T1-T12 Height Research Articles

Halo-gravity traction followed by definitive fusion in severe early onset scoliosis: results of a trunk analysis based on biplanar 3D reconstructions.

Definitive fusion can be considered in early onset scoliosis (EOS) around triradiate cartilage closure. Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is an old strategy that can help lengthen and balance the spine before fusion. The postoperative changes of the trunk have never been investigated to date with modern imaging. The goal of this study was to analyze the 3D radiological outcomes, and the associated pulmonary function, of a cohort of severe EOS patients treated by definitive posterior fusion prepared by HGT. All consecutive EOS patients with severe (> 85°) and stiff (flexibility < 25%) curves, treated by HGT followed by posterior fusion, were followed. 3D radiological measurements and pulmonary function were assessed. Forty-nine EOS patients underwent fusion, with a mean follow-up of 4years (± 1). Age at surgery averaged 13.5years old. HGT protocol reached on average 41% of body weight. Mean preoperative 3D Cobb angle was 95° (± 10) and final correction averaged 68.4% after surgery. 3D T4T12 kyphosis was reduced after surgery (11°, p < 0.01), while the apical vertebral rotation was improved by 27.8% (p = 0.06). 3D thoracic volume increased after surgery (p = 0.02), with a 3D T1T12 height gain averaging 3.7cm (± 2). Both parameters were significantly correlated with total lung capacity improvement. Seven complications (14.2%) were reported, and 5 patients (10.6%) underwent unplanned revision. HGT is a safe and efficient strategy to prepare posterior fusion in severe EOS patients. The 3D trunk analysis demonstrated significant postoperative gains in thoracic and spinal lengths, as well as in thoracic volume. IV.

Clinical Outcomes of 3-column Osteotomy at Growing Rod Graduation.

Several different strategies were described on how to graduate a patient when skeletal maturity is reached after growing rod treatment. A final instrumentation and fusion is commonly performed, but the stiffness of the spine after numerous lenghthenings can be a major problem. When correction is needed in a severe and rigid curve, 3-column osteotomies (3CO) can be used as a method of bringing the spine back to a well-balanced position. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of 3CO osteotomies at growing rod graduation. A retrospective search of the database was performed between 1996 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of early-onset scoliosis, underwent 3CO at the final fusion procedure, and ≥1 year of follow-up. Indications for this osteotomy were: significant sagittal and/or coronal off-balance or severe crankshaft deformity or significant distal and/or proximal adding-on. Clinical, radiographic, and operative data were analyzed. Complications were classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system. Eight patients were included in the study with a mean age of 13.5 at graduation (male/female: 2/6). The mean scoliosis angle significantly reduced from 65.6 to 39 degrees (P=0.012). Mean T1-T12 height increased from 19 to 20.5 (P=0.084) and T1-S1 from 29.6 to 31.6 (P=0.144). Five patients had a staged surgery. Average operative time was 338 minutes and blood loss was 1321 mL. Four grade 1, 1 grade 2, and 1 grade 3 complications occurred. This is the first case-series in the literature reporting on the use of 3CO at growing rod graduation. These procedures can be safely and effectively used to overcome significant multiplanar deformity and/or off-balance in the graduation of patients with early-onset scoliosis and significant correction can be achieved on these severe and rigid curves. Level IV-case series.

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods Graduation: Deformity Control with High Complication Rate.

A multicenter retrospective review of consecutive series of patients. Long-term experience with using the magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) to treat patients with deformity in the growing spine to the conclusion of treatment with posterior spine fusion. MCGR treatment for growing spine gained popularity with paucity of long-term follow up data. We hypothesized that final fusion might be more effective in bringing additional correction of the spine deformity after treatment with MCGR than that reported after traditional growing rods (TGR) due to less scarring and auto-fusion. Retrospective review of 47 patients with varied etiology, treated between 2011 and 2017 which graduated treatment were followed in five academic medical centers for average of 50 months (range, 10-88). The initial mean coronal deformity of 69.6° (95% CI 65-74) was corrected to 40° (95% CI 36-40) immediately after the MCGR implantation but progressed to 52.8° (95% CI 46-59) prior to the final surgery (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, thoracic spine growth (T1-T12 height) improved from 187.3 mm (95% CI 179-195) following index surgery to 208.9 mm (95% CI 199-218) prior to final fusion (P < 0.01). Significant correction and spinal length were obtained at final fusion, but metallosis was a frequent observation (47%, 22/47). The average growth rate was 0.5 mm/month (95% CI 0.3-0.6). The overall complication rate within our cohort was 66% (31/47) with 45% (21/47) of unplanned returns to the operating theater. 32% (15/47) of the patients had an implant related complication. Unplanned surgery was highly correlated with thoracic kyphosis greater than 40° (OR 5.42 95% CI 1.3-23). Treatment of growing spine deformities with MCGR provides adequate control of spine deformity it is comparable to previously published data about TGR. The overall high complications rate over time and specifically implant related complications.Level of Evidence: 4.

