Search

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of extensive defects to bone tissue is one of the important problems of orthopedics and traumatology. Especially in acuteis, the problem is associated with the restoration of bone tissue in conditions of its deficiency in pediatric patients. AIM: The aim of the study is to analyze modern methods of surgical treatment in children with extensive bone tissue injuries based on the published literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our report presents a review of the literature of methods of surgical treatment of extensive bone defects. The literature search was carried out in several databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, E-library, GoogleScholar for the period from 2005 to 2020, using the keywords given below. As a result of the search, 105 foreign and 37 domestic sources were found. After exclusion, 56 articles were analyzed, all presented works were published in the last 15 years. RESULTS: The gold standard for replacing bone defects is still the use of autografts, including the use of technologies on a vascular pedicle. Various types of xenografts and allografts of bone tissue are increasingly being replaced by various kinds of synthetic implants. CONCLUSIONS: To date, there is no single generally accepted standard for the surgical treatment of extensive bone defects. The option of surgical treatment of extensive bone tissue defects using tissue-engineered bone implants with axial blood supply seems to be extremely interesting and promising.

BACKGROUND: Congenital malformations of the spine require urgent treatment, despite the popularity of this problem. The choice of the term and method of surgical treatment of congenital spinal deformities with vertebral malformations does not have diametrically opposed views in the domestic and foreign literature, but the scientific discussion continues regarding the use of orthotics. Currently, several designs of orthoses on the trunk are known worldwide, which can be used not only for idiopathic but also for congenital scoliosis. А unified view of the use of this type of complex treatment is necessary, but there are opposite opinions in the scientific literature. AIM: This study aimed to analyze publications that present the use of torso orthoses in the treatment of congenital malformations of the spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for data in the open electronic databases of PubMed and e-LIBRARY using the following keywords and phrases: congenital deformity of the spine, congenital scoliosis, orthosis, and effectiveness of orthosis. The search covered 30 years of literature. RESULTS: Several authors have reported a significant correction of the congenital curves using orthotics, but this issue has not been sufficiently studied and is still at the research stage. Some specialists consider the formation or progression after the operation of compensatory counter-curve above or below the established metal structure, which can be corrected not only by repeated surgery, but also by using orthoses. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear trend toward complex treatment of children with isolated congenital malformations of the spine, including a reasonable combination of surgical treatment and orthotics. In Europe and Russia, preference is given to the Rigo system Cheneau brace.

BACKGROUND: Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the introduction of restrictive measures to prevent its spread, there has been a change in the organization and work of medical institutions. New rules for admitting patients with injuries, limiting hospitalization of planned patients, examining patients for coronavirus infection, examining parents of children with injuries, conducting remote consultations, and identifying areas without COVID-19 for repeated outpatient care have been introduced in trauma centers and hospitals. New conditions for the organization and functioning of outpatient and inpatient departments have had an impact on the picture of child trauma. AIM: This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the level and nature of musculoskeletal injuries in children who sought medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic and injuries that occurred during the same period of the previous year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of the medical history data of 3820 patients aged 0 to 17 years, who were admitted to the City Center for Outpatient Surgery and Trauma of St. Petersburg St. Mary Magdalene Childrens City Hospital No. 2 during the period from March 16, 2020, to May 31, 2020, and for the same period in 2019. RESULTS: The number of initial visits with trauma in 2019 was 2851 patients, whereas during the same period in 2020, 969 patients came with trauma. In general, during the study period in 2020, the trauma rate decreased by 66% compared with the same period in 2019. Despite the general decrease in the level of injuries in the study period in 2020, in the injured structures of the musculoskeletal system, the proportion of limb fractures was 35% and exceeded the same indicator in 2019 (p = 0.004, 2 criterion). In 2020, the level of street injuries (p 0.0001) decreased by 83%, while there was a 61% increase in domestic injuries (p 0.0001) and a 47% increase in traffic injuries (p 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The relationship between the outbreak of a pandemic and a decrease in the number of visits to the trauma center of Childrens Hospital No. 2 was revealed and a change in the structure of injuries depending on their cause. This change may be associated with restrictive measures, the transfer to distance learning, the ban on organized sports events, and the reduced usage of playgrounds. This information can be useful for planning the work of health authorities and distributing resources during future pandemic situations.

