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Background and objectives : Patients with neuromuscular diseases usually have progressive neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS), requiring invasive surgery. Some patients present with severe scoliosis at the time of consultation and are difficult to treat. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery combined with anterior release and pre- or intraoperative traction would be effective for severe spinal deformities but would be invasive. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of PSF-only surgery for patients with severe NMS with a Cobb angle > 100°. Materials and Methods : Thirty NMS patients (13 boys and 17 girls; mean age 13.8 years) who underwent PSF-only surgery for scoliosis with a Cobb angle > 100° were included. We reviewed the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV), duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complications, preoperative clinical findings, and radiographic findings, including Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity (PO) in the sitting position pre- and postoperatively. The correction rate and correction loss of the Cobb angle and PO were also calculated. Results : : Patients with severe NMS demonstrated severe preoperative restrictive ventilatory impairments. PSF surgery without anterior release or any intra-/preoperative traction showed satisfactory outcomes, including acceptable scoliosis correction and improved clinical findings, even in patients with extremely severe NMS. Instrumentation and fusion to the pelvis for severe scoliosis in patients with NMS showed good PO correction and low correction loss of Cobb angle and PO, but a longer duration of surgery.Conclusions : Patients with severe NMS demonstrated severe preoperative restrictive ventilatory impairments. PSF surgery without anterior release or any intra-/preoperative traction showed satisfactory outcomes, including acceptable scoliosis correction and improved clinical findings, even in patients with extremely severe NMS. Instrumentation and fusion to the pelvis for severe scoliosis in patients with NMS showed good PO correction and low correction loss of Cobb angle and PO, but a longer duration of surgery.

Background and Objectives : Several predictive factors have been reportedly associated with intraoperative total blood loss (TBL) during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for idiopathic scoliosis (IS). To reduce TBL, preoperative factors and interoperative factors are considered important. However, there are few reports that have evaluated bleeding patterns according to surgical stages. This study aimed to elucidate bleeding patterns at different surgical stages and determine the predictive factors for TBL during PSF surgery in patients with IS. Materials and Methods : Preoperative data, radiographic parameters, and intraoperative data of patients undergoing PSF for IS were retrospectively collected. We divided the patients into six stages: stage 1, exposure; stage 2, implant placement; stage 3, release; stage 4, correction; stage 5, bone grafting; and stage 6, closure; then we reviewed the blood loss and bleeding speed. Multiple-regression analysis was performed to generate a predictive formula for blood loss using preoperative and intraoperative factors, including blood loss at stage 1, as explanatory variables. Results : Forty-five patients (mean age: 17.6 years) were included. The mean operative time and TBL were 287.9 min and 756.5 mL, respectively. Blood loss was the highest at stage 3, followed by stage 4. Bleeding speed was the highest at stage 4, followed by stage 3. Bleeding speeds at stages 3 and 4 were significantly higher than those at stages 1 and 2. Preoperative Cobb angle, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), number of fused vertebrae, and blood loss at stage 1 were significant contributing factors. Conclusions : Blood loss and bleeding speed during the release and correction stages were high. Specifically, bleeding speed significantly increased during and after the release procedure. The preoperative Cobb angle, aPTT, number of fixed vertebrae, and blood-loss volume during PSF were significantly associated with TBL. Our findings would be helpful for reducing TBL in patients undergoing PSF for IS.

