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Purpose: Elucidate whether it is preferable to use the reference frame (RF) middle attachment (RFMA) method over the edge of the planned pedicle screw (PS) insertion area for RF placement in the surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation. Methods: Eighty-six consecutive patients (76 female and 10 male; mean age: 15.9 years) with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion using intraoperative CT navigation were enrolled. The group with the RF placed at the most distal part of the CT scan range was defined as the distal group (Group D), with other placements classified into the middle group (Group M). PS perforation rate and surgical outcome were compared between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference in perforation rate between Group M and Group D (3.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.754). The mean ± standard deviation number of instrumented vertebrae at the first CT scan was significantly higher in Group M (8.2 ± 1.2 vs. 6.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.001), while mean blood loss was significantly lower (266 ± 185 mL vs. 416 ± 348 mL, P = 0.011). The frequency of needing a second CT scan for PS insertion was significantly lower in Group M (38% vs. 69%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: The RFMA method in thoracic scoliosis surgery for AIS with intraoperative CT navigation could significantly decrease the number of CT scans and blood loss while maintaining a comparable PS perforation rate to RF placement at the distal end of the planned PS insertion range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of medical centers are adopting an intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) navigation system (iCT-Navi) to provide three-dimensional navigation for pediatric scoliosis surgery. While iCT-Navi has been reported to provide higher pedicle screw (PS) insertion accuracy, it may also result in higher radiation exposure to the patient. What innovations and studies have been introduced to reduce radiation exposure and further improve PS insertion? Evaluate the level of evidence and quality of papers while categorizing the tips and pitfalls regarding pediatric scoliosis surgery using iCT-Navi. Compare iCT-Navi with other methods, including preoperative CT navigation. Systematic review. Articles on pediatric scoliosis surgery with iCT-Navi published through to June 2022. PS perforation rate and patient intraoperative radiation dose. Following PRISMA guidelines, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases were searched for articles satisfying the criteria of iCT-Navi use and pediatric scoliosis surgery. The level of evidence and quality of the articles meeting the criteria were evaluated according to the guidelines of the North American Spine Society and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, respectively. The articles were also categorized by theme and summarized in terms of PS insertion accuracy and intraoperative radiation dose. The origins and characteristics of five major classification methods of PS perforation grade were summarized as well. The literature search identified 811 studies, of which 20 papers were included in this review. Overall, 513 pediatric scoliosis patients (381 idiopathic, 44 neuromuscular, 39 neurofibromatosis type 1, 28 congenital, 14 syndromic, seven other) were evaluated for PS perforations among 6,209 iCT-Navi insertions. We found that 232 (3.7%) screws were judged as major perforations (G2 or G3), 55 (0.9%) screws were judged as dangerous deviations (G3), and seven (0.1%) screws were removed. There were no reports of neurovascular injury caused by PSs. The risk factors for PS perforation included more than six vertebrae distance from the reference frame, more than nine consecutive insertions, upper thoracic level, thinner pedicle, upper instrumented vertebra proximity, short stature, and female. The accuracy of PS insertion did not remarkably decrease when the radiation dose was reduced to 1/5 or 1/10 by altering the iCT-Navi protocol. iCT-Navi has the potential to reduce PS perforation rates compared with other methods. The use of low-dose radiation protocols may not significantly affect PS perforation rates. Although several risk factors for PS perforation and measures to reduce radiation dose have been reported, the current evidence is limited by a lack of consistency in classifying PS perforation and evaluating patient radiation dose among studies. The standardization of several outcome definitions is recommended in this rapidly developing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We defined sagittal S-line tilt (SSLT) as the tilt of the line connecting the upper instrumented vertebra and the lower instrumented vertebra. This study aimed to: (1) examine the correlation between SSLT and proximal junctional angle (PJA) change values, and (2) determine the cut-off value of SSLT with respect to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurrence.Eighty-six consecutive patients (81 female and 5 male; mean age: 15.8 years) with Lenke 5C AIS who underwent posterior selective spinal fusion. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between preoperative SSLT and changes in PJA from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. The impact of SSLT on PJK at 2 years after surgery was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.We observed a moderate positive correlation between preoperative SSLT and change in PJA (R = 0.541, P < 0.001). We identified 18 patients (21%) with PJK at 2 years postoperative. Mean preoperative SSLT in the PJK group and the non-PJK group differed significantly at 23.3 ± 4.1° and 16.1 ± 5.0°, respectively (P < 0.001). The cut-off value of preoperative SSLT for PJK at 2 years postoperative was 18° in ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 68%, and area under the ROC curve of 0.868.In selective lumbar fusion for AIS Lenke type 5C curves, preoperative SSLT was significantly correlated with PJA change from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. SSLT was a predictor of PJK occurrence, with a cut-off value of 18°.Methods: We defined sagittal S-line tilt (SSLT) as the tilt of the line connecting the upper instrumented vertebra and the lower instrumented vertebra. This study aimed to: (1) examine the correlation between SSLT and proximal junctional angle (PJA) change values, and (2) determine the cut-off value of SSLT with respect to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurrence.Eighty-six consecutive patients (81 female and 5 male; mean age: 15.8 years) with Lenke 5C AIS who underwent posterior selective spinal fusion. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between preoperative SSLT and changes in PJA from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. The impact of SSLT on PJK at 2 years after surgery was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.We observed a moderate positive correlation between preoperative SSLT and change in PJA (R = 0.541, P < 0.001). We identified 18 patients (21%) with PJK at 2 years postoperative. Mean preoperative SSLT in the PJK group and the non-PJK group differed significantly at 23.3 ± 4.1° and 16.1 ± 5.0°, respectively (P < 0.001). The cut-off value of preoperative SSLT for PJK at 2 years postoperative was 18° in ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 68%, and area under the ROC curve of 0.868.In selective lumbar fusion for AIS Lenke type 5C curves, preoperative SSLT was significantly correlated with PJA change from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. SSLT was a predictor of PJK occurrence, with a cut-off value of 18°.Results: We defined sagittal S-line tilt (SSLT) as the tilt of the line connecting the upper instrumented vertebra and the lower instrumented vertebra. This study aimed to: (1) examine the correlation between SSLT and proximal junctional angle (PJA) change values, and (2) determine the cut-off value of SSLT with respect to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurrence.Eighty-six consecutive patients (81 female and 5 male; mean age: 15.8 years) with Lenke 5C AIS who underwent posterior selective spinal fusion. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between preoperative SSLT and changes in PJA from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. The impact of SSLT on PJK at 2 years after surgery was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.We observed a moderate positive correlation between preoperative SSLT and change in PJA (R = 0.541, P < 0.001). We identified 18 patients (21%) with PJK at 2 years postoperative. Mean preoperative SSLT in the PJK group and the non-PJK group differed significantly at 23.3 ± 4.1° and 16.1 ± 5.0°, respectively (P < 0.001). The cut-off value of preoperative SSLT for PJK at 2 years postoperative was 18° in ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 68%, and area under the ROC curve of 0.868.In selective lumbar fusion for AIS Lenke type 5C curves, preoperative SSLT was significantly correlated with PJA change from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. SSLT was a predictor of PJK occurrence, with a cut-off value of 18°.Conclusion: We defined sagittal S-line tilt (SSLT) as the tilt of the line connecting the upper instrumented vertebra and the lower instrumented vertebra. This study aimed to: (1) examine the correlation between SSLT and proximal junctional angle (PJA) change values, and (2) determine the cut-off value of SSLT with respect to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) occurrence.Eighty-six consecutive patients (81 female and 5 male; mean age: 15.8 years) with Lenke 5C AIS who underwent posterior selective spinal fusion. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between preoperative SSLT and changes in PJA from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. The impact of SSLT on PJK at 2 years after surgery was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.We observed a moderate positive correlation between preoperative SSLT and change in PJA (R = 0.541, P < 0.001). We identified 18 patients (21%) with PJK at 2 years postoperative. Mean preoperative SSLT in the PJK group and the non-PJK group differed significantly at 23.3 ± 4.1° and 16.1 ± 5.0°, respectively (P < 0.001). The cut-off value of preoperative SSLT for PJK at 2 years postoperative was 18° in ROC curve analysis, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 68%, and area under the ROC curve of 0.868.In selective lumbar fusion for AIS Lenke type 5C curves, preoperative SSLT was significantly correlated with PJA change from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. SSLT was a predictor of PJK occurrence, with a cut-off value of 18°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of reducing the radiation dose of intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for pediatric scoliosis on the rate of pedicle screw (PS) violation.Summary Of Background Data: Intraoperative CBCT for pediatric scoliosis improves the accuracy of PS insertion in PSF. However, few reports have addressed the PS perforation rate from reduced radiation doses in hybrid navigation.Methods: We evaluated 855 PSs inserted into 58 pediatric scoliosis patients (11 male and 47 female, mean age: 16.6 yr) who underwent PSF using CBCT. A radiation dose of 1/3 or 1/5 of the normal dose (ND) was defined as a low dose (LD). After PS insertion, intraoperative CBCT images were reviewed to assess the degree of PS perforation. G2-3 (i.e., perforations of 4 mm or more) was defined as a violation. The PS violation rate was compared between the groups, and factors associated with violations were examined.Results: A total of 567 and 288 screws were inserted in the ND group and LD group, respectively. The PS violation rate was comparable at 1.8% in the ND group and 1.7% in the LD group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that distance from the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) was an independently associated factor of PS violation (+1 vertebra, operation room 0.73, P   =  0.038). In addition, the mean height of patients with PS violations (148.8 ± 3.6 cm) was significantly shorter than that of patients without violations (157.9 ± 1.2 cm) ( P  = 0.034).Conclusion: There was no increase in PS violation rate with lower doses of radiation for intraoperative navigation CBCT. Extra care is warranted for vertebrae close to the UIV and patients of shorter stature.