Search

Introduction: Our objective was to assess abnormalities of the odontoid-hip axis (OD-HA) angle in a mild scoliotic population to determine whether screening for malalignment would help predict the distinction between progressive and stable adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at early stage., Materials and Methods: All patients (non-scoliotic and AIS) underwent a biplanar X-ray between 2013 and 2020. In AIS, inclusion criteria were Cobb angle between 10° and 25°; Risser sign lower than 3; age higher than 10 years; and no previous treatment. A 3D spine reconstruction was performed, and the OD-HA was computed automatically. A reference corridor for OD-HA values in non-scoliotic subjects was calculated as the range [5th-95th percentiles]. A severity index, helping to distinguish stable and progressive AIS, was calculated and weighted according to the OD-HA value., Results: Eighty-three non-scoliotic and 205 AIS were included. The mean coronal and sagittal OD-HA angles in the non-scoliotic group were 0.2° and -2.5°, whereas in AIS values were 0.3° and -0.8°, respectively. For coronal and sagittal OD-HA, 27.5% and 26.8% of AIS were outside the reference corridor compared with 10.8% in non-scoliotic (OR = 3.1 and 3). Adding to the severity index a weighting factor based on coronal OD-HA, for thoracic scoliosis, improved the positive predictive value by 9% and the specificity by 13%., Conclusion: Analysis of OD-HA suggests that AIS patients are almost three times more likely to have malalignment compared with a non-scoliotic population. Furthermore, analysis of coronal OD-HA is promising to help the clinician distinguish between stable and progressive thoracic scoliosis., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Lumbar kyphosis occurs in approximately 8-20% of patients with myelomeningocele (MMC). The purpose of this article is to analyze the risks and benefits of vertebrectomy and spinal stabilization in MMC children with severe lumbar kyphosis and to establish treatment guidelines., Methods: This is an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of 59 patients with MMC who underwent kyphectomy and posterior instrumentation in three centers. Average age at surgery was 7.9 years (2 weeks-17 years). Sitting trunk position, skin status, kyphosis angle, and thoracic lordosis were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at an average follow-up of 8.2 years (range 2.5-16). The correction was maintained by applying a short posterior instrumentation in 6 patients, and extending to the pelvis in 53 cases. Pelvic fixation was achieved using the Warner and Fackler technique in 24 patients, the Dunn-McCarthy in 8, Luque-Galveston in 8, sacral screws in 2, and ilio-sacral screws in 11., Results: Sitting position improved postoperatively in 47 of the 53 patients who underwent pelvic fixation and only in one patient with short instrumentation. All 6 patients with long instrumentation and poor postoperative sitting balance were in the Dunn-McCarthy fixation group. Skin sores at the apex of the deformity disappeared postoperatively in all patients but recurred in two patients with short instrumentations. Kyphosis angle improved from 109° (45°-170°) preoperatively to 10° (0°-45°) postoperatively and 21° (0°-55°) at last follow-up. The best results were seen in cases where a cross-k-wire fixation of the kyphectomy site was used, augmented with a long thoraco-pelvic instrumentation consisting of Luque sublaminar wires in the thoracic region and a Warner-Fackler type of pelvic fixation. Good results were also found with the bipolar technique and ilio-sacral screw fixation. Six over 24 patients with the Warner and Fackler technique showed gradual dislodgment or hardware failure, with subsequent nonunion of the kyphectomy site in four. Infection, with or without wound dehiscence and/or hardware exposure, occurred in 17 cases, necessitating hardware removal in 9 patients., Conclusion: Lumbar kyphosis in MMC children is best managed by resection of enough vertebrae from the apex to produce a flat lumbar spine, with perfect bone-to-bone contact and long thoraco-pelvic instrumentation using the Warner and Fackler technique through the S1 foramina or the bipolar technique with ilio-sacral screw fixation. Additional local fixation of the osteotomy site using cross-wires with or without cerclage increases the stability of the construct. The majority of complications occurred in patients with short instrumentations or where residual kyphosis persisted postoperatively regardless of the type of pelvic fixation or hardware density. The Dunn-McCarthy technique for pelvic fixation following kyphectomy in MMC was less successful in producing stable pelvic fixation and should not be considered in this patient category., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Study Design: This was a multicentric cross-sectional descriptive study., Objective: To analyze patterns of 3D rib cage deformity in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their relationship with the spinal deformity., Summary of Background Data: Subjects with AIS present with rib cage deformity that can affect respiratory functions. The 3D rib cage deformities in AIS and their relationship to the spinal deformity are still unelucidated., Methods: A total of 200 AIS and 71 controls underwent low-dose biplanar x-rays and had their spine and rib cage reconstructed in 3-dimensional (D). Classic spinopelvic parameters were calculated in 3D and: rib cage gibbosity, thickness, width, volume and volumetric spinal penetration index (VSPI). Subjects with AIS were classified as: group I with mild rib cage deformity (n=88), group II with severe rib cage deformity (n=112) subgrouped into IIa (high gibbosity, n=48), IIb (high VSPI, n=48), and IIc (both high gibbosity and VSPI, n=16)., Results: Groups IIa and IIb had a higher Cobb angle (33 vs. 54 degrees and 46 degrees, respectively) and torsion index (11 vs. 14 degrees and 13 degrees, respectively) than group I. Group IIb showed more severe hypokyphosis (IIb=21 degrees; IIa=33 degrees; I=36 degrees; control=42 degrees) with a reduced rib cage volume (IIb=4731 cm3; IIa=4985 cm3; I=5257 cm3; control=5254 cm3) and thickness (IIb=135 mm; IIa=148 mm; I=144 mm; control=144 mm). Group IIa showed an increasingly large local gibbosity descending from proximal to distal levels and did not follow the axial rotation of the spine. Group IIc showed characteristics of both groups IIa and IIb., Conclusions: This new classification of 3D rib cage deformity in AIS shows that the management of cases with high VSPI (groups IIb and IIc) should focus on restoring as much kyphosis as possible to avoid respiratory repercussions. Treatment indications in groups I and IIa would follow the consensual basic principles reported in the literature regarding bracing and surgery., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: In a retrospective study, we report on 16 patients with congenital kyphosis due to progressively ossifying anterior unsegmented bars., Objective: To specify the therapeutic strategy in such malformation., Summary of Background Data: Congenital kyphosis due to progressively ossifying anterior unsegmented bars is a particular and uncommon entity of congenital kyphosis. Progressive anterior vertebral bars result in slowly progressive kyphosis, which rarely lead to neurological compromise. Sagittal equilibrium of the spine is maintained by compensatory curves adjacent to the primary curve., Methods: All patients had clinical assessment and successive measurements of segmental angle made on a standing lateral radiograph of the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in four patients. Six patients were just observed. A brace was used in three. And seven were treated surgically., Results: The compensatory capacity of the spine is reduced in lumbar area where there are few discs spaces below the bar. Presentation therefore tends to be at an earlier age and pain is more common.Magnetic resonance imaging enables definition of the structures immediately posterior to the bar and provides information regarding the integrity of the intervertebral disc., Conclusion: There is usually no need for surgery in thoracic and thoracolumbar localization. In lumbar localization, if the diagnosis is done early in childhood and if magnetic resonance imaging shows beyond the anterior ossification a normal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging disc space signal, desepiphysiodesis bar resection and cement interposition is mandatory. If the disc magnetic resonance imaging signal is abnormal or if the disc space is totally ossified, we propose a surgical correction of the kyphosis. For such cases a posterior wedge osteotomy seems to be the more suitable procedure.