BACKGROUND: After surgical treatment of congenital spinal deformities, we can see the progression of deformities of the spinal column segments free from metal structures, which leads to the need for reoperation. Without sufficient scientific evidence, several specialists after surgical treatment use various orthoses on the body to prevent scoliotic compensatory changes. AIM: This study aims to assess the results of body orthosis after surgical treatment of children with congenital spinal deformity with the impaired formation of the vertebrae, using orthoses, compensatory deformity after one year of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients aged 2 to 12 years (10 boys and 15 girls) after surgical treatment of congenital deformity of the spine in the thoracic regions (13) and lumbar regions (12), wearing body orthoses. The results were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using thermal sensors for the orthosis wearing time by X-ray and statistical methods. RESULTS: After three months of wearing the brace, we saw a correction of about 50% of the value of the initial compensatory deformity. After six months, both thoracic and lumbar, the correction was 60%. After one year, when performing an X-ray image without an orthosis, in thoracic deformities without a brace, the correction stabilized and remained at the level of 40%. In lumbar deformities without a brace, the original deformity returned, i.e., the correction occurred but was not fixed without the orthosis. Only one of 25 patients (4%) required a second operation to increase the fixations duration. CONCLUSION: The results of observing a group of patients (25 children) for one year after surgical treatment of congenital spine deformity showed a positive effect of a functionally corrective orthosis on the body to correct secondary deformities.

Background. One of the most common vertebral malformations that lead to the occurrence and progression of congenital scoliosis is disorders of vertebral formation. Most specialists adhere to the active tactics of surgical correction of spinal deformity in early childhood. The aim. To evaluate the variants and causes of the transpedicular spinal system destabilization, which is not related to the violation of its integrity, in the surgical treatment of children with congenital spinal deformities. Materials and methods. The case histories of 286 children under the age of 6 years undergoing surgical treatment in H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Сhildrens Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. Depending on the outcome of the surgical treatment, the patients were divided into groups: the main group (n = 7) included those with spinal system destabilization and the control group (n = 12) consisted of those without spinal system destabilization. During the study, the sizes of the bases of the arcs adjacent to the abnormal vertebra, the magnitude of the scoliotic and kyphotic components of the deformation, and the correct position of the supporting elements of the spinal system on the Gertzbein scale were determined. Results. Patients of the studied groups were identified according to their age and the magnitude of scoliotic and kyphotic components of spinal deformity. The average diameter of the arc base in the studied groups varied (p 0.05). In all patients, the complete correction of the congenital curvature of the spine was achieved after surgery. In the long-term postoperative period in patients of the study group after radiation analysis, the malposition of supporting elements relative to the base of the vertebral arch and a loss of correction of spinal deformity by an average of 25 were revealed, which required the repeated surgery in order to restore the stability of the spinal system and to correct deformation. Conclusions. The reasons for the spinal system destabilization during the correction of the spinal congenital deformations are the peculiarities of vertebral anatomical-anthropometric parameters in the curvature zone, as well as tactical aspects during surgery. The main reason for the spinal system destabilization without violating its integrity is the small size of bases of adjacent vertebral arches relative to the abnormal one. The small size of the bases of the vertebral arches and the significant amount of necessary correction of congenital spinal deformity necessitate the installation of a longer spinal system in order to restore physiological profiles in the curvature zone.

Background. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare pathological condition caused by an abnormal transposition of the superior mesenteric artery from the abdominal part of the aorta. It results in compression of the distal part of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It is clinically manifested by signs of acute intestinal obstruction, including pain in the epigastric region, nausea, and profuse vomiting. In the absence of timely treatment, patients may experience electrolyte disturbance, severe nutritional deficiency, the risk of perforation of the stomach, aspiration pneumonia, bezoar formation, thromboembolism, and the development of other life-threatening complications that can lead to death. Case study. In the presented case study, superior mesenteric artery syndrome developed in a 17-year-old girl after surgical correction of a spinal deformity in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. This was due to postoperative loss of body weight, as well as a rapid change in the patients ratio of growth to body weight. Discussion. Significant clinical improvement was achieved as a result of an integrated approach to the treatment of this complication. However, despite the successful result from conservative therapy, the patient remains at risk of developing chronic duodenal obstruction of varying severity, which may require surgical treatment. Conclusion. With the untimely and incomplete treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, the risk of developing chronic intestinal obstruction increases. Treatment of this complication begins with conservative therapy. In the absence of the effect of conservative therapy, and in the case of disease progression, the development of life-threatening conditions (such as bleeding and perforation) requires surgical treatment.