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws is commonly used for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To reduce radiation exposure, methods other than computed tomography (CT) are desirable for preoperative determination of pedicle diameter.Purpose: Investigate the differences between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT measurements of pedicle diameter.Study Design: Cross-sectional research.Patient Sample: Twenty-one AIS Lenke type 1 patients (19 female and 2 males, mean age at surgery: 15.4 years) who underwent posterior spinal fusion between April 2009 and October 2019.Outcome Measures: Gap between CT and MRI pedicle diameters.Methods: The inner and outer diameters of the right and left pedicles from T1 to L3 were measured separately by two spine surgeons for statistical comparisons.Results: The respective minimum and maximum CT-MRI values were -3.7 mm and 4.7 mm for inner diameter and -4.6 mm and 5.3 mm for outer diameter. Regarding inter-examiner error, the probability of a 2 mm difference in measurement was less than 5% for both modalities. The probability of a 1 mm difference was also less than 5%, and that of a 3 mm or more difference was 2.1% for the inner diameter and 2.9% for the outer diameter. Whereas low body weight was significantly associated with measurement differences, pedicle laterality was not.Conclusions: MRI does not have the reliability to measure pedicle size in AIS patients at present. However, with advancements in image processing technology, the accuracy of pedicle size measurement by MRI may soon improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS) was proposed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association and refers to a scenario in which imminent future nursing care services will be required by elderly adults to manage the functional deterioration of their locomotive organs. It is a social imperative to clarify the risk factors and treatment strategy for LS. However, the relationship between LS and adult spinal deformity (ASD) in those who are treated with spinal corrective surgery remains largely unknown.Methods: Forty consecutive patients who had ASD and underwent spinal surgery for their disorder were included in this study. Locomotive dysfunction was evaluated using the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) questionnaire and physical performance tests including the one-legged standing test, the two-step test, the stand-up test, the handgrip strength, and gait speed test which were measured preoperatively, 6 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery.Results: Of the patients with ASD treated surgically, 95% of them had LS preoperatively and LS prevalence decreased significantly 1 year after surgery by 67.5% compared with the preoperative rate. Among physical performance tests, the walking stride and one-legged standing test improved significantly after spinal corrective surgery. The GLFS-25 items for the domains of pain, mobility, and domestic life improved overall postoperatively, whereas items in the self-care domain did not and the item for difficulty in putting on and taking off trousers and pants worsened.Conclusions: Spinal corrective surgery significantly improved physical performance tests as well as the frequency and severity of LS in patients with ASD. However, some GLFS-25 items can worsen after surgery and require attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in CHST14 (mcEDS- CHST14) is a recently delineated connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem congenital malformations and progressive connective tissue fragility-related manifestations. With only 2 cases of mcEDS- CHST14 containing precise information on surgical spinal correction being reported to date, there remains no consensus on treatment standards. This study describes the detailed clinical and radiologic outcomes of the third known patient with mcEDS- CHST14 who successfully underwent surgery for severe kyphoscoliosis. The patient was a 19-year-old girl with mcEDS- CHST14 who suffered from low back pain and decreased daily activities caused by progressive kyphoscoliosis. She underwent posterior spinal fusion with an all-pedicle screw construct from T4 to L4 for a preoperative main curve Cobb angle of 69 degrees and kyphotic angle of 27 degrees. Postoperative Cobb angle of the main curve and kyphotic angle were 26 and 6 degrees, respectively. Although sufficient correction was achieved without disseminated intravascular coagulation or other serious sequelae, a large amount of blood (2600 g) was lost due to tissue fragility. Her low back pain was decreased at 1 year after surgery. On the basis of the present and 2 earlier reported cases, posterior spinal fusion may be a reasonable surgical option for severe progressive spinal deformities in patients with mcEDS- CHST14. However, careful attention is needed for possible massive blood loss from tissue fragility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative intracranial complications are rare in spine surgery not including cranial procedures. We describe an uncommon case of pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS) and secondary hydrocephalus after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) presenting as impaired consciousness and repeated seizures. A 65-year-old man underwent L4-5 TLIF for lumbar spondylolisthesis and began experiencing generalized seizures immediately postoperatively. Computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse cerebral edema-like hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. He was transported to our hospital, at which time epidural drainage was halted and anti-edema therapy was commenced. His impaired consciousness improved. However, he suffered secondary hydrocephalus due to continuous bleeding from a dural defect and spinal epidural fluid collection 3 months later. Following the completion of dural repair and insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, his neurologic symptoms and neuroimaging findings improved significantly. PHBS can be considered in patients with unexpected neurological deterioration following lumbar spine surgery even with the absence of documented durotomy. This might be due to postoperative intracranial hypotension-associated venous congestion, and to be distinguished from the more common postoperative cerebral ischemic events–caused by arterial or venous occlusions–or anesthetics complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-based navigation is used for cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion to mitigate the risk of spinal cord and vertebral artery injury. In vertebrae with osteosclerosis due to degeneration or other factors, however, probing may not proceed easily, with difficulty creating the CPS insertion hole. This study investigated the impact of osteosclerosis on the accuracy of CPS insertion. Methods: A total of 138 patients with CPS inserted at the C3–C7 level using preoperative CT navigation were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postoperative CT was employed to investigate screw position and Hounsfield unit (HU) values at the lateral mass to evaluate the degree of osteosclerosis in the CPS insertion pathway. Results: Among 561 CPS insertions, the Grade 3 perforation rate was 1.8%, and the Grade 2 or higher perforation rate was 8.0%. When comparing insertions with and without CPS perforation, HU values were significantly higher in the perforation group (578 ± 191 vs. 318 ± 191, p < 0.01). The frequency of CPS insertion into the mid-cervical spine was also significantly greater in the perforation group (68.9% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high HU value at the lateral mass (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.11, p < 0.01) was a significant independent factor associated with CPS deviation. Conclusions: The screw perforation rate of Grade 2 or higher in CPS insertion using preoperative CT-based navigation was 8.0%. Since osteosclerosis was an independent factor related to CPS deviation, additional care may be required during insertion into affected vertebrae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long fusion to the sacrum with iliac screws can decrease pelvic incidence (PI). Considering the physiological range of movement of the sacroiliac joint, this decrease may be relatively extreme. The purpose of the study was to determine changes in pelvic morphology after orthopedic surgery using long fusion with iliac screws, and examine the relationship between changes in PI and morphology.Methods: We included data from 80 consecutive patients who underwent corrective surgery for adult spine deformity (72 female and 8 male; mean age: 71.1 years). We examined preoperative and early postoperative full-standing X-ray images and pelvic computed tomography of the patients and compared the following: (1) pre- and postoperative pelvic measurements including PI, (2) correlations between change of PI, iliac angle, and distance between posterior superior iliac spines (DPSIS).Results: After surgery, PI decreased significantly (- 3.3°, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] - 4.3° to - 2.3°, P < 0.01) and DPSIS increased significantly (+ 2.7 mm, 95%CI 1.7 to 3.8 mm, P < 0.01). By contrast, iliac angle decreased significantly (- 1.4°, 95%CI - 2.1° to - 0.7°, P < 0.01). There were significant correlations between changes of PI and iliac angle (r = 0.34, P < 0.01) and between changes of DPSIS and iliac angle (r =  - 0.44, P < 0.01).Conclusions: We observed changes in pelvic morphology associated with spinal pelvic correction surgery using iliac screws and changes in pelvic incidence related to these changes in pelvic morphology. We recommend selecting pelvic anchors and surgical procedures considering potential movement of the sacroiliac joint. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.Objective: To determine change in pelvic incidence (PI) and loss of correction after long fusion with iliac screws, the effect of iliac screw loosening, and global alignment according to postoperative PI.Summary Of Background Data: Posterior long fixation and fusion of the thoracic to the ilium is one of the most common surgical treatments for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Long fusion to the sacrum with iliac screws decreases the PI by 3.9° after surgery. PI decreases once by long fusion with iliac screws. However, if the iliac screw loosens, PI may cause correction loss and return to the preoperative PI.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 69 consecutive patients with ASD. Their mean age (SD) was 70.5 (7.3) years, 12% were male. PI was evaluated preoperatively, early- and 1-year postoperatively. We compared change in PI with and without loosening of iliac screws, spinopelvic parameters according to 1-year-postoperative PI.Results: PI decreased significantly from 51.8° (9.3°) to 48.1° (9.5°) early postoperatively (P < 0.01). PI increased significantly from 48.1° (9.5°) to 49.6° (9.7°) within a year postoperatively (P < 0.01). Significant loss of PI correction (2.3°, P < 0.01) occurred within a year after surgery in patients with iliac screw loosening and was significantly different from the PI loss in those without screw loosening (53.9°, 48.2°, P = 0.03). Pelvic tilt, sacral slope, C7 sagittal vertical axis, global tilt, and T1 pelvic angle were significantly smaller in the group with PI <50° postoperatively at 1 year compared with the group with PI >50°.Conclusion: Although PI decreases after long fusion surgery with iliac screws, significant correction loss appears within a year. Loosening of iliac screws may exacerbate this loss. Patients with PI <50° postoperatively were able to maintain better global alignment.