Thoracic Scoliosis Research Articles

The role of sagittal pelvic morphology in the development of adult degenerative scoliosis

PurposePelvic morphology dictates the alignment and biomechanics of the spine. Recent observations in different types of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis indicate that individual pelvic morphology is related to the spinal levels in which scoliosis develops: primary lumbar adolescent scoliosis is associated with a higher pelvic incidence (PI) than thoracic scoliosis and non-scoliotic controls. We hypothesize that adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) of the lumbar spine follows the same mechanical principles and is associated with a high PI.MethodsThis study used an existing CT-scan database, 101 ADS patients were sex and age matched to 101 controls. The PI was measured by two observers with multi-planar reconstruction, perpendicular to the hip-axis according to a previously validated technique.ResultsThe PI was 54.1° ± 10.8° in ADS patients and 47.7° ± 10.8° in non-scoliotic controls (p < 0.001). The median ADS curve apex was the disc L2-3 and median curve length was 4 vertebral levels. The mean supine Cobb angle was 21° ± 8° (ranged 10°–47°). There was no significant correlation between PI and the apex level (p = 0.883), the curve length (p = 0.418) or the Cobb angle (p = 0.518).ConclusionsADS normally develops de novo in the lumbar spine of patients with a higher PI than controls, similar to primary lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This suggests a shared mechanical basis of both deformities. Pelvic morphology dictates spinal sagittal alignment, which determines the segments of the spine that are prone to develop scoliosis.

«Conscious correction of scoliosis and posture disorders» in the complex rehabilitation treatment of degrees 1–3 thoracic spine idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND: Severe functional disorders in the internal organs and systems of the body, increased fatiguability, and cosmetic body shape defects that lead to social and psychological problems, as well as the potential adverse effect of the progression of scoliotic deformity, necessitate the constant monitoring and timely treatment of sick children until their bone growth is completed. Thus, early diagnostics of scoliosis and timely combination therapy at the early stages of the disease are required.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of spinal deformity correction and apical vertebrae derotation in pediatric patients with thoracic spine idiopathic scoliosis and justification of the use of physiotherapy exercise method, Conscious correction of scoliosis and postural disorders (DCS) in children and adolescents with degrees 13 thoracic spine idiopathic scoliosis (IS).&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 98 patients with IS under supervision (78 (79.6%) females and 20 (20.4%) males). The average age of subjects was 12.5 years (916 years), namely 25 patients aged 911 years, 42 patients aged 1214 years old, and 31 patients aged 1416 years old. The anatomical type of deformity and its parameters were determined according to radiographs and clinical examination data (81 cases of right-sided thoracic scoliosis and 17 left-sided thoracic scolioses). The angular deformity was assessed according to J.R. Cobb, and the angle of curvature was 736. At baseline, all patients had active growth bone plasticity of the spine. Depending on the degree of deformity, they were distributed into groups of 37 patients with 716, 33 patients with 1722, and 28 patients with 2336. The radiograph analyses of the spine were performed in frontal and lateral projections in an upright position (frontal and sagittal plane curvature in degree measurements). Radiography was performed before the complex therapy and 2 years thereafter, which included individual isometric, derotation, respiratory, and other complexes of physiotherapy exercises according to the methods of DCS, K. Schroth, and Chneau corsetting.&#x0D; RESULTS: The changes over time of scoliotic deformity angle correction are closely related to the time of diagnosis, which was noted in all patient groups under study.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnostics of thoracic spine IS and the use of DCS remedial gymnastics within the program of timely conservative treatment eliminated the disease progression in patients with deformity up to 17. In the case of IS of 20 and more, the combined use of the Chneau corset and exercise therapy using the DCS method achieved significant stabilization and correction.

Factors associated with increased back pain in primary thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 10years after surgery.