Background. Currently, there are many studies on the evaluation of the results of surgical intervention and the comparative analysis of various surgical techniques for treating children with congenital spinal deformities. However, there is no consensus regarding the choice of surgical access to the abnormal vertebra that considers the duration of surgery, the volume of intraoperative blood loss, the degree of correction achieved during the intervention, the length of metal fixation, and the preservation of the result in the long-term observation period. Aim. The goal is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the dorsal and combined approaches to the surgical treatment of preschool children with congenital deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine against the background of an isolated violation of the vertebral formation. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 56 patients under the age of five with congenital spinal deformities and a history of an isolated hemivertebra in the thoracic and lumbar regions who underwent one-stage hemivertebral extrusion from a dorsal approach (1st group: n = 30) or from a combined approach (2nd group: n = 26) was conducted. Results. All patients showed improvement in the sagittal and frontal profiles of the spine. However, during separation in the first group of patients, a progression of the kyphotic component of the deformity in the lumbar spine from 19 to 8 was noted, while the correction value of the curvature of the scoliotic component remained stable. Intraoperative blood loss in the first group of patients was less (234 mL) compared with that in the second group (319 mL), while the duration of surgery was longer (310 min and 185 min, respectively). On average, in the first group, a longer metal structure was used to correct the spinal deformity compared with the second group. Conclusions. The correction of the patients congenital spinal deformities with a single hemivertebra from a combined access approach allows a complete correction of the congenital curvature, the fixation of a smaller number of vertebrae, and the maintenance of a stable result in the long-term observation period compared with the dorsal approach. Isolated dorsal access to the hemivertebral body is characterized by less intraoperative blood loss compared with the combined approach, although the length of surgical intervention is increased.

Introduction The incidence of compression spine injuries account for 0.49 % to 0.9 % of total pediatric trauma victims. Spine fractures constitute 7.5 % to 14.6 % of all inpatient hospital admissions and require conservative treatment. The aim of the study is to analyze the system of outpatient rehabilitation of pediatric compression vertebral fractures at follow-up care provided in St. Petersburg. Material and methods Medical records of 1230 children and adolescents who sustained compression fractures of the vertebral bodies and were followed up by orthopaedic surgeons in St. Petersburg between 2011 and 2017 have been reviewed. Results and discussion Pediatric bone fractures constituted 24.8 % of total injuries registered in St. Petersburg in 2017. From pediatric vertebral body victims, 53 % were boys and 47 % were girls. Vertebral fractures were most common in children aged nine, ten and eleven years (range, 13% - 14 %). A system of consistent non-operative treatment performed for the patients at trauma departments of children's hospitals, through inpatient and outpatient services of rehabilitation and restorative treatments, follow-up care in the outpatient setting is presented. Conclusion The incidence of pediatric bone injury and vertebral body compression fractures is higher in St. Petersburg than the average incidence reported in the Russian Federation. Questions of overdiagnosis of vertebral body compression fractures in pediatric population are considered to be important and relevant. An overview of treatment options and strategies, utilization of braces, follow-up term required for children with compression vertebral body fractures suggests revised approaches to treatment methods, length of inpatient management and follow-up care.

Atlantoaxial dislocation with spinal canal stenosis not associated with craniovertebral junction malformations and traumatic injury is a rare pathology in children and adolescents. A clinical case of the diagnosis and surgical treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation of non-traumatic genesis combined with spinal canal stenosis in an adolescent with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is presented. A minimal instrumental fixation of the upper cervical spine allowed eliminating stenosis of the spinal canal, repairing instability of the upper cervical vertebrae, and jugulating neurological disorders.

