on. Surgical correction of the deformity was performed using two methods, depending on the possible placement of a pedicle screw. The first group included 16 patients for whom the transpedicular support elements were placed on both sides, throughout the completely deformed spine. The second group included 15 patients for whom the pedicle screws were not placed for two or more vertebrae on the concave side of the curve, at the top of the main curve.Results.The mean percent correction of the spinal deformity for the first and second groups was 92.5% and 82.6%, respectively. The mean percentage of derotation of the apical vertebra for the first and second groups was 73.9% and 23%, respectively.Conclusion.The use of data based on the anatomical and anthropometric features of the vertebral body with scoliosis facilitates selection of the best option for correction of thoracic curve in children with idiopathic scoliosis using pedicle multi-support metal construction. The use of the spinal pedicle system for correction of spinal deformity in children with idiopathic scoliosis enabled a uniform load distribution along the support elements of the metal construction and maintained the correction in the late postoperative follow-up period.

Experience of Intraoperative Cell Salvage in Surgical Correction of Spinal Deformity: A Retrospective Review of 124 Patients.

The effect of intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) in surgical correction of spinal deformity remained controversial. This study was to quantitatively demonstrate its effect. In all, 124 patients having ICS in surgical correction of spinal deformity were included. These patients would be divided into 3 groups. Group 1—blood loss less than 15 mL/kg; group 2—between 15 and 37.5 mL/kg; and group 3—more than 37.5 mL/kg. The mean blood loss was 37.2 mL/kg and patients received 872.2 mL salvaged blood on average. The prevalence of intraoperative transfusion of allogenic RBC was 62.9% and the amount averaged 3.4 U. In groups 1 to 3, the prevalence of intraoperative allogenic transfusion was 23.5%, 66.7%, and 100%, respectively. Logistic analysis showed blood loss minus autotransfusion was of significance in predicting intraoperative transfusion, whereas the blood loss or autotransfusion alone was not, implicating an important role of ICS in saving allogenic RBC. The maximum decrease of hemoglobin after operation occurred in the third day, and the magnitude was 45.7 g/L. No severe complications related to ICS were observed. In summary, ICS could decrease the amount of allogenic transfusion in surgical correction of spinal deformity. However, in terms of reducing prevalence of allogenic transfusion, it had a protective effect only in patients with small blood loss.

Efficacy of SpineSage tool for assessing the expected complication rates in adult spine deformity surgery—preliminary results

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The ‘SpineSage’ is an informatics platform offering an objective and universal tool allowing individualised estimation the perioperative complication rate (CR) from spine surgery. It has never been validated in predicting CR in cases of surgical correction of spinal deformities.

Effect of Surgical Curve Correction on Exercise Tolerance and Physical Capacities in Patients of Severe Spinal Deformity.

Traditionally, surgical intervention for patients with a spinal deformity has been considered for cosmetic benefits, but surgical intervention can alter the lung physiology or volumes and in turn leads to increase in physical capacity and exercise tolerance. Therefore, we conducted this to determine whether a surgical correction would restore the lung physiology, physical capacity and exercise tolerance in patients with kyphoscoliosis. To evaluate the usage of six-minute walk test scores and modified Borg scores as tools/measures for exercise tolerance in patients with spinal deformity and to study the effects of surgical correction of spinal deformity on exercise tolerance with above parameters as the measures. Thirty patients with spinal deformity, who had undergone surgery for deformity correction, were evaluated. All patients were investigated pre-operatively with x-rays of the spine (anteroposterior and lateral views). Clinical tests like breath holding time (after full inspiration) in number of seconds, modified Borg scores, six-minute walk test scores (heart rate, respiratory rate, maximum distance walked); were recorded as measures of exercise tolerance. The patients were followed up on the first, third, sixth and twelfth month post-operatively and tested clinically for breath holding time, modified Borg scores, six-minute walk test scores (heart rate, respiratory rate, maximum distance walked) and x-rays of the spine (anteroposterior and lateral views). In our study, breath holding time (p-value = 0.001) and modified Borg scores (p-value = 0.012) showed a significant improvement at 12 months post-operatively. We noted similar findings with heart rate, respiratory rate and maximum distance walked after a six-minute walk test. Improvements were noted in all the parameters, especially in the group of patients with greater than 60 degrees of cobb angle. However, the differences between the two groups (pre-operative cobb angle less than 60 degrees and pre-operative cobb angle more than 60 degrees) were not significant. The results were analysed and tested for significance using Student's t-test (paired and unpaired as appropriate) and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Surgical correction in cases of spinal deformity improves the cosmetic appearance and balance in the patients. Favourable results of surgical intervention were found in exercise tolerance with improvements in modified Borg scores, six-minute walk test results and breath holding time. The above parameters appear to be good tools for the assessment of physical capacity and exercise tolerance in patients with spinal deformity.