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 (<1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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 <1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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 <1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJS/G604)., (Copyright © 2021 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

Background: Surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has changed significantly with the advent of new medical devices and surgical procedures. Today, pre- and postoperative management differs widely between institutions. The purpose of this study is to establish consensus regarding the surgical management of AIS in Japan through the use of a questionnaire survey of experienced spine deformity surgeons., Methods: From February to March 2020, experienced spine deformity surgeons who perform more than 25 cases of AIS surgery annually were asked to respond to a questionnaire request regarding AIS surgical management formulated by the International Affairs Committee of the Japanese Scoliosis Society. For each of the questions, consensus was achieved upon a 70% agreement among respondents., Results: Responses were received from 25 of the 32 (78%) experienced spine deformity surgeons. The average age of the responding surgeons was 52 years with an average practice experience of 28 year. Consensus was achieved on 74 (76%) of the 97 aspects of care presented in the questionnaire and is broken down as follows: 12 of 17 items for preoperative management, all 5 items for perioperative management, 11 of 14 items for surgical technique, 9 of 15 items for implant selection, 6 of 8 items for bone grafting, 7 of 10 items for blood conservation, 5 of 7 items for postoperative management, all 17 items for postoperative evaluation, and 2 of 4 items for aftercare., Conclusions: Expert consensus was achieved on 74 aspects of the surgical management of AIS in Japan. In implant selection and aftercare, consensus was obtained in less than 70% of the aspects, revealing differences in AIS management between institutions. These findings on AIS surgery in Japan, informed by expert opinion, will conceivably help spine deformity surgeons determine appropriate surgical management of AIS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest HA, TO, DK, HS, WS, HK, SS, MY, MI and DS have nothing to disclose. TK serves on the ethics review board of the Japanese Scoliosis Society., (Copyright © 2020 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The perioperative complication rate for spinal fusion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) remains high and sometimes prolonged perioperative intensive care is needed. We investigated preoperative and intraoperative risk factors associated with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay after posterior spinal fusion., Methods: We reviewed the records of 49 consecutive DMD patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion. Instrumentation was performed from T4 to L5 (46 cases) or to the ilium (3 cases). We recorded the preoperative Cobb angle and perioperative clinical data from patient records. Patients were divided into two groups (ICU stay 0 or 1 day, 2 days or longer). Chi-square and t tests were used for univariate analysis. Factors with p < 0.05 in the univariate analysis were entered into a multilevel logistic regression analysis., Results: The average age of patients at surgery was 14.2 years (range 11-20 years). Their preoperative Cobb angle was 79.2° (range 40°-154°). Average operative time was 325.3 min (range 225-507 min). The average estimated blood loss (EBL) was 1673.0 ml (range 500-3785 ml). Eight patients stayed in the ICU for 2 days or longer for postoperative monitoring and treatment. Univariate analysis found statistical difference between the two groups in preoperative Cobb angle, Thoracolumbar kyphosis, %VC, operation time, and EBL during surgery. After multiple logistic regression analysis, Cobb angle and EBL was identified as an independent factor. The patients with a larger Cobb angle and greater EBL had a higher rate of prolonged ICU stay in interquartile range-based comparison., Conclusions: The present study suggests the preoperative Cobb angle and intraoperative EBL could be predictors for postoperative course in posterior spinal fusion for DMD patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Case: Although scoliosis is common in Angelman syndrome (AS), there are no reports of hip dislocation as a complication of scoliosis surgery. We experienced a case of hip dislocation after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion from T4 to L5 because of scoliosis progression in an adolescent girl with AS. Postoperatively, posterior dislocation of the left hip occurred; after closed reduction, instability remained. Thus, periacetabular osteotomy was performed (left hip), with good clinical outcomes., Conclusion: Especially in cases of abnormal muscle tone, a loss of spinal flexibility because of extensive spinal fixation may result in secondary pathologies of the hip joint., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJSCC/B452)., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: Retrospective comparison based on the degree of pelvic obliquity (PO)., Purpose: To assess the controversial indications for and limitations of ending the instrumentation for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) at L5 in patients with flaccid neuromuscular scoliosis (fNMS)., Methods: We reviewed the cases of 45 patients with progressive spinal deformity as a result of fNMS treated by PSF to L5 and followed for an average of 4 years postoperatively with adequate clinical and radiological data. Anterior-posterior and lateral whole spine radiographs were evaluated. We divided patients into two groups based on the degree of pelvic obliquity (PO) at the final follow-up. Radiographic data from the two groups were analyzed to identify the indications and limitations of this surgical method focusing on PO., Results: Preoperatively, there were significant differences between the two groups in Cobb angle, PO, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis (LL) while sitting; Cobb angle and LL while supine (Supine Cobb, and Supine LL); and major curve flexibility. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified Supine Cobb and Supine LL as independent risk factors for residual PO at the final follow-up (Supine Cobb: odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval 1.0-1.2, Supine LL: odds ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval 0.8-1.0)., Conclusion: Patients with larger preoperative Cobb angle and smaller LL while supine may not achieve adequate spine and pelvic correction and this may lead to deterioration in the PO over time, even after spinal fusion ending at L5.

