Search

A 12-year-old girl underwent surgery for Lenke type 4 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. After scoliosis correction, the transcranial motor-evoked potential (Tc-MEP) showed no alarm. However, the Tc-MEP amplitude had declined ~10 min after correction, with a normal blood pressure (BP) and body temperature and without any technical monitoring errors. Therefore, we suspected indirect spinal cord ischaemia because of the delayed true-positive Tc-MEP alarm. All the strong corrections made loss of Tc-MEP and all the correction releases made recovers of waveform. Finally, a weak correction was performed, and the Tc-MEP amplitude was recovered. Because transient spinal cord ischaemia due to correction of triple curves may cause a delayed monitoring alarm, the monitoring team should frequently check Tc-MEP after these manoeuvres. This patient had no neurological deficits and was considered to be a rescue case.

BACKGROUND Sleep-disordered breathing, including hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnea, is often observed in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Particularly in adolescence, scoliosis causes a progressive restrictive pulmonary pattern, leading to hypoventilation, so timely corrective surgery is required. However, the effect is controversial. In addition, since mental retardation of PWS, patient effort-based respiratory tests may be less reliable. So far, no studies have accurately reported on the comparison of respiratory function before and after corrective surgery, and appropriate respiratory function measurement method in PWS. CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of adolescent PWS with typical characteristics, including obesity, mental retardation, and scoliosis. Two boys, aged 12 and 13, diagnosed with PWS, both underwent scoliosis correction surgery. Before and immediately after surgery, arterial blood tests showed no abnormalities and no respiratory symptoms occurred. However, after 6-7 mo, both patients complained of daytime sleepiness, difficulty sleeping at night, dyspnea on exertion, and showed cyanosis. Hypercapnia and hypoxia were confirmed by polysomnography and transcutaneous CO2 monitoring during sleep and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and alveolar hypoventilation. It was corrected by nighttime noninvasive ventilation application and normal findings of arterial blood gas were maintained after 6-8 mo follow-up. CONCLUSION Even after scoliosis surgery, “periodic” monitoring of respiratory failure with an “objective” test method is needed for timely respiratory support.

Previous work has suggested that surface topography can be used for repeated measurements of deformity during curve monitoring following an initial radiograph. Changes in deformity during natural curve progression may be subtle. An important preemptive question to answer is whether topography can follow a large change in spine deformity, as in scoliosis correction. We assess the ability of surface topography to track the evolution of spine deformity during anterior scoliosis correction relative to traditional radiographs. Anterior scoliosis correction was chosen for this analysis because it changes the shape of the trunk without leaving a surgical scar and muscle atrophy along the posterior spine. Following IRB approval, 18 patients aged 14.6 ± 2.0 years at surgery were enrolled in a retrospective review of coronal radiographs and topographic scans acquired before and after scoliosis correction. Radiographic and topographic measures for the coronal curve angle before and after surgery were compared. Surface topography estimates correlate with radiographic measures of the pre- (r = 0.7890, CI = [0.4989 0.9201], p