To identify the prevalence and predictors of nonspecific back pain in primary thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients at 10years after surgery. This was a case-control multi-center study. A query of patients who underwent surgical correction of major thoracic AIS between 1997 and 2007 with 10-year follow-up was reviewed. SRS-22 pain scores at 10years were classified as below normal (≤ 2 standard deviations below average for controls of similar age/sex from published literature) or within/above the control range. One hundred and seventy-one patients with an average of 10.5 ± 0.8-years follow-up were included. Average age at surgery was 14 ± 2years. The rate of pain was 23% for males and 11% for females (p = 0.08). Differences in age, 10-year SRS mental health score, and radiographic measures were noted. Of 12 patients who underwent revision surgery, 42% reported below normal pain scores versus 11% in cases without revision (p = 0.012). Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis identified 10-year thoracic curve magnitude and 10-year mental health scores as significant predictors. Thoracic Cobb of ≤ 26° at 10years was associated with a 7% rate of below normal pain scores compared to 27.5% when the curve was > 26° (OR = 4.8, p < 0.05). Of those with a curve ≤ 26°, no patients had abnormal pain if the SRS mental health score was > 4.2 and 15% had more pain than normal if mental health score was ≤ 4.2 (OR 23, p < 0.05). Increased primary thoracic curve magnitude (> 26°) at 10years was the primary predictor of increased pain. For patients with less coronal deformity (< 26°), a poor mental health score was associated with an increased rate of pain. Male gender and revision surgery may also play a role in increased pain, however, the overall frequency of these variables were low. Level 3.

The sagittal curvature of the spine can be a leading cause of scoliosis in pediatric spine.

The etiology of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unknown. Variations in the sagittal profile of the spine between the early stage scoliotic and non-scoliotic pediatric patients have been shown. However, no quantitative study has shown the link between the sagittal profile and 3D deformity of the spine. 126 right thoracic scoliosis with spinal and 3D reconstructions were included. A 2D finite element model was developed for each of the sagittal curve types without any deformity in the frontal or axial planes. Physiological loadings were determined from the literature and were applied in the finite element model. The 3D deformation patterns of the models were compared to the 3D spinal patterns of the AIS with the same sagittal type. A significant correlation was found between the 3D deformity of the scoliotic curves and the numerical finite element simulation of the corresponding sagittal profile as determined by pattern correlation, p<0.001. The sagittal curve deformation patterns corresponded to the spinal deformities in the patients with the same sagittal curvature. Finite element models of the spines, representing different sagittal types in 126 AIS patients showed that deformation pattern of the sagittal types changes as a function of the spine curvature and associates with the patterns of 3D spinal deformity in AIS patients with the same sagittal curves. This finding provided evidence that the sagittal curve of the spine can determine the deformity patterns in AIS.

Cervical kyphosis in patients with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Cervical kyphosis in patients with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Clinical predictive model of lumbar curve Cobb angle below selective fusion for thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a longitudinal multicenter descriptive study.

To implement a clinically applicable, predictive model for the lumbar Cobb angle below a selective thoracic fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A series of 146 adolescents with Lenke 1 or 2 idiopathic scoliosis, surgically treated with posterior selective fusion, and minimum follow-up of 5years (average 7) was analyzed. The cohort was divided in 2 groups: if lumbar Cobb angle at last follow-up was, respectively, ≥ or < 10°. A logistic regression-based prediction model (PredictMed) was implemented to identify variables associated with the group ≥ 10°. The guidelines of the TRIPOD statement were followed. Mean Cobb angle of thoracic main curve was 56° preoperatively and 25° at last follow-up.Mean lumbar Cobb angle was 33° (20; 59) preoperatively and 11° (0; 35) at last follow-up.53 patients were in group ≥ 10°. The 2 groups had similardemographics, flexibility of bothmainand lumbar curves, and magnitude of the preoperative main curve, p > 0.1. From univariate analysis, mean magnitude of preoperative lumbar curves (35° vs. 30°), mean correction of main curve (65% vs. 58%), mean ratio of main curve/distal curve (1.9 vs. 1.6) and distribution of lumbar modifiers were statistically different between groups (p < 0.05). PredictMed identified the following variables significantly associated with the group ≥ 10°: main curve % correction at last follow-up (p = 0.01) and distal curve angle (p = 0.04) with a prediction accuracy of 71%. The main modifiable factor influencing uninstrumented lumbar curve was the correction of main curve. The clinical model PredictMed showed an accuracy of 71% in prediction of lumbar Cobb angle ≥ 10° at last follow-up. Longitudinal comparative study.