Purpose: To clarify the impact of anchor type at upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) on postoperative shoulder imbalance in patients with Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior spinal fusion., Methods: Subjects were 81 patients with Lenke type 1 AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2004 and 2013. Twenty-five patients agreed to participate in the study. We divided the patients into two groups: Hook group (15 patients with hooks at UIV who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2011) and PS group (ten patients with pedicle screws at UIV who underwent surgery between 2012 and 2013). To evaluate shoulder balance, first thoracic vertebra tilt angle (T1 tilt), clavicle angle (CA), and radiographic shoulder height (RSH) were measured., Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative T1 tilt, CA, or RSH between the both groups. The postoperative 1-week, 2-year, and most recently observed T1 tilts were significantly smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group. There were no significant differences in postoperative 1-week, 2-year, and most recently observed CAs between the two groups. Although there were no significant differences in 1-week postoperative RSH between the groups, the 2-year postoperative RSH was significantly smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group. The most recently observed RSH tended to be smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group, but the difference was not significant., Conclusions: In the PS group, poor shoulder balance remained over the long term. The hooks at UIV adjusted postoperative shoulder balance.

Background: Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) has been introduced as a means of correcting scoliosis without fusion. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for patients with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis between a group of patients who underwent AVBT and a matched cohort of patients treated with posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSF)., Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent AVBT and PSF for idiopathic scoliosis was conducted. The inclusion criteria were determined on the basis of the AVBT cohort: primary thoracic idiopathic scoliosis with a curve magnitude between 40° and 67°, Risser stage of ≤1, age of 9 to 15 years, no prior spine surgery, index surgery between 2011 and 2016, and minimum follow-up of 2 years. Demographic, radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes and revisions were compared between groups., Results: There were 23 patients in the AVBT cohort and 26 patients in the PSF cohort. The mean follow-up (and standard deviation) was similar between groups: 3.4 ± 1.1 years for the AVBT group and 3.6 ± 1.6 years for the PSF group (p = 0.6). Preoperatively, the groups were similar in all measurements of radiographic and clinical deformity, with mean main thoracic curves of 53° ± 8° for the AVBT group and 54° ± 7° for the PSF group (p = 0.4). At the time of final follow-up, the AVBT cohort had significantly more residual deformity, with a mean thoracic curve of 33° ± 18° compared with 16° ± 6° for the PSF group (p < 0.001). There were 9 revision procedures in the AVBT cohort (with 3 conversions to PSF and 3 more pending) and none in the PSF cohort. Revisions occurred at a mean postoperative time of 2.3 years (range, 1.2 to 3.7 years). Twelve patients (52%) had evidence of broken tethers; of these patients, 4 underwent revision. The post-intervention patient-reported outcomes were similar., Conclusions: Both AVBT and PSF resulted in postoperative correction; however, 2-year correction was better maintained in the PSF group. There were no differences in post-intervention patient-reported outcomes. AVBT resulted in less deformity correction and more revision procedures than PSF, but resulted in the delay or prevention of PSF in the majority of patients., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Anterior spinal growth tethering (ASGT) has been shown to alter spinal growth with the potential to correct scoliosis while maintaining spine flexibility. The purpose of this study was to report the 2 to 4-year outcomes of ASGT in skeletally immature patients with thoracic scoliosis., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with thoracic scoliosis who underwent ASGT with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and radiographic outcomes are reported. A "successful" clinical outcome was defined as a residual curve of <35° and no posterior spinal fusion indicated or performed at latest follow-up., Results: Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria. The etiology was idiopathic for 14 and syndromic for 3. The mean follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 2 to 4 years). Preoperatively, all patients were at Risser stage 0, with a mean age at surgery of 11 ± 2 years (range, 9 to 14 years). There was an average of 6.8 ± 0.5 vertebrae