Introduction. The task of preserving the psychological health of children and adolescents is recognized as most important in the complex conditions of the modern world. Interdisciplinary research addresses the psychological aspects of mental health. For psychological health, understanding the highest level of mental health is an integral characteristic of the well-being of the individual, and the prerequisites for the development of personal maturity. Among the adverse factors in relation to mental and psychological health is what is known as somatic suffering, which occurs in orthopedic diseases. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to orthopedic disease, eliminating maladaptive manifestations in difficult life situations due to the disease, can be important indicators of psychological health of adolescents. Aim. We identify specific indicators of psychological health in adolescents with various orthopedic diseases. Materials and methods. The study involved 90 adolescents: 60 aged 1217 years with orthopedic diseases (30 with articular juvenile chronic arthritis and 30 with long-term consequences of mechanical trauma of the upper and lower limbs, resulting from an accident due to negligence) and a control group consisting of healthy adolescents of the same age. The characteristics of the self-esteem personality component (satisfaction with various aspects of their own lives) in adolescents with orthopedic diseases and their healthy peers were considered traditional indicators of psychological health. We used PiersHarris scale modified by V.I. Gordeev Y.S. Aleksandrovich and test of attitude to disease. Results. In adolescents with various forms of orthopedic disorders, the formation of stable variants of the attitude to the disease with a violation of adaptation of inter- and intrapsychic types is accompanied by the experience of discomfort, difficulties of self-regulation during treatment, and signs of a negative attitude. Formation of stable variants of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses without expressed disorders of mental and social adaptation is accompanied by a feeling of comfort and self-satisfaction. The prevailing reaction at harmonic, allopathic, and anosognosic types of mogutt act as a sanogenic effect. Emerging resistant variants of the attitude to the disease with a violation of adaptation of inter- and intrapsychic types can represent risk factors for breach of psychological health in adolescents with orthopedic diseases.

A clinical case of surgical and multimodal conservative treatment of an 11-year-old female patient with Hajdu – Cheney syndrome with multiple vertebral fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine is presented. The main and significant manifestations of this syndrome are osteoporosis and acroosteolysis. After the injury, the child underwent correction of posttraumatic spinal deformity and stabilization of spinal motion segments by a placement of multi-anchor instrumentation through a posterior approach. The long-term postoperative period was characterized by the absence of bone block formation, development of distal junctional kyphosis and scoliotic deformity, which required additional surgical intervention in the amount of elongation of instrumentation and correction of the developed curvature. The paper describes in detail the clinical manifestations of the syndrome, the results of surgical treatment, and clinical and radiological characteristics.

Introduction. Stenosis of the spinal canal can be accompanied by abnormalities of gait and body balance. At the same time, changes occurring in the postural control in children with spinal stenosis remain unexplored. Aim. To study postural stability in children with spinal stenosis and assess the imbalance of the body depending on the level of stenosis localization. Material and methods. This study investigated 14 patients, aged 10–17 years, with stenosis of the spinal canal. The first group consisted of seven patients with spinal stenosis due to congenital deformity of the thoracic spine with spinal cord compression at the stenosis level. The second group consisted of seven patients with spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra body of grades 3–4, accompanied with spinal cord root compression. The control group consisted of seven healthy children of the same age. We used stabilometry, and statistical study included correlation-regression analysis. Results. A significant deviation of the stabilometric parameters was noted only in the first group of patients (p < 0.05). In the same group, a strong correlation was found between the parameters of statokinesiogram: area S, length L, amplitude A, and mean power level of the spectrum of f 60%, which were much higher than those of healthy children, which may indicate a pathologically high synchronization of the vertical balance control system of the body. Other changes were revealed, such as a strong relationship between L/S and A at normal stabilometric parameters and a moderate force between L/A and f 60%, indicating postural deficiency in the group of patients with stenosis at the level of the lumbosacral spine. Correlation-regression analysis for assessing the postural balance in both groups of patients showed a correlation between parameters L, S, A, and f 60%, which were significantly higher than those in healthy children and most pronounced in the thoracic localization of stenosis. Conclusion. The system of maintaining vertical balance of the body in children with stenosis of the spinal canal at the level of the thoracic spine has a more pronounced deficiency than that in patients with stenosis of the canal at the lumbosacral level. To reveal hidden violations of the postural balance, the relationship between length, area, amplitude, and mean power of the statokinesiogram must be evaluated.

