STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study for clinical, radiographic assessment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the appropriate level of distal fusion for the posterior instrumentation and fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis by investigating the relationship between the sagittal stable (the most proximal vertebra touched by the vertical line from the posterior-superior corner of the sacrum), first lordotic (just caudal to the first lordotic disc) and lowest instrumented vertebrae. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: It has been recommended that the distal level of fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis should include not only the distal end vertebra of kyphosis, but also the first lordotic disc beyond the transitional zone, distally. However, distal junctional breakdown was noted, even when these rules have been followed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients, with a mean age of 18, ranging from 13 to 38 years, who underwent long posterior instrumentation and fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis, with a minimum of 2 years of follow up, were reviewed. The preoperative diagnosis included: Scheuermann`s disease (n=29), posttraumatic kyphosis (n=1) and postlaminectomy kyphosis (n=1). According to the level of distal fusion, the patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=24): lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV), including the sagittal stable vertebra (SSV), Group II (n=7): lowest instrumented vertebra proximal to the sagittal stable vertebra. Patients were evaluated utilizing both standing radiographs and chart reviews. RESULTS: The mean thoracic kyphosis was 86.6+/-8.5 before surgery, which had been corrected to 53.0+/-10.4 by the final follow-up, with a correction rate of 39%. The average sagittal balance was slightly negative (0.24+/-3.8 cm) before surgery, and became more negative (1.33+/-2.8 cm) by the final follow-up. There were no statistical differences in the thoracic kyphosis between the two groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference, with Group II having a more posterior translation of the center of the LIV from the posterior sacral vertical line, preoperatively, than at the final follow-up in Group I (p=0.003). In Group I, distal junctional problems developed in only 2 of the 24 (8%) patients, whereas in Group II, they occurred in 5 of the 7 (71%) patients (p<0.05). Despite extending the fusion to the first lordotic vertebra, distal junctional problems developed in 3 of the 8 (38%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The distal end of the fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis should include the sagittal stable vertebra. The levels of distal fusion that include the first lordotic vertebra, but not the sagittal stable vertebra, are not always appropriate for the prevention of postoperative distal junctional kyphosis.
Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine*

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study for clinical, radiographic assessment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the appropriate level of distal fusion for the posterior instrumentation and fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis by investigating the relationship between the sagittal stable (the most proximal vertebra touched by the vertical line from the posterior-superior corner of the sacrum), first lordotic (just caudal to the first lordotic disc) and lowest instrumented vertebrae. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: It has been recommended that the distal level of fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis should include not only the distal end vertebra of kyphosis, but also the first lordotic disc beyond the transitional zone, distally. However, distal junctional breakdown was noted, even when these rules have been followed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients, with a mean age of 18, ranging from 13 to 38 years, who underwent long posterior instrumentation and fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis, with a minimum of 2 years of follow up, were reviewed. The preoperative diagnosis included: Scheuermann`s disease (n=29), posttraumatic kyphosis (n=1) and postlaminectomy kyphosis (n=1). According to the level of distal fusion, the patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=24): lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV), including the sagittal stable vertebra (SSV), Group II (n=7): lowest instrumented vertebra proximal to the sagittal stable vertebra. Patients were evaluated utilizing both standing radiographs and chart reviews. RESULTS: The mean thoracic kyphosis was 86.6+/-8.5 before surgery, which had been corrected to 53.0+/-10.4 by the final follow-up, with a correction rate of 39%. The average sagittal balance was slightly negative (0.24+/-3.8 cm) before surgery, and became more negative (1.33+/-2.8 cm) by the final follow-up. There were no statistical differences in the thoracic kyphosis between the two groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference, with Group II having a more posterior translation of the center of the LIV from the posterior sacral vertical line, preoperatively, than at the final follow-up in Group I (p=0.003). In Group I, distal junctional problems developed in only 2 of the 24 (8%) patients, whereas in Group II, they occurred in 5 of the 7 (71%) patients (p<0.05). Despite extending the fusion to the first lordotic vertebra, distal junctional problems developed in 3 of the 8 (38%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The distal end of the fusion for thoracic hyperkyphosis should include the sagittal stable vertebra. The levels of distal fusion that include the first lordotic vertebra, but not the sagittal stable vertebra, are not always appropriate for the prevention of postoperative distal junctional kyphosis.
Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine*