tethered per patient. The average thoracic curve magnitude was 52° ± 10° (range, 40° to 67°) preoperatively, 31° ± 10° immediately postoperatively, 24° ± 17° at 18 months postoperatively, and 27° ± 20° at latest follow-up (51% correction; range, 5% to 118%). Revision surgery was performed in 7 patients: 4 tether removals due to complete correction or overcorrection, 1 lumbar tether added, 1 tether replaced due to breakage, and 1 revised to a posterior spinal fusion. In 3 additional patients, posterior spinal fusion was indicated due to progression. Eight (47%) of the patients had a suspected broken tether. Ten (59%) of the 17 were considered clinically successful., Conclusions: Despite most patients having some remaining skeletal growth at the time of review, the results of the current study demonstrate that at mid-term follow-up, ASGT showed a powerful, but variable, ability to modulate spinal growth and did so with little perioperative and early postoperative risk. Fusion was avoided for 13 of the 17 patients. The overall success rate was 59%, with a 41% revision rate. Understanding the parameters leading to success or failure will be critical in advancing a reliable definitive nonfusion treatment for progressive scoliosis in the future., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Purpose: Our previous study reported a good health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients 21 years or more after surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate midlife changes in HRQOL among AIS patients who passed further 5 years from the previous survey., Methods: Subjects were 252 individuals who underwent spinal fusion for AIS between 1968 and 1988. The survey was administered twice-in 2009 and in 2014 using Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22). We analysed survey responses from 42 individuals (39 females, 3 males) who responded to both surveys., Results: The average scores for each respective domain of the SRS-22 in 2009 and 2014, respectively, were: function, 4.3 and 4.2; pain, 4.3 and 4.3; self-image, 3.0 and 2.9; mental, 3.9 and 3.8; satisfaction, 3.6 and 3.5. There were no significant differences in any domain of the SRS-22 between 2009 and 2014. Comparing non-fused segments of the lumbar spine of patients with fewer than four discs remaining with patients with four discs or more remaining, SRS-22 satisfaction score decreased more in patients with fewer than four discs (change in patients with four discs or more: -0.02; change in patients with fewer than four discs: -0.38; P = 0.05)., Conclusion: Each SRS-22 subscore was similar between 2009 and 2014 surveys. Those scoliosis patients who underwent spinal fusion during adolescence had good HRQOL scores in midlife. Even after five years passed, good conditions were maintained.

Background: The aim of this study was to conduct an investigation into spinal fusion with Harrington instrument (HI) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to survey pulmonary function and thoracic deformity outcomes many years after surgery., Methods: Subjects comprised 194 patients diagnosed with AIS and treated with spinal fusion using HI between 1968 and 1987. Patients who gave their informed consent were subjected to a complete standing spine X-ray, chest CT, and pulmonary function tests. Eighteen patients were eligible for inclusion. Mean age at the time of follow-up was 49.9 years and the mean duration of follow-up was 35.3 years. CT axial image was used at the apex of the main thoracic curve. Apical vertebral rotation was determined from RA sag measured by the method of Aaro et al. Thoracic cage deformities were measured as follows: Rib hump index (RHi) according to the method of Aaro et al. and posterior hemithoracic symmetry ratio (PHSr) according to the method of Campbell et al., Results: Pulmonary function tests revealed mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of 2.28 (range: 1.00-3.04) L and mean %FVC of 83.5% (range: 35.6%-117.8%). Restrictive ventilation disorder with %FVC <80% was seen in 5 patients (27.7%). %FVC had strong negative correlations with RA sag (r = -0.798), RHi (r = -0.820, p < 0.001), PHSr (r = -0.705), and proximal thoracic curve (r = -0.721). Main thoracic curve (r = -0.674) and apical vertebral rotation of thoracic curve (r = -0.685) showed moderate negative correlations. Multiple regression analysis revealed RHi was a most significant factor on %FVC., Conclusions: In AIS patients examined 27 years or longer after surgery, restrictive ventilation defects were observed in 27.7%. Factors aggravating %FVC were large rib humps and large vertebral rotations. Three-dimensional correction of the spine and thoracic cage deformities is vital in order to avoid pulmonary function impairment many years after surgery., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Patients with neuromuscular disorders are often complicated by progressive scoliosis. No established treatment for this type of scoliosis has been