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Nincs egységesen elfogadott álláspont, hogy a serdülőkori idiopathiás gerincferdülés sebészi korrekcióját melyik életkorban optimális elvégezni. Világszerte 11 éves kortól akár (kezeletlen esetben) 50–60 éves korig végeznek fúziós műtétet a betegségben, 63–83%-os átlagos koronális síkú korrekciós hatékonysággal. Célkitűzés: Célul tűztük ki, hogy felmérjük a gerinckorrekciós műtétek hatékonyságát három dimenzióban, illetve a páciens életkorának függvényében. Módszerek: A vizsgálatba 23, serdülőkori idiopathiás gerincferdüléssel diagnosztizált beteget (12 fő 17 évnél fiatalabb, 11 fő 17 évnél idősebb) vontunk be. Minden betegnél csavaros derotációt és spondylodesist végeztünk, és a beavatkozás előtt és után EOS 2D/3D felvételeket, majd sterEOS 3D rekonstrukciókat készítettünk. A következő paramétereket számítottuk: Cobb-fok, háti kyphosis, ágyéki lordosis, apicalis csigolyarotáció, maximális csigolyarotáció. A különböző életkorú csoportok közötti különbséget kétmintás t-próbával, illetve Wilcoxon-féle próbával vizsgáltuk. Eredmények: A gerinckorrekciós műtétek során a koronális síkú eltérést 78,2%-ban (átlagosan 55,1 Cobb-fokról 12,0 Cobb-fokra), az apicalis csigolyarotációt 56,7%-ban (átlagosan 21,0 fokról 9,1 fokra) tudtuk korrigálni. A 17 éves életkor után operált páciensek esetén átlagosan 79,2%-os Cobb-fok-csökkenést értünk el, míg a fiatalabb betegcsoportban 77,0%-ban korrigáltuk a koronális főgörbületet (p = 0,614). Az idősebb betegcsoportban szignifikánsan kevésbé sikerült az apicalis csigolyarotáció korrekciója (átlagosan 38,1%; 21,8 fokról 12,4 fokra), mint a fiatalabb pácienseknél (átlagosan 68,5%; 20,2 fokról 6,2 fokra; p = 0,016). Következtetés: Összességében a nemzetközi publikációknak megfelelő korrekciót értünk el. A koronális síkban közel azonos korrekciós hatékonyság figyelhető meg a különböző életkorú betegcsoportok között, a csigolyarotáció azonban 17 éves életkor előtt hatékonyabban korrigálható. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(39): 1573–1578. Summary. Introduction: There is no clear recommendation for the optimal age to perform corrective surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Fusion surgery is performed from the age of 11 to 50–60 years, with an average coronal plane correction efficiency of 63–83%. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of correction surgeries in three dimensions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In addition, our objective was to examine the influence of the patient’s age on the correction. Methods: The study included 23 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (12 patients younger than 17 years, 11 patients older than 17 years). All patients underwent screw-derotation and spondylodesis and underwent EOS 2D/3D imaging before and after the operation, followed by sterEOS 3D reconstructions. The following parameters were calculated: Cobb degree, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, apical vertebral rotation, maximal vertebral rotation. Differences between different age groups were examined by paired-sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: The mean efficiency of correction surgeries was 78.2% in the coronal plane (from an average of 55.1 Cobb degrees to 12.0 Cobb degrees) and 56.7% in the axial plane (from an average of 21.0 degrees to 9.1 degrees). We achieved an average 79.2% reduction of Cobb angle in patients operated after the age of 17 years, which was 77.0% in the younger group (p = 0.614). Apical vertebral rotation correction was significantly less successful in the elderly group (mean 38.1%; from 21.8 degrees to 12.4 degrees) than in patients operated before the age of 17 years (mean 68.5%; from 20.2 degrees to 6.2 degrees; p = 0.016). Conclusion: We achieved scoliosis correction in line with the international publications. Nearly the same correction efficiency was observed between different age groups of patients in the coronal plane. However, vertebral rotation can be derotated more effectively before the age of 17 years. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(39): 1573–1578.