Introduction. New questions of indications and methods of surgical treatment of children with congenital spinal deformity are covered in detail. However, straightening deformed segment of the spine and fixing with metal construction is not sufficient, and conditions for its retention and prevention of migration must be created. The expediency of the study is relevant because of lack of systematic review of the results of orthotic support as complex treatment of this group of patients, both in Russia and abroad. The problems faced by vertebral surgeons are the following: the tendency of deformation relapse as the child grows, tendency of deformation of unfixed (lower and upper) segments of the vertebral column. Clinical case. For observation, we selected an 11-year-old patient. The diagnosis was congenital scoliosis on posterolateral hemivertebra Th4, dysplastic course of congenital spinal deformity. The surgical treatment performed was extirpation of hemivertebra Th4(S) and the correction of local congenital deformity with multicore corrective system in combination with bone grafting. We achieved complete correction of congenital local curve at the level of the posterior lateral hemivertebra and reduction of compensatory curves in the thoracic and lumbar spine. In the postoperative period, the patient was provided with corrective brace, with the aim of influencing on the compensatory curve. Discussion. This clinical observation aimed to determine the different approaches to treatment of children with congenital deformities of the thoracic spine, which consists of surgical correction of local congenital curvature curve with subsequent correction of compensatory curves by using a correcting brace. Conclusion. As a result of the surgical intervention, correction of congenital spinal deformity was achieved, and the use of a corrective brace in the postoperative period allowed the correction of compensatory curves and maintained the achieved result until the end of the patient’s growth.

Polymorphisms of neurotransmitter metabolism genes were studied in patients with prostate cancer (PC) characterized by either reduced or extended serum prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) corresponding to unfavorable and favorable disease prognosis respectively. The 'unfavorable prognosis' group (40 cases) was defined by PSADT ≤ 2 months, whereas patients in the 'favorable prognosis' group (67 cases) had PSADT ≥ 30 months. The following gene polymorphisms known to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders were investigated: a) the STin2 VNTR in the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 gene; b) the 30-bp VNTR in the monoamine oxidase A MAOA gene; c) the Val158Met polymorphism in the catechol-ortho-methyltransferase COMT gene; d) the promoter region C-521T polymorphism and the 48 VNTR in the third exon of the dopamine receptor DRD4 gene. The STin2 12R/10R variant of the SLC6A4 gene (OR = 2.278; 95% CI = 0.953-5.444) and the -521T/T homozygosity of the DRD4 gene (OR = 1.579; 95% CI = 0.663-3.761) tended to be overrepresented in PC patients with unfavorable disease prognosis. These gene variants are regarded as protective against schizophrenia, and the observed trend may be directly related to a reduced PC risk described for schizophrenia patients. These results warrant further investigation of the potential role of neurotransmitter metabolism gene polymorphisms in PC pathogenesis.

The tactics of surgical treatment of patients with spinal deformities associated with multiple malformations is of great importance because of aggressive course of disease, limited opportunities for radical correction of deformity, and a high risk of complications. The review analyzes the literature devoted to this problem. The theoretical basis behind the need for surgical treatment is considered. The current methods of surgical intervention are presented, and their principal ideological and practical differences are demonstrated. Surgical treatment of patients with spinal deformity associated with multiple malformations is of particular interest in the practice of a spine specialist. Most patients at an early age require multi-stage surgical treatment which threatens to entail serious complications. In order to minimize risks and improve the final result of treatment, it is necessary to apply existing surgical techniques, as well as correctly arrange a sequence and frequency of their implementation.

