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Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate whether an innovative way of administering tranexamic acid (TXA), that is, injecting it retrogradely through the drain and clamping it for 1 h, can reduce postoperative bleeding after degenerative lumbar scoliosis surgery. Methods Sixty degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients who underwent posterior lumbar decompression with fusion of three or more levels were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into three groups (TXA, Gelfoam, and control groups). The demographic distribution, operative parameters, length and amount of Hemovac drainage, blood transfusion rate, length of stay, laboratory results (complete blood count and coagulogram), and the postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. Results The age of patients in the Gelfoam group was significantly younger than in the TXA and control groups (59.75 ± 6.95 vs 66.10 ± 8.80, P = 0.016 and 59.75 ± 6.95 vs 67.90 ± 5.33, P = 0.000, respectively). There were no significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbid medical status, and operation level between each of the two groups. The three groups did not differ significantly in estimated blood loss during surgery, the mean red blood cell transfusion requirement during hospitalization, and the entire perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate. The postoperative total blood loss and total drainage were lower in the TXA group than in the control group (1027.14 ± 466.56 vs 1390.07 ± 314.85 mL, P = 0.006; 322.20 ± 187.32 vs 605.50 ± 184.70 mL, P = 0.000, respectively). The length of drainage retention in the TXA group was significantly shorter than in the Gelfoam and control groups (46.10 ± 9.00 vs 68.00 ± 12.31 h, P = 0.000 and 46.10 ± 9.00 vs 76.40 ± 10.97 h, P = 0.000, respectively). The TXA and Gelfoam groups also had significantly shorter hospital stays than the control group (7.50 ± 0.95 vs 9.80 ± 2.44 days, P = 0.000, and 7.90 ± 1.16 vs 9.80 ± 2.44 days, P = 0.003, respectively). At discharge, the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit level were significantly higher in the TXA group compared with the control group (11.77 ± 1.78 g/dL vs 10.67 ± 0.94 g/dL, P = 0.002; 34.82 ± 3.57% vs 31.79 ± 3.85%, P = 0.014). No significant difference was identified with respect to prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimmer among groups (P > 0.05). The three groups were comparable in wound problem incidences. Symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were not observed in this study. Conclusion Topical injection of TXA retrogradely via a drain at the end of a degenerative lumbar scoliosis operation and clamping the drain for an hour can effectively decrease the postoperative blood loss and the length of hospitalization without increasing the complication rate.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical outcome of reoperation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) as compared with primary spinal decompression and fusion. METHODS A retrospective study from December 2014 to December 2017 was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and comprised 39 patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disease (LDD): 13 post-PELD who underwent reoperation (revision surgery group) and 26 who received primary spinal decompression and fusion (primary open surgery group). The two groups were compared regarding: operative time, blood loss, transfusion, hospitalization, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) improvement rate, and postoperative complications. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to analyze continuous parameters, and the χ2 -test for categorical parameters. Fisher's exact test was used for small data subsets. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in mean age (52.7 years vs 52.9 years), gender ratio (6 men-to-7 women vs 12 men-to-14 women), body mass index, medical history, preoperative diagnosis, or surgical spine level (P > 0.05). The mean operative time of the revision surgery group was significantly longer than that of the primary open surgery group (160.0 min vs 130.2 min, P < 0.05). The revision surgery group also had a significantly higher mean estimated blood loss, postoperative drainage, and length of hospital stay (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of hemoglobin and hematocrit values, preoperatively and postoperatively. The rate of transitional neurological irritation was higher in the revision surgery group (61.5% vs 3.8%; P < 0.05), as was intraoperative durotomy and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (30.8% vs 3.8%, P < 0.05). At 1 month, the VAS and ODI scores of the primary open surgery group were significantly better than those of the revision surgery group, while the improvement in JOA scores was similar. After 6 and 12 months' follow-up, the VAS and ODI scores and the rates of JOA improvement were comparable. CONCLUSION Patients with LDD who received primary spinal decompression and fusion experienced lower rates of perioperative complications and shorter hospitalization compared with patients who underwent revision surgery after PELD, but the clinical outcomes at the last follow-up of both groups were satisfactory.