Objective. To describe the technique of anterior scoliosis correction in patients with completed growth and to analyze immediate results of its application.Material and Methods. Study design: retrospective clinical series. Level of evidence IV (D). A retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data of 19 patients aged 13–44 years, who underwent anterior dynamic correction of typical idiopathic scoliosis, was performed. Patients were divided into groups as follows: Group 1 (Lenke type 1 scoliosis) – 8 patients; Group 2 (Lenke 3) – 4 patients; and Group 3 (Lenke 5) – 7 patients. When analyzing clinical and radiological data, the age was taken into account; the deformity magnitude before and after surgery, and correction angle, were studied; and intraoperative blood loss, the number of fixed levels, duration of surgery and hospital stay length were evaluated. The functional status was assessed using the VAS and the SRS-22 questionnaire. Control examinations were carried out before and after surgery as well as at 4–6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The search for statistically significant differences was carried out between all groups in pairs: between groups 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and 1 and 3. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann – Whitney U-test. The SRS-22 and VAS data were processed using the Wilcoxon W-test.Results. The number of dynamically fixed levels varied from 6 to 12. The most proximal level of fixation was T5, the most distal – L4. The average time of surgery was 181 ± 28 minutes for transthoracic access and 198 ± 34 minutes for thoracophrenolumbotomy. The average length of hospital stay was 7.2 ± 1.5 days. In the intergroup comparison of indicators of age, mean angle of deformity before and after surgery, mean angle of correction and blood loss between groups with Lenke 1 and 3 scoliosis, no statistically significant differences were found. Comparison of the same indicators for groups with Lenke 1 and 5 scoliosis showed significant differences in the angles of deformity after surgery and in the number of fixed levels (p = 0.024 and p = 0.006, respectively). There were also no statistical differences between types 1 and 5. At 3 months after surgery the average SRS-22 score for all patients was 4.0 ± 0.42 (from 3.00 to 4.95). The VAS score changed from 6.9 ± 1.5 (4.0–9.0) before surgery to 4.4 ± 1.6 (1.0–7.0) which indicates the effectiveness of the treatment in the short term.Conclusion. Analysis of the immediate results of anterior dynamic correction of Lenke type 1, 3 and 5 scoliotic deformities in physically active young adults showed positive primary effectiveness in terms of VAS and SRS-22, which makes it possible to recommend this technique for use in the presented cohort of patients. The method is effective for all studied types of scoliosis, with a greater efficiency in Lenke types 1 and 5. Further evaluation of long-term results on a larger clinical material will allow developing more precise indications and an algorithm for application of the method.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to evaluate associations between changes in segmental vertebral coronal angulation (screw angulation) and overall height after anterior spinal growth tethering for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis and to compare the rates of coronal angulation change using the preoperative Sanders stage. METHODS Patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent anterior spinal growth tethering between 2012 and 2016 and had ≥2 years of follow-up were retrospectively studied. We calculated each segment's screw angulation rate of change (degrees/month) and each patient's height velocity (cm/month) between each of the visits (3 to 12 visits/patient) and divided the visits into 4 groups by postoperative duration ( 2 to 3 years, >3 years). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the preoperative Sanders stage. Generalized estimating equations and repeated-measures correlation were utilized for analyses with non-independent samples. RESULTS We analyzed 23 patients (16 female, 7 male) with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 12.2 ± 1.6 years who had right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis (mean, 53° ± 8°). All patients were immature at the time of surgery (Risser stage 0 or 1, Sanders stage 2 or 3). The mean duration of follow-up was 3.4 ± 1.1 years (range, 2 to 5 years). The rate of change for each segment's screw angulation after anterior spinal growth tethering was -0.16°, -0.14°, -0.05°, and 0.03° per month (with negative values indicating a reduction in scoliosis) for 2 to 3 years, and >3 years, respectively (p ≤ 0.001), and the mean height velocity was 0.65, 0.57, 0.30, and 0.19 cm per month for 2 to 3 years, and >3 years, respectively (p < 0.001). Changes in screw angulation correlated with height increases after anterior spinal growth tethering (r = -0.46, p < 0.001). Scoliosis correction for patients in the Sanders stage-2 group continued for 3 years (0.23°, 0.23°, and 0.09° per level per month for the first 3 years, respectively) and occurred at more than twice the rate for patients in the Sanders stage-3 group, for whom scoliosis correction ceased 2 years postoperatively (0.11° and 0.09° per level per month for the first 2 years, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Scoliosis correction was associated with overall height changes and occurred primarily within 2 to 3 years after surgery in this cohort of largely Risser stage-0 patients. The correction rate was 2.8° per segment per year for the first 2 years in the Sanders stage-2 group, compared with 1.2° per segment per year for the Sanders stage-3 group. Surgical timing that considers the patient's skeletal maturity is an important factor in generating proper postoperative correction after anterior spinal growth tethering. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A clinical case of treatment of lumbar scoliotic deformity combined with false congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a 17-year-old patient is presented. Stage surgical solution to the problem was achieved using dynamic scoliosis correction system installed through the anterior approach.

Vertebral body tethering (VBT), otherwise known as fusion-less anterior scoliosis correction (ASC), is a new and increasingly interesting therapeutic option for selected scoliosis patients. The available data on this surgical technique are still limited and guidelines on patient selection or surgical timing are not available. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the available literature on VBT. The analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Nine studies with data from 175 patients were available. On average, 7.3 vertebrae were instrumented. Surgical time was 230 min and the estimated blood loss 153 ml. The mean correction on the coronal plane was 52%, and there was no significant change in sagittal parameters. The revision rate was 18.9%. The methodological quality assessment with the Coleman score gave unsatisfactory results, so that available data are not sufficient to propose general indications or guidelines to perform VBT.Das Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) bzw. die dynamische Skoliosekorrektur (DSK) repräsentiert eine neue und zunehmend diskutierte Therapieoption für ausgewählte Skoliosepatienten. Die Datenlage zu dieser Technik ist jedoch noch sehr begrenzt und von Fachgesellschaften unterstützte Behandlungsempfehlungen sind nicht vorhanden. Ziel dieser Studie war die systemische Analyse der aktuellen Literatur mit Bezug zum VBT. Die Analyse erfolgte nach dem „PRISMA Statement“. Neun Studien mit Daten von 175 Patienten wurden eingeschlossen. Durchschnittlich wurden 7,3 Wirbelkörper instrumentiert. Die Operationsdauer betrug 230 min, der Blutverlust betrug 153 ml. Die durchschnittliche koronale Skoliosekorrektur betrug 52%. Einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die sagittalen Parameter gab es nicht. Die Revisionsrate betrug 18,9%. Eine Bewertung der analysierten Studien mithilfe des Coleman Methodology Scores ergab eine unzureichende Aussagekraft. Somit kann basierend auf dieser Analyse noch keine allgemeine Behandlungsempfehlung für oder gegen das VBT definiert werden.