Introduction . Rehabilitation of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) remains a very difficult task. Stable and growing movement restrictions in such patients cause a life-long need for treatment and rehabilitation. Neurorehabilitation of children with CP at various stages includes not only traditional physical rehabilitation methods, but also extensive use of robotic mechanotherapy techniques and new technologies in the field of neurophysiology. One of such technology is non-invasive percutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Aim of the study : To assess the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to improve the motor function of children with spastic diplegia using the “Lokomat” robotic mechanotherapy system. Materials and methods . A clinical rehabilitation study of 26 patients aged 6–12 years with CP was conducted. The treatment group included 11 patients who received one course of robotic mechanotherapy using the “Lokomat” system combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The control group included 15 patients who received one course of robotic mechanotherapy only. Results . A comparative analysis of the two groups based on the results of clinical examinations using specific scales (GMFCS, GMFM-88, Modified Ashworth Scale of Muscle Spasticity), locomotor tests (L-FORCE, L-ROM), and evaluations of muscle activity using electromyography showed that one course of rehabilitation resulted in improvement in motor function in all patients of both groups, but positive dynamics were more significant in the treatment group that underwent percutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Conclusion . Based on clinical data, changes in indicators of the locomotor tests L-FORCE and L-ROM, as well as assessment of changes in muscle activity, showed that motor rehabilitation of children with spastic diplegia using the “Lokomat” robotic mechanotherapy system combined with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation was more effective than robotic mechanotherapy only.

Background. The relationship between teenager girls with idiopathic scoliosis and their mothers may be a source of mental strain during complex restorative treatment.Aim of the study. To assess the mother-daughter relationship of adolescent girls with severe idiopathic scoliosis.Materials and methods. The experimental group consisted of 30 women with teenager daughters diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis of the 4th degree. The control group included 30 women with teenager daughters with no orthopedic pathology. The questionnaire “Diagnostic of parental relationship” (Varga and Stolin) and the methodology “Teenagers on their parents” (Schafer, Mateychik, and Rzhichan) were used as research methods.Results and discussion. General and specific characteristics of the mother-daughter relationship in families of adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis and families of healthy girls were identified. Mothers of girls with idiopathic scoliosis and mothers of girls with o orthopedic disorder demonstrated a pronounced positive attitude to their daughters. Mothers of daughters with idiopathic scoliosis, in contrast to mothers of healthy daughters, were more likely to actively cooperate with their daughters in various aspects of life, including treatment. We investigated the mother-daughter relationship and how to assess this relationship with adolescent girls. Emotionally, non-judgmental acceptance of a daughter with severe idiopathic scoliosis is perceived by the daughter as the mother's desire for an emotionally close and trusting relationship. The attitude of the mother regarding an ill daughter as a failure will be perceived as hostility manifested as strict control by the mother. The mother's attitude to a healthy daughter manifesting as overprotection is perceived by adolescent girls as an authoritarian attitude by the mother.Conclusion: General and specific characteristics of the mother-daughter relationship in families of adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis and families of healthy adolescent girls were revealed. In the context of complex surgical treatment, preventive measures are necessary to address psychological difficulties in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objective: To analyze the outcome of surgical correction of children with caudal regression syndrome. Methods: The study included 12 patients aged 1.5 to 9 years with caudal regression syndrome. In order determine the type of caudal regression, the Renshaw Classification was used. The surgery included correction and stabilization of the kyphotic deformity at the unstable lumbosacral region, with reconstruction of the sagittal balance using a bony block constructed from allograft. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. Results: Children with types III and IV caudal regression syndrome underwent spinal-pelvic fusion, with 100% fusion rate, which allows sufficient stabilization of the lumbopelvic segment permitting patient mobilization and standing in type III patients. There were 5 complications needing additional care. Conclusion: Multilevel pedicular screw fixation in combination with spinopelvic fusion with cortical allografts allows reconstruction of the sagittal alignment with solid bony fusion improving the quality of life for these patients.

Objective. To compare the results of treatment of compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in children by classical func- tional extension and by early orthotics with hyperextension braces. Material and Methods. The study included 175 children aged 3 to 18 years with vertebral compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. In the study group (32 patients), early orthotics with a rigid hyperextension brace was used, in the control group (143 patients) – a standard Gorinevskaya – Dreving’s technique followed by wearing a semi-rigid brace. Results. In the study group, the average vertebral compression ratio was 63 %, WI – 0.6–0.8, and vertebral body height restoration was observed in 90.5 % of cases. In the control group, the average compression ratio was 75 %, WI – 0.75–0.9, and abnormal wedging of verte- bral bodies after the treatment was observed in 48.0 % of patients. In the study group, the length of hospital stay was reduced, the mode of physical activity in the early stages was increased with better and faster restoration of vertebral bodies in comparison with the control group. Conclusion. Application of hyperextension braces shortens hospital stay, contributes to the complete restoration of the height and shape of the damaged vertebral body, and allows for more early returning the children to the familiar social environment.