Efficacy of distal pedicle screw fixation as a caudal foundation in VEPTR growing rod constructs for early onset scoliosis.

Surgical treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) is challenging. Stable and robust foundations are vital. We have assessed a small cohort of patients with a rib-based proximal fixation and a pedicle screw-based distal foundation for a distraction based growing rod system. This is a single center study in a tertiary spinal deformity unit with a catchment population of over 6 million. We performed a retrospective radiographic evaluation of 15 patients with EOS treated with Vertical Expandable Titanium Prosthetic Rib (VEPTR) implant between 2007 and 2017. The review of medical records and imaging data was performed to identify growth of the spine and complications with pedicle screws. There were ten male and five female patients with an average age at index surgery of 4yrs 11months. Mean length of follow-up was 6yrs 9months. Serial radiographs revealed improvements in mean Cobb angle of 12 degrees, T1-T12 height of 29mm and T1-S1 height of 48mm with no deterioration in distal LIV tilt angle. We report that none of these patients had any complications related to their pedicle screws including cut-out. We report a technique which is efficacious and provides a mechanically robust distal fixation for VEPTR lengthening in early onset scoliosis.

Clinical and health-related quality-of-life outcomes after early and late spinal fusion in pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis at 10-year follow-up.

A retrospective comparative study. This study compares the effect of age at the time of surgery on clinical and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes at 10-year follow-up in pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis (CS). Several studies have evaluated the outcomes of surgical treatments of CS during the growth period; however, age at surgery and its long-term effects have been assessed in only a few case reports. We enrolled patients with CS who underwent spinal fusion at the age of 18years or younger in our study. We evaluated 97 patients (38 males, 59 females; average age 16.5years) who met our inclusion criteria, including the availability of outcome data for a minimum of 10-year post-surgery. We divided patients into two groups in terms of the age at surgery: early fusion (EF) and late fusion (LF) groups. Clinical outcomes included re-operations, major curve corrections immediately and at 10-year follow-up, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire, and percentage forced vital capacity (%FVC). The EF group (33 patients) and the LF group (64 patients) did not differ significantly in terms of demographics. In all domains, the EF group had better HRQoL than the LF group. More patients (52%) in the EF group required re-operation than in the LF group (23%). In addition, patients with short fusion (< 7 segments, p = 0.0011) and greater T1-T12 height (≥ 22cm, p = 0.0088) had better %FVC than their counterparts. Age at surgery might have some non-negligible impacts on patients' HRQoL and clinical outcomes. Our study highlighted the important factors in surgical considerations of choosing the appropriate timing for spinal fusion, performing shorter fusions, and achieving an acceptable curve correction without allowing further curve progression that required re-operations. Level III.

Spring distraction system for dynamic growth guidance of early onset scoliosis: two-year prospective follow-up of 24 patients