In vivo deformation of anatomically pre-bent rods in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Some surgical strategies can maintain or restore thoracic kyphosis (TK); however, next-generation surgical schemes for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) should consider anatomical corrections. A four-dimensional correction could be actively achieved by curving the rod. Thus, anatomically designed rods have been developed as notch-free, pre-bent rods for easier anatomical reconstruction. This study aimed to compare the initial curve corrections obtained using notch-free rods and manually bent, notched rods for the anatomical reconstruction of thoracic AIS. Two consecutive series of 60 patients who underwent anatomical posterior correction for main thoracic AIS curves were prospectively followed up. After multilevel facetectomy, except for the lowest instrumented segment, either notch-free or notched rods were used. Patient demographic data, radiographic measurements, and sagittal rod angles were analyzed within 1 week after surgery. Patients with notch-free rods had significantly higher postoperative TK than patients with notched rods (P < .001), but both groups achieved three-dimensional spinal corrections and significantly increased postoperative rates of patients with T6–T8 TK apex (P = .006 for notch-free rods and P = .008 for notched rods). The rod deformation angle at the concave side was significantly lower in the notch-free rods than in the notched rods (P < .001). The notch-free, pre-bent rod can maintain its curvature, leading to better correction or maintenance of TK after anatomical spinal correction surgery than the conventional notched rod. These results suggest the potential benefits of anatomically designed notch-free, pre-bent rods over conventional, manually bent rods.

Ultrasound-guided nusinersen administration for spinal muscular atrophy patients with severe scoliosis: an observational study

BackgroundThis observational study describes our experience delivering nusinersen through lumbar puncture with real-time ultrasound guidance in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with severe scoliosis.ResultsIntrathecal nusinersen via real-time ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture was given to three patients who had severe thoracic and lumbar scoliosis: a 34-year-old female with type 3a SMA, a 28-year-old male with type 2a SMA, and a 14-year-old girl with type 3a SMA. Lumbar puncture was performed without sedation under ultrasound guidance using a 22G echogenic needle in the interlaminar aspect of the L4–L5 or L5–S1 interspace and a full dose of nusinersen (12 mg/5 mL) was injected after visualizing free cerebrospinal fluid flow. Patients completed their four loading doses and one maintenance dose of nusinersen. All 15 procedures were successful and well tolerated.ConclusionsReal-time ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture is an effective and radiation-free technique to administer intrathecal nusinersen in SMA patients with severe scoliosis when done by practitioners with expertise in this procedure.

Sequential correction using satellite rod for severe thoracic idiopathic scoliosis: an effective method to optimize deformity correction.

The aim of this paper was to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes between the sequential correction (SC) technique and the traditional 2-rod correction (TC) technique in patients with severe thoracic idiopathic scoliosis (STIS) undergoing posterior-only correction surgery. Records of a consecutive series of STIS patients undergoing posterior-only correction surgery between October 2013 and October 2017 with more than 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. The radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Radiographic parameters, operative time, blood loss, and complications were compared between the two groups. A total of 33 patients were included in the SC group, and 21 patients were included in the TC group. There was no significant difference in age, sex, or deformity magnitude (93.6° ± 7.8° vs 89.8° ± 6.6°, p = 0.070) preoperatively between groups. The operation time was shorter in the SC group than in the TC group (251.5 ± 42.8 minutes vs 275.4 ± 39.8 minutes, p = 0.020), while both blood loss (1284.6 ± 483.3 vs 1398.0 ± 558.4 ml, p = 0.432) and number of fused levels (13.1 ± 2.8 vs 13.6 ± 2.4, p = 0.503) were similar between the groups. Compared with the TC group, patients in the SC group had a higher correction rate (55.8% ± 9.2% vs 45.7% ± 8.8%, p < 0.001), less coronal (1.1° ± 0.81° vs 2.9° ± 0.93°, p < 0.001) and sagittal (1.5° ± 0.96° vs 2.1° ± 0.64°, p = 0.015) correction loss at the 2-year follow-up, and a lower incidence of intraoperative pedicle screw pullout (14.3% vs 23.8%, p = 0.026). The SC technique could significantly and practically reduce the difficulty of rod installation with better deformity correction outcomes than the traditional TC technique. The SC technique was an effective alternative for patients with STIS.