Study Design: Progressive rotational dislocation of the spine has been described as the most serious evolutive risk of kyphoscoliosis. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 11 patients with this deformity., Objectives: To delineate the clinical and radiologic characteristics of this entity to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. The outcome after treatment was analyzed to point out the rationale for appropriate treatment., Methods: The characteristic radiologic feature was a short sharp angled kyphosis (average 112) at the junction of two lordoscoliotic curvatures. The etiology of the spinal deformity was neurofibromatosis in four patients and various dysplastic conditions in seven patients. Two patients had congenital vertebral defects. Structural weakness of the bone was therefore a basic feature. Neurologic impairment was identified in three patients (one complete, two incomplete). Four patients had a nonunion after a previous attempt at spinal fusion: two after a combined anterior and posterior fusion with an anterior approach from the convexity and two after a posterior fusion alone. All patients underwent complete circumferential stabilization through anterior strut-grafting and posterior fusion. An anterior approach from the concavity was performed systematically with tibial strut grafts inserted in a palisade fashion. Preoperative correction of the deformity was performed by progressive controlled elongation in a Stagnara elongation cast. Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation was used in two patients, Harrington instrumentation was used in two patients, and cast immobilization alone was used in seven patients., Results: The average follow-up period was 5 years 5 months. All but one patient achieved successful spinal fusion. Loss of correction at the latest follow-up evaluation was less than 3 degrees in nine patients. The two patients with incomplete neurologic deficits were improved, but the patient with the complete deficit remained unchanged after surgery., Conclusions: Awareness of the possibility of a progressive rotational dislocation in dystrophic forms of kyphoscoliosis should allow for an early diagnosis and stabilization. The percentage of patients having a neurologic deficit in this series was significantly less important than in the initial report. Early anterior strut grafting from the concavity of the scoliotic curvature and posterior fusion is recommended.