BackgroundCurrent surgical treatment options for early onset scoliosis (EOS), with distraction- or growth-guidance implants, show limited growth and high complication rates during follow-up. We developed a novel implant concept, which uses compressed helical springs positioned around the rods of a growth-guidance construct. This spring distraction system (SDS) provides continuous corrective force to stimulate spinal growth, can be easily contoured, and can be used with all standard spinal instrumentation systems. PurposeTo assess curve correction and -maintenance, spinal growth, complication rate, and health-related quality of life following SDS treatment. Study DesignProspective cohort study. Patient sampleAll skeletally immature EOS patients with an indication for growth-friendly surgery and without bone- or soft tissue weakness were eligible to receive SDS. For this study, all included patients with at least 2-year follow-up were analyzed. Outcome measuresCoronal Cobb angle, sagittal parameters, T1-T12, T1-S1, and instrumented (ie, bridged segment) spinal height and freehand length, complications and re-operations, and the 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaires (EOSQ-24) score. MethodsAll primary- and conversion patients (conversion from failed other systems) with SDS and ≥2 years follow-up were included. Radiographic parameters were compared preoperatively, postoperatively and at latest follow-up. Spinal length increase was expressed as mm/year. ResultsTwenty-four skeletally immature EOS patients (18 primary and 6 conversion cases) were included. There were five idiopathic, seven congenital, three syndromic, and nine neuromuscular EOS patients. Mean age at implantation was 9.1 years (primary: 8.4; conversion: 11.2). Major curve improved from 60.3° to 35.3°, and was maintained at 40.6° at latest follow-up. Mean spring length increase during follow-up was 10.4 mm/year. T1-S1 height increased 9.9mm/year and the instrumented segment height showed a mean increase of 0.7 mm/segment/year. EOSQ-24 scores dropped after surgery from 75.6 to 67.4 but recovered to 75.0 at latest follow-up. In total, 17 reoperations were performed. Ten reoperations were performed to treat 9 implant-related complications. In addition, 7 patients showed spinal growth that exceeded expected growth velocity; their springs were retensioned during a small reoperation. ConclusionThe 2-year follow-up results from this prospective cohort study indicate that the concept of spring distraction may be feasible as an alternative to current growing spine solutions. Curve correction and growth could be maintained satisfactory without the need for repetitive lengthening procedures. However, as in all growth-friendly implants, complications and reoperations could not be prevented, which emphasizes the need for further improvement.

Relationship Between Pulmonary Function and Thoracic Morphology in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A New Index, the "Apical Vertebra Deviation Ratio", as a Predictive Factor for Pulmonary Function Impairment.

A retrospective study. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thoracic morphology (TM) and pulmonary function (PF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the feasibility of the "apical vertebra deviation ratio (AVDR)" as a predictor of PF impairment. The PF of AIS is one of the key focuses of clinicians' attention. Early identification of AIS patients who are at risk of developing impaired PF is important for improving patient management. Preoperative PF and radiographic examination data of 108 patients with thoracic AIS were collected. The following TM data were collected: the costophrenic angle distance (CAD), distance between T1 and mean diaphragm height (T1-diaphragm), T1-T12 height, and AVDR. The correlation coefficient between PF and TM measurements was analyzed, and univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to determine whether the TM measurements could predict PF. The CAD, T1-diaphragm, and T1-T12 height were significantly positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), vital capacity, and total lung capacity (r = 0.54-0.74, P < 0.01). A linear equation between CAD and pulmonary volume could be established: FVC (L) = -3.46 + CAD (cm) × 0.27 (R2 = 0.54). If T1-T12 height is included, the correlation is further enhanced (R2 = 0.68). There was a significant negative correlation between the AVDR and predicted values of forced vital capacity (FVC%), FEV1%, predicted values of vital capacity, and predicted values of total lung capacity (r = -0.46 to -0.52, P < 0.01). The AVDR could predict the value of each of these variables. One of the linear equations is as follows: FVC% = 110.70-99.73 × AVDR (R2 = 0.272). The two novel, two-dimensional TM measurements, CAD and AVDR, can be used as moderate to strong predictors of PF outcome in statistical terms. An AVDR >0.2 suggests that the patient may suffer from moderate or severe PF damage.Level of Evidence: 4.

Magnetically controlled growing rods in the treatment of early onset scoliosis

Aims Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution. Methods This is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of MCGR performed in our institution between 2012 and 2018. This cohort consisted of 44 children (25 females and 19 males), with a mean age of 7.9 years (3.7 to 13.6). There were 41 primary cases and three revisions from other rod systems. The majority (38 children) had dual rods. The group represents a mixed aetiology including idiopathic (20), neuromuscular (13), syndromic (9), and congenital (2). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years, with a minimum of two years. Nine children graduated to definitive fusion. We evaluated radiological parameters of deformity correction (Cobb angle), and spinal growth (T1-T12 and T1-S1 heights), as well as complications during the course of treatment. Results The mean Cobb angles pre-operatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up were 70° (53 to 103), 35° (15 to 71) and 39° (15 to 65) respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Further, there was a mean of 14° (-6 to 27) of additional Cobb angle correction upon graduation from MCGR to definitive fusion. Both T1-T12 and T1-S1 showed significant increase in heights of 27 mm and 45 mm respectively at last follow-up (p &lt; 0.001). Ten children (23%) developed 18 complications requiring 21 unplanned operations. Independent risk factors for developing a complication were single rod constructs and previous revision surgery. Conclusion MCGR has the benefit of avoiding multiple surgeries, and is an effective tool in treatment of early-onset scoliosis. It also maintains the flexibility of the spine, allowing further correction at the time of definitive fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:405–414.