developed, however. We must pay attention to spinal deformity in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, especially after they lose the ability to walk because spinal deformity frequently develops. Patient with progressive scoliosis should be treated by specialists who can perform scoliosis surgery safely. Surgical treatment for scoliosis has developped, and pedicle screw fixation is one of the most widely accepted methods for the treatment of several types of scoliosis. This method is safe and effective. In Europe and the United States, patients with neuromuscular scoliosis usually undergo surgery at a relatively early stage. We should define surgical indications carefully, considering natural history and complications. In addition, sufficient informed consent from patients and their families is of utmost importance. Most surgeons believe that surgical treatment for spinal deformity in neuromuscular disease improves quality of life and activity of daily living.

Introduction: Routine spinal fusion techniques have involved removal of all soft tissues and articular facets, decortication of all posterior elements, and application of bone graft to the fusion area. Bone grafting has been performed mainly using the patient's own bone (autograft bone), most commonly from the iliac crest. The use of autograft bone is accompanied by complications or problems because of harvesting and donor-site morbidity. Several studies have already reported the use of allograft bone in scoliosis surgery. However, these studies are small series with short-term follow-up., Method: Twenty-two patients with scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and pedicle-screw-alone fixation using banked allograft bone obtained from the regional bone bank in Japan were analyzed. The average age at surgery was 13 years 5 months. The average follow-up was 2 years 7 months, and the average age at the last follow-up was 15 years 6 months. Scoliosis curves were divided into two groups (single curve group and double curve group)., Results: For the single curve group, the average preoperative coronal curve measured 78° (48°-85°) and the postoperative curve measured 22° (8°-35°), with no loss of correction at the last follow-up. For the double curve group, the average preoperative thoracic curve measured 64° (48°-85°) and the lumbar curve measured 42° (38°-60°). The average postoperative thoracic curve measured 12° (8°-34°) and lumbar curve measured 15° (8°-32°), with no significant loss of correction at the last follow-up. No patients had clinical complaints in the region of surgery at 9 months after surgery and thereafter. There were no complications including loss of correction, nonunion, infection and instrumentation failure. At the last follow-up, patients/parents were interviewed and asked to complete an outcome satisfaction questionnaire. They were asked to rate the outcome as very satisfactory, satisfactory, neither satisfactory nor unsatisfactory, unsatisfactory, or very unsatisfactory. Seventeen patients (77%) were very satisfied, four patients (17%) were satisfied, and one patient (6%) was neither satisfied nor unsatisfied. Autograft bone and banked allograft bone appear to yield comparable results and clinical outcomes., Conclusion: However, in Japan, various expenses accrue to supply a safe and premium quality of banked allograft bone. Financial issue must be resolved as soon as possible.

Background: School screening for scoliosis is a powerful tool that can be used to identify children who may have scoliosis. There have been no reports on the recent prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in Japan since 1988., Methods: A 5-year epidemiologic study was performed to determined the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis, the curve magnitude, the distribution of this magnitude, and the sex ratio in school children. Between 2003 and 2007, a total of 255,875 children aged 11-14 years were screened., Results: A total of 3,424 children were found to be positive as a result of Moiré topography. With radiographic examination, 2,225 (65.0%) children with a Cobb angle of 10° or more were detected. The overall prevalence rate in schoolchildren 11-14 years of age with Cobb angles of 10° or more was 0.87%. The prevalence rate in girls increased from 0.78% at the age of 11-12 years to 2.51% at the age of 13-14 years. For boys, the prevalence rates were 0.04% at the age of 11-12 years and 0.25% at the age of 13-14 years. The overall ratio of girls to boys with scoliosis was 11:1. The ratio of girls to boys was 17:1 at the age of 11-12 years and 10:1 at the age of 13-14 years., Conclusions: The majority of the curves fell in the range of 10°-19°. There was a slight increase in the prevalence rates of children with a curve of high magnitude (≥20°) as compared to the prevalence rate in 1988. We suggest that school screening for scoliosis is effective for early detection; however, it is first necessary to review and optimize the target groups.