Introduction. Pathology of the craniovertebral zone in children with Down’s syndrome is a very important topic, because of the high risk for developing neurological complications in these patients, after even a minor trauma.Material and methods. We performed a review of the literature highlighting the disorders of the cervical spine in children with Down’s syndrome.Results. We gathered data on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of craniocervical instability in children with Down’s syndrome. We reviewed the existing surgical treatment options, and presented our own clinical cases. We also developed a protocol for the management of these patients.Discussions. Understanding the several forms of craniocervical instability in children with Down’s syndrome is very important. As it is a very dangerous condition that can lead to devastating neurological deficits, all medical specialties working with these patients should be aware of them. There are clinical and radiological criteria for this condition that can help in the management of such patients. Surgical treatment is an effective option, but it has a high complication rate and rarely results in neurological improvement.

Various options for medical treatment of children with compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine include unloading of damaged segments by simultaneous or gradual reclination (e.g., functional traction and reclination of the spine); measures aimed at building and strengthening the muscular “corset” of the back; and the use of orthotic devices of various designs (e.g., fixating-discharging, fixating-correcting corsets, orthoses on a modular basis). Questions regarding the early and late use of orthotics in patients with compression fractures of the vertebral bodies are discussed. Literature analysis, considering different methods used in the treatment of these patients in terms of their effectiveness to restore the height and shape of the damaged spinal segment revealed the absence of a differentiated approach for choosing treatment and selection criteria for orthopedic management.

Purpose of the study. Evaluation of the surgical treatment of children with idiopathic scoliosis of thoracolumbar localization. Materials and methods. Surgery was performed on 33 patients aged from 13 to 17 years with a curve approximating 42°-123°, according to Cobb. Surgical correction of the deformity was performed using three tactical options with the use of a transpedicular multi-basic metallic device. Results. In idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis, the surgical correction ranged from 74% to 100%. Loss of correction in the follow-up period from 2 to 5 years was 2°-4°. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of children with idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis depends on the degree of the main curve, spinal mobility, and the patient's age. Application of a multi-basic transpedicular metallic device allows significant correction of the angle of the curve, a true de-rotation of vertebral bodies at the apex of the curve to be performed, and the frontal and sagittal profile of the spine to be restored while maintaining the results achieved in the late postoperative period.

The purpose of research is to determine the prevalence of associated malformations in children with latent forms of spinal dysraphism. Materials and methods . The study involved 64 patients aged from 9 months to 17 years old. Clinical and radiological examination including MRI scan of spine and spinal canal were performed to evaluate the orthopaedic and neurological status of the patients. Results . Malformations of the spine were observed in 100 % of children, associated malformations of the organs and systems are found in 33 (52 %) patients. Herewith the malformations of the genitourinary system were revealed - in 52 % of patients, the musculoskeletal system - in 45 % of children, the cardiovascular system - in 39 %, the digestive system - 12 %, otolaryngology - 9 % and bronchopulmonary system - in 3 % of patients. Conclusion . Pediatric patients with latent forms of spinal dysraphism require detailed examination both on the part of the spine and the spinal canal and the internal organs and systems. The most prevalent malformations included those of genitourinary, musculoskeletal (appendicular skeleton) and cardiovascular systems.