Magnetically controlled growing rods in the treatment of early onset scoliosis: a single centre experience of 44 patients with mean follow-up of 4.1 years.

AimsMagnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have been gaining popularity in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) over the past decade. We present our experience with the first 44 MCGR consecutive cases treated at our institution.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of consecutive cases of MCGR performed in our institution between 2012 and 2018. This cohort consisted of 44 children (25 females and 19 males), with a mean age of 7.9 years (3.7 to 13.6). There were 41 primary cases and three revisions from other rod systems. The majority (38 children) had dual rods. The group represents a mixed aetiology including idiopathic (20), neuromuscular (13), syndromic (9), and congenital (2). The mean follow-up was 4.1 years, with a minimum of two years. Nine children graduated to definitive fusion. We evaluated radiological parameters of deformity correction (Cobb angle), and spinal growth (T1-T12 and T1-S1 heights), as well as complications during the course of treatment.ResultsThe mean Cobb angles pre-operatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up were 70° (53 to 103), 35° (15 to 71) and 39° (15 to 65) respectively (p < 0.001). Further, there was a mean of 14° (-6 to 27) of additional Cobb angle correction upon graduation from MCGR to definitive fusion. Both T1-T12 and T1-S1 showed significant increase in heights of 27 mm and 45 mm respectively at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Ten children (23%) developed 18 complications requiring 21 unplanned operations. Independent risk factors for developing a complication were single rod constructs and previous revision surgery.ConclusionMCGR has the benefit of avoiding multiple surgeries, and is an effective tool in treatment of early-onset scoliosis. It also maintains the flexibility of the spine, allowing further correction at the time of definitive fusion.Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:405–414.

Growth-preserving instrumentation in early-onset scoliosis patients with multi-level congenital anomalies.

Retrospective. To assess final outcomes in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) who underwent growth-preserving instrumentation (GPI). Various types of growth-preserving instrumentation (GPI) are frequently employed, but until recently had not been utilized long enough to assess final outcomes. GPI "graduates" with multi-level congenital curves were identified. Graduation was defined as a final fusion or 5years of follow-up without planned future surgeries. Outcomes included radiographic parameters and complications. 26 patients were included. 11 had associated diagnoses; eight had fused ribs. 17 were treated with traditional growing rods, seven with vertically expandable prosthetic ribs, and two with Shilla procedures. The mean GPI spanned 12.3 levels including 10.7 motion segments, age at index surgery was 5.5years, treatment spanned 7.5years, and follow-up was 9.2years. 24 patients underwent final fusion. Mean major curve decreased from 73° to 49° with index surgery (p < 0.01) and remained unchanged through a final follow-up. Final major curve was < 40° in 9 patients (35%), 40°-60° in 11 patients (42%), and > 60° in 6 patients (23%). None worsened throughout treatment. Mean T1-T12 height increased 2.4cm with index surgery (p = 0.02) and 5.4cm total (p < 0.01). T1-T12 height increased in all patients and was ultimately < 18cm in 10 patients (38%), 18-22cm in 10 patients (38%), and > 22cm in 6 patients (23%). On average, there were 2.6 complications per patient, including 1.7 implant failures. 12 patients (46%) experienced ≥ 3 complications; four patients (15%) experienced none. We observed successful prevention of deformity progression but substantial residual deformity among GPI graduates with multi-level congenital EOS. Most coronal curve correction was attained during GPI implantation; thoracic height improved throughout treatment. While some favorable results were found, treatment strategies allowing improved deformity correction would be valuable for this challenging population. Therapeutic-III.

Spinal Growth in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated With Boston Brace: A Retrospective Study.

Retrospective comparative cohort. The aim of this study was to determine whether spinal growth is restricted by brace treatment in patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS). Spinal fusion can negatively affect spinal growth if performed before the growth spurt. Brace treatment is often given in this young population to control the spinal deformity while allowing spinal growth. It is unknown whether the applied pressure of brace treatment on spine results in growth restriction. The aim of the study is to evaluate spinal growth in braced JIS patients. A total of 49 JIS patients treated with Boston brace were retrospectively selected from a scoliosis database. T1-T12/T1-S1 perpendicular and freehand (height following the curvature of the spine) height were measured on radiographs of patients that had reached skeletal maturity and were matched with 49 controls without scoliosis. Spinal growth was calculated from brace initiation until cessation and was compared with normal spinal growth values as reported by Dimeglio. The mean age of diagnosis was 7.4 years. The age of the braced scoliosis patients at skeletal maturity was 17.5 years. The average T1-T12 and T1-S1 freehand height measured by following the curvature of the scoliosis was 29.3 cm (±2.4) and 47.2cm (±4.0), respectively, and was not significant different from the control group. Brace treatment was initiated at a mean age of 11.2 and the mean age of cessation was 14.8. Spinal growth (freehand) during brace treatment was 1.10 cm/year for the thoracic spine and 1.78 cm/year for the full spine and was not significant different from normal values. No significant influence of bracing on spinal growth could be detected in this cohort of JIS patients. The spinal height measurements at skeletal maturity were similar to matched controls. In addition, spinal growth did not significantly differ from Dimeglio normal growth data, indicating that the effect of bracing on spinal growth is absent or minimal. 3.