Objective: : The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for distal adding on (AO) or distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated by posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to L3 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods: : AIS patients undergoing PSF to L3 by two senior surgeons from 2000–2010 were analyzed. Distal AO and DJK were deemed poor radiographic results and defined as >3 cm of deviation from L3 to the center sacral vertical line (CSVL), or >10° angle at L3–4 on the posterior anterior- or lateral X-ray at ultimate follow-up. New stable vertebra (SV) and neutral vertebra (NV) scores were defined for this study. The total stability (TS) score was the sum of the SV and NV scores. Results: : Ten of 76 patients (13.1%) were included in the poor radiographic outcome group. The other 66 patients were included in the good radiographic outcome group. Lower Risser grade, more SV-3 (CSVL doesn’t touch the lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV]) on standing and side bending films, lesser NV and TS score, rigid L3–4 disc, more rotation and deviation of L3 were identified risk factors for AO or DJK. Age, number of fused vertebrae, curve correction, preoperative coronal/sagittal L3–4 disc angle did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that preoperative Risser grade 0, 1 (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), SV-3 at L3 in standing and side benders (OR, 2.1 and 2.8, respectively), TS score -5, -6 at L3 (OR, 4.4), rigid disc at L3–4 (OR, 3.1), LIV rotation >15° (OR, 2.9), and LIV deviation >2 cm from CSVL (OR, 2.2) were independent predictive factors. Although there was significant improvement of the of Scoliosis Research Society-22 average scores only in the good radiographic outcome group, there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups. Conclusion : The prevalence of AO or DJK at ultimate follow-up for AIS with LIV at L3 was 13.1%. To prevent AO or DJK following fusion to L3, we recommend that the CSVL touch L3 in both standing and side bending, TS score is -4 or less, the L3/4 disc is flexible, L3 is neutral (<15°) and ≤2 cm from the midline and the patient is ≥ Risser 2.

Objective: : The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for distal adding on (AO) or distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated by posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to L3 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods: : AIS patients undergoing PSF to L3 by two senior surgeons from 2000–2010 were analyzed. Distal AO and DJK were deemed poor radiographic results and defined as >3 cm of deviation from L3 to the center sacral vertical line (CSVL), or >10° angle at L3–4 on the posterior anterior- or lateral X-ray at ultimate follow-up. New stable vertebra (SV) and neutral vertebra (NV) scores were defined for this study. The total stability (TS) score was the sum of the SV and NV scores. Results: : Ten of 76 patients (13.1%) were included in the poor radiographic outcome group. The other 66 patients were included in the good radiographic outcome group. Lower Risser grade, more SV-3 (CSVL doesn’t touch the lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV]) on standing and side bending films, lesser NV and TS score, rigid L3–4 disc, more rotation and deviation of L3 were identified risk factors for AO or DJK. Age, number of fused vertebrae, curve correction, preoperative coronal/sagittal L3–4 disc angle did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that preoperative Risser grade 0, 1 (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), SV-3 at L3 in standing and side benders (OR, 2.1 and 2.8, respectively), TS score -5, -6 at L3 (OR, 4.4), rigid disc at L3–4 (OR, 3.1), LIV rotation >15° (OR, 2.9), and LIV deviation >2 cm from CSVL (OR, 2.2) were independent predictive factors. Although there was significant improvement of the of Scoliosis Research Society-22 average scores only in the good radiographic outcome group, there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups. Conclusion : The prevalence of AO or DJK at ultimate follow-up for AIS with LIV at L3 was 13.1%. To prevent AO or DJK following fusion to L3, we recommend that the CSVL touch L3 in both standing and side bending, TS score is -4 or less, the L3/4 disc is flexible, L3 is neutral (<15°) and ≤2 cm from the midline and the patient is ≥ Risser 2.