Risk of early complication following anterior vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis.

The purpose of this study was to determine peri-operative morbidity associated with anterior vertebral body tethering (aVBT) for idiopathic scoliosis. Of 175 patients treated with aVBT, 120 patients had 2year follow up and were included in this study. Prospectively collected clinical and radiographic data was analyzed retrospectively. Pre-operatively, the mean patient age was 12.6year (8.2-15.7year), Risser 0-3, with main thoracic scoliosis 51.2° (40-70°). Immediately post-operative, scoliosis improved to 26.9° (6-53°; p < 0.05), at 1-year post-operative was 23.0° (- 11 to 50°; p < 0.01 vs immediate post-op) and at 2-year post-operative was 27.5° (- 5 to 52; p = 0.64 vs immediate post-op). Pre-operative T5-T12 kyphosis was 16.0° (- 23 to 52°), post-operative was 16.9° (- 7 to 44°), at 1-year was 17.5° (- 14 to 61°) and at 2-year was 17.0° (- 10 to 50°; p = 0.72 vs pre-op). All patients underwent thoracoscopic approach, EBL 200ml (20-900ml), surgical time 215.3min (111-472min), anesthesia time 303.5min (207-480min), ICU stay of 0.2day (0-2days), and post-operative hospital stay 4.5days (2-9days). During the in-hospital peri-operative period, there were no unplanned return to the operating room (UPROR) and there was a 0.8% rate of complication: one pneumothorax requiring reinsertion of chest tube. By 90days post-operative, there was no UPROR and a 5% rate of complication. Five additional patients developed complications after discharge: one CSF leak treated with blood patch injection in the clinic and resolved, two pleural effusions requiring chest tubes, one superficial wound infection and one pneumonia treated with outpatient antibiotics. By 1-year post-op, there was a 1.7% rate of UPROR and 8.3% rate of complication. Four additional patients developed complications beyond 90days: two upper limb paresthesia required outpatient medical management, one CSF leak which initially treated blood patch injection in the clinic initially which then required UPROR, and one compensatory lumbar curve add on that was treated with extension of the tether. By 2-years post-op, there was a 6.7% rate of UPROR and 15.8% rate of complication. 9 additional complications developed after 1year. One curve progression, one keloid scar, one right leg weakness, 4 cable failures and 2 curve overcorrections. This large, multicenter series of aVBT demonstrated a 15.8% complication rate and a 6.7% UPROR rate at 2year post-operatively. This early study during the learning curve of aVBT found higher rates of CSF leaks and overall complications than would be expected for PSFI at 1year post-operatively and a higher rate of overall complications and of UPROR than would be expected for PSFI at 2year post-operatively. As is common with new procedures, the complication rate may fall with further experience.

How do spine instrumentation parameters influence the 3D correction of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A patient-specific biomechanical study

