BACKGROUNDAlthough previous reports had reported the use of temporary internal distraction as an aid to correct severe scoliosis, two-stage surgery strategy (less invasive internal distraction followed by posterior correction and instrumentation) has never been reported in the treatment of patients with severe spinal deformity. This study aimed to report the results of the surgical treatment of severe scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis by two-stage and analyse the safety and efficacy of this surgical strategy in the treatment of severe spinal deformities.

METHODSA total of 15 patients with severe scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis or kyphosis who underwent two-stage surgeries (less invasive internal distraction followed by posterior correction and instrumentation) were studied based on hospital records. Pretreatment radiographs and radiographs taken after first surgery (internal distraction by two small incisions), before second surgery (posterior correction, instrumentation and fusion), one week after second surgery and final follow-up were measured. Subjects were analyzed by age, gender, major coronal curve magnitude, flexibility of major curve, major sagittal curve magnitude before first surgery, after first surgery, before second surgery, after second surgery and at final follow-up. Complications related to two-stage surgeries were noted in each case.

RESULTSThe average major curve magnitude was 129.4° (range, 95° to 175°), reduced 58.9° or 45.4% after first stage surgery and reduced 30.6° or 24.6% after second stage surgery. The loss of correction during the interval between two surgeries was 7.1%. The total major coronal curve correction was 81.4° or 62.9%. At the final follow up, the average loss of correction of major coronal curve was 3.9° and the final average correction rate was 59.7%. The average major sagittal curve magnitude was 80.3° (range, 30° to 170°), and the total major sagittal curve correction was 48.2°. Loss of correction averaged 4.0° for major sagittal curve and the final correction averaged 42.2°. Clinical complications were noted in the peri-operative and long-term periods.

CONCLUSIONSTwo-stage surgery was a safe and effective surgical strategy in this difficult population. Using two-small-incision technique, the first stage surgery was less invasive. No permanent neurologic deficit was noted in this series.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze natural history and clinical features of scoliosis developed after surgery for congenital heart disease and to investigate the influence of cardiac surgery on the onset and progression of scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and five patients who had been operated for congenital heart disease from Jan.1988 to Dec.1990 and followed up for more than 5 years were analyzed. The curve which was more than 10 degrees on radiography was defined as significant scoliosis and the patients with congenital spinal anomalies were excluded. We compared age at surgery, cardiac disease and effect of cyanosis between scoliosis and non-scoliosis group. Furthermore, in scoliosis group, prevalence, onset of significant scoliosis, and manifestation of curve according to side of thoracotomy were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients(18.4%) had scoliosis of more than 10 degrees. As for location, high thoracic in 19, thoracic in 23, double thoracic in 8, thoraco-lumbar in 5 and double major in 1. Of the 42 patients with thoracic or high thoracic curves, 17(40%) showed convexity to the left. The magnitudes of curves were less than 40 degrees except 1. There was no significant difference in prevalence(p=0.513) and Cobb angle(p=0.634) between cyanosis and acyanosis group. Scoliosis developed between 3 and 6 years after cardiac operation in 26 patients(46%). In high thoracic curve, 6 of 7 patients with left thoracotomy demonstrated convexity to the left and 5 of 6 patients with right thoracotomy demonstrated convexity to the right(p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of scoliosis after surgery for congenital heart disease was 18.4%. High thoracic and left thoracic curves were more frequent compared to idiopathic curves and a half of them developed 3 to 6 years after cardiac surgery. Most patients did not have severe curve to need surgical intervention and there was no correlation between severity of scoliosis and age at cardiac operation and cyanosis. In high thoracic curve, the tendency for the curve to be convex to the side of cardiac approach was demonstrated.
Child* ; Cyanosis ; Heart Defects, Congenital* ; Humans ; Natural History ; Prevalence ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis* ; Thoracic Surgery ; Thoracotomy

BACKGROUNDMany investigators advocate anterior release combined with halo-femoral traction and posterior fusion when treating stiff thoracic curves in patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). But the anterior operations often induce severe complications. Some surgeons choose posterior-only surgery with halo-femoral traction, posterior wide release and correction. But to the best of our knowledge, there are only rare prospective studies on these posterior-only surgeries for AIS patients who have a rigid curve more than 80° and flexibility less than 35%.