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) has proven to be a safe, reliable technique to treat spinal deformities in adolescents. In recent early reports, vertebral body tethering (VBT) is showing promise as a method to modulate growth, driving scoliosis correction, while offering the potential added benefit of maintaining some flexibility in the instrumented segment. With recent FDA humanitarian device exemption (HDE) approval, VBT is poised to become more widely available as a treatment for a subset of current PSF candidates. Our aim was to use approved criteria from a recent FDA IDE to determine who could have been tethered in the years preceding approval. A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with PSF or VBT at a large pediatric spine center from 1/1/2016 to 6/25/2019. Tethering indications followed the criteria outlined by an ongoing FDA IDE: age 8–16, Sanders bone age ≤ 4, primary thoracic curve between 35° and 60°, and lumbar curve 34°, 9 (2.5%) had a main thoracic curve out of range, and 1 had a proximal thoracic curve > 40°. 81 patients (22.6%) had multiple exclusionary criteria. After decades with a successful treatment for AIS (PSF), we are at an inflection point: VBT is conditionally approved by the FDA as an HDE device, unleashing more widespread use. Many pediatric spine surgeons will want to know what proportion of PSFs will someday be VBTs. If FDA IDE criteria are used to ensure that a VBT candidate has an appropriate maturity stage and scoliosis deformity pattern, 20.9% of our 359 surgical range patients would have qualified for thoracic VBT. Level III.

Introduction. Poor muscle development, accompanied by insuffcient physical activity and non-physiological forces which act on the bone and joint system, often causes improper body posture. Objectives. To examine whether performing corrective exercises which stretch shortened and strengthen weakened muscles regularly can improve body posture in preschool and school-aged children. Methods. The prospective study included 110 children, 63 (57.2%) boys and 47 (42.8%) girls (the average age being 6.6 ± 2.4). Corrective exercises were performed four times a week for six months, in periods of 90 minutes. We used somatoscopy and somatometry methods to assess body posture. Results. On the initial checkup it was found that 18 children (16.4%) had some kind of spine deformity; 11 of them (10%) had scoliosis, six (5.5%) had kyphosis and 1(0.9%) had lordotic body posture. The first follow-up checkup was performed 3 months later when we found a decrease in the number of children with a bad body posture. The second follow-up checkup was repeated 6 months later. Out of 18 children (16.4%) who had been registered at the beginning, 4 (3.6%) had scoliotic, 2 (1.8%) had kyphotic and 1 (0.9%) had lordotic posture 6 months later. Conclusion. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that regular performance of corrective exercises (strengthening weakened and stretching shortened muscles) for six months had a positive effect on certain spine deformities. Kyphosis correction was visible after only three months, scoliosis correction was visible after six months, while lordosis correction was not achieved by corrective exercises in the only registered case. Uvod: Slaba razvijenost mišića, praćena nedovoljnom fzičkom aktivnošću i nefziološkim silama koje deluju na koštano-zglobni sistem, često uzrokuje nepravilno držanje tela. Cilj: Ispitati da li se redovnim izvođenjem korektivnih vežbi kojima se isteže skraćena, a jača oslabljena muskulatura, može popraviti držanje tela kod dece predškolskog i školskog uzrasta. Ispitanici i metode: Prospektivna studija obuhvatila je uzorak od 110 dece, od kojih je 63 (57.2%) dečaka i 47 (42.8%) devojčica (prosečne starosti 6.6 ± 2.4 godina). Korektivne vežbe su izvođene u periodu od šest meseci, četiri puta nedeljno, u trajanju od 90 minuta. Za procenu držanja primenjivane su metode somatoskopije i somatometrije. Rezultati: Na inicijalnom pregledu utvrđeno je da 18 (16.4%) dece ima neki od deformiteta kičme. Njih 11 (10%) imalo je skoliozu, šest (5.5%) kifozu i jedno (0.9%) lordozu. Prvi kontrolni pregled obavljen je posle tri meseca, kada je zabeležen pad broja dece s lošim držanjem. Drugi kontrolni pregled ponovljen je nakon šest meseci. Od ukupno 18 (16.4%) registrovanih na početku, nakon šest meseci njih četvoro (3.6%) imalo je skoliozu, dvoje (1.8%) kifozu i jedno (0.9%) lordozu. Zaključak: Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata može se reći da je redovnim izvođenjem korektivnih vežbi (jačanjem oslabljenih i istezanjem skraćenih mišića) u trajanju od šest meseci ostvaren pozitivan efekat na određene deformitete kičmenog stuba. Korekcija kifoze je bila vidljiva već nakon tri meseca, skolioze nakon šest meseci, dok korekcija lordoze u jedinom zabeleženom slučaju nije postignuta korektivnim vežbama.