Background Both patients with Chiari-I malformation (CIM) with syringomyelia and those with idiopathic syringomyelia (ISm) have a syrinx and can have scoliosis as well. However, there is no literature regarding differences between CIM and ISm in terms of radiographic outcomes and surgical complications after posterior fusion, to our knowledge. The aim of the present study was to compare radiographic features, clinical outcomes, and surgical complications after posterior spinal fusion between patients with CIM-associated scoliosis and those with ISm-associated scoliosis. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with syringomyelia-associated scoliosis were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one patients with scoliosis secondary to CIM were enrolled and matched by sex, age, and the Cobb angle of the scoliotic curve with 21 patients with scoliosis secondary to ISm. All patients underwent 1-stage posterior fusion surgery. Coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters were evaluated before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up (at least 2 years). We also collected data regarding syringeal features, neurological deficits, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and complications. Results Sex, age, preoperative coronal/sagittal scoliosis parameters, and neurological deficits were similar between the matched CIM and ISm groups. On average, the CIM group had a longer syrinx (12.3 ± 3.6 versus 8.9 ± 4.5 vertebral levels, p = 0.010) than the ISm group. The CIM and ISm groups showed similar correction rates for primary curves (70.9% ± 10.6% versus 69.5% ± 16.3%, p = 0.739). There were no significant differences in coronal/sagittal correction, intraoperative neuromonitoring abnormalities, surgical complications, or Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire scores between the 2 groups. Conclusions Despite matched demographic and scoliotic coronal parameters, patients with CIM had longer syrinxes compared with patients with ISm. One-stage posterior fusion achieved comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes for both CIM- and ISm-associated scoliosis without significant differences in neurological complications. Level of evidence Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Retrospective study.To compare syrinx characteristics, scoliotic parameters, and neurological deficits between Chiari I malformation (CIM) and idiopathic syringomyelia (IS) in the scoliotic population.CIM and IS are common in neuromuscular scoliosis patients; however, differences in syrinx characteristics, scoliotic parameters, and neurological deficits between CIM and IS are unclear.Thirty-six patients with scoliosis secondary to CIM were enrolled retrospectively and matched with 36 IS patients for sex, age, scoliosis classification, and Cobb angle. Information on radiographic features of scoliosis and syrinx and neurological deficits was systematically collected.Sex, age, and coronal, and sagittal scoliosis parameters did not differ between the CIM and IS groups. The CIM group had a longer syrinx (12.9 ± 4.0 vertebral levels vs. 8.7 ± 5.5 vertebral levels, P 0.001), a higher cranial extent (3.6 ± 2.2 vs. 5.2 ± 3.5, P = 0.027), and a lower caudal extent (15.6 ± 2.9 vs. 13.0 ± 4.6, P = 0.006) than the IS group, despite no differences in syrinx/cord (S/C) ratio or syrinx classification. No differences in neurological deficits were identified between the CIM and IS patients.With demographic and scoliotic coronal parameters matched, the CIM patients had a longer syrinx, located at a higher cranial and lower caudal level, compared with the IS group. No significant differences in syrinx S/C ratio, sagittal features of scoliosis, or neurological deficits were detected between the two groups.3.

Objective To identify risk factors for postoperative complications associated with growing rod surgery for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Methods A total of 55 consecutive patients underwent growing rod surgery for EOS were examined from database. Data included age at initial surgeries, sex, diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), duration of follow-up, initial and final measure of major curve, T2–5, T5–12, T10–L2, and T12–S1 kyphosis angles, levels and type of instrumentation, total number of surgeries, number of rods inserted, number of lengthenings, lengthening intervals and rod location were studied. Risk factors for postoperative complications were analyzed using binomial multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Postoperative complications were associated with 37 of 272 procedures (14%) and affected 23 patients (42%). Complications included 25 implant-related failures (66%), 4 alignment complications (11%), 4 infections (11%), 1 neurological impairment (3%), 3 respiratory problems, 2 gastrointestinal problems, 1 urinary problem, and 1 dural tear. The most frequent implant-related failure was dislodged implant (76%) and 92% of the dislodgements occurred at the proximal foundation. Binomial multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that curve magnitude in last follow-up (OR: 1.042; P =0.036), duration between growing-rod lengthening procedures (OR: 1.121; P =0.003) and duration of follow-up (OR: 1.079; P =0.001) maintained its significance in predicting likelihood of postoperative complications. Conclusion The occurrence of postoperative complications in growing rod surgery for EOS is most likely multifactorial and is related to curve magnitude in last follow-up and duration between growing-rod lengthening procedures.