METHODSSixty-four AIS patients were recruited from September 2006 to June 2009. All patients had rigid curves and underwent spinal correction. They were randomly divided into group A (combined anteroposterior surgery) and group B (posterior-only surgery). Images and scoliosis research society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22) scores were performed pre- and post-operation and during follow-up visits. The operation time, blood loss, hospital days, and hospital charges were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThese patients were followed for an average of 37.5 months (range, 24 - 65 months). No serious complications were observed. There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, preoperative radiographic data, or preoperative SRS-22 score. The average operation time, blood loss, hospital days and hospital charges in group B were less than those in group A. The SRS-22 score in group B was better than in group A at post-operation and at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSIn AIS with a rigid curve more than 80° and flexibility less than 35%, strong halo-femoral traction with wide posterior spinal release and three dimensional spinal correction can provide better SRS-22 scores, comparable curve correction, shorter operation time, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and lower charges when compared to combined anterior and posterior surgery.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Marfan Syndrome ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVESTo explore the clinical significance of the transverse thoracic pedicle diameters measurement and thoracic pedicles classification in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

METHODSThirty thoracic idiopathic scoliosis patients who were hospitalized during October 2008 and July 2009 and 20 non-scoliosis adolescents who were adopted during August 2008 and July 2009 were included in this study. Successive CT thoracic vertebrae scanning of all subjects were obtained. All participants' transverse pedicle diameters of the thoracic vertebrae were measured with the software of PACS Client. Classified the pedicle into 4 types according to the transverse pedicle diameters. In control group, the transverse pedicle diameters of bilateral thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. In AIS group, the transverse pedicle diameters of concave and convex side thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. The distribution of pedicle types were compared using Chi-Square test between the control group and AIS group.

RESULTSThe transverse pedicle diameters showed a decreasing trend from T(1) to T(4) followed by an increasing trend from T(5) to T(12) in both groups. The bilateral transverse pedicle diameters had no significant difference in the control group. The transverse pedicle diameters of the concave side at the apex of thoracic curve were found to be significantly thinner than those of convex side. The ratio of Type 4 was higher in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls, and the ratio of Type 1 was smaller in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls.

CONCLUSIONSThe thoracic pedicles in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients are often rather thinner. Preoperative CT measurement of thoracic pedicle in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is suggested helpful in deciding the correct strategy of pedicle screw insertion and decreasing the risk of clinically relevant neurovascular complications.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report the comparative results of thoracoscopic correction achieved via cantilever technique using a 4.5 mm thin rod and the poly-axial reduction screw technique using a 5.5 mm thick rod in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic data, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) patient-based outcome questionnaires, and operative records were reviewed for forty-nine patients undergoing surgical treatment of scoliosis. The study group was divided into a 4.5 mm thin rod group (n = 24) and a 5.5 mm thick rod group (n = 25). The radiographic parameters that were analyzed included coronal curve correction, the most caudal instrumented vertebra tilt angle correction, coronal balance, and thoracic kyphosis. RESULTS: The major curve was corrected from 49.8degrees and 47.2degrees pre-operatively to 24.5degrees and 18.8degrees at the final follow-up for the thin and thick rod groups, respectively (50.8% vs. 60.2% correction). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of kyphosis, coronal balance, or tilt angle at the time of the final follow-up. The mean number of levels fused was 6.2 in the thin rod group, compared with 5.9 levels in the thick rod group. There were no major intraoperative complications in either group. CONCLUSION: Significant correction loss was observed in the thin rod system at the final follow-up though both groups had comparable correction immediately post-operative. Therefore, the thick rod with poly axial screw system helps to maintain post-operative correction.
Adolescent ; Adult ; *Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis/radiography/*surgery ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/*methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role and value of Changhai fulcrum bending radiograph(CH-FBR) in curve flexibility assessment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) patients.