Background. Brace treatment is frequently used in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, due to different brace models, long-term results on spinal deformity development at the end of Chneau brace treatment are not often described and differ in results. Aim. The aim of this work was to analyze clinical and radiological data of AIS patients treated with Chneau braces from the beginning of treatment until the end of growth and brace therapy in order to define realistic treatment results and expectations in an everyday setting. Materials and methods. 52 AIS patients with Chneau brace treatment were followed from the beginning of treatment until the end of growth. Clinical data such as the initial Risser sign, age at treatment, gender, curve patterns and body mass index were analyzed. Results. At the beginning of brace therapy, the average age was 13.1 years and patients showed a mean scoliotic curve angle of 30.9. Four months of brace use reduced the scoliotic curve to 20.1. Nine months after the end of brace treatment and an average treatment duration of 17 months, scoliosis has increased up to 30.3 again. In children with a lower maturity status, the initial scoliotic curve was less than in more mature patients leading to less spinal deformity at the end of treatment. In addition, obese children had less scoliosis correction during brace therapy than normalweight children. Conclusion. In patients with AIS treated with a Chneau brace, the initial curvature correction was 35%. Nine months after the end of brace treatment, scoliotic curves identical to the deformities at the beginning of treatment could be observed.

Highlights • To treat scoliosis in Marfan Syndrome is not always easy. • Preoperative preparation is important. • One-step surgical correction of scoliosis can be performed. • Good outcomes can be achieved by one-step surgical correction using posterior stabilization., Introduction Although common, it is not always easy to treat scoliosis in Marfan Syndrome. The distinguished anatomical components make it harder to treat the entity, albeit managing the whole patient. It is already widely known that the correction requires an immersive preoperative planning as well as a vast surgeon experience in order to preparedly face the possible that may happen intra operatively and post operatively. Case presentation We present a case of patient with Marfan’s syndrome presenting to our outpatient clinic with scoliosis deformity since 4 years ago. Patient also had cardiovascular problems. At the time of visitation, patient had a main thoracic Cobb Angle of 87.5° and lumbar Cobb Angle of 76.7°. Result We did a one-step surgical correction of scoliosis. We managed to acutely correct the scoliosis and maintain the correction by using a posterior stabilization. Afterwards patient was well conditioned and was discharged around 6 days later. The follow up was good, patient had no neurological deficits, and was able to walk without walker after 1 month. Discussion Marfan Syndrome with scoliosis requires a good preoperative planning so that we may avoid unnecessary complications. It is still possible to do an acute correction for scoliosis that is severe and still maintain little to no complications rate.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of preoperative rod shape on 3D spinal deformity correction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Differential rod contouring is a surgeon-dependent process based on an estimate of 3D deformity correction sought and the flexibility of the spine. An objective measure to this otherwise subjective scoliosis correction technique is lacking. METHODS A series of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with right, thoracic major curves, preoperative rod contour tracings, and EOS imaging was evaluated. All patients underwent posterior spinal fusion with 5.5 mm steel rods contoured prior to insertion. 3D reconstructions were generated pre- and postoperatively using sterEOS software (EOS Imaging) and imported into MATLAB (Mathworks) for analysis. A new measurement of the maximum perpendicular distance from the preinsertion concave rod contour to the preoperative 3D sagittal spinal reconstruction was defined as rod to 3D spine distance (RSD). Linear regressions were used to identify relationships between pre and postoperative parameters, including RSD and 3D thoracic kyphosis. RESULTS Ninety-nine patients were included. Average preoperative concave rod angle decreased from (48 ± 10°) preoperatively to 26 ± 6° postoperatively (P