Background: Kyphoscoliosis is a complication of some bone dysplasias, including cleidocranial dysplasia., Objectives: We report a distinct disorder with defective ossification of the ischial rami, severe kyphoscoliosis and normal clavicles. Early recognition of this syndrome allows prevention of complications., Materials and Methods: All patient cases (aged 1 day to 33 years) were selected according to the above criteria, with special attention to radiological findings, family history and follow-up (5-30 years)., Results: In all eight patients, we observed the following: (a) Severe thoracic scoliosis of early onset and rapid progression, leading to rotatory dislocation. Spinal cord compression occurred in four cases with respiratory problems related to chest deformity. (b) Bilateral and symmetrical incomplete ossification of the ischial rami. (c) Peculiar facies with retrognathia. (d) Normal clavicles. Three patients were from the same family (grandmother, mother and daughter)., Conclusion: Ischio-vertebral dysplasia seems to represent a true entity, with radiological and genetic findings that make it distinct from cleidocranial dysostosis. The association of kyphoscoliosis and these pelvic abnormalities is specific for this condition. Neurological and respiratory complications can be avoided if the condition is recognised early and early treatment is instituted.

Study Design: The congenital dislocated spine has been defined as the potentially most serious form of congenital kyphosis with an abrupt single-level displacement of the spinal canal. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 19 patients with this deformity., Objectives: To delineate the clinical and radiologic characteristics of this entity, and to analyze the outcome after treatment., Summary of Background Data: An anterior failure of formation was the basic feature. Kyphosis was variable. Vertebral displacement in the frontal plane was present in seven patients, and sagittal displacement was constant. Mechanical instability was seen in 17 patients. Neurologic impairment was identified in 12 patients, and congenital paraplegia was seen in eight patients. An acute paraplegia occurred after minor trauma in one patient., Methods: Seventeen patients were treated surgically. Thirteen patients underwent complete circumferential stabilization through anterior strut grafting and posterior fusion without instrumentation, usually before age 3 years. Neurosurgical decompression was done in four patients., Results: The average follow-up period was 8 years, 6 months. Nonunion of the posterior fusion mass was detected and successfully treated in five patients. A solid fusion seemed to be obtained in all patients at last follow-up evaluation. The neurologic status after neurosurgical decompression remained unchanged in three patients and was improved temporarily in one patient., Conclusions: Avoidance of neurologic morbidity requires early diagnosis and stabilization. The authors recommend early anterior strut grafting and posterior fusion. Exploration of the posterior fusion mass should be done systematically.

Purpose of the Study: The delay in diagnosis of spinal tumors is not rare. The chief complaint may include pain, walking disability, and spinal or limb deformities. The purpose of our study is to analyze the spinal deformities associated with non osseous intraspinal tumors, to assess the complications of treatment, and to set out a preventive protocol., Materials: We reviewed retrospectively 40 consecutive cases of non osseous intraspinal tumors treated between 1972 and 1991. There were 32 intradural, 2 extradural, and 6 intra and extradural combined tumors. At the first consultation, the age ranged between 4 months and 15 years, and only 16 patients showed neurologic deficit. Spinal deformity existed in 9 patients, 7 of which had no neurologic deficit. All the tumors were treated surgically. Laminectomy was done in 28 cases, and osteoplastic laminotomy in 12 cases. The number of levels included in the laminectomy ranged from 3 to 18. Bilateral arthrectomy at least at one level was undertaken in 15 cases. A postoperative brace was worn in all cases for an average period of 4 months. An adjuvant radiotherapy was undertaken in 12 cases for an incomplete resection., Methods: The incidence and pattern of spinal deformity was assessed before tumor treatment and ultimately after laminectomy or osteoplastic laminotomy (or laminoplasty)., Results: Among the 9 cases with preexisting spinal deformity, the curve magnitude increased after laminectomy in 4. A kyphotic, kyphosoliotic or scoliotic deformity developed in 18 cases after surgery for tumor resection. Among these 18 patients, only one had had an adequate osteoplastic laminotomy. The treatment of spinal deformities was surgical in 12 cases, and done by either posterior or anterior and posterior combined arthrodesis., Discussion: Spinal deformity may be the main complaint of a patient who has intraspinal tumor. Prevention of postlaminectomy spinal deformity is mandatory, and could be done by osteoplastic laminotomy and the use of a brace during a minimum period of 4 to 6 months after surgery., Conclusion: Diagnosis of intraspinal tumors in children and adolescents should be done early, and laminoarthrectomy should be replaced by osteoplastic laminotomy.