Background Although measures to reduce and treat the postoperative surgical drain output are discussed, along with the increased interest in causative factors related to the prevention and treatment reported by many studies, these are still controversial. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on a consecutive series of 217 patients who had underwent ACCF between January 2016 and March 2017. Patients were categorized based on normal or increased total drain output. These two groups were compared for demographic distribution and clinical data to investigate the predictive factors of increased drain output by multivariate analysis. Results The overall incidence rate of increased drain output after ACCF was 16.6%. There are no significant differences in sex, BMI, history of taking aspirin, and ASA classification between the two groups (P > 0.05). Of the patients with increased drain output, a significantly higher proportion of patients have OPLL in the surgical level, 18 (50.0%) versus 33 (18.2%) (P = 0.000). The mean age was 60.67 ± 8.18 years versus 54.41 ± 10.05 years (P = 0.001). Number of discs involved was 2.42 ± 0.50 versus 2.02 ± 0.65 (P = 0.001). Operation time was 112.22 ± 16.49 min versus 105.21 ± 17.89 min (P = 0.031). Intraoperative blood loss was 109.86 ± 62.02 mL versus 87.83 ± 56.40 mL (P = 0.036). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR, 1.075; p = 0.003), history of smoking (OR, 2.792; p = 0.021), OPLL in surgical level (OR, 2.107; p = 0.001), and number of discs involved (OR, 2.764; p = 0.003) maintained its significance in predicting likelihood of increased surgical drain output. Conclusions The occurrence of increased drain output after ACCF is most likely multifactorial and is related to age, history of smoking, OPLL in surgical level, and number of discs involved.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess patients' quality of life with different fusion levels in posterior pedicle screw correction of idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA No previous study has demonstrated differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between patients fused to L3 versus L4. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 30 scoliotic patients fused to L3 using complete pedicle screw instruments. Thirty age-matched and sex-matched scoliotic patients fused to L4 were in the control group. Radiologic parameters were assessed before surgery and at latest follow-up between the 2 groups. These 2 groups were compared for the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire (SRS-22), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, which were administered preoperatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS There were no significant differences in sex, age, follow-up duration, the distribution of curve patterns, the postoperative residual Cobb angle of the main curve, complications, or surgical method between the L3 and L4 groups (P>0.05). Preoperative scores were statistically similar in the L3 and L4 groups for all domains of all questionnaires. There was no difference between the L3 and L4 groups for ODI (P=0.527) and VAS (P=0.518). There were no significant differences in the scores on function/activity, self-image/appearance, pain, mental health, or satisfaction with treatment domains between the 2 groups. No significant differences between the 2 groups were found at the final follow-up in the SF-36 subscales/domain scores. CONCLUSIONS This study attempted to elucidate the correlation between the length of fusion and functional outcome; however, it could not identify any difference between different fusion levels. On the basis of short-term results, there were no significant differences in the questionnaire scores between the 2 groups.

Study design A retrospective study. Objective To analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak during the thoracic pedicle screw fixation in spinal deformities, the relative intraoperative neuromonitoring changes and the strategy for management. Summary of background data CSF leak may occur during the preparation of trajectory of thoracic pedicle screws in scoliosis surgery. The strategy for management of such situation is controversial. There is limited literature about the CSF leak and concomitant neuromonitoring change. Methods A total of 695 patients with spinal deformity subjected to correction by posterior instrumentation using thoracic pedicle screw fixation from 2008 January to 2010 December and followed up for more than 2 years were retrospectively analyzed for CSF leak during pedicle screw placement and the concomitant neuromonitoring changes. The cases with CSF leak and with complete information about neuromonitoring were reviewed. Results A total of 7284 thoracic pedicle screws were inserted in the thoracic level (10.4 screws/patient). All the procedures were performed under the intraoperative neuromonitoring. There were 8 cases of CSF leak with the rate of 0.11% during the screw trajectory preparation. Seven of the screws located at the concave side. Five cases presented with concomitant positive intraoperative neuromonitoring changes. The holes were sealed for 3 of them, and patients presented with reversible monitoring changes and intact neurological function. Negligence of the CSF leak and screw insertion caused the deterioration of neuromonitoring even neurological deficit that needed revision surgery. Three cases presented without intraoperative monitoring changes and woke up without neurological deficit. Conclusion The factors impacting the safety of screw placement for CSF leak included screw position, segment of vertebra, and concomitant neuromonitoring changes. Commonly, it was not necessary to repair the dural tear and sealing the pedicle hole with bone wax for the case with reversible neuromonitoring changes was all that needed. A lateral entry point to the initial one could be used and to continue the screw placement when neuromonitoring demonstrate reversible positive changes. Level of evidence 4.