The objective of the review is to provide multifaceted information on the treatment of young children with severe onset scoliosis using magnetically-controlled growing rods (MCGR). This promising though controversial method is not yet well known in our country. The review presents the history of the development of the method, surgical technique, the frequency of etiological forms of spinal deformities, and describes in detail the results of scoliosis correction including the most severe cases. Quantitative and qualitative data describe complications that arise during the treatment including those characteristic only for this method (for example, slippage phenomena). The problem of repeated operations is separately discussed, and the capabilities of MCGR and other techniques based on the principle of distraction are compared. The review presents features of the use of MCGR in adult patients, the dynamics of the primary curve in the postoperative period (does the Sankar’s law work?), the possibilities of ultrasound when monitoring the effectiveness of magnetic rods, the use of MRI simultaneously with MCGR, and the comparative cost of the method. Particular attention is paid to the problem of a uniform protocol of staged extension of rods. It seems that the initial enthusiasm has somewhat decreased. It is commonly agreed that new research is needed.

Background Patients with single-ventricle congenital heart disease may present for scoliosis correction. These patients undergo a series of cardiac operations that create a novel circulation that has a significant impact on the management of their spinal surgery. Case Description A 21-year-old man with severe scoliosis presented for posterior T4-L3 spinal fusion. He was born with complex congenital heart disease that resulted in his having a single functioning ventricle. He underwent a series of operations culminating in a Fontan procedure to palliate his heart disease. Both the surgical procedure and the anesthetic plan were modified based on his abnormal physiology, which led to a successful correction with no complications. Conclusions Patients who have undergone a Fontan procedure can successfully undergo a lengthy scoliosis correction, but it requires multidisciplinary planning.

Horner’s syndrome is a clinical triad composed of ptosis, miosis, and facial anhidrosis. Overall, this complication is rare but well-documented in the obstetric population receiving labor epidural analgesia, which usually follows a relatively benign transient course. Less commonly, few cases of Horner’s syndrome have been reported in the pediatric population following surgical correction of scoliosis with epidural placement. We present a rare case of a pediatric patient that developed Horner’s syndrome secondary to epidural anesthesia following surgical correction of scoliosis.

Background To report on the technique and results of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for severe rigid spinal deformity. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 36 patients with severe rigid spinal deformities who underwent PEO between July 2016 and December 2018 and who were followed up for at least 24 months. Results Following PEO, the kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4 ± 14.0% and 72.2 ± 18.2%, respectively. The median intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1500 mL and the median operative time was 6.8 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 62 ± 28, 51 ± 26, 49 ± 29, 35 ± 30, 53 ± 28, 45 ± 30, 32 ± 34 and 54 ± 18 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 66 ± 41, 72 ± 40, 64 ± 44, 75 ± 25, 71 ± 46, 66 ± 34 and 76 ± 28 at 12 months postoperatively, 82 ± 32, 67 ± 42, 81 ± 30, 71 ± 41, 80 ± 30, 74 ± 36, 68 ± 35 and 85 ± 33 at 18 months postoperatively, and 86 ± 21, 83 ± 33, 88 ± 26, 79 ± 39, 86 ± 36, 86 ± 48, 80 ± 47 and 91 ± 39 at 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Conclusions PEO is an effective technique for successful correction of spinal deformities. At the two-year follow-up visit, all patients achieved better clinical results based on the SF-36 scores.