BackgroundPatient-specific models promises to support the surgical decision-making process, particularly in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The present computational biomechanical study investigates how specific instrumentation parameters impact 3D deformity correction in thoracic scoliosis. Methods1080 instrumentation simulations of a representative patient were run. The independent instrumentation parameters were: screw pattern, upper and lower instrumented vertebrae, rod curvature and rod stiffness. ANOVA and correlation analyses analyzed how the instrumentation parameters influenced the 3D correction. FindingsCoronal plane correction was affected by the lower instrumented vertebra and rod stiffness (explaining 84% and 11%, respectively, of its overall variance). The sagittal profile was controlled by rod curvature and the upper vertebra (56% and 36%). The transverse plane vertebral rotation was influenced by lower, upper instrumented vertebra and screw pattern (35%, 32% and 19%). The Cobb angle correction was strongly correlated with the number of fused vertebrae, particularly when grouped by the upper instrumented vertebra (r = −0.91) and rod stiffness (r = −0.73). Thoracic kyphosis was strongly correlated with the number of fused vertebrae grouped by rod curvature (r = 0.84). Apical vertebral rotation was moderately correlated with the number of fused vertebrae grouped by upper/lower instrumented vertebra (r = 0.55/0.58), although variations were minimal. InterpretationInstrumenting the last vertebra touching the central sacral vertical line improves 3D correction. A trade-off between a more cranial vs. caudal upper instrumented vertebra, respectively beneficial for coronal/sagittal vs. transverse plane correction, is required. High rod stiffness, differential rod contouring, and screw pattern were effective for coronal correction, thoracic kyphosis, and axial vertebral derotation, respectively.

Iatrogenic injury to long thoracic nerve following thoracotomy for right thoracic scoliosis in Marfan syndrome: a case report

BackgroundPatients with Marfan syndrome commonly require spinal deformity surgery. The purpose of this case report is to present a rare thoracotomy complication. We present the management of such a patient.Case summaryIn a known case of Marfan syndrome, an 18-year-old Persian man was admitted to our hospital with scoliosis. The patient underwent radiological examinations, and thoracic scoliosis of 70° was diagnosed. A right thoracotomy for anterior spinal fusion from the sixth rib and posterior spinal fusion were performed successfully. Two months later, he was readmitted because of winging of the right scapula due to serratus anterior palsy. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity confirmed long thoracic nerve injury. Conservative treatment was provided. Ultimately, the patient recovered completely in the last follow-up visit 6 months after the surgery.DiscussionThis is the first report of ipsilateral winged scapula after thoracotomy. Attention needs to be paid to surgical techniques in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Global sagittal alignment after surgery of right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents and adults with and without thoracic hypokyphosis

This study aimed to characterize global sagittal alignment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with normal kyphosis (NTK, kyphosis > 10°) and with thoracic hypokyphosis (THK, kyphosis < 10°), before and after posterior spinal fusion, and compare them with asymptomatic controls. 27 AIS girls and young adults with right thoracic curves were included (seventeen with age ≤ 18 years, then age > 21). Biplanar radiographies were acquired at baseline, immediate post-operatively, 1-year and 2-year follow-up, and 3D reconstruction of the spine and pelvis was performed. NTK and THK showed different global sagittal alignment, as well as differences compared to controls. AIS with THK at baseline had higher SVA/SFD (2.0 ± 2.9 vs − 0.4 ± 1.9; P < 0.05) and OD-HA (0.2 ± 1.4° vs − 1.3 ± 1.6°; P < 0.05) than controls, indicating that THK had compensated balance with unusual forward leaning posture. Immediately post-operation, SVA/SFD remained high (1.3 ± 3.0) while OD-HA reversed (− 1.2 ± 1.7°), indicating that THK patients had found partially compensated balance. After 2-yeas, both SVA/SFD (− 1.3 ± 2.1) and OD-HA (− 1.4 ± 0.9°) were normalized. The changes in global sagittal alignment and mechanism of balance are different in AIS with or without THK. As the head plays a critical role on balance during immediate and delayed post-operation, OD-HA can be complementary parameter for assessing global balance during post-operative follow-up of AIS patients with THK.

Shear wave elastography of the lateral abdominal muscles in C-shaped idiopathic scoliosis: a case\u2013control study

Considering that knowledge about lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is still very limited, the aims of this study were: (a) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped IS and non-scoliotic population; and (b) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar IS. A total of 259 adolescents were included in the final analysis; among these, 108 were IS and 151 were non-IS. LAM thickness and elasticity were measured at rest and during isometric contraction by an Aixplorer ultrasound scanner. Out of all LAM, only OE thickness was higher on the convex body side compared to the concave side in lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis. It may be related with muscle’s atrophy/hypertrophy or other tissues displacement rather than different force generated by the muscle on both body sides, because an asymmetry in the elasticity of the LAM between the convex and concave side was not presented. The only TrA was stiffer in lumbar scoliosis compared to thoracolumbar and thoracic scoliosis. LAM elasticity was similar in IS and non-IS adolescents.