Staged instrumentation with magnetically controlled growing rods in early-onset scoliosis: indications and preliminary outcomes.

Severe scoliosis, kyphosis, stiffer curves, short trunk height, and poor bone density are known risk factors for instrumentation failure with traditional growing rods or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). To minimize the risk of instrumentation failure in managing complex early-onset scoliosis (EOS) with MCGR, we propose a strategy for staged MCGR insertion. We performed a single-center retrospective review of all consecutive MCGR cases with 24months' minimum follow-up. Inclusion criteria included diagnosis of EOS of any etiology with severe and stiff curves in the coronal or sagittal planes, poor bone density, short trunk height (T1-T12 smaller than 150mm) or previous instrumentation failure managed with staged MCGR. During the first stage, anchor points and halo-gravity were applied, followed by halo-gravity traction. At a second stage, halo-gravity was removed and MCGR were inserted. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative radiographic measurements and complications. Seventeen patients with a median age of 7 (range 6-9) years were managed in two stages. Indications for two-stage surgery were short trunk height (T1-T12 height less than 150mm) in six patients, five poor bone quality, three dislodgement of proximal anchor points in previous instrumentation, and three rigid curves. The rate of unplanned revision surgeries was 11.8%. No infections or traction-related complications were found. According to our results, the staged MCGR insertion strategy combined with halo-gravity traction to manage complex EOS yielded a relatively low instrumentation failure rate as compared with the rates previously reported in the current literature. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the staged strategy for instrumentation with MCGR. IV.

Normative Data of Pulmonary Function Tests and Radiographic Measures of Chest Development in Children Without Spinal Deformity: Is a T1–T12 Height of 22 cm Adequate?

Study DesignRetrospective case series. ObjectivesTo develop normative data of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and radiographic measures of chest development in normal children and to determine if the prior proposed T1–T12 height of 22 cm for spinal fusion in a growing child is adequate for pulmonary function based on normative PFT values at skeletal maturity. Summary of Background DataShortening of the spine from T1–T12 is a concern with early thoracic fusion for spinal deformity, as it has a deleterious effect on the development of the pulmonary system. MethodsChildren with mild asthma who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) >90% and without chest or spinal deformity were identified. PFT data included absolute forced vital capacity (FVC), %-predicted FVC, absolute forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), %-predicted FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. Radiographic measurements performed on chest radiographs included T1–T12 height, coronal chest width (CCW), and space available for the lung (SAL) bilaterally. These data were analyzed for all patients and for patients with T1–T12 heights 22–24 cm. To assess the impact of T1–T12 shortening on PFTs at skeletal maturity, spirometric standards for healthy adult lifetime nonsmokers were used. ResultsOf 1,797 PFT studies, 149 children (average age 12.4 ± 3.0 years; girls, 97) were analyzed. For the entire cohort, PFT values were as follows: FVC 3.0 ± 0.9 L, %-predicted FVC 103.9% ± 10.6%, absolute FEV1 2.7 ± 0.9 L, %-predicted FEV1 106.9% ± 11.1%, and FEV1/FVC 90.7% ± 2.6%. The averages for T1–T12 height was 25.6 ± 3.8 cm, CCW 25.5 ± 3.4 cm, and SAL bilaterally 19.0 ± 3.5 cm. For the 21 patients (girls 11; average age 9.7 ± 1.4 years) with T1–T12 heights 22–24 cm, absolute FVC was 2.2 ± 0.3 L, %-predicted FVC was 104.0% ± 13.0%, absolute FEV1 was 2.0 ± 0.3 L, %-predicted FEV1 was 108.2% ± 15.0%, and FEV1/FVC was 91.0% ± 2.7%. If these kids with 22–24 cm T1–T12 heights maintained the same thoracic height, they were calculated to have %-predicted FVC of 44% (girl) and 42% (boy) and %-predicted FEV1 of 42% (girl) and 43% (boy) at skeletal maturity (15 years old). ConclusionsPercent-predicted FEV1 and FVC values for normal children with a T1–T12 height of 22 cm at skeletal maturity were <50%. Though this analysis does not take into consideration radial expansion of the chest or children with scoliosis (idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular), these values are concerning and may not be adequate to guarantee that children with early-onset scoliosis who are fused with T1–T12 heights of 22 cm will have an asymptomatic pulmonary status in adulthood. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