The purpose of the study is to describe features of the surgical technique for correction of kyphotic deformity of the spine and to analyze the results of surgical treatment of juvenile kyphosis in children with the use of 3D-CT navigation.— Materials and methods. We observed 11 patientsaged 14-17 years old (2 girls and 9 boys) with kyphoticdeformity of the spine, developed on the backgroundof Scheuermann’s disease. The deformity amount aver-aged 73,9° (60 to 90°). Surgery was performed fromthe combined access, carring out discapophysectomyand corporodesis on top of kyphosis and fixing mul-tibasic corrective metal construction. For the insertionof pedicle screws we used 3D-CT navigation.— The results. After surgery kyphosis value decreasedto 32,6° (20 to 45°), the deformity correction averaged41,3° (30 to 50°). Hybrid systems were placed in 5 pa-tients, total transpedicular fixation - in 6 children.Number of fixed vertebrae with hybrid metal construc-tions averaged 14 (13 to 15), in patients with total pediclefixation - 13 (12 to 14). In all cases we observed the correct position of pedicle support elements. Postopera- tive follow-up period was from 1 year and 5 months to5 years and 4 months, on average - 3 years 5 months. The loss of the result achieved in the long-term follow- up period was observed in patients with hybrid metal constructions and averaged 7,2° (4 to 9°).— Conclusion. The use of pedicle screws for thecorrection of juvenile kyphosis in children allows forthe effective correction of the deformity, restoring thephysiological profiles of the spine, eliminating post-operative progression of curvature, and reducing thelength of metal fixation and save the result achievedin the long-term follow-up. The use of active optical3D-CT navigation allows carring out a correct inser-tion of pedicle screws in the vertebral bodies in chil-dren with juvenile kyphosis.— Keywords: Scheuermann’s disease, juvenile ky-phosis, transpedicular fixation, navigation, children,surgical treatment.

Objective to develop current options of surgical treatment of L5-spondylolisthesis in children. Materials and methods: 48 patients were observed and underwent surgical treatment at age of 10-17 years. In 9 patients spondylolisthesis of L5 was grade 2, in 14 - grade 3, in 12 - grade 4. 9 patients had spondyloptosis of the body of L5-vertebra. The article presents different options of surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis in children depending on the degree of vertebrae body shift and the main clinical manifestations. During surgery the anatomy of the vertebral canal and the normal interposition in the pathological segment were reconstructed. It resulted in normalization of the body balance and regression of neurological symptoms. Results: in spondylolisthesis grade 2 and 3 full reduction was achieved. In patients with grade 4 spondylolisthesis deformity was reduced to grade 2-3. Pain and radicular syndromes regressed in 2-3 days after surgery. In patients with monoparesis and contractures regression of neurological deficit took 1-1,5 months. Conclusions: The method of surgical treatment in patients with spondylolisthesis of L5 vertebrae depends on the degree of vertebrae shifting presence of segmental instability and neurological sighns.

The purpose of the study. To assess the results of surgical treatment in children with idiopathic scoliosis of thoracic localization. Material and methods. We operated 56 patients aged from 13 to 18 years old with a level of deformity 40-136° according to Cobb. Surgical correction of the deformity was performed with three tactical options using Cotrel-Dubousset dorsal instrumentation. Results. In idiopathic thoracic scoliosis the operating correction ranged from 48 to 100 %. Loss of correction in the follow-up period from 1 year to 3.5 years was 0-7 %. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis should be individualized. Application of multisupporting transpedicular metal constructions allows to increase the degree of deformity correction, to perform true derotation of vertebral bodies on top of curvature and to save the result achieved in the postoperative period.

The approach to the healing process of idiopathic scoliosis in terms of the biopsychosocial model of disease, which involves consideration of factors of biological, social, psychological nature, is reviewed. Factors of a psychological nature provide adaptive behavior of the patient in the hospital, and coordinated participation of various specialists in the treatment and rehabilitation of the patient in a situation of complicated treatment. Idiopathic scoliosis is a disease that is accompanied with physical and moral suffering and defines the conditions of mental development and functioning of sick children and their parents in a situation of progressive disease. Under these conditions, an important factor in coping with the situation of the disease and the successful rehabilitation treatment is harmonious attitude of the sick child to the disease. Personal problems of parents of sick children, manifested in their disharmonious attitude to the disease, reduce the adaptive capacity of children in hospital. In this connection, it is necessary to perform participation of clinical psychologists who provide the necessary information concerning the interactions of medical staff with patients and their parents on the stages of orthopedic treatment by doctors and other staff, as well as to provide the necessary psychological support for sick children and their parents.