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lumbar decompression surgery is often used to treat neurological symptoms of the lower extremity as a result of lumbar disease. However, this method also leads to the improvement of the accompanying low back pain (LBP). We studied the extent of LBP improvement after lumbar decompression surgery without fusion and the associated preoperative factors.Methods: Patients (n = 140) with lumbar spinal stenosis (n = 90) or lumbar disc herniation (n = 50) were included. To evaluate the change in LBP, VAS scores and the Oswestry disability index scores were measured before surgery and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. The predictors of residual LBP were investigated using logistic regression analyses.Results: In total, 140 patients were examined. The VAS scores for LBP before surgery and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery were 4.4 ± 3.0 (mean ± standard deviation), 1.1 ± 1.5, 1.3 ± 1.8, and 1.9 ± 2.2, respectively. LBP significantly improved 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.001), stabilized between 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery, but was significantly aggravated 3-6 months after surgery (P < 0.001). At 6 months after surgery, 67 (47.9%) patients had a VAS score of >1. The predictors of residual LBP included severe preoperative LBP, degenerative scoliosis and the size of the Cobb angle. The independent predictors, determined by multivariate analysis were degenerative scoliosis and the size of the Cobb angle.Conclusions: LBP was alleviated at 2 weeks after lumbar decompression surgery for lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis. The predictors of residual LBP after decompression included more severe LBP at baseline, degenerative scoliosis and the size of Cobb angle.Level Of Evidence: Level 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residual leg numbness (LN) following lumbar surgery can lower patient satisfaction; however, prospective studies are sparse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recovery from LN following decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).Methods: A total of 145 patients with LSS were enrolled. All patients underwent decompressive surgery, with or without spinal fusion, followed by a 12 month prospective follow-up. The degree of LN and leg pain (LP) was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), a patient-reported outcome measure.Results: Six patients dropped out, and we evaluated 139 patients (average age, 68.1 years). The average VAS-LN scores were 5.9 ± 2.6, 1.8 ± 2.3, 2.0 ± 2.5, 2.1 ± 2.6, 2.2 ± 2.5, and 2.1 ± 2.6, and the average VAS-LP scores were 5.7 ± 2.8, 1.2 ± 1.7, 0.9 ± 1.5, 1.4 ± 2.0, 1.4 ± 2.0, and 1.4 ± 1.9 preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 3, 6, 9, 12 months following the surgery, respectively. Significant improvement in VAS-LN and VAS-LP scores was observed during the first 2 weeks after the surgery. At 12 months after the surgery, the VAS-LN score was significantly greater than the VAS-LP score. The change in the VAS-LN score between the preoperative and 12 month-postoperative values was significantly smaller than that in the VAS-LP score. Multivariate logistic analyses revealed that preoperative symptom duration and preoperative dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) were the significant independent predictive factors for residual LN.Conclusions: Following lumbar decompression surgery, LN improved significantly during the first 2 weeks after surgery. However, the improvement in the VAS-LN score was less than in the VAS-LP score. Patients with longer preoperative symptom duration and narrow preoperative DCSA showed less LN improvement.Level Of Evidence: Level 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocal sagittal alignment changes after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) posterior corrective surgery have been reported in the cervical spine, but the evidence is not yet sufficient. Furthermore, much remains unknown about the effects of cervical kyphosis on clinical outcomes in AIS. Forty-five consecutive patients (4 males and 41 females) with AIS and Lenke type 1 or 2 curves underwent a posterior spinal fusion, and a minimum of 24-month follow-up was collected from our prospective database. We investigated radiographic parameters and SRS-22r. Before surgery, cervical kyphosis (cervical lordosis < 0°) was present in 89% and cervical hyperkyphosis (cervical lordosis < −10°) in 60%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or Lenke type between the hyperkyphosis and the non-hyperkyphosis groups. Although cervical lordosis increased significantly after surgery, cervical kyphosis was observed in 73% of patients 2 years after surgery. We found a significant correlation between Δthoracic kyphosis (TK) and Δcervical lordosis. Preoperative cervical kyphosis, ΔT1 slope, and ΔTK were independently associated factors for postoperative cervical hyperkyphosis. The cervical hyperkyphosis group had significantly lower SRS-22r domains. In AIS corrective surgery, restoring TK leading to a gain of T1 slope may lead to an improvement of cervical sagittal alignment. Remaining cervical hyperkyphosis after AIS surgery may affect clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical features and postoperative outcomes in patients with Lenke type 5C AIS in the early and late teens. Methods: The study included eligible patients with AIS aged < 20 years with Lenke type 5C curves who underwent selective thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) fusion. The patients were divided into two groups according to the age: younger (11–15 years) and older (16–19 years). Demographic data, radiographic parameters, and 22-item scoliosis research society questionnaire (revised) (SRS-22r) scores were compared. Results: Seventy-three (female: 69, male: 4, mean age: 15.1 years) patients were included. There were 45 and 28 patients in the younger and older groups, respectively. The older group exhibited a significantly smaller TL/L curve than the younger group, whereas no between-group differences were identified regarding curve flexibility and fusion length. The change in coronal balance and subjacent disc angle from preoperative to 2 years after surgery was significantly greater in the younger group, although each curve was equally corrected. Preoperative SRS-22r scores in the older group were significantly worse; however, they improved to the level of the younger group at 2 years after surgery. Postoperative coronal malalignment was observed in six patients (21.4%) in the older group, whereas no cases in the younger group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with Lenke type 5C AIS, we showed that late teens had significantly worse SRS-22r scores than did early teens. Postoperative coronal malalignment was frequently observed in the late teens due to the reduced ability of compensation by subjacent disc wedging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients often complain of walking discomfort. However, dynamic balance evaluation methods of gait in ASD have not been well established. Case series study. Characterize the gait of ASD patients using a novel two-point trunk motion measuring device. Sixteen ASD patients scheduled for surgery and 16 healthy control subjects. Trunk swing width and track length of the upper back and sacrum. Gait analysis was performed using a two-point trunk motion measuring device on 16 ASD patients and 16 healthy control subjects. Three measurements were taken for each subject, and the coefficient of variation was determined to compare measurement accuracy between the ASD and control groups. Trunk swing width and track length were measured in three dimensions for comparisons between the groups. The relationship among output indices, sagittal spinal alignment parameters, and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire scores was examined as well. No significant difference was found for the precision of the device between the ASD and control groups. Compared with controls, the walking style of ASD patients tended to have larger right-left swing of the trunk (+14.0 cm and +23.3 cm at the sacrum and upper back, respectively), larger horizontal plane movement of the upper body (+36.4 cm), less vertical movement (-5.9 cm and -8.2 cm up-down swing at the sacrum and upper back, respectively), and longer gait cycle (+0.13 sec). Regarding QOL in ASD patients, greater right-left/front-back swing of the trunk, greater movement in the horizontal plane, and longer gait cycle were associated with lower QOL scores. Conversely, greater vertical movement was associated with higher QOL. ASD patients had unique gait characteristics, the intensity of which were associated with diminished QOL. The two-point trunk motion measuring device may be reliable and useful for the clinical assessment of balance during gait in ASD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound dehiscence after cervical spine surgery is a well-known complication that can be a challenge for spine surgeons to manage, especially in cases of exposed implants. However, few studies have focused primarily on this phenomenon in cervical spine surgery to date. This investigation sought to determine the frequency of wound dehiscence following posterior cervical spine surgery and identify patient-based risk factors. The medical data of 405 consecutive patients (290 male and 115 female; mean age: 68.9 years) who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery were retrospectively examined. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of postoperative wound dehiscence. We observed that 5.2% of cervical spine surgery patients experienced procedural postoperative wound dehiscence. In comparisons of dehiscence and non-dehiscence groups, significant differences were found for posterior instrumented fusion (81.0% vs. 45.3%; P < 0.01), extended T1 fusion (57.1% vs. 12.8%; P < 0.01), occipitocervical fusion (19.0% vs. 6.2%; P = 0.048), fused intervertebral levels (4.0 vs. 1.5; P < 0.01), surgical time (246 minutes vs. 165 minutes; P < 0.01), blood loss volume (228 mL vs. 148 mL; P = 0.023), and dialysis (14.3% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified extended T1 fusion and dialysis to be significantly associated with wound dehiscence with odds ratios of 5.82 and 10.70, respectively. The observed frequency of postoperative wound dehiscence in cervical spine surgery was 5.2%. As extended T1 fusion and dialysis may increase the risk of dehiscence after surgery, patients who display such risk factors may require additional observation and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background context: Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early phase after lumbar decompression surgery sometimes reveals an absence in the expansion of the dural sac, regardless of the presence or absence of clinical symptoms; the reason for such a condition is often difficult to explain. There are some reports that compared the dural sac area between the preoperative and early postoperative phases; however, no report exists that compares the early and late phases after lumbar decompression surgery. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in the dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) in the early and late phases after lumbar decompression surgery. Factors related to the insufficient increase in the postoperative dural sac CSA were also analyzed. Study design: The dural sac CSA preoperatively and in the early and late phases after lumbar decompression surgery was analyzed retrospectively. Patient sample: Of 105 patients who underwent lumbar decompression surgery and MRI within 1 week and again more than 1 month after surgery, 83 patients (38 men, 45 women; mean age 65.6 years) were included in this study. Outcome measures: Cross-sectional areas of the dural sac. Methods: The dural sac CSA was measured within 1 week (early phase) and more than 1 month (late phase) after surgery, using T2 axial plane MR images. The preoperative and the early and late postoperative CSAs were measured at the same site. The relationship between the dural sac area and age and presence of dural injury was also analyzed. Results: The mean area of the dural sac preoperatively and in the early and late postoperative phases was 71.2±4.9, 102.2±5.7, and 164.1±6.9 mm2, respectively. The mean area increased significantly (p<.001) between the preoperative and postoperative early phases and between the early and late postoperative phases. The dural sac area in the early (p=.16) and late (p=.086) phases did not differ significantly between patients aged 75 years or more and those aged less than 75 years. In the case of lumbar spinal stenosis, patients with a preoperative dural sac area of less than 60 mm2 showed a significantly (p<.001) smaller dural sac area in the early and late postoperative phases, compared with patients with a preoperative dural sac area of 60 mm2 or more. No significant increase was observed in the dural sac area with regard to the presence or absence of dural injury. Conclusions: The dural sac area increased significantly between the early and late postoperative phases. No significant difference in the dural sac CSA between the early and late postoperative phases was observed with regard to age or the presence/absence of dural sac injury. A smaller preoperative dural sac CSA resulted in a smaller dural sac CSA in the early and late postoperative phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are associated with an increased incidence of scoliosis, often with severe progression. We report a case of hemoptysis caused by rapid scoliosis progression subsequent to surgery for CHD that was successfully managed by surgical curve correction following coil embolization. Case presentation: A 14-year-old girl with scoliosis had undergone open heart surgery for CHD at the age of 1 year. She was first noted to have scoliosis at 12 years of age, which began to progress rapidly. At age 13, her main thoracic curve Cobb angle was 46°, and hemoptysis with high pulmonary vein pressure due to vertebral rotation was detected. Nine months after coil embolization, she received posterior spinal fusion from T5 to L2 for scoliosis correction. Postoperatively, her pulmonary vein diameter was enlarged, with no detectable signs of hemoptysis. Conclusions: We encountered a case of hemoptysis caused by advanced scoliosis after cardiac surgery that was successfully treated by correction of the scoliotic curve following coil embolization. Patients with secondary scoliosis after surgery for CHD should be carefully monitored for the possibility of cardiovascular system deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined for factors contributing to postoperative pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), including those of sagittal alignment and lumbar disc degeneration.Methods: A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS and who were followed for a minimum of 2 years were included in this investigation. We assessed Lenke curve type, age, Risser grade, body mass index (BMI), radiographic parameters, lumbar disc degeneration, correction rate, number of fused vertebrae, lowest instrumented vertebra, preoperative SRS-22r survey mental health score, and pre- and postoperative SRS-22r survey pain scores. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were employed to identify factors associated with pain 2 years after AIS surgery.Results: In multivariate analysis, patients with a lower preoperative pain score (i.e. higher pain) (P < 0.01) or higher postoperative T5-12 kyphotic angle (P = 0.02) had a worsened pain score 2 years after surgery. There were no remarkable differences for Lenke curve type, age, BMI, coronal radiographic parameters, lumbar disc degeneration, correction rate, number of fused vertebrae, or lowest instrumented vertebra. Higher preoperative Risser grade (P = 0.01) and lower preoperative SRS-22r mental health score (P < 0.01) were significantly related to a diminished preoperative SRS-22r pain score.Conclusion: While preoperative lumbar disc degeneration was not associated with pre- or postoperative pain in AIS, higher preoperative pain and higher postoperative T5-12 kyphotic angle had significant associations with augmented postoperative pain. Higher preoperative pain was related to increased Risser grade and lower mental health score. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational study of a cohort of consecutive patients.Objective: To determine 1) the correlation between clinical and radiographic outcomes and Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) score, and 2) which preoperative parameters predominantly influence the risk for poor GAP scores.Summary Of Background Data: Although numerous investigators have indicated their criteria for sagittal correction, it is still not unusual to observe poor outcome or complications even after ideal correction. The recently developed GAP score indicates spinopelvic alignment and setting surgical goals according to the score might decrease the prevalence of mechanical complications. However, there is no clear evidence of correlation between the GAP score and clinical outcomes, or which patient factors are preoperative predictors of poor postoperative GAP score.Methods: We included 128 consecutive patients treated with spinal correction surgery who had a minimum 2-year follow-up. The correlations between clinical outcomes, increased proximal junctional angle, and GAP score were determined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to clarify potential preoperative risk factors for poor GAP score.Results: Based on total GAP score, 32 (25%) patients were grouped into proportioned, 50 (39.1%) into moderately disproportioned, and 44 (34.3%) into severely disproportioned spinopelvic alignment. Our present study showed a significantly positive correlation between Oswestry Disability Index, increased proximal junctional angle 2 years after surgery, and total GAP score. Uni and multivariate regression analysis showed a large global tilt was a risk factor for a poor GAP score and that the risk for a poor GAP score increased with ageing.Conclusions: Because GAP score correlated with Oswestry Disability Index and increased proximal junctional angle 2 years after surgery, GAP score might define targets for sagittal spinopelvic alignment for favorable outcomes of corrective spinal surgery. A large preoperative global tilt is a potential predictor of poor postoperative GAP score.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) is a multifactorial disease that affects young and active people. Patellar height measurements are used clinically to screen and diagnose knee conditions. However, there are no known studies that have assessed and compared the performance of patellar height indices for predicting the incidence of RPD, which could be used to recommend surgical treatment after primary patellar dislocation. This case-control study aimed to determine if the patellar height index could be used to predict the incidence of RPD, and to identify the optimal method in terms of its diagnostic ability for RPD. Method: Altogether, 133 patients (52 patients with RPD [Group R] and 81 sex- and age-matched controls [Group C]) were enrolled in this study. The Insall-Salvati (IS), Blackburne-Peel (BP), Caton-Deschamps (CD), and modified IS (mIS) methods were used to measure the patellar height index. The intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities of these four methods were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of each index and identify the cut-off values that indicated significantly increased risk of RPD. Results: Patient demographics were similar between the two groups. The inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were good for all four methods. In patients with RPD, the mean index values for the four methods were significantly higher than those in the matched controls. The area under the curve (AUC) values for IS, BP, CD, and mIS were 0.91 (standard error [SE], 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.96), 0.72 (SE, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.63–0.81), 0.86 (SE, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.79–0.92), and 0.96 (SE, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.94–0.99), respectively. Conclusion: Patellar height indices had high predictive performance for the incidence of RPD. The mIS method had the highest AUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several studies have recently shown that spinous process–splitting laminectomy (SPSL) maintains lumbar spinal stability by preserving posterior ligament components and paraspinal muscles as compared with conventional laminectomy, evidence is scarce on the treatment outcomes of SPSL limited to lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. We herein compare the surgical results and global alignment changes for SPSL versus posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) without instrumentation for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods: A total of 110 patients with Grade 1 lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis who had undergone SPSL (47 patients) or PLF (63 patients) with minimum 1-year follow-up were retrospectively enrolled from a single institutional database. Results: Mean operating time per intervertebral level and intraoperative blood loss per intervertebral level were comparable between the SPSL group and PLF group. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Oswestry disability index, and visual analog scale scores were significantly and comparably improved at 1 year postoperatively in both groups as compared with preoperative levels. The numbers of vertebrae with slip progression to Grade 2 and slip progression of 5% or more at 1 year postoperatively were similar between the groups. In the SPSL group, mean pelvic tilt (PT) was significantly decreased at 1 year postoperatively. In the PLF group, mean lumbar lordosis (LL) was significantly increased, while mean sagittal vertical axis, PT, and pelvic incidence–LL were significantly decreased at 1 year after surgery. Conclusions: Compared with PLF without instrumentation, SPSL for Grade 1 lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis displayed comparable results for slip progression and clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limb muscle strength asymmetry affects many physical abilities. The present study (1) quantified limb muscle asymmetry in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); (2) compared AIS patients with major thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) or major thoracic (MT) curves; (3) examined correlations between limb muscle asymmetry and radiographic parameters. Patients with AIS with major TL/L curves (Lenke type 5C) and MT curves (Lenke Type 1A) who underwent posterior spinal fusion at our university hospitals were included. Patients with left hand dominance were excluded. Body composition was measured using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and asymmetry of left and right side skeletal muscles were evaluated. Upper extremity skeletal muscles on the dominant side were significantly larger than those on the nondominant side in both Lenke1A and 5C groups. The asymmetry of upper extremity skeletal muscles was significantly greater in the Lenke1A group than in the Lenke5C group. Additionally, the size of the asymmetry did not correlate with the magnitude of the major curve and rotational deformation but did correlate with a right shoulder imbalance in the Lenke1A group. These results suggest that in AIS with a constructive thoracic curve, right shoulder imbalance is an independent risk factor for upper extremity skeletal muscle asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No validated systems exist for selecting the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) for optimal postoperative shoulder balance in Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study evaluated a new method for shoulder balance prediction using the modified Shinshu line (MSL) for UIV selection in AIS Lenke type 2 curves. Fifty-five consecutive AIS patients receiving posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for a Lenke type 2 AIS curve were retrospectively analyzed according to several UIV determination models. Shoulder imbalance was judged as absolute radiographic shoulder height ≥ 10 mm at the 2-year observational endpoint. The MSL was the line between the center of the spinous process of C7 and that of the lowest instrumented vertebra. The vertebral body first touched proximally by the MSL was defined as the MSL vertebra (MSLV) and recommended as the UIV. The group with the UIV matching the MSLV had a significantly lower prevalence of shoulder imbalance of 23% (odds ratio 4.08, 95% CI 1.22–13.7, P = 0.02). Setting the MSLV as the UIV in PSF for AIS Lenke type 2 may reduce the prevalence of postoperative shoulder imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of cervical spine injuries in the elderly is often complicated by the presence of multiple medical comorbidities, and it is not uncommon for preoperative testing to reveal other conditions that require the postponement of surgery. However, the factors that affect the waiting time from injury to surgery have not been clarified. The purpose of this multicenter database study was to analyze the clinical features and identify the factors affecting the number of days waited between injury and surgery in elderly patients with a cervical spine injury. We retrospectively reviewed the case histories of 1512 Japanese patients with a cervical spinal injury, who were seen at 33 institutions. After excluding patients who were not initially receiving a surgery for cervical spinal injury, 694 patients were ultimately analyzed. Based on a multivariate mixed model, we determined the factors related to the number of days from injury to surgery. The mean time from injury to surgery was 12.3 days. Multivariate analysis revealed delays of 10.7 days for a renal disorder, 7.3 days for anticoagulant use, and 15.2 days for non-surgical thoracolumbar fracture as factors prolonging wait time. In contrast, a C3 or lower spine injury was significantly associated with a shortening of 9.5 days to surgery. This multicenter database study identified several factors influencing the time between injury and cervical spine surgery in elderly patients. While renal impairment, anticoagulant use, and non-surgical thoracolumbar fracture may increase the number of days to surgery, trauma to C3 or lower may expedite surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective study of a cohort of consecutive patients.Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness and value of the difference in thoracic kyphosis (ΔTK) angle in various positions by imaging the patient standing, prone, and supine to evaluate TK flexibility and compensation, and to establish optimal radiography to determine an appropriate thoracic level for upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) because a strategy to select an appropriate level to avoid proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) remains elusive.Summary Of Background Data: Postoperative reciprocal progression of TK is a significant risk factor for PJK. However, how to predict and prevent postoperative reciprocal progression of TK remains unclear. We hypothesized that preoperative evaluation of both TK flexibility and compensation is essential to predict PJK and determine the UIV level.Methods: We included 144 consecutive patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD), ≥2 years' follow-up, and UIV Th9-11 in this retrospective cohort study. TK was measured from images with patients standing, prone, and supine. Supine ΔTK was calculated as standing TK- supine TK. Prone ΔTK was calculated as standing TK - prone TK. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the thresholds of supine ΔTK and prone ΔTK for PJK occurrence.Results: PJK was observed in 64 of 144 (44%) patients 2 years postoperatively. Prone and supine ΔTKs were significantly larger in patients with PJK. A significant positive correlation between prone ΔTK and supine ΔTK was observed. When data from patients with and without PJK were plotted separately, a significantly higher proportion of patients with PJK had large prone and supine ΔTKs. The cutoff values of prone and supine ΔTKs for PJK risk were determined using ROC curve analysis.Conclusion: Because of their significantly high risk for PJK, in patients with ASD and prone ΔTK >11.5° and supine ΔTK >18.5°, the upper-thoracic spine should be considered for UIV.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common cause of medial scapular winging is long thoracic nerve palsy (LTN) and subsequent serratus anterior muscle dysfunction. A 16-year-old right-handed male high-school rugby player developed severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain after tackling an opponent while playing rugby. Six weeks after initial injury, the patient observed shoulder muscle weakness when performing his daily activities. On physical examination, limited active elevation of the right shoulder in the scapular plane and scapular winging was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy of both the SA and subclavius muscles on the right side, and we initially suspected an LTN injury sustained. However, while detailing his history, the patient explained that he also had noted difficulty sucking high viscosity drinks such as shakes and smoothies since childhood. In addition, physical examination showed weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Considering the facial muscle weakness, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) was also suspected, and genetic testing showed chromosome 4q35 deletion with restriction fragments 17 kb and 3 tandem repeated DNA confirming the diagnosis of FSHD. Clinicians should be aware that FSHD could be one of the differential diagnoses of scapular winging after sports injury, and surgeons should rule out the diagnosis of FSHD before performing any surgical treatment for SA palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational study of a cohort of consecutive patients.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare surgical invasion, mechanical complications, and clinical and radiological outcomes 2 years after surgery between minimally invasive corpectomy following percutaneous pedicle screw placements (X-core/PPS) and posterior fixation with vertebroplasty (VP) for treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs), which failed conservative treatment due to neurological deficits.Summary Of Background Data: Numerous studies have proposed surgical procedures to treat OVFs that fail conservative treatment. However, an optimal approach remains controversial because patients often have numerous comorbid medical complications, frequent instrumentation failure, and/or adjacent vertebral fracture (AVF). Recently, a minimally invasive lateral approach has attracted attention as an alternative procedure to the thoracolumbar junction for corpectomy and expandable cage replacement (X-Core Adjustable VBR System). However, its usefulness and validity is largely unknown.Methods: A cohort of 102 consecutive patients with OVF at T11-L1 who underwent surgery were followed up for >2 years after surgery. Ultimately 50 patients were included in the VP group and 45 in the X-core/PPS group. Surgical invasion, radiological examinations, and clinical outcomes between two procedures were compared.Results: Both X-core/PPS and VP procedures were safe and acceptable for neurological improvement and surgical invasion. The correction loss of local kyphotic angle (LKA) and occurrence of AVF were significantly less in the X-core/PPS group. Oswestry Disability Index in the X-core/PPS group at 2 years after surgery showed better recovery than that in the VP group, and no revision surgery was needed in the X-core/PPS group. Postoperative correction loss of LKA increased significantly when intraoperative endplate injury developed.Conclusion: This next-generation minimally invasive anterior and posterior combined surgery was found to be a safe and useful procedure for OVF treatment to reduce correction loss, mechanical complication, and AVF, resulting in less postoperative low back pain.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Japanese Scoliosis Society Morbidity & Mortality Committee performed a longitudinal nationwide complication survey of spinal deformity surgery from 2012 to 2017. The present study aimed to analyze the survey results and report the complication trends of pediatric spinal deformity surgery in Japan.Methods: All Japanese Scoliosis Society members were invited to participate in the survey. Diagnoses were grouped into idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, other types of scoliosis, and pediatric kyphosis. Complications were grouped into death, blindness, neurological deficits (motor/sensory), infection, massive bleeding, hematoma, pneumonia, cardiac failure, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal perforation, and instrumentation failure.Results: The surveys were performed in 2012, 2014, and 2017. The overall complication rate decreased from 10.7% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2017. In particular, the complication rate in patients with idiopathic scoliosis decreased from 8.8% in 2012 to 4.0% in 2017. The complication rate of patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and kyphosis remained high. The rate of neurological deficits, especially in motor deficits, significantly decreased from 2.0% in 2012 to 0.7% in 2017, and tended to be highest in patients with kyphosis. The rate of massive bleeding was significantly decreased from 3.3% in 2012 to 0.8% in 2017, especially in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (12.2-4.4%). However, patients with neuromuscular scoliosis had a high rate of postoperative pneumonia (3.7%, 2.6%, and 5.1%, respectively). The rate of instrumentation failure was also high (2.1%, 1.5%, and 2.2%, respectively), especially in patients with early onset idiopathic, congenital and other types of scoliosis.Conclusions: The overall surgical complication rates in pediatric patients decreased due to decreased rates of neurological deficits and massive bleeding, especially in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. However, the complication rates remain high in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and kyphosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has a key role as a dynamic stabilizer of the knee joints, and ACL dysfunction caused by traumatic or degenerative rupture accelerates osteoarthritis progression. Thus, it is important to prevent the degenerative rupture of the ACL. 