VEPTR Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis in Children Without Rib Abnormalities: Long-term Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Study.

In 2007, this prospective study on vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) treatment of early onset scoliosis in children without rib abnormalities was initiated. Two-year follow-up results have previously been reported. This study examines whether, at 5-year follow-up, VEPTR continues to control scoliosis and allow spinal growth. A prospective, multicenter, observational cohort design was used. Patients underwent traditional VEPTR implantation ≥5 years before analysis. Preimplantation and last available images were compared, regardless of whether VEPTR remained in vivo. Additional analysis was performed if VEPTR was in vivo ≥5 years. This study included 59 patients (mean age at VEPTR implantation, 6.1±2.4 y; mean follow-up, 6.9±1.4 y). Currently, 24 patients still have VEPTR, whereas 24 have converted (13 fusions, 6 MCGR, 3 growing rods, 1 hybrid, and 1 Shilla). Three have had VEPTR explanted, 6 are unknown, and 2 have deceased. On last available imaging (n=59; mean follow-up, 4.8±1.9 y), scoliosis improved from 71.8±18.0 degrees preoperatively to 60.9±20.3 degrees (P<0.001) and T1- T12 height increased (15.8±3.2 to 19.3±3.8 cm, P<0.001). T1-S1 height also increased (24.8±4.4 to 31.2±5.3 cm, P<0.001), representing 119% age-matched growth. Composite improvement of scoliosis, T1-T12, and T1-S1 height was achieved in 79% of patients. A subset of 29 patients with VEPTR was analyzed at most recent follow-up ≥5 years while VEPTR remained in vivo (24 patients with VEPTR above, and 5 who later converted to other devices). Mean age at implantation was 5.0±2.2 years, with a mean VEPTR treatment duration of 6.2±1.1 years. Scoliosis improved from preoperatively (69.3±14.5 to 61.6±16.1 degrees, P=0.006), with mild recurrence from postoperative to 5 years. T1-T12 height increased (15.0±3.3 to 18.7±3.3 cm, P<0.001) and T1-S1 height increased (23.7±4.5 to 30.1±4.6 cm, P<0.001), representing 83% age-matched growth. Composite improvement was achieved in 83% of patients. Instrumented sagittal length also increased during this period (21.8±4.2 to 30.3±5.1 cm, P<0.001). At a 5-year follow-up, VEPTR continues to control scoliosis and allow spinal growth. Level II-prospective cohort, therapeutic study.

Brace treatment can serve as a time-buying tactic for patients with congenital scoliosis

BackgroundInfantile patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) can be confronted with increasing risk of mortality and morbidity. To date, the effectiveness of conservative treatment in CS has not been sufficiently investigated. We aimed to evaluate the bracing outcome in patients with CS and to investigate whether wearing brace can effectively delay the surgical procedures.MethodsA total of 39 braced CS patients including 25 boys and 14 girls were reviewed for the eligibility to be included in this study. Radiographic parameters including curve magnitude and T1 to T12 height were evaluated for each patient at the initiation of the treatment and at the final follow-up (FU), respectively. Duration of the follow-up and requirement of surgical interventions were also recorded. The student t test was used to compare the radiographic parameters between the initial visit and the last FU.ResultsThe mean initial age at bracing was 4.1 ± 2.3 years, and 7.5 ± 1.8 brace modifications were performed during a mean FU period of 42.1 ± 26.5 months. The mean curve magnitude before bracing was 44.1 ± 12.2°, which was corrected to 41.3 ± 13.5° at the final visit (p = 0.33). T1-T12 height increased from 13.4 ± 2.5 to 17.1 ± 2.8 cm during the treatment (P < 0.001). Nine patients underwent surgical intervention due to the curve progression more than 5°, with the time of surgery delayed for 32.1 ± 18.2 months.ConclusionsBrace treatment is an effective time-buying modality for CS patients, which may help maintain the body growth and delay the surgical intervention.