METHODSThirty-seven AIS patients treated between June 2012 and August 2013 were enrolled, including 31 female and 6 male patients whose age ranged from 10 to 19 years, averaged of 15.0 years. The assessment of radiographs included preoperative standing posterior-anterior radiograph, supine side-bending radiograph, traditional fulcrum bending radiograph, Changhai fulcrum bending radiograph and postoperative standing posterior-anterior radiograph. Postoperatively, radiographs were assessed at one week. The CH-FBR was performed at the lowest height and the optimized height which means the weight on the fulcrum touch the maximum. All measurements of angle were made with use of the Cobb method. The flexibility of the curve as well as the correction rate and fulcrum bending correction index (FBCI) were calculated for all patients. The maximum height of CH-FBR, basic weight and maximum weight were measured for all AIS. Paired t-tests were used to assess differences between preoperative and postoperative curves within group samples. The Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using bivariate analysis between CH-FBR flexibility rate and correction rate, the maximum height of CH-FBR and maximum weight, the height changes of CH-FBR and weight changes.

RESULTSA total of 46 curves were involved in this study, including 28 thoracic and 18 thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. Preoperatively, the mean Cobb angle of the 46 structural curves was 47° ± 11°. Postoperatively, the mean Cobb angle was 11° ± 5°. Cobb's angle in supine side-bending(t = 7.2, P = 0.001), traditional fulcrum bending (t = 7.1, P = 0.001) and lowest height of Changhai fulcrum bending (t = 6.5, P = 0.001) were significantly different from the postoperative Cobb angle; Cobb's angle in traditional FBR (t = 11.0, P = 0.001) and lowest height of Changhai fulcrum bending (t = 13.6, P = 0.001) were significantly different from the optimized height CH-FBR Cobb angle. There was no significant difference found between traditional FBR Cobb angle and lowest height CH-FBR Cobb angle (t = 2.0, P = 0.051), optimized height CH-FBR Cobb angle and postoperative Cobb angle (t = 0.9, P = 0.36), lowest height CH-FBR Cobb angle and traditional FBR Cobb angle(t = 2.0, P = 0.051). The maximum height of CH-FBR, basic weight and maximum weight were (29.6 ± 1.4)cm,(20 ± 6)kg, and (40 ± 6) kg. Preoperatively, the mean Cobb angle of the 28 structural curves(main thoracic curves) was 46° ± 11°. Postoperatively, the mean Cobb angle was 12° ± 6°. Preoperatively, the mean Cobb angle of the 18 structural curves(thoracolumbar/lumbar curves) was 49° ± 12°. Postoperatively, the mean Cobb angle was 10° ± 5°. The results were same in 28 structural curves, 18 structural curves as well as 46 curves. Correlation analysis of 46 curves indicated that the maximum height of CH-FBR positively correlated with maximum weight (r = 0.69, r(2) = 0.47, P = 0.001), the height changes of CH-FBR positively correlated with weight changes on CH-FBR (r = 0.62, r(2) = 0.38, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSCH-FBR is a more reliable and effective method than traditional FBR and supine side-bending for curve flexibility evaluation in AIS patients. Moreover, compared to the traditional FBR and side-bending radiograph, the flexibility suggested by the optimized height CH-FBR more closely approximates the postoperative result made by pedicle screws fixation and fusion.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Radiography ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo define the criteria of posterior selective thoracic fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODSBy reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of 17 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior selective thoracic fusion, the curve type, Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation and translation, trunk shift, and thoracolumbar kyphosis were measured and analyzed.

