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Background There is a lack of a classification system providing uniformity in description and guiding management decisions for kyphotic spinal deformities. We developed such a classification based on column deficiency, flexibility of disc spaces, curve magnitude, and correlation with the corrective osteotomy required. Methods A classification was developed based on analysis of 180 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis requiring osteotomy. The deformity was classified as Type I if the anterior and posterior columns were intact (IA indicated mobile disc spaces and IB, ankylosed segments). Type II indicated deficiency of only 1 column (IIA = anterior column and IIB = posterior column). Type III indicated deficiency of both columns (IIIA = kyphosis of ≤60°, IIIB = kyphosis of >60°, and IIIC = buckling collapse). A prospective analysis of 76 patients was performed to determine interobserver variability and the ability of the classification to guide selection of osteotomies of increasing complexity, including the Ponte osteotomy, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, disc bone osteotomy, single vertebrectomy, multiple vertebrectomies, and anterior in situ strut fusion procedure. Results The mean age of the 76 patients was 21.2 years, the mean kyphosis was 69.9° (range, 26° to 120°), and the mean follow-up duration was 30 months. Six deformities were classified as IA, 5 as IB, 5 as IIA, 2 as IIB, 13 as IIIA, 35 as IIIB, and 10 as IIIC. Four surgeons classifying the deformities had a high agreement rate (kappa = 0.83), with the highest agreement for Types IA, IB, and IIIB. A correlation between the type of deformity and the osteotomy performed demonstrated that the classification could indicate the type of osteotomy required. All 18 patients with Type-I or II kyphosis were treated with Ponte, pedicle subtraction, or disc bone osteotomy. Forty-three (90%) of the 48 patients with Type IIIA or IIIB underwent vertebrectomy (single in 27 [56%] and multiple in 16 [33%]), and only 5 (10%) underwent disc bone osteotomy. Seven of the 10 patients with Type-IIIC kyphosis were treated with multiple vertebrectomies, with 5 of them needing preoperative halo gravity traction; the other 3 patients underwent an anterior in situ strut fusion procedure. Conclusions The proposed classification based on the morphology of column deficiency, flexibility, and curve magnitude demonstrated a high interobserver agreement and ability to guide selection of the appropriate osteotomy. Clinical relevance A novel classification system for kyphosis based on spinal column deficiency, flexibility of disc spaces, and curve magnitude would bring uniformity in management and help guide surgeons in the choice of the appropriate corrective osteotomy.

To document a rare complication of a delayed ‘chance fracture pattern’-type injury through the proximal end of a pedicle screw construct in the clinical scenario of skeletal fluorosis. A 72-year-old man with fluorosis presented following a fall which resulted in a T12–L1 fracture. Investigations revealed an unstable three-column injury, so the patient was treated with surgical stabilisation using pedicle screw fixation from T11 to L2. He presented 1 month following surgery with worsening back pain. Investigations revealed a fracture through T11 in a ‘chance fracture pattern’ along the pedicle screw tracts at the proximal end of the construct. An extension of fixation was performed proximally to T8 and he made an uneventful recovery showing fusion at 20-month follow-up. Complication of delayed pedicle fractures, in a ‘chance fracture pattern’ at the ends of a pedicle screw fixation constructs are a rarely reported in the literature. The occurrence of such a complication in a hyperostotic spine associated with fluorosis makes this a unique clinical scenario which is previously unreported to the best of our knowledge. This report highlights a very rare complication of chance fracture pattern injury in the clinical scenario of fluorosis. A hyperostotic stiff spine, poor quality of bone and extension of pedicle screw tracts to anterior cortex during primary surgery may have resulted in the occurrence of this rare complication.

Purpose.To evaluate outcomes of 36 patients who underwent curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction using the sandwich technique for giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone around the knee.Methods.22 women and 14 men aged 19 to 46 (mean, 29.6) years underwent intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction using the sandwich technique for GCT of the proximal tibia (n=23) or distal femur (n=13). Two of the cases were recurrences. Two, 18, and 16 tumours were classified as grade I, grade II, and grade III, respectively. Five of the grade III tumours were associated with an extra-articular pathological fracture. Patients underwent intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction with allograft, gel foam, and cement (the sandwich technique). Pathological fractures were fixed with plates. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score.Results.The mean follow-up period was 5 (2.5–11) years. The mean MSTS score was 27.7 out of 30 (standard deviation, 3; range, 16–30). One patient with a grade III tumour in the proximal tibia had a recurrence detected elsewhere after 3 years. Her MSTS score at 2 years was 26. No patient had malignant transformation.Conclusion.Intralesional curettage, use of phenol, and reconstruction with allograft, gel foam, and cement (the sandwich technique) for GCT of bone achieved good functional outcome and a low recurrence rate.

Dear Editor, We read the article “Platelet-rich-plasma injections for chronic planter fasciitis” by Martinelli et al. [1] and the comment by Dr. Deepak Sharma [2] with interest. Though the reply by Dr. Martinelli was satisfactory, that inclusion or exclusion of leukocytes in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is debatable, we would like to add our views in favour of Dr. Martinelli [3]. Dr. Deepak argued that PRP can be more effective in treating planter fasciitis if leucocytes are separated before injection, as leucocytes lead to an inflammatory process. However, planter fasciitis is a degenerative tissue condition rather than inflammatory [4]. Lemont et al. [5] reported that chronic planter fasciitis is a degenerative condition in which normal fascia tissue is replaced by angiofibroblastic hyperplastic tissue and histology of chronic planter fasciitis is devoid of any inflammatory cell invasion.