Spine Deformity With Fused Ribs Treated With Proximal Rib- Versus Spine-Based Growing Constructs

Study DesignRetrospective review of prospectively collected data. ObjectiveTo compare the use of spine-based versus rib-based implants for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) in the setting of rib fusions. Summary of Background DataTreatment for severe early-onset spinal deformity with rib fusions includes growing spine devices with proximal rib or spine anchors. The results of treatment, however, have not been compared between spine-based versus rib-based proximal anchors. Methods169 patients with rib fusions treated with rib-based or spine-based constructs and minimum two-year follow-up were included. Sixteen patients were treated with proximal spine-based anchors and 153 with proximal rib-based devices (VEPTRs). Overall, 104 of the patients with rib-based fixation underwent thoracoplasty at the index surgery. We evaluated change in T1–T12 and T1–S1 height, coronal Cobb angle, kyphosis, and number of lengthening/revision surgeries. ResultsKyphosis increased a mean of 7° in the rib-based group and decreased a mean of 20 degrees in the spine-based group (p = .002). Major Cobb angle decreased in both groups (p < .0001); however, the spine-based group had greater Cobb angle improvement (24 vs. 11 degrees, p = .04). From implant and lengthening of distraction devices, there was a mean 3.3-cm (22%) increase in T1–T12 height and a mean of 8.0 lengthenings in the rib-based group compared with a 5.7-cm increase and 6.3 lengthening surgeries in the spine-based group. Patients with rib-based constructs had a mean of 11 total procedures, whereas spine-based patients had a mean of 8. ConclusionsPatients underwent a mean of eight lengthening surgeries before final fusion or cessation of lengthening with a modest 2.3-cm increase in T1–T12 height. Compared with proximal rib anchors, proximal spine anchors controlled kyphosis and improved Cobb angle correction for early-onset scoliosis with rib fusions.

Radiographic, Pulmonary, and Clinical Outcomes With Halo Gravity Traction

Study DesignSingle-center retrospective chart review. Objectives and SummaryHalo gravity traction (HGT) is a safe and effective intervention to improve spinal deformity prior to corrective instrumentation. Our study aimed to report on a large series of patients undergoing HGT, demonstrate the correlation between thoracic height achieved and pulmonary function, and evaluate the efficacy of nutritional assessment and intervention while in HGT for these often malnourished or nutritionally compromised patients. Methods107 patients underwent HGT for severe spinal deformity. Major coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, T1–T12 ht, and T1–S1 ht were collected pre-HGT, during HGT, postoperation, and 2 years postoperation. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) recorded forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Nutritional interventions such as formal nutrition consult, resulting nutritional supplementation, or interventions were recorded. ResultsPatients were in HGT for mean of 82.1 days and mean maximum percentage body weight in traction was 49.5%. Mean major coronal Cobb angle prior to HGT was 92.6°, improving to 65.8° in maximal traction and to 47° after surgical intervention. Traction accounted for 78% of T1–T12 height and 79% of T1–S1 length gains from pre- to postoperation. We showed a positive correlation between gain in T1–T12 height and percentage predicted changes in FVC and FEV1. Weight Z score for the entire cohort of patients improved from −2.8 pretraction to −2.4 in traction and then to −2.3 postoperative. ConclusionsOur study again demonstrated that HGT achieves radiographic improvement safely and effectively in severe spinal deformity. We demonstrated a positive correlation between improvement in PFTs and increase in thoracic height seen with HGT. Additionally, improvement in weight Z score was seen in the entire population and the most at risk patients for malnutrition, results that have not been shown before. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Targeted Distraction: Spinal Growth in Children With Early-Onset Scoliosis Treated With a Tail-gating Technique for Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods.

Prospective cohort study OBJECTIVE.: To understand the efficacy of a tail-gating technique (TGT) to mirror the normal spinal growth of children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) treated with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). MCGR allow outpatient distraction and guided spinal growth without the need for repeat surgery. Two techniques (maximal and targeted) are currently employed to determine the distraction amount, however the efficacy of each is unknown. This study specifically assesses the ability of targeted distraction to achieve physiological growth. We performed a retrospective review of European children treated with MCGR using a TGT and analyzed the post-operative clinical and radiographic outcomes, including the sitting height, standing height, coronal Cobb angle, T1-T12 and T1-S1 height. Furthermore, we compared the post-operative sitting/standing height ratio every 6 months to those reported for normal age- and sex-matched European children. Thirty-five children were included with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (1.8-5.8 years). All clinical and radiographic parameters significantly (P < 0.05) improved immediately post-operatively and were maintained until final follow-up. The TGT mirrored the normative sitting/standing height ratios for expected spinal growth (Pearson correlation 0.95 for males and 0.90 for females). The mean difference between the reference values for the sitting/standing height ratio and our results was 0.0124 (P < 0.001) for males and 0.0068 (P = 0.010) for females. MCGR can reliably improve the coronal deformity in children with EOS while maintaining spinal growth. A TGT to determine the distraction amount at follow-up accurately mirrors the normal growth pattern of age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched children. However, patients treated with this technique have a statistically significant, but clinically insignificant, shorter than physiologically normal spinal height. 3.