RESULTSThere were 17 King type II patients (PUMC type: IIb, 13, IIc3 4). The coronal Cobb angle of thoracic curve before and after operation were 56.9 degrees and 21.6 degrees respectively, the mean correction rate was 60.1%. The coronal Cobb angle of lumbar curve before and after operation were 34.8 degrees and 12.1 degrees respectively, and the mean spontaneous correction rate was 64.8%. At final follow-up, the coronal Cobb angle of thoracic and lumbar curve were 23.5 degrees and 15.2 degrees respectively, there were no significant changes in the coronal Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation and rotation compared with that after operation. One patient had 12 degrees of thoracolumbar kyphosis after operation, no progression was noted at final follow-up. There was no trunk decompensation or deterioration of the lumbar curve. In this group, 3.9 levels were saved compared with fusing both the thoracic and lumbar curves.

CONCLUSIONPosterior selective thoracic fusion can be safely and effectively performed in King type II patients with a moderate and flexible lumbar curve, which can save more mobile segments and at the same time can maintain a good coronal and sagittal balance.

Adolescent ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo analyze the radiological change of intervertebral angles after the short-segment fusion of degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

METHODSFrom January 2001 to May 2007, 28 patients (mean age 62 years old) with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, including 6 male and 22 female, were reviewed retrospectively. The average vertebra number in the lumbar curve were 4.8, ranging from 3 to 6. All the patients underwent posterior decompressive laminotomy, pedicle screw fixation, and posterolateral fusion. The fusion levels were within the curve in all the cases (mean 3.3 vertebrae), without exceeding the end vertebrae. All the patients took standing lumbar antero-posterior and sagittal radiological images pre and post-surgery and upon follow up. The coronal scoliosis Cobb angle, anterior and sagittal intervertebral angles of upper adjacent segment of proximal fused vertebra were measured. The following aspects were also evaluated such as bone graft fusion and complications.

RESULTSFollow up period of 25-97 months, average 50 months; post-operative scoliosis Cobb angle average correction rate was 33.7%, final follow up average correction loss was 3.7 degrees , pre-operative and final follow up results compared with post-operative indicated significant difference (P < 0.05); final follow-up antero-posterior proximal upper fusion segment intervertebral angle compared with pre-operative and postoperative presenting significant difference (P < 0.05). Upon final follow up, all cases did not present pseudo-arthrosis or internal instrumentation related complications.

CONCLUSIONFor degenerative lumbar scoliosis, short-segment fusion can produce limited correction on antero-posterior proximal upper fusion segment intervertebral angle and cannot stop its aggravation.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

BACKGROUND: Detection of postoperative spinal cord level change can provide basic information about the spinal cord status, and electrophysiological studies regarding this point should be conducted in the future. METHODS: To determine the changes in the spinal cord level postoperatively and the possible associated factors, we prospectively studied 31 patients with scoliosis. All the patients underwent correction and posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods between January 2008 and March 2009. The pre- and postoperative conus medullaris levels were determined by matching the axial magnetic resonance image to the sagittal scout image. The patients were divided according to the change in the postoperative conus medullaris level. The change group was defined as the patients who showed a change of more than one divided section in the vertebral column postoperatively, and the parameters of the change and non-change groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative Cobb's angle of the coronal curve was 76.80degrees +/- 17.19degrees and 33.23degrees +/- 14.39degrees, respectively. Eleven of 31 patients showed a lower conus medullaris level postoperatively. There were no differences in the pre- and postoperative magnitude of the coronal curve, lordosis and kyphosis between the groups. However, the postoperative degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were higher in the change group. There were also differences in the disease entities between the groups. A higher percentage of patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy had a change in level compared to that of the patients with cerebral palsy (83.3% vs. 45.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The conus medullaris level changed postoperatively in the patients with severe scoliosis. Overall, the postoperative degree of correction of the coronal curve was higher in the change group than that in the non-change group. The degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were related to the spinal cord level change after scoliosis correction.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Palsy/complications ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis/radiography ; Lordosis/radiography ; Lumbar Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/complications ; Prospective Studies ; Scoliosis/complications/radiography/*surgery ; Severity of Illness Index ; Spinal Cord/*pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; Young Adult