A total of 36 consecutive nonambulatory DMD patients underwent scoliosis surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: the autogenous iliac crest bone graft group (the ICBG group; 20 patients) and the allogenous bone graft group (the ALBG group; 16 patients). The mean preoperative curves measured 87 degrees and 31 degrees at the last follow-up in the ICBG group and 83 degrees and 28 degrees in the ALBG group. In the ICBG group, three (15%) patients had intraoperative sacroiliac joint penetration, five (25%) had iliac crest inner cortex penetration and three (15%) had postoperative prolonged wound drainage at the donor site. At three months after surgery, donor site pain caused by bone harvest was found in 50% with severe pain limiting their physical function and causing difficulties in sitting in a wheelchair in 40% of the patients, whereas patients in the ALBG group returned to their preoperative level of function soon after surgery.

Background: Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), among the myopathic disorders is one form of flaccid neuromuscular disorder (NMD). Patients with NMD frequently develop progressive spinal deformity. For NMD patients who have a severe spinal deformity, sitting is often difficult and is accompanied by pain and breakdown of the skin. Spinal deformity surgery in these patients has been highly effective in stabilizing the spine, maintaining upright, comfortable sitting balance, and improving patients' quality of life. However, many studies have reported significant rates of peri/postoperative complications in these patients. To our knowledge, there has been no study on the results of spinal deformity surgery in patients with CMD. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical and radiological results of spinal deformity surgery in this group of patients with CMD., Methods: Between 2004 and 2007, a total of 10 CMD patients underwent scoliosis surgery. There were three patients with Fukuyama CMD, three with Ullrich CMD, and 4 with nonsyndromic CMD (merosin-negative). They were nonambulatory. All the patients had standard posterior spinal fusion and pedicle-screw-alone fixation from T3 or T4 to L5 for spinal deformity. Our inclusion criteria required that each patient (1) had considerable difficulty with sitting balance and pain or breakdown of the skin due to scoliosis; (2) was able to ventilate his or her lung autonomously; (3) was not ventilator-dependent; and (4) did not have cardiac failure. Sufficient informed consent was important, and the decision to perform surgery was made by the patient/family with sufficient preoperative informed consent. Patients were trained with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using an inspiratory muscle trainer (Threshold IMT) for 6 weeks prior to surgery Cardiac function was assessed preoperatively. Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Radiographic assessments were performed on sitting anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. These assessments were made periodically. The Cobb angles of the curves and spinal pelvic obliquity (SPO) on the coronal plane, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis were measured. The preoperative AP radiograph and side-bending films were examined to determine flexibility. Patients' and parents' satisfaction were surveyed by a self-completed questionnaire at the last follow-up., Results: Percent forced vital capacity (%FVC) increased from a mean of 30% before IMT to a mean of 34% the day before surgery. The preoperative scoliosis was 75 degrees (range 61 degrees -95 degrees ). The scoliotic curvature on preoperative side-bending films was 19 degrees (range 11 degrees -28 degrees ). All patients were extubated on the day of surgery. No patients developed cardiac or respiratory complications. The scoliotic curvature was 18 degrees (range 10 degrees -25 degrees ) immediately