Early-Onset Spinal Deformity in Skeletal Dysplasias: A Multicenter Study of Growth-Friendly Systems

PurposeSevere, early-onset spinal deformity is common in patients with skeletal dysplasia. These deformities often present at young ages and are associated with significant pulmonary dysfunction. The objective of this study is to verify the effectiveness of growth-friendly spinal instrumentation systems in promoting growth in patients with skeletal dysplasia and early-onset kyphoscoliosis. MethodsA retrospective, multicenter comparative cohort study was performed. Twenty-three patients identified to have a skeletal dysplasia (SKD) were evaluated for diagnosis, age at treatment, gender, and type of growing rod construct (spine vs. rib constructs). Patients were matched by age and construct type with similarly treated patients with early-onset scoliosis (CON) without skeletal dysplasia. Radiographic parameters including maximum coronal and sagittal Cobb angle with levels, T1–S1 height, and T1–T12 height were measured. ResultsT1–T12 (12.8 vs. 15.2 cm, p = .01) and T1–S1 (21.2 vs. 24.5 cm, p = .05) heights were significantly shorter for the SKD group at implantation, and kyphosis tended to be more severe in children with SKD (p = .80 and .07, respectively). Kyphosis did not improve with treatment. Scoliosis improved (p < .01), and ΔT1–T12 and ΔT1–S1 significantly increased in both groups (p < .01). Complication rates were similar between the two groups; however, patients with SKD had more intraoperative monitoring changes and hardware failures (p < .005). ConclusionAlthough patients with SKD start with shorter spine lengths, gains in spine length appear to be comparable to other forms of EOS. Neuromonitoring changes and implant failures are more common in the SKD group. SignificanceThe effectiveness of growth-friendly techniques in promoting growth in early-onset spinal deformities in patients with skeletal dysplasia has not been previously studied. We report the first comprehensive review of this topic. Growth-friendly techniques are an appropriate treatment option in this patient population.

Use of a distraction-to-stall lengthening procedure in magnetically controlled growing rods: A single-center cohort study.

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) using a standardized distraction procedure with intended distraction-to-stall and to compare the outcomes between idiopathic and nonidiopathic patients. This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Conversion cases were excluded. Distractions were performed with 2- to 3-month intervals with the intention of distraction-to-stall on both rods. Distraction length was measured on X-rays every 6 months. Spinal height was assessed using T1-T12 and T1-S1 annual increase. 19 patients (eight idiopathic and 11 nonidiopathic) were included. Mean age at surgery was 9.7 ± 1.9 years, and median follow-up was 1.9 years (interquartile range (IQR): 1.3-2.2). Major curve improved from median 76° (IQR: 64-83) preoperatively to 42° (IQR: 32-51) postoperatively ( p < 0.001) corresponding to a curve correction of 43% (IQR: 33-51). Correction was maintained at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Median annual T1-T12 and T1-S1 height increase were 10 mm (IQR: 6-16) and 11 mm (IQR: 7-33), respectively. A total of 159 distraction procedures were performed; 83.5% of these were distracted-to-stall, and 16.5% were stopped due to discomfort. Median rod distraction per procedure was 2.0 mm (IQR: 1.6-2.7) for the concave side and 1.7 mm (IQR: 1.4-2.5) for the convex side. Five patients had implant-related complications. Patients with nonidiopathic etiology were significantly younger and had lower flexibility compared with idiopathic patients ( p ≤ 0.040). However, we found no statistically significant difference in curve correction, spinal height increase, distraction length, or complications between the two groups ( p ≥ 0.109). MCGR effectively corrected the deformity and increased spinal height using a distraction procedure with intended distraction-to-stall. Five of 19 patients had implant-related complications, and we found no difference in the outcomes between idiopathic and nonidiopathic patients.