Object The safety of spinal fusion has been poorly studied in children with surgically corrected congenital cardiac malformations (CCMs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of spinal fusion in patients with CCMs following cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 32 patients with scoliosis who received surgical treatment for their CCMs (CCM group). Sixty-four age- and sex-matched patients with scoliosis and normal hearts who received spinal fusion served as the control group. These 2 groups were compared for demographic distribution, blood loss, transfusion requirements, and incidence of postoperative complications. Results The ages, curve pattern distributions, and number of levels fused were similar between the 2 groups before spinal fusion. Overall, a total of 7 patients in the CCM group (21.9%) and 5 (7.8%) in the control group had documented postoperative complications. The perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate and mean red blood cell transfusion requirement in the CCM group were significantly higher than those found in patients in the control group (68.7% vs 28.1%, respectively, p = 0.000; and 2.68 ± 2.76 units/patient vs 0.76 ± 1.07 units/patient, respectively, p = 0.011). In the CCM group, a preoperative major curve magnitude ≥ 80° was the most accurate indicator of an increased risk for a major complication (p = 0.019), whereas no statistically significant correlation was noted between postoperative complications and age, type of congenital heart disease, operative duration, and estimated blood loss during the operation and transfusion. Conclusions Spinal fusion subsequent to prior cardiac surgery is relatively safe and effective in correcting the spinal deformity for patients with scoliosis and surgically corrected CCMs. A preoperative major curve magnitude ≥ 80° may be a risk factor in predicting postoperative complications in scoliotic patients with surgically corrected CCMs.

Retrospective clinical study.To evaluate the predictive factors of postoperative pulmonary complications in unselected scoliotic patients with moderate or severe pulmonary dysfunction.Many scoliotic patients with moderate or severe pulmonary dysfunction develop postoperative pulmonary complications during hospitalization. However, little is reported about the postoperative pulmonary complication events in this population at the first visit to the hospital.A total of 88 scoliotic patients with moderate or severe pulmonary dysfunction were identified. The demographic distribution, medical history, and clinical data were collected to investigate the predictive factors of immediate postoperative pulmonary complications by logistic regression.A total of 16 (18.2%) patients were documented with postoperative pulmonary complications including increased requirement of postoperative ventilatory support (6.3%), atelectasis (31.3%), pneumothorax (6.3%), pneumonia (12.5%), and hypoxemia (43.8%). There were no statistical differences in age, sex, body mass index, abnormal echocardiogram, and prior symptoms between the 2 groups (P0.05). Of the patients with postoperative pulmonary complications, a slightly higher proportion of patients underwent anterior approach, 2 (12.5%) versus 2 (2.8%) (P=0.091). The Cobb angle before surgery was 102.1+/-25.5 degree with postoperative pulmonary complications versus 87.7+/-23.8 degree without postoperative pulmonary complications (P=0.034). Forced vital capacity was 47.0+/-10.5% versus 52.4+/-9.0% (P=0.037). Number of levels fused was 13.7+/-2.3 versus 13.1+/-2.2 (P=0.319). Operation time was 376.8+/-125.6 minutes versus 350.4+/-97.8 minutes (P=0.357). Anesthesia time was 415.3+/-126.8 minutes versus 388.0+/-97.5 minutes (P=0.341). Estimated blood loss was 1050.0+/-769.4 mL versus 777.8+/-460.9 mL (P=0.065), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that thoracoplasty correlated with postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio 3.81, 95% confidence interval 1.11-13.16).Thoracoplasty is the only independent predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications. However, the abnormal echocardiogram, prior symptoms, forced vital capacity, and other clinical characteristics play a less relevant role in the prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Study of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To examine the correlation between pulmonary arterial pressure and coronal Cobb angle of idiopathic scoliosis. A total of 338 patients (82.8 % female) with idiopathic scoliosis (average age 15.6 years; range 14–20 years) were included. Preoperatively, the coronal Cobb angle of curvature and the apex location and direction were determined from radiographic records. Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) and inferior vena cava diameter were also measured using Doppler echocardiography. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (sPAP) was calculated from the TRV according to the modified Bernoulli equation and correlations between sPAP and the features of scoliosis were identified by statistical analysis. Among the 338 patients, there were 305 thoracic curves, 276 (90.5 %) of which were right curves, and 265 thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. sPAP varied from 5.0 to 37.6 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension could not be excluded in the case of one patient. A mild correlation (Spearman test, correlation coefficient = 0.187, P = 0.001) between sPAP and coronal Cobb angle of the main thoracic (MT) curves was identified. Correlations between sPAP and the degree of other curves were not significant. Patients with sPAP >20 mmHg also had larger thoracic curve angles (mean MT 42.16° vs. 52.45°; U test, P = 0.002). There were no differences in sPAP levels between patients with right and left thoracic curves. A mild positive correlation was identified between sPAP and the coronal Cobb angle of the MT curves. There was no relationship between sPAP and the direction of the curvature.