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU), a pre-approved drug, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis chondrocytes. It was originally used as an inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis in chondrocytes. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether 4-MU affects the expression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and interleukin (IL)-6, in ACL-derived cells and ACL explant cultures using immunohistochemistry, real-time RT-qPCR, and capillary western immunoassay. Furthermore, the hyaluronan concentration was evaluated using a colorimetric assay. Statistical analyses were conducted using analysis of variance for multi-group comparisons, followed by Tukey or Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. Results: Our results revealed, for the first time, that 4-MU suppressed the IL-β-induced upregulation of pro-catabolic factors, such as MMP-1, MMP-3, and IL-6, in ACL-derived cells. This suppressive effect was also observed in the cultured ligament tissues in ex vivo experiments. 4-MU also reversed an enhanced dependence on glycolysis in IL-1β-activated ACL-derived cells. Furthermore, we found that the suppressive effects of 4-MU were exerted directly and not through the inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis. Conclusions: We conclude that 4-MU could be an effective and useful treatment for knee osteoarthritis, owing to its anti-inflammatory effect on, not only chondrocytes but also on ligament cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective multicenter study.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of subjacent disc wedging (SDW) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with Lenke type 5 curve.Summary Of Background Data: SDW is frequently observed after surgery; however, data about its mechanism and relations with outcome are limited.Methods: Data of 59 patients with AIS with Lenke type 5 curves who underwent posterior spinal fusion to L3 as the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) were retrospectively analyzed. The subjacent disc angle (SDA) was defined as the angle between L3 (LIV) and L4. SDW was defined as the absolute value of SDA of 10° or higher 2 years postoperatively. The incidence of SDW was investigated between nonselective and selective thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) fusion group. In the selective group, patients with and without SDW were compared.Results: Among 59 patients, 11 had nonselective and 48 had selective fusion. No patients in the nonselective group showed SDW versus 13 patients in the selective group (27%) showed SDW. In the selective group, patients with SDW showed significantly greater main thoracic curve, apical vertebral translation of the main thoracic curve, upper instrumented vertebra tilt, LIV tilt, and SDA 2 years postoperatively, whereas no differences were found in the coronal balance or clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative T curve and SDA as predictors of SDW occurrence. T curve greater than 30° and SDA greater than 0° were calculated as cutoff values based on the receiver operating characteristic curve.Conclusion: SDW is sometimes seen in Lenke type 5 patients with AIS who underwent selective TL/L fusion. SDW seemed to occur as a compensation mechanism for progressing deformity of unfused segments (thoracic curve and residual lumbar curve) to maintain coronal alignment. Preoperative T curve > 30° and SDA > 0° (lower-end vertebra as L4) were determined as risk factors for SDW occurrence.Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Japanese Scoliosis Society Morbidity & Mortality Committee performed a longitudinal nationwide complication survey of spinal deformity surgery from 2012 to 2017. The present study aimed to analyze the survey results and report the complication trends of adult spinal deformity surgery in Japan.Methods: All Japanese Scoliosis Society members were invited to participate in the survey. Adult spinal deformity was categorized into three groups by age: 20-39 years, 40-64 years and ≥65 years. Complications were grouped into death, blindness, neurological deficits (motor/sensory), infection, massive bleeding, hematoma, pneumonia, cardiac failure, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal perforation, and instrumentation failure.Results: The surveys were performed in 2012, 2014, and 2017. The overall complication rates were 21.6%, 26.0%, and 25.4%, respectively. The complication rates differed significantly by age group in all years such that older patients had a higher complication rate than younger patients. The rate of neurological deficits, particularly motor deficits, significantly increased in 2014 (3.1%-5.5%), and decreased in 2017 (4.3%). Massive bleeding and postoperative hematoma decreased significantly year by year (8.0%, 4.8%, 2.5% and 1.3%, 0.5%, 0.3%, respectively). The complication rate of instrumentation failure remained high, increasing without significant difference (5.2%, 5.8%, 6.5%, respectively), and was more common in the middle-aged and older patients.Conclusions: Surgical complication rates in patients with adult spinal deformity remain high, especially neurological deficits and instrumentation failure in patients aged over 40 years. However, the complication rates of massive bleeding and postoperative hematoma decreased over this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim: Grisel’s syndrome is a non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint that occurs after infection or inflammation in the otolaryngological area, primarily in children. Method: This report describes the clinical characteristics of an extremely rare case of adult-onset Grisel’s syndrome. Result: A 77-year-old woman presented with neck and bilateral shoulder pain and stiffness. Her temperature was 37.6 °C. Blood testing revealed a mildly elevated inflammatory response, although blood cultures were negative. Computed tomography (CT) showed atlanto-axial subluxation and joint destruction. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed high signals in the soft tissues in the anterior space of the atlas and axis, posterior wall of the pharynx, and interspinous ligament, indicating spinal cord compression at the C1 level. Differential diagnoses of inflammation and diseases causing atlanto-axial subluxation included rheumatoid arthritis, amyloidosis, pyogenic spondylitis due to posterior pharyngeal abscess, and crowned dens syndrome. After the systematic elimination of each condition, we considered Grisel’s syndrome and began non-surgical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and a Philadelphia neck collar. Her inflammatory response and neck pain gradually decreased. Six months later, there was no progression of instability. She was able to walk unaided and live normally with the use of a neck collar as needed. Conclusion: Grisel’s syndrome occurs predominantly in children, but can also afflict adults. Since early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms in some cases and prevent progressive atlanto-axial instability, prompt evaluation of the atlanto-axial joint using CT or MRI is advised in patients with neck pain and limited range of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. Retrospective observational cohort study. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perforation rate of pedicle screw (PS) insertion using a hybrid operating room combined with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation (hybrid navigation) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and determine the predictors of misplacement specific to hybrid navigation. Summary of Background Data. Hybrid navigation provides intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging of a quality similar to that of CT. Hybrid navigation is now being used in AIS treatment. However, few reports exist on the perforation rate and predictors of PS perforation using hybrid navigation for AIS. Methods. Thirty-eight consecutive patients (34 female and four males; mean age: 16.2 years) with AIS who had undergone PS fixation using hybrid navigation were analyzed. PS perforation was evaluated using intraoperative CT after PS insertion. The perforation rate for each level from the anchor reference frame (RF) was measured and compared. We examined for predictors of screw misplacement using baseline patient parameters, instrumented vertebral level, PS insertion order, and vertebral body distance from the RF. Results. Eighteen major perforations (Grade 2 or Grade 3) were recorded among 531 screw insertions (3.4%). The major perforation rate did not increase remarkably until the distance from the RF was five vertebral bodies, after which it increased significantly (2.2% vs. 18.4%, P¼0.03). Thirteen patients experienced at least one perforation. The subjects with perforations were all female and significantly shorter than those without. Multivariate analysis revealed distance from the RF (þ1 vertebra; odds ratio 1.44, P¼0.003) as a predictor of major perforation. Conclusion. The rate of major perforation after PS insertion using hybrid navigation for AIS was relatively low. However, no more than seven vertebral bodies should be instrumented in a single CT scan to reduce the risk of major perforations. Special attention is also needed for female patients of shorter stature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective multicenter cohort study.Objective: We evaluated a new upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) selection method that used the modified Shinshu line (MSL) to establish the selected UIV as the MSL vertebra (MSLV).Summary Of Background Data: No reports have addressed optimal UIV selection according to the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) for good trunk balance in Lenke 1A curves.Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients (44 female, 14.4 ± 2.4 yrs) receiving posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for a Lenke 1A adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curve were analyzed. We defined the novel MSL as the line between the center of the spinous process of C7 and that of the spinous process of the LIV. The vertebral body with which the MSL first contacted proximally was defined as the MSLV. The groups in which the UIV was at, proximal to, or distal to the MSLV were defined as the matched group (M-group; 15 cases [15 female], 14.7 ± 2.1 yrs), proximal group (P-group; 20 cases, [19 female], 15.0 ± 2.2 yrs), and distal group (D-group; 10 case [10 female], 14.8 ± 2.5 yrs), respectively. We measured Cobb angle, main thoracic (MT) curve correction rate, and C7 plumb line absolute value (C7PL) at pre- and 2 years postoperatively for comparisons using Dunnett test, with the M-group as the control.Results: In the M-group, P-group, and D-group, the Cobb angle correction rate between pre- and postoperative time points were 65.3 ± 1.3%, 62.4 ± 1.6%, and 52.8 ± 6.8%, respectively, and comparable apart from a smaller correction tendency in the D-group versus the M-group (P = 0.08). At 2 years postoperatively, C7PL was 0.5 ± 0.4, 1.0 ± 0.6, and 1.3 ± 0.9 cm, respectively, and significantly smaller for the M-group (both P < 0.05).Conclusion: Better trunk balance were obtained without reducing correction rate by setting the novel MSLV as the UIV in PSF for Lenke type 1A curves.