OBJECTIVE: Minimal data exist regarding non-operative management of suspected pseudarthrosis after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). This study reports radiographic and clinical outcomes of non-operative management for post-PSO pseudarthrosis at a minimum 5 years post-detection.METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients with implant breakage indicating probable pseudarthrosis after PSO surgery (13 women/six men; mean age at surgery, 58 years) without severe pain and disability were treated with non-operative management (mean follow-up, 5.8 years; range, 5–10 years). Non-operative management included medication, intermittent brace wearing and avoidance of excessive back strain. Radiographic and clinical outcomes analysis was performed.RESULTS: Sagittal vertical axis (SVA), proximal junctional angle, thoracic kyphosis achieved by a PSO were maintained after detection of pseudarthrosis through ultimate follow-up. Lumbar lordosis and PSO angle decreased at final follow-up. There was no significant change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) total score, or subscales of pain, self-image, function, satisfaction and mental health between detection of pseudarthrosis and ultimate follow-up. SVA greater than 11 cm showed poorer ODI and SRS total score, as well as the pain, self-image, and function subscales (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Non-operative management of implant failure of probable pseudarthrosis after PSO offers acceptable outcomes even at 5 years after detection of implant breakage, provided SVA is maintained. As SVA increased, outcome scores decreased in this patient population.
Animals ; Braces ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joint Deformities, Acquired ; Kyphosis ; Lordosis ; Male ; Mental Health ; Osteotomy ; Pseudarthrosis ; Scoliosis ; Spine

Owing to rapidly changing global demographics, adult spinal deformity (ASD) now accounts for a significant proportion of the Global Burden of Disease. Sagittal imbalance caused by age-related degenerative changes leads to back pain, neurological deficits, and deformity, which negatively affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. Along with the recognized regional, global, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters, poor paraspinal muscle quality has recently been acknowledged as a key determinant of the clinical outcomes of ASD. Although the Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab ASD classification system incorporates the radiological factors related to HRQoL, it cannot accurately predict the mechanical complications. With the rapid advances in surgical techniques, many surgical options for ASD have been developed, ranging from minimally invasive surgery to osteotomies. Therefore, structured patient-specific management is important in surgical decision-making, selecting the proper surgical technique, and to prevent serious complications in patients with ASD. Moreover, utilizing the latest technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and machine learning, should help in minimizing the surgical risks and complications in the future.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous studies on minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Some data on MISS in AIS compared with conventional open scoliosis surgery (COSS) are conflicting. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library, including studies reporting outcomes for MISS in AIS. The meta-analysis compared the operative, radiological, and clinical outcomes and complications between MISS and COSS in patients with AIS. Of the 208 records identified, 15 nonrandomized studies with 1,369 patients (reviews and case reports are excluded) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The mean scale was 6.1, and eight of the 15 included studies showed satisfactory quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. For operative outcomes, MISS had significant benefits in terms of estimated blood loss (standard mean difference [SMD], -1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.94 to -0.91) and hospitalization days (SMD, -2.99; 95% CI, -4.45 to -1.53) compared with COSS. However, COSS showed significantly favorable outcomes for operative times (SMD, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.92–2.51). No significant differences were observed in radiological outcomes, including Cobb’s angle of the main curve and thoracic kyphosis. For clinical outcomes, MISS showed significant benefits on the visual analog scale score (SMD, -0.91; 95% CI, -1.36 to -0.47). The overall complication rates of MISS were similar to those of COSS (SMD, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.61–1.52). MISS using the posterior approach provides equivalent radiological and clinical outcomes and complication rates compared with COSS. Considering the lower estimated blood loss, shorter hospitalization days, and longer operative times in MISS, COSS is still the mainstay of surgical treatment in AIS; however, MISS using the posterior approach is also one of the surgical options of choice in the case of moderate AIS.