Study design Retrospective review. Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and radiological characteristics of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) in congenital scoliosis (CS). To identify the incidence of spinal or extraspinal abnormities in KFS. Summary of background data KFS is an uncommon condition, characterized as improper segmentation of one or more cervical spine segments. "Scoliosis" is potentially the most common manifestation associated with KFS. However, the clinical manifestations and radiological characteristics of KFS in patients with CS are less reported. Methods A total of 516 patients with CS from January 2009 to March 2013 were identified from a single institution. The demographic distribution and clinical and radiographical data were collected. Cervical regions were also designated as high (O-C2), mid (C2-C4), and low (C4-T1). The incidence of intra- and extraspinal abnormalities associated with KFS was investigated. Results In total, 28 patients (5.42%) had been identified with KFS, which included 8 males and 20 females. The mean coronal cervical alignment was 20.6° and sagittal alignment was 29.9°. KFS type I was found in 14 patients (50.0%), type II in 6 (21.4%), and type III in 8 (28.6%). Congenitally fused cervical segment is more common in the mid and lower cervical spine region (85.7%, 24/28). In the 28 patients with KFS, 11 have intraspinal anomalies (32.1%) and 6 have extraskeletal anomalies (21.4%). Thirteen patients (46.4%) exhibited rib anomalies. The incidence of rib anomalies showed no significant difference in CS patients with KFS and without KFS (P>0.05). A half of the patients with KFS have hemivertebrae; however, the incidence of hemivertebrae showed no significant difference in CS patients with KFS and without KFS (P>0.05). Conclusion The incidence of KFS was 5.42% in patients with CS. Congenitally fused cervical patterns are more common in the mid and lower cervical spine region. The incidence of rib anomalies, intraspinal abnormities, and hemivertebra was not increased in CS patients with KFS. Level of evidence 4.

Object There are limited published data about the risk factors for the development of delayed infections after spinal fusion and instrumentation in the population with scoliosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors of development of delayed infections in patients with scoliosis who underwent surgical treatment. Methods A total of 17 patients with scoliosis and delayed infections were identified from 3463 patients with scoliosis who received surgical treatment. The control group was composed of 85 patients with scoliosis without infections, matched for sex, age, approximate date of surgery, and diagnosis. These 2 groups were compared for demographic distribution and clinical data to investigate the predictive factors of delayed infections. Results The overall incidence rate of delayed infections was 0.49%. The variables of age, body mass index, and number of levels fused were similar between the 2 groups. The average primary curve magnitude for the delayed infection and control (uninfected) groups was 80.4° ± 27.0° (range 47°–135°) and 66.3° ± 11.6° (range 42°–95°), respectively (p = 0.001). Operation time in the group with delayed infections was 384.7 ± 115.9 minutes versus 254.4 ± 79.2 minutes in the control group (p = 0.000), and estimated blood loss was 1342.2 ± 707.2 ml versus 833.9 ± 235.6 ml (p = 0.000) in these 2 groups, respectively. The perioperative mean red blood cell transfusion requirement in the delayed infection group was significantly higher than that found in patients without infections (2.8 ± 2.3 units/patient versus 1.1 ± 1.6 units/patient, respectively; p = 0.000). Logistic regression analysis showed that operation time and allogenic blood transfusion were the 2 independent predictors of delayed infections (odds ratio [OR] 1.021, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.010–1.033, and OR 1.546, 95% CI 1.048–2.278, respectively). Conclusions The occurrence of a delayed infection in patients with scoliosis who undergo surgical treatment is most likely multifactorial and is related to surgical time and the use of allogenic blood transfusion.