Purpose of Study: A previously unreported condition is defined, diagnostic features identified, and clinical course and treatment modalities presented., Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 11 patients with ischio-vertebral dysplasia (IVD), accomplished by record and radiographic review., Results: 11 patients were included in the study group, age at presentation from 1 day to 33 yrs. Follow-up ranged from 5-30 yrs. Involvement of 3 successive generations (grandmother, mother and daughter) with similar findings was present in 1 family. Common features of IVD include: peculiar facies incomplete ossification of the ischial ramus, and a dysplasic scoliosis with a significant kyphotic element, constituting a rotatory dislocation. 2 patients followed from birth demonstrated the natural history of the condition, beginning without spinal deformity, and progressing to significant deformity. The spinal deformity was manageable surgically. The scoliosis ranged from 10 degrees to 235 degrees, and the kyphosis from 0 degrees to 200 degrees (the 10 and 0 being at day 1 of age). 6 patients incurred neurological sequelae, either spontaneously or associated with surgical treatment. 2 patients died, 1 due to cardiopulmonary failure at age 33; the 2nd was an infant with severe neurologic and cardiopulmonary complications due to the spinal deformity. Multiple surgical approaches to the problems were employed. Analysis of results permitted formulation of a logical and successful approach to the problem. Pre-op mean kyphosis = 112 degrees, post-op at maximum follow-up = 67 degrees. Deformity stabilization and neurologic normalcy was produced in every patient operated but 1., Discussion: The characteristics of the syndrome are clear, as is the progressive nature of the deformity. The very high risk of neurologic involvement is emphasized. Before age 10, circumferencial fusion prevents progression and neurologic deterioration. Older patients require gradual correction by skeletal traction, followed by anterior concave strut stabilization and posterior fusion (with or without instrumentation). Extreme care is necessary for protection of the particularly vulnerable neurologic structures. Early stabilization and correction is recommended for prevention of the deterioration of cardiopulmonary function.

The surgical treatment of kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis in children or adolescents using the Cotrel-Dubousset (C. D.) instrument through a posterior approach may often need a further anterior procedure either before or after. We have reviewed 20 adolescents who were operated on at l'Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul since 1983. Our choice of management was determined by consideration of the aetiology, the age, the degree of angulation and the suppleness of the kyphotic spine in hyperextension on the operating table. The use of preoperative traction for a mean of 25 days gained an improvement of 14% of the final correction. It was used in the curves which were most pronounced, usually high thoracic curves which lacked suppleness in the lumbar spine and which were stiff on the table. The anterior approach was not indicated in long double dorso-lumbar curves, usually of idiopathic origin, which had already reached an advanced stage of development. It was necessary in severe angular kyphoses which were unstable or had marked anterior stiffness. It was sometimes used in younger patients with kyphoscoliosis in which it was difficult to assess the state of maturity. After operation the kyphosis was corrected by up to 73% in simply kyphoses, 66% in kyphoscoliosis and 59% in scolio-kyphosis. After operation we were usually able to mobilise patients without a corset.

A follow-up study on spine deformities of 59 consecutive Wilm's tumors treated between 1950 and 1963 was conducted. The selected cases had no metastasis at any time and had reached end of growth (16 years old of bone age). Treatment was surgery, chemotherapy and radiationtherapy mostly was 200 KV and partially with CO 60. This study showed 65p. 100 kyphosis greater than 10 degree between T9 and L3 (normal less than 5 degree) and 40p. 100 scoliosis both induced by alteration of vertebral growth and by sclerosis of soft tissues. -- Kyphosis even slight seemed to induce more pain in adult age than scoliosis. -- This work demonstrates also that growth spurt produces increased deformities. Therefore it is necessary to wait the end of growth before the evaluation of the results. Finally the most important for prevention is to irradiate as symmetrically as possible in the 3 planes of the body. The results of surgical treatment are reported and principles of early bracing for prevention are mentioned.

The authors have observed 15 cases of progressive anterior vertebral fusion in patients involved with so-called Scheuermann's disease. The congenital origin of the lesion is discussed. The ossification was sometimes delayed and appeared only during the growth spurt.

The development of CD-instrumentation aimed at corset-free postoperative patient management. Special attention was paid to a three-dimensional correction of spine deformities. Basic principles and implants are presented. After the description of the technique of implant fixation the surgical technique is presented with regard to the treatment of flexible thoracic lordo-scoliosis, rigid thoracic and thoraco-lumbar scoliosis. Finally, the basic principles in the treatment of kyphoses are discussed. The case material includes 150 patients who underwent surgery between 1983 and 1986.