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial.Objective: To investigate interbody bone fusion rates in titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (TiPEEK) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery.Summary Of Background Data: Previous clinical studies have not revealed any significant difference in bone fusion rates between TiPEEK and PEEK cages.Methods: During one-level PLIF surgery, 149 patients (84 men, 65 women, mean age 67 years) were randomly allocated to use either a TiPEEK cage (n = 69) or PEEK cage (n = 80). Blinded radiographic evaluations were performed using computed tomography (CT) and assessed by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis in 149 cases and per-protocol (PP) analysis in 143 cases who were followed for 12 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Results: The interbody union rate at 12 months after surgery was 45% owing to a very strict definition of bone fusion. The rates of bone fusion were significantly higher at 4 and 6 months after surgery in the TiPEEK group than in the PEEK group in the unadjusted mITT analysis and were significantly higher at 6 months in the unadjusted PP analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, bone mineral density, and surgical level showed that using a TiPEEK cage (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-4.74; p = 0.03) was independently associated with bone fusion at 6 months after surgery. JOABPEQ and ODI results improved postoperatively in both groups.Conclusions: Using the TiPEEK cage for PLIF enabled the maintenance of better bone fusion to the endplate than using the PEEK cage at 6 months after the surgery. Our findings suggest the possibility of an earlier return to rigorous work or sports by the use of TiPEEK cage.Level Of Evidence: 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.Objective: The study objectives were to: 1) determine radiographically which spinal malalignment parameters predominantly influence the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); 2) evaluate the outcome of GERD 2years after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD); and 3) clarify key factors that influence the improvement of postoperative GERD in ASD.Summary Of Background Data: Spinal deformity is reported to be involved in the pathology of GERD. Our previous study found that approximately 50% of patients treated surgically for ASD had GERD symptoms. However, the postoperative progress of GERD and the key factors that influence the improvement of postoperative GERD are largely unknown.Methods: Ninety-two patients with ASD treated with thoracolumbar corrective surgery and followed up for a minimum of 2 years were enrolled. All patients were asked to complete the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) questionnaire preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years after surgery. GERD was diagnosed by FSSG score >8 points. Before, and at 1 and 2 years after surgery, full-length lateral radiographs were taken and radiographic parameters were obtained.Results: Patients were classified into two groups based on GERD symptoms, with 47 (51.1%) in the GERD+ group. Among parameters assessed, only thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) was significantly greater in the GERD+ group than in the GERD-group. The FSSG score improved significantly one year after surgery, but no significant difference was found between groups at two years. A significant correction loss of TLK was observed 2 years after surgery. There was a significant highly positive correlation between the FSSG score and TLK at 2 years after surgery.Conclusions: GERD improved with correction of the spinal deformity but significant correction loss of the TLK even within the fusion presumably due to subsidence or proximal junctional kyphosis resulted in a cessation of that improvement over time.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Multicenter, prospective randomized study.Objective: Evaluate the impact of weekly teriparatide (WT) and bone contact (BC) status of grafted bone in patients recovering from multilevel lumbar interbody fusion (M-LIF).Summary Of Background Data: WT has been reported to significantly improve bone fusion following posterior or transforaminal interbody fusion in osteoporosis patients.Methods: Patients older than 50 years and osteoporotic were recruited. We defined the fusion of two or more consecutive intervertebral levels as M-LIF. All patients were instrumented with pedicle, iliac, or S-2 alar iliac screws after transplanting cages and autogenous bone between vertebral bodies. After surgical indication for M-LIF, the subjects were randomly allocated to receive either subcutaneous WT from 1 week to 6 months postoperatively (WT arm, N = 50) or a bisphosphonate (BP; BP arm, N = 54). Blinded radiological evaluations were performed using computed tomography (CT). Evaluation of bone fusion was performed at the intervertebral disc located at the bottom of the fixed range. The degree of bone fusion was calculated as a score from 2 to 6 points, with 2 defined as complete fusion. Bone fusion rate was also compared at 6 months postoperatively based on BC status of the grafted bone on CT immediately after surgery.Results: Mean bone fusion score at 6 months postoperatively was 3.9 points in the WT group and 4.2 points in the BP group. The bone fusion rate at 6 months postoperatively tended to be higher in the WT group (46.8% vs. 32.7% in the BP group). The 6-month postoperative fusion rate of immediately postoperative of BC+ patients was significantly higher than that of BC- patients (47.4% vs. 9.5%).Conclusion: In M-LIF, there were no significant differences in bone fusion score between WT- and BP-treated patients. In contrast, BC status immediately postoperatively had a major impact on 6-month bone fusion.Level Of Evidence: 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The global alignment and proportion (GAP) score was recently developed to consider proportional analysis of spinopelvic alignment and has been indicated for setting surgical goals to decrease the prevalence of mechanical complications. The goal of this study was to clarify the limitations and problems with spinal corrective surgery with minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) without osteotomy using GAP score, and to establish a preoperative radiographical evaluation to understand the necessity for three-column osteotomy.Methods: We included data from 57 consecutive patients treated with spinal corrective surgery with LLIF and without Schwab grade 3-6 osteotomy for ASD. To evaluate flexibility of the pelvis and lumbar spine, we examined full-length lateral radiographs with patients standing and prone. Correlations between pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters and GAP score were determined.Results: Most patients achieved a sufficiently ideal lumbar lordosis (87.7%), but ideal sacral slope (SS) was achieved in only 50.8% of patients. Preoperative prone SS showed a significant positive correlation with postoperative SS and a significant negative correlation with GAP score. Patients whose preoperative prone SS was larger than pelvic incidence × 0.59-7.5 tended to achieve proportioned spinopelvic alignment by using LLIF.Conclusions: The cause of poor outcome of GAP score for ASD corrective surgery with LLIF without osteotomy is a postoperative small SS. Preoperative prone SS is useful for predicting postoperative SS. When preoperative SS in prone patients is relatively small to ideal as calculated using PI, osteotomy or other correctors should be considered to achieve satisfactory spinopelvic parameters.Level Of Evidence: III. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Case report.Objective: Describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of a patient with a piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 (PIEZO2)-deficient arthrogryposis receiving surgery for severe kyphoscoliosis.Summary Of Background Data: Spinal deformity is a characteristic feature of arthrogryposis due to PIEZO2 gene deficiency, for which surgical correction is indicated when the deformity is progressive to avoid neurological deficits and respiratory impairment. However, there exist few reports on the surgical treatment of spinal deformity in PIEZO2-deficient arthrogryposis, and no therapeutic standards have been established.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a case of proximal junctional kyphosis after posterior spinal fusion for severe kyphoscoliosis in PIEZO2-deficient arthrogryposis.Results: The patient was a 13-year-old girl with PIEZO2-deficient arthrogryposis who underwent posterior spinal fusion with an all-pedicle screw construct from T2 to L2 for a preoperative main thoracic curve Cobb angle of 78° and thoracic kyphotic angle of 83°. Postoperative Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve and thoracic kyphotic angle were improved at 11° and 34°, respectively. Although revision surgery was required for neurological deficits from proximal junctional kyphosis, she could walk with a crutch and improvements in clinical questionnaire scores were noted at 2 years and 3 months after surgery.Conclusion: Based on the present case, posterior spinal fusion represents a good treatment option for severe spinal deformity in PIEZO2-deficient arthrogryposis. Careful consideration of fusion level is needed to prevent proximal junctional kyphosis.Level Of Evidence: 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgery for adult spinal deformity requires optimal patient-specific spino-pelvic-lower extremity alignment. Distal fixation in thoracolumbar spinal deformity surgery is crucial when arthrodesis to the sacrum is indicated. Although we had performed sacro-pelvic fixation with bilateral S1 and bilateral single iliac screws previously, iliac screw loosening and/or S1 screw loosening occurred frequently. So, the authors attempted to fuse spino-pelvic lesions with the dual iliac screws and S1 pedicle screws. Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive adult spinal deformity patients underwent thoracolumbar-pelvic correction surgery with bilateral double iliac screws between May 2014 and September 2015. Sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, T1 pelvic angle, and global tilt were assessed radiographically and by computed tomography both preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Iliac screw loosening, S1 pedicle screw loosening, and screw penetration of the ilium were evaluated 2 years postoperatively. Results: Only two patients (7.4%) at 1 year and three patients (11.1%) at 2 years presented with iliac screw loosening postoperatively. Loosening of the S1 screw occurred in three cases (11.1%) 2 years postoperatively. Displacement of the iliac screw occurred in eight cases (25%). Internal and external perforation of the ilium by the iliac screw occurred in six (22.2%) and three (11.1%) cases respectively. One reoperation was performed due to back-out of the iliac screw and rod breakage. Conclusion: Bilateral dual iliac screws and an S1 pedicle screw system achieve longer stability for spinal and pelvic fusion in adult spinal deformity patients, with few severe complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reducing the number of screw insertions while maintaining good clinical outcomes can improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of scoliosis surgery. However, the optimal minimum number of pedicle screws remains unclear. This study searched for factors to estimate the fewest number of pedicle screws required between end vertebrae in relation to preoperative main thoracic curve flexibility.Methods: Sixty-nine subjects (4 male and 65 female, mean age: 14.8 ± 2.5 years) who underwent skip pedicle screw fixation for Lenke type 1-4 or 6 curves and were followed for at least 1 year were enrolled. Intervention technique was selected according to the size and flexibility of the preoperative main thoracic curve. Surgery-related variables included pedicle screw number, rod material and diameter, and extent of Ponte osteotomy. The effect on postoperative correction angle (i.e., the difference between the preoperative supine position maximum bending and postoperative standing Cobb angles of the main thoracic curve) according to surgical intervention technique was estimated using multiple linear mixed regression models with the preoperative supine position maximum bending correction angle (i.e., the difference between the standing preoperative and supine position maximum bending Cobb angles) as a random effect.Results: The preoperative maximum bending correction angle was 8-42° and had a moderate negative correlation with postoperative correction angle (r = -0.65, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed a 1.7° (95% CI 0.7-2.6; P < 0.01) correction gain per single-screw insertion and a 1.8° (95% CI 0.5-3.1; P < 0.01) gain per intervertebral level in Ponte osteotomy.Conclusions: The number of pedicle screws necessary to correct main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves can be estimated by calculating correction gains of 1.7° per pedicle screw and 1.8° per Ponte osteotomy intervertebral level. Based on these results, it may be possible to reduce invasiveness and cost for patients requiring a smaller degree of correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A multicenter case-control study.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the independent predictors of osseous union after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).Summary Of Background Data: PLIF is usually performed to treat lumbar degenerative diseases in elderly patients. Some patients exhibit intervertebral pseudoarthrosis.Methods: We analyzed 66 elderly patients with osteoporosis who underwent PLIF from 2011 to 2014 (all women, mean age 71 years, follow-up period ≥6 months). Patients were randomly allocated to receive either treatment with weekly teriparatide, starting at 1 week postoperatively, or no teriparatide. Preoperative lumbar spine radiographs were obtained, and the amount of anterior slippage was measured. Osseous union was assessed by computed tomography at 6 months postoperatively.Results: Thirty-three patients (50%) showed complete osseous union, while 33 did not. Teriparatide was administered in 20 (61%) patients of the union group and in 9 (27%) patients of the nonunion group (P < 0.01). The preoperative anterior slippage of the cranial vertebra next to fusion segment < 2 mm was observed in 16 (49%) and 4 (12%) patients in the union and nonunion groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed that teriparatide administration (odds ratio, 4.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.51-14.90; P < 0.01) and preoperative anterior slippage of the cranial vertebra next to fusion segment < 2 mm (odds ratio, 5.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.53-22.70; P < 0.01) were independently associated with osseous union within 6 months after PLIF. At 6 months postoperatively, the mean femoral neck bone mineral density significantly increased by 1.1% in the union group and decreased by 1.3% in the nonunion group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Weekly teriparatide administration and preoperative anterior slippage of the cranial vertebra next to fusion segment < 2 mm were independent predictors of osseous union within 6 months after PLIF. Our findings suggest that biological and mechanical factors may influence the improvement of spinal fusion.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: An observational cohort study.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the rate of pedicle perforation while inserting screws (PS) using O-arm navigation during surgery for scoliosis with that reported previously and to determine the risk factors specific to O-arm navigation.Summary Of Background Data: O-arm navigation provides intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging with an image quality similar to that of computed tomography. Surgeons have started using O-arm navigation in treatment of adolescent idiopathic sclerosis (AIS). However, there are few reports of the perforation rate when using O-arm navigation to insert pedicle screws for AIS. To our knowledge, no information has been published regarding risk factors for pedicle perforation by PS when using O-arm navigation during surgery for AIS.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 23 consecutive patients with AIS (all female; mean age 15.4 years, range 12-19 years) who had all undergone PS fixation under O-arm navigation.Results: There were 11 major pedicle perforations (Grade 2 or 3) by the 404 screws (2.7%). For both Grade 1 to 3 and Grade 2 or 3 perforations, the pedicle perforation rate by the ninth or subsequent screws was significantly higher than that for the other two groups (screws 1-4, 5-8) (P < 0.01). Grade 1 to 3, Grades 2 or 3, and Grade 3 perforation rates after a previous perforation were significantly higher than those in patients without a previous perforation (P < 0.01). The rate of screw deviation can increase significantly to 12.2% after insertion of 8.Conclusion: The rate of major perforation of pedicles after inserting PS using O-arm navigation during surgery for AIS is relatively low. However, we recommend caution using intraoperative navigation after inserting eight pedicle screws because after this, the trajectory deviation rate can increase significantly.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: There is little information on the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted high signal change (T2HSC) in the spinal cord and surgical outcome for cervical myelopathy. We therefore examined whether T2HSC regression at 1 year postoperatively reflected a 5-year prognosis after adjustment using propensity scores for potential confounding variables, which have been a disadvantage of earlier observational studies.Purpose: The objective of this study was to clarify the usefulness of MRI signal changes for the prediction of midterm surgical outcome in patients with cervical myelopathy.Study Design/setting: This is a retrospective cohort study.Patient Sample: We recruited 137 patients with cervical myelopathy who had undergone surgery between 2007 and 2012 at a median age of 69 years (range: 39-87 years).Outcome Measures: The outcome measures were the recovery rates of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for complaints at several body regions.Materials and Methods: The subjects were divided according to the spinal MRI results at 1 year post surgery into the MRI regression group (Reg+ group, 37 cases) with fading of T2HSC, or the non-regression group (Reg- group, 100 cases) with either no change or an enlargement of T2HSC. The recovery rates of JOA scores from 1 to 5 years postoperatively along with the 5-year postoperative VAS scores were compared between the groups using t test. Outcome scores were adjusted for age, sex, diagnosis, symptom duration, and preoperative JOA score by the inverse probability weighting method using propensity scores.Results: The mean recovery rates in the Reg- group were 35.1%, 34.6%, 27.6%, 28.0%, and 30.1% from 1 to 5 years post surgery, respectively, whereas those in the Reg+ group were 52.0%, 52.0%, 51.1%, 49.0%, and 50.1%, respectively. The recovery rates in the Reg+ group were significantly higher at all observation points. At 5 years postoperatively, the VAS score for pain or numbnessin the arms or hands of the patients in the Reg+ group (24.7 mm) was significantly milder than that of the patients in the Reg- group (42.2 mm).Conclusions: Spinal T2HSC improvement at 1 year postoperatively may predict a favorable recovery until up to 5 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In skip pedicle screw fixation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the mid-term effects of reducing screw number on correction and clinical results are uncertain. We clarified the mid-term outcomes of this technique in patients with Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS.Methods: Thirty-four patients who underwent skip pedicle screw fixation (mean screw density: 1.35 screws) for Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS were retrospectively reviewed. The follow-up period was at least 5 years (mean follow-up period: 6.1 years), and the follow-up rate was 89.5%. Radiological parameters and clinical symptoms were evaluated before, immediately after, and at 2 years and 5 years after surgery.Results: The mean Cobb angle of the main thoracic (MT) curve before, immediately after, at 2 years after surgery, and at the final 5-year minimum follow-up was 52.5°, 16.4°, 20.5°, and 19.4°, respectively. The Cobb angle of the MT curve was significantly improved immediately after, at 2 years after surgery, and at the final follow-up compared with that before surgery (p < 0.01). The mean correction rate immediately after surgery was 69.0% and the rate of correction loss at the final follow-up was 8.3%. All Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaire (SRS-22r) sub scores 5 years after surgery were significantly improved compared with those beforehand (p < 0.01).Conclusions: Correction using skip pedicle screw fixation in AIS was well maintained from the initial follow-up measurements to the final follow-up. The SRS-22r sub scores at the final follow-up were significantly improved over preoperative levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the surgical treatment of scoliosis after a Fontan procedure is very challenging due to the risk of various perioperative complications, case reports are scarce. We herein describe three patients who were successfully treated for scoliosis following a Fontan procedure and discuss their clinical and radiological outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed three cases of scoliosis treated by posterior spinal fusion after a Fontan procedure.Results: Mean preoperative major curve Cobb angle was 83.7°, mean surgical time was 233.0 min, and mean blood loss was 1167 g. The mean correction rate of the major curve was 48.0%. Surgical outcome as evaluated by Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaires revealed acceptable results without any severe complications.Conclusions: Corrective surgery for scoliosis after a Fontan procedure becomes a stronger option if cardiac insufficiency is prevented during the perioperative period and a conservative plan is carried out with minimal invasiveness and operation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is generally recognized that the main thoracic curve Cobb angle threshold for surgical correction is approximately 50 degrees in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Although AIS with a Cobb angle of <50 degrees is sometimes treated surgically to improve cosmesis, the precise outcomes are unclear. This study analyzed the postoperative results for AIS with a main thoracic curve of 50 degrees.Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with Lenke type 1-2 curves underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS. These subjects were divided into the <50 degrees of main thoracic curve group (n = 14) and the ≥50 degrees group (n = 25). Clinical and radiographic data were compared.Results: The mean Cobb angle of the main thoracic curve before and at 2 years after surgery for the <50 degrees and ≥50 degrees groups was 44.5 and 60.3 degrees (p < 0.001) and 14.0 and 19.5 degrees (p = 0.016), respectively. Preoperatively, both groups had comparable Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores (all p > 0.05). Patients with a Cobb angle of <50 degrees displayed significantly milder postoperative pain (4.7 vs. 4.3, p = 0.031), with no remarkable differences in other SRS-22 domain scores. These patients also had a significantly shorter operative time (194 vs. 235 min, p = 0.021) and fused level (9.2 vs. 10.8 vertebrae, p = 0.006) along with similar correction rate (68.1 vs. 65.8%, p = 0.622) and blood loss volume (932 vs. 1009 ml, p = 0.715).Conclusions: Surgical correction of AIS with <50 degrees of main thoracic curve may less invasively achieve results that are comparable with those for AIS with 50 degrees or more, including improvements in self-image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]