No recent studies have analyzed the rates of or reasons for unanticipated revision surgery within 30 days of primary surgery in spinal deformity patients. Our aim was to examine the incidence, characteristics, reasons, and risk factors for unplanned revision surgery in spinal deformity patients treated at one institution. All patients with a diagnosis of spinal deformity presenting for primary instrumented spinal fusion at a single institution from 1998 to 2012 were reviewed. All unplanned reoperations performed within 30 days after primary surgery were analyzed in terms of demographics, surgical data, and complications. Statistical analyses were performed to obtain correlations and risk factors for anticipated revision. Of 2758 patients [aged 16.07 years (range, 2-71), 69.8% female] who underwent spinal fusion surgery, 59 (2.1%) required reoperation within 30 days after primary surgery. The length of follow up for each patient was more than 30 days. Of those that required reoperation, 87.0% had posterior surgery only, 5.7% had anterior surgery, and 7.3% underwent an anteroposterior approach. The reasons for reoperation included implant failure (n = 20), wound infection (n = 12), neurologic deficit (n = 9), pulmonary complications (n = 17), and coronal plane imbalance (n = 1). The risk factors for reoperation were age, diagnosis, and surgical procedure with osteotomy.

Study design Retrospective review. Objective To identify the incidence and characteristics of rib anomalies in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) in a Chinese population. Summary of background data Rib deformities and intraspinal anomalies often coexist in individuals with CS. Rib deformities may assist in diagnosing occult anomalies in these patients. The incidence of rib anomalies and the relationship between rib and vertebral abnormalities in Chinese patients with CS have not been reported. Methods A total of 382 patients operated on at Peking Union Medical College Hospital during January 2010 to October 2012 were identified from a single institutional database. The demographic distribution, clinical and radiographical data were collected to investigate the incidence of rib anomalies, and the vertebral and intraspinal abnormalities associated with it. Results A total of 192 patients (50.3%) were documented with rib anomalies including numerical variation (46.4%) and structural changes (72.4%). Missing ribs was the most commonly seen anomaly in these patients, accounting for 43.8% of the rib anomalies. Of the patients with rib anomalies, a slightly higher proportion of patients had simple anomalies, 106 (55.2%) versus 86 (44.8%). Rib changes were most common in patients with thoracic or thoracolumbar vertebral anomalies, and occurred most frequently on the concave side (65.5%) or in the lower thoracic spine (36.5%). The overall incidence rate of intraspinal anomalies was 40.1% (153/382), and these were most commonly seen in patients with thoracic vertebral anomalies or with upper and middle thoracic rib anomalies. Conclusion The incidence of rib anomalies was 50.3% in surgical patients with CS. The rib anomalies vary with the location and type of vertebral anomalies. The incidence of intraspinal anomalies was significantly higher in patients with rib anomalies than in those without rib anomalies. Level of evidence 4.

To determine the safety and efficacy of intraoperative cell salvage system in decreasing the need for allogeneic transfusions in a cohort of scoliosis patients undergoing primary posterior spinal fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation.A total of 110 consecutive scoliosis patients undergoing posterior instrumented spinal fusion were randomized into two groups according to whether a cell saver machine for intraoperative blood salvage was used or not. Data included age, body mass index, perioperative hemoglobin levels, surgical time, levels fused, perioperative estimated blood loss, perioperative transfusions and incidence of transfusion-related complications. A Chi-square test and t tests were performed for intraoperative and perioperative allogeneic transfusion between groups. A regression analysis was performed between selected covariates to investigate the predictive factors of perioperative transfusion.Perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate was lower in the cell saver group (14.5 versus 32.7%, p = 0.025). Mean intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirement was also lower (0.21 U/pt versus 0.58 U/pt, p = 0.032). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that no. of fused segments (OR: 1.472; p = 0.005), preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.901; p = 0.001), and the use of cell saver system (OR: 0.133; p = 0.003) had a trend toward significance in predicting likelihood of transfusion.Cell saver use significantly reduces the need for allogeneic blood in spine deformity surgery, particularly in patients with low preoperative hemoglobin or longer operation time. This study confirms the utility of routine cell saver use during PSF with segmental spinal instrumentation for scoliosis patients.