Evaluation of the role of ventral interventions in the surgery of idiopathic scoliosis in patients with active bone growth

BACKGROUND: Today, the question of the tactics of surgical treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis during active bone growth, namely, the need for ventral interventions due to the emergence of modern dorsal instruments, remains open.&#x0D; AIM: This study aims to evaluate the role of ventral interventions in the surgical treatment of patients with progressive idiopathic scoliosis Lenke type 1, 2, 3 during the period of active bone growth.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The long-term results of operational correction 352 patients with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis aged from 10 to 14 years old operated in Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics n.a. Ya.L. Tsivyan from 1998 to 2018 using various methods and different instrumentation types.&#x0D; RESULTS: Among patients (352 people) aged 10 to 14 years with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (Lenke type 1, 2, 3), statistically significant postoperative progression was observed in patients who underwent surgical deformity correction using laminar (hook) fixation. At the same time, additional ventral stage conduction could not prevent deformity progression in the postoperative period. In those groups where hybrid fixation was used combined with the ventral stage and total transpedicular fixation, no significant progression was observed in the postoperative period.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Modern dorsal systems for transpedicular fixation narrow the indications for using additional mobilizing and stabilizing ventral interventions in the surgical treatment of progressive idiopathic scoliosis in patients with active bone growth. Total transpedicular fixation provides excellent main curve and anti-curvature arch correction in the absence of scoliotic deformity progression in the postoperative long-term follow-up.

Long-Term Survival on Noninvasive Ventilation in Adults With Thoracic Scoliosis.

Subjects with thoracic scoliosis were an important group in early studies of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The aim of this study was to describe current rates of initiation of NIV and survival after initiation in this population. This study included patients identified as having thoracic scoliosis and established between 1993 and 2018 on home NIV. Patients with scoliosis secondary to neuromuscular disease (other than poliomyelitis) were excluded. Survival rates were calculated for various time intervals up to25y. A total of 53 subjects with thoracic scoliosis were successfully established on NIV. [Formula: see text] levels prior to starting NIV were 55±23mm Hg. FVC was 0.5±0.1L, 18.5±9% of predicted, with a Cobb angle of 101±3.5degrees. The 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-y survival rates were 96%, 88%, 61%, 46%, and 39%, respectively. At the time of death, subjects had been on home NIV for 9.2±5.1y and were 75.5±9.2y old. There was no significant correlation between mortality and age at time of commencing home NIV, initial arterial blood gas results, FVC, or Cobb angle. There was no significant difference in survival between those with and without poliomyelitis. In8 of10 of the most recent years of this survey, subjects with scoliosis have been commenced on home NIV. Small numbers of subjects with scoliosis continued to present with respiratory failure. Once established on home NIV, around 40% survived ≥25y. Long-term care will be needed for many years to come for this patient population.

Correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a convex pedicle screw technique with low implant density.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the correction achieved using a convex pedicle screw technique and a low implant density achieved using periapical concave-sided screws and a high implant density. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in outcome between the two techniques. We retrospectively analyzed a series of 51 patients with a thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. There were 26 patients in the convex pedicle screw group who had screws implanted periapically (Group 2) and a control group of 25 patients with bilateral pedicle screws (Group 1). The patients' charts were reviewed and pre- and postoperative radiographs evaluated. Postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded. The number of implants (14.5 vs 17.1) and the implant density (1.5 vs 1.9) were significantly lower in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Operating time was 27 minutes shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1, with a mean of 217 minutes (SD 50.5; 120 to 346). The duration of surgery per instrumented vertebra was reduced by 19% in Group 2 (p = 0.011). No statistical difference was found in the postoperative Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, the relative correction achieved, or postoperative PROMs. Despite a lower implant density and achieving correction through a convex rod, surgical correction of the Cobb angle and vertebral body rotation was similar in both groups. Periapical pedicle screws and primary correction on the concave side do not seem to be mandatory in order to achieve good surgical results in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. The operating time was shorter in the group with lower implant density. In conclusion, the technique provided good results and has the potential to reduce complications and costs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(3):536-541.