after surgery, and 19 degrees (range 12 degrees -27 degrees ) at the last follow-up. The pelvic obliquity improved from a mean of 17 degrees (range 14 degrees -20 degrees ) preoperatively to a mean of 6 degrees (range 4 degrees -9 degrees ) postoperatively and to 7 degrees (range 4 degrees -10 degrees ) at the last follow-up. Balanced sitting posture was achieved and maintained. On the sagittal plane, good reconstruction of sagittal plane alignment was recreated and maintained. There were no major complications or deaths. All patients/parents completed the outcome satisfaction questionnaire. Eight patients/parents were very satisfied and two were satisfied., Conclusions: Pedicle-screw-alone fixation and fusion to L5 was safe and effective in CMD patients with scoliosis of <95 degrees and pelvic obliquity of <20 degrees . Scoliosis curves were flexible (75% correction) on side-bending films preoperatively. Curve correction and maintenance of correction in the coronal and sagittal plane was excellent. The pelvic obliquity significantly improved. Balanced sitting posture was achieved and maintained in all patients. Our patients with CMD spinal deformity and a moderately and severely decreased FVC could be operated on safely and successfully with general anesthesia. All patients were extubated in the operating room. There were no major complications or deaths. We believe a FVC of <30% alone is not a predisposition to pulmonary complications. However, cardiomyopathy might be a determining risk of mortality, and we believe surgery for these patients should be avoided. Patients' and parents' satisfaction was high.

Instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis has been a mainstay in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and is recommended to correct pelvic obliquity. The caudal extent of instrumentation and fusion in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in DMD has remained a matter of considerable debate, and there have been few studies on the use of segmental pedicle screw instrumentation for this pathology. From 2004 to 2007, a total of 28 patients with DMD underwent segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion only to L5. Assessment was performed clinically and with radiologic measurements. All patients had a curve with the apex at L2 or higher preoperatively. Preoperative coronal curve averaged 74 degrees, with a postoperative mean of 14 degrees, and 17 degrees at the last follow-up. The pelvic obliquity improved from 17 degrees preoperatively to 6 degrees postoperatively, and 6 degrees at the last follow-up. Good sagittal plane alignment was recreated after surgery and maintained long term. In 23 patients with a preoperative L5 tilt of less than 15 degrees, the pelvic obliquity was effectively corrected to less than 10 degrees and maintained by adequately addressing spinal deformity, while five patients with a preoperative L5 tilt of more than 15 degrees had a postoperative pelvic obliquity of more than 15 degrees. Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion to L5 was effective and safe in patients with DMD scoliosis with a minimal L5 tilt (<15 degrees) and a curve with the apex at L2 or higher, both initially and long term, obviating the need for fixation to the sacrum/pelvis. Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion to L5 was safe and effective in patients with DMD scoliosis with stable L5/S1 articulation as evidenced by a minimal L5 tilt of less than 15 degrees, even though pelvic obliquity was significant. There was no major complication. With rigid segmental pedicle screw instrumentation, the caudal extent of fusion in the treatment of DMD scoliosis should be determined by the degree of L5 tilt. This method in appropriate patients can be a viable alternative to instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis in the surgical treatment of DMD scoliosis.