Introduction: Internal Jugular Venous (IJV) cannulation or central-line insertion is frequently performed during kyphoscoliosis deformity correction surgery or spine surgery with high risk. This helps monitor central venous pressure and administer medicines when required. Although many complications of IJV cannulation have been reported in the literature, its effect on brachial plexus is not known. The objective of this paper was to report a rare complication of IJV during scoliosis surgery. Case Presentation: We reported a case of 27-year-old male who was operated for severe kyphoscoliosis correction where preoperatively IJV cannulation was done. Repeated attempts were done during IJV cannula insertion due to altered anatomy. Eventually, cannula insertion was done using ultrasound modality and surgery for correction was done. Postoperatively patient developed right upper extremity weakness and sensory loss although the clinical result of kyphoscoliosis correction was acceptable. EMG-NCV study proved it brachial plexus injury. The patient was treated with intravenous steroid and physiotherapy. The patient recovered completely within 6 months of surgery. Conclusion: We reported a case of kyphoscoliosis deformity corrective surgery where IJV cannulation led to brachial plexus injury and was eventually recovered with medications and physiotherapy. Keywords: Scoliosis correction, Central-line insertion, Brachial plexus injury.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a neuromuscular disorder with degeneration of spinal motor neurons. Type I is a severe variant that was recently shown to be amenable to treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. As a result of increased life expectancy with this treatment, more children with spinal muscular atrophy type I are presenting for spinal correction surgery. In this case series, we present four such patients who underwent spinal surgery at our institution over the course of one year. Pre‐operative assessment showed evidence of reduced respiratory function requiring nocturnal non‐invasive ventilation in all four patients. A difficult airway was encountered in two of the four patients. Postoperative complications were ubiquitous and included CSF leak, poor wound healing, metal frame exposure, frame instability and wound infection. There were no postoperative respiratory complications and all four children returned to their respiratory baseline postoperatively. All patients underwent successful lumbar puncture and intrathecal nusinersen injection following their spinal surgeries. Given the risk of complications and prolonged recovery following spinal surgery, a detailed family discussion is advisable.

Study Design Retrospective. Objectives To compare outcomes and complications of all-pedicle screw against hybrid constructs as proximal anchors in traditional growth rod technique. Summary of Background Data Traditional distraction-based growth rods, although the preferred technique in treating progressive curves in early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is not free from complications. Surgical outcome and implant-related complications can be influenced by the choice of construct, but there is a paucity of evidence in literature comparing different constructs with these techniques. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 28 consecutive patients with progressive EOS treated between 2009 and 2015 with growth rod technique. Patients were divided into two groups; Standard group (SG), where all pedicle screw construct was used; and Hybrid group (HG), where proximal rib hooks and distal pedicle screws were used. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiologic parameters and complications were recorded and compared. Results There were 13 patients (8 females, 5 males) in SG and 15 patients (13 females, 2 males) in HG. There was statistically significant improvement in scoliosis correction and length gain after initial surgery in both groups, where patients in SG showed better correction than HG. However, neither the radiologic parameters nor the complication rates showed any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion Data from our study indicate that the proximal anchors, whether spine-based or rib-based, do not differ much in their outcome and complication rates, and the success of growing-rod technique depends largely on the security of cephalad and caudal foundations. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Study Design: A retrospective study. Objectives: Intraoperative skull-skeletal traction (ISST) facilitates the surgical scoliosis correction, but it is also associated with neurological risk. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of various traction weights on neurophysiological change and curve correction in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of posterior spinal fusions for AIS patients undergoing corrections with the use of ISST by 2 surgeons in one institution was performed. Intraoperative prone, post-traction radiographs were performed on all cases. The cases were divided into 2 groups, high and low traction weights, based on whether the weight used was ≥35% or Results: The intraoperative correction magnitudes by ISST were significantly larger in the high ISST group than in the low ISST group (35° vs 26°, P < .001). Changes in motor-evoked potential (MEP) were more frequently observed in the high ISST group (47% vs 26%, P = .049). A multivariate analysis showed that high ISST was associated with 3 times higher risk of MEP change (95% confidence interval = 1.1-8.0, P = .03) and higher final postoperative correction rates (68% vs 60%, P = .001). Conclusions: The high ISST for AIS was associated with increased intraoperative and ultimate curve corrections, and potentially facilitated better final correction. However, the high weight group was associated with an increased frequency of intraoperative MEP changes.