Impact of multilevel facetectomy on segmental spinal flexibility in patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to intraoperatively assess the effects of multilevel facetectomy on segmental spinal flexibility in patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. MethodsTwenty patients who underwent posterior thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve correction were evaluated. Compressive or distractive loaded force of 50N was applied on the handle of a compressor or distractor connected to the necks of pedicle screws inserted at T7 to T11. Segmental spinal flexibility rates were calculated based on the distance between screw heads under the loaded and unloaded conditions. In addition, the flexibility rates were obtained before and after multilevel facetectomy. FindingsAbsolute flexibility rates of all segments significantly increased after multilevel facetectomy under both compressive and distractive forces (P < 0.01). The absolute change in the flexibility rate was significantly higher at the concave side than at the convex side under both compressive (P < 0.01) and distractive loaded forces (P = 0.046). No significant correlation was found between change in the flexibility rates and preoperative Cobb angle or preoperative curve flexibility. InterpretationFrom a biomechanical point of view, multilevel facetectomy provides proper spinal flexibility to improve the correction rate of posterior adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery. The effects are higher at the concave side than at the convex side.

Ultrasonographic measurement of diaphragm thickness in patients with severe thoracic scoliosis.

This study aimed to measure diaphragm thickness using ultrasound in adult patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis. This prospective case-control study included patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis and a healthy control group. The control and patient groups' demographic features, pulmonary function tests, diaphragm thickness, and thickening fraction measured using ultrasonography were compared. End-expirium values were similar between the two groups (p = 0.902). However, end of inspirium, change level, and diaphragm thickening fraction were significantly lower in the scoliosis group (p < 0.001 for all). Cobb degree values were inversely correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1s (%) (r = - 0.909, p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (%) (r = - 0.887, p < 0.001), and end-inspirium thickness (r = - 0.673 and p < 0.001) values. Furthermore, diaphragm thickness at the end of inspirium was positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1s (%) (r = 0.636, p = 0.001) and forced vital capacity (%) (r = 0.646, p = 0.001) values. No significant correlation was found between diaphragm thickening fraction and forced expiratory volume in 1s or forced vital capacity. Ultrasound can provide valuable information about diaphragm morphology and quantify diaphragm contraction.

Long-term experience with simultaneous prone video-assisted thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior spinal fusion in severe rigid pediatric spinal deformities.

While posterior-alone techniques have been successful for most pediatric spinal deformities, anterior spinal release may be useful for severe rigid deformities. Traditional lateral-positioned video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical release (VATSR) followed by prone posterior spinal fusion (PSF) has been criticized for adding extensive operative morbidity. We aimed to reduce its disadvantages by performing prone VATSR and PSF simultaneously and evaluate its long-term outcomes. All consecutive patients from 1991 to 2012 undergoing VATSR and PSF at one institution were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria comprised severe rigid thoracic scoliosis (> 70°, bending correction > 45°) or kyphosis (> 75°, bolster correction > 45°), and a minimum 2year follow-up. Demographics, operative data, hospital stay, and radiographic correction data were compared between patients who had undergone sequential VATSR followed by PSF and those who had undergone these procedures simultaneously. Of 153 patients who had undergone VATSR and PSF, 53 met the inclusion criteria (31 sequential, 22 simultaneous; average follow-up, 50 [range, 24-86] months). Age, preoperative measurements and flexibility, and perioperative complications did not differ significantly. The simultaneous group showed significantly lower operative time (449 vs. 618min), blood loss (1039 vs. 1906cc), and hospital stay (6.3 vs. 8.5days) (all, p < 0.05). Postoperative radiographic correction and maintenance at the final follow-up showed a non-significant trend favoring the simultaneous group. Our simultaneous prone VATSR and PSF technique showed significantly lower operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay compared with the traditional sequential VATSR and PSF method, suggesting its value in treating rigid deformities.