Background: Instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis has been a mainstay in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy since the development of the intrailiac post. It is recommended for correcting pelvic obliquity. However, caudal extent of instrumentation and fusion has remained a matter of considerable debate. This study was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of stopping segmental pedicle screw constructs at L5 during surgical treatment of scoliosis associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)., Methods: From May 2005 to June 2007, a total of 20 consecutive patients underwent posterior spinal fusion and segmental pedicle screw instrumentation only to L5 for scoliosis secondary to DMD. All patients had progressive scoliosis, difficulty sitting, and back pain before surgery. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required for inclusion in this study. Assessment was performed clinically and with radiological measurements. The Cobb angles of the curves and spinal pelvic obliquity were measured on the coronal plane. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured on the sagittal plane. These radiographic assessments were performed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at a 3-month interval thereafter. The operating time, blood loss, and complications were evaluated. Patients were questioned about whether they had difficulty sitting and felt back pain before surgery and at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery., Results: A total of 20 patients, aged 11-17 years, were enrolled. The average follow-up period was 37 months. Preoperative coronal curves averaged 70 degrees (range 51 degrees -85 degrees ), with a postoperative mean of 15 degrees (range 8 degrees -25 degrees ) and a mean of 17 degrees (range 9 degrees -27 degrees ) at the last follow-up. Pelvic obliquity improved from 13 degrees (range 7 degrees -15 degrees ) preoperatively to 5 degrees degrees (range 3 degrees -8 degrees ) postoperatively and 6 degrees (range 3 degrees -9 degrees ) at the last follow-up. Good sagittal plane alignment was recreated and maintained. Only a small loss of correction of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity was noted. The mean operating time was 271 min (range 232-308 min). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 890 ml (range 660-1260 ml). The mean total blood loss was 2100 ml (range 1250-2880 ml). There was no major complication. All patients reported that difficulty sitting and back pain were alleviated after surgery., Conclusion: Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion only to L5 is safe and effective in patients with DMD scoliosis of <85 degrees and pelvic obliquity of <15 degrees . Good sagittal plane alignment was achieved and maintained. All patients benefited from surgery in terms of improved quality of life. There was no major complication.

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 (<1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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 <1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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 <1 year, 1 to 2 years, >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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional treatment recommendations in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy have included instrumentation and fusion to the sacrum/pelvis to correct pelvic obliquity and to restore the sitting balance of the trunk. However, caudal extent of instrumentation and fusion has remained a matter of considerable debate. This study was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of stopping segmental pedicle screw constructs at L5 in the surgical treatment of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with mild pelvic obliquity (<15°). Materials and methods: From May 2005 to June 2007, a total of 22 consecutive patients underwent posterior spinal fusion and segmental pedicle screw instrumentation only to L5 for scoliosis secondary to DMD. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required for inclusion in this study. Assessment was performed clinically and with radiologic measurements. Radiologic measurements included the Cobb angles of the curves in the coronal plane, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the sagittal plane, and pelvic obliquity. The operating time, blood loss, and complications were evaluated. Results: Twenty patients, aged 11–17, were enrolled. The average follow-up period was 35 months. Preoperative coronal curves averaged 70° (range: 51–85°), with a postoperative mean of 15° (range: 8–25°) and 17° (range: 9–27°) at the last follow-up. Pelvic obliquity improved from 13° (range: 7–15°) preoperatively to 5° (range: 3–8°) postoperatively and 6° (range: 3–9°) at the last follow-up. Good sagittal plane alignment was recreated and maintained. No loss of correction of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity was noted. The mean operating time was 271 min (range: 232–308 min). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 890 ml (range: 660–1260 ml). The mean total blood loss was 2100 ml (range: 1250–2880 ml).There was no major complication. Conclusion: Segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion to L5 is effective and safe in patients with scoliosis secondary to DMD without significant pelvic obliquity initially and long term, obviating the need for fixation to the sacrum/pelvis. There was no major complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe spinal collapse and pulmonary function deterioration are so common in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The limit for scoliosis surgery has been a minimum forced vital capacity (FVC) of about 30% of predicted value. DMD patients with low %FVC who might benefit from scoliosis surgery have not been being offered surgery. Between 2005 and 2007, a total of 17 DMD patients with FVC of <30% at admission underwent scoliosis surgery. %FVC at admission was 22% (range 16–27%). After admission, they were trained with inspiratory muscle training, using a pulmonary trainer (threshold IMT) for 6 weeks prior to surgery and encouraged to continue the training even after surgery and discharge. %FVC increased in all patients and noted 26% (range 22–31%) the day before surgery. The preoperative scoliosis was 97° (range 81°–130°). All patients had posterior spinal fusion and were extubated on the operative day. No patients developed any respiratory complications. No ventilatory support was needed. The mean ICU stay was 0.5 days (range 0–1 day). The postoperative scoliosis was 31° (range 18°–40°). DMD patients with severe scoliosis and FVC considered too low to permit reasonable surgical risk could undergo surgery after inspiratory muscle training, with no major complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]