Anterior dynamic scoliosis correction is an innovative non-fusion option in the treatment of patients with severe adolescent scoliosis. Growth modulation and sometimes intraoperative curve correction is achieved by convex insertion of segmental screws and a flexible polyethylene cord. The present review analyses and discusses the current literature and proposes a new treatment algorithm that is based on our own experience. Short term results are published for approximately 100 patients from different institutions. Fusion could be prevented in the vast majority of patients. Perioperative complication rate is very low but a few cases of cord rupture and overcorrection are reported. Anterior dynamic scoliosis correction has promising short term results but there is a paucity of literature and optimal criteria for the best candidate has yet to be defined.Die dynamische Skoliosekorrektur ist ein innovatives Verfahren zur nicht versteifenden Behandlung der schweren adoleszenten Skoliose. Mittels konvexseitig eingebrachten segmentalen Schrauben und einem flexiblen Polyethylenseil erfolgt eine Wachstumsmodellierung sowie in manchen Fällen bereits eine intraoperative Skoliosekorrektur. Das vorliegende Review analysiert und bewertet die aktuelle Studienlage und stellt einen Behandlungsalgorithmus vor, der auf den eigenen Erfahrungen basiert. Kurzzeitergebnisse von knapp 100 Patienten aus unterschiedlichen Institutionen sind aktuell publiziert. In der überwiegenden Mehrheit konnte eine klare Indikation zur Spondylodese abgewendet werden. Die perioperative Komplikationsrate ist äußerst gering. In einigen Fällen kam es im Verlauf zu Implantatrupturen oder zu Überkorrekturen. Die dynamische Skoliosekorrektur zeigt bisher vielversprechende Ergebnisse, jedoch ist die Datenlage noch äußerst limitiert und die optimale OP-Indikation noch nicht definiert.

Mehta casting technique applied under anesthesia is standard treatment for infantile scoliosis (IIS). However, concern has been raised about frequent anesthesia in children less than three years. The development of a customized thoracolumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) could avoid the risks of Mehta casting. To develop a bracing technique for IIS that achieves patient compliance and scoliosis correction. Nine patients with ISS were offered a custom TLSO as an alternative to Mehta casting. One patient declined due to an insurance issue. No anesthesia was required for measurement or fitting of the TLSO. A temperature sensitive monitor recorded wear time. Brace success was determined by radiographic correction and adherence to prescription of greater than 18 hours per day. Eight patients had brace treatment with mean(range): age 19(12–44) months, curve magnitude 34° (22–44°), rib vertebral angle of greater than 20° with follow-up 17(3–28) months. In brace correction was less than 15 degrees in 6 of 8 patients. Compliance monitor recorded wear: 4 patients ≥ 18 hours, 2 patients 16–18 hours, 1 had 14 hours, and 1 monitor malfunctioned and could not be read. Brace design evolved to maximize ipsilateral abdominal relief away from the lateral apical shift of the design. Foam lining was added to prevent skin irritation through the relief opening. Average number of braces per year =2.2. A customized TLSO can achieve in brace correction comparable to Mehta casting with acceptable compliance and without the need for general anesthesia, while allowing bathing and skin care.

Background As one of the restrictive lung diseases, scoliosis can be treated by surgical intervention to enhance the pulmonary function of that group of patients. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of scoliosis correction on pulmonary function after a 6-month duration. Around 30 patients with scoliosis were aged between 10 and 40 years old subjecting to posterior spinal fusion surgery who had been enrolled in the study; all of them were subjected to Cobb’s angle measuring and pulmonary function test before and 6 months after the operation. Results Cobb’s angle before the operation was 57.3 ± 13.6°, which significantly corrected and reached up to 21.2 ± 7.2° postoperatively with a mean difference of about 36.13°, P < 0.001. The correlation of Cobb’s angle, forced vital capacity (FVC%), and vital capacity (VC%) was significantly negative. Pulmonary function showed restrictive pattern; forced vital capacity “FVC”, forced expiratory volume 1 “FEV1”, vital capacity “VC”, and forced expiratory flow “FEF 25–75%” were 62.4± 18.06, 65.6±20, 60.7±17.8, and 79.6±28.5, respectively; after 6 months, the reading changed to 60.9± 17.9, 64.04±19.3, 59.16±17.5, and 80.26±28.02 respectively with an insignificant difference, P>0.05. Conclusion The pulmonary function showed insignificant changes after 6 months of operation, despite significant changes in Cobb’s angle while the preoperative FVC and VC were inversely correlated with it.

Treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is dependent upon multiple factors, including curve type and magnitude, curve progression, skeletal maturity, and clinical trunk deformity. While fusion is effective at achieving curve correction, it is associated with disadvantages including prominent implants beneath the skin, back muscle scarring and atrophy, decreased spine range of motion, and decreased functional spinal mobility. Additional concerns include the potential for longer term development of premature adjacent level disc and facet joint degeneration above and below the fusion. Due to these issues with spinal fusion, surgeons have explored alternative surgical approaches to correct spinal deformity and halt curve progression using either growth modulation or remodeling of the spine while preserving motion. This paper provides an overview of a non-fusion scoliosis correction technique called Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC).