The natural history of thoracolumbar kyphosis in achondroplasia.

There are little published data on the natural history and evolution of thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in achondroplasia. Furthermore, there are few published reports indicating the probability of symptoms and at what kyphotic angle progressive deformity might occur. The lack of knowledge of the fundamental natural history does not allow firm guidelines for the management of this problem. In this respect the role of bracing remains uncertain both in terms of altering the prognosis for further vertebral wedging and overall sagittal profile. This report describes three illustrative cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) that occurred in achondroplastic infants. The long-term outcomes are presented to illustrate the diverse clinical behaviour of TLK in this patient group.

The Global Spine Care Initiative: model of care and implementation.

PURPOSE: Spine-related disorders are a leading cause of global disability and are a burden on society and to public health. Currently, there is no comprehensive, evidence-based model of care for spine-related disorders, which includes back and neck pain, deformity, spine injury, neurological conditions, spinal diseases, and pathology, that could be applied in global health care settings. The purposes of this paper are to propose: (1) principles to transform the delivery of spine care; (2) an evidence-based model that could be applied globally; and (3) implementation suggestions. METHODS: The Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) meetings and literature reviews were synthesized into a seed document and distributed to spine care experts. After three rounds of a modified Delphi process, all participants reached consensus on the final model of care and implementation steps. RESULTS: Sixty-six experts representing 24 countries participated. The GSCI model of care has eight core principles: person-centered, people-centered, biopsychosocial, proactive, evidence-based, integrative, collaborative, and self-sustaining. The model of care includes a classification system and care pathway, levels of care, and a focus on the patient's journey. The six steps for implementation are initiation and preparation; assessment of the current situation; planning and designing solutions; implementation; assessment and evaluation of program; and sustain program and scale up. CONCLUSION: The GSCI proposes an evidence-based, practical, sustainable, and scalable model of care representing eight core principles with a six-step implementation plan. The aim of this model is to help transform spine care globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries and underserved communities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The Global Spine Care Initiative: methodology, contributors, and disclosures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to describe the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) contributors, disclosures, and methods for reporting transparency on the development of the recommendations. METHODS: World Spine Care convened the GSCI to develop an evidence-based, practical, and sustainable healthcare model for spinal care. The initiative aims to improve the management, prevention, and public health for spine-related disorders worldwide; thus, global representation was essential. A series of meetings established the initiative's mission and goals. Electronic surveys collected contributorship and demographic information, and experiences with spinal conditions to better understand perceptions and potential biases that were contributing to the model of care. RESULTS: Sixty-eight clinicians and scientists participated in the deliberations and are authors of one or more of the GSCI articles. Of these experts, 57 reported providing spine care in 34 countries, (i.e., low-, middle-, and high-income countries, as well as underserved communities in high-income countries.) The majority reported personally experiencing or having a close family member with one or more spinal concerns including: spine-related trauma or injury, spinal problems that required emergency or surgical intervention, spinal pain referred from non-spine sources, spinal deformity, spinal pathology or disease, neurological problems, and/or mild, moderate, or severe back or neck pain. There were no substantial reported conflicts of interest. CONCLUSION: The GSCI participants have broad professional experience and wide international distribution with no discipline dominating the deliberations. The GSCI believes this set of papers has the potential to inform and improve spine care globally. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The Global Spine Care Initiative: World Spine Care executive summary on reducing spine-related disability in low- and middle-income communities.

PURPOSE: Spinal disorders, including back and neck pain, are major causes of disability, economic hardship, and morbidity, especially in underserved communities and low- and middle-income countries. Currently, there is no model of care to address this issue. This paper provides an overview of the papers from the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI), which was convened to develop an evidence-based, practical, and sustainable, spinal healthcare model for communities around the world with various levels of resources. METHODS: Leading spine clinicians and scientists around the world were invited to participate. The interprofessional, international team consisted of 68 members from 24 countries, representing most disciplines that study or care for patients with spinal symptoms, including family physicians, spine surgeons, rheumatologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, epidemiologists, research methodologists, and other stakeholders. RESULTS: Literature reviews on the burden of spinal disorders and six categories of evidence-based interventions for spinal disorders (assessment, public health, psychosocial, noninvasive, invasive, and the management of osteoporosis) were completed. In addition, participants developed a stratification system for surgical intervention, a classification system for spinal disorders, an evidence-based care pathway, and lists of resources and recommendations to implement the GSCI model of care. CONCLUSION: The GSCI proposes an evidence-based model that is consistent with recent calls for action to reduce the global burden of spinal disorders. The model requires testing to determine feasibility. If it proves to be implementable, this model holds great promise to reduce the tremendous global burden of spinal disorders. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The safe use of long screws in L5/S1 stand-alone anterior interbody fusion for olisthesis cases.

BACKGROUND: Stand-alone anterior interbody fusion (STALIF) with poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cages could offer a treatment option in olisthesis cases. The fixation of the PEEK-cage at the L5/S1 inferior endplate with long divergent screws however might endanger neural sacral structures, especially the S1 nerve root. If shorter screws are used, the achieved bony purchase might not be sufficient to resist the pull out and shear forces at the lumbosacral junction. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the use of long screws in PEEK-cages for olisthesis cases at the L5/S1 segment and its neurological complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 Patients (6 males) with a mean age of 47(± 15.1) years between 2013-2015 designated for an STALIF at the L5/S1 level were consecutively included in the present study. All patients had a Grade 1 or 2 slippage according to Meyerding. PEEK cages (SynFix-LR®, Depuy Synthes) were implanted with 30mm screws at the baseplate of L5/S1 in all patients. Perioperative and postoperative long-term complications were evaluated. Furthermore, radiological follow-up was performed (CT-scan at 6 months, X-ray at 6, 12 and 24 months). RESULTS: 6 patients suffered from an isthmic, 1 from a degenerative olisthesis. 4 patients with iatrogenic spondylolisthesis were included. Pre-operative radiculopathy was noted in 10 patients. 9 patients with pre-operative radiculopathy showed relief of symptoms until the last follow-up after 24 months. Fusion was achieved in all patients after 6 months. No screw-displacement, breakage or violation of the neural foramen was noted. Furthermore, no implant failure or pull-out fractures were seen. CONCLUSION: In this investigation, no complication due to the use of long divergent locking screws was noted. In addition, the majority of patients showed permanent relief of radiculopathy symptoms at the 2 years follow-up. This study demonstrates the safe usage of long divergent locking screws in the baseplate of L5/S1 in anterior interbody fusion at the L5/S1 level.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy Compared with Circumferential Lumbar Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) relative to circumferential lumbar fusion with femoral ring allograft (FRA) in the United Kingdom. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Circumferential lumbar fusion is an established treatment for discogenic low back pain. However, IDET could be a cost-effective treatment alternative as it can be carried out as a day case. METHODS: Patient-level data were available for patients with discogenic low back pain treated with FRA (n = 37) in a randomized trial of FRA vs. titanium cage, and for patients recruited to a separate study evaluating the use of IDET (n = 85). Both studies were carried out at a single institution in the United Kingdom. Patients were followed-up for 24 months, with data collected on low back disability (Oswestry Disability Index), back and leg pain (visual analog scale), quality of life (Short Form 36), radiographic evaluations, and U.K. National Health Service (NHS) resource use. Cost-effectiveness was measured by the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: Both treatments produced statistically significant improvements in outcome at 24-month follow-up. NHS costs were significantly lower with IDET due to a shorter mean procedure time (377.4 minutes vs. 49.9 minutes) and length of stay (7 days vs. 1.2 days). At a threshold of £20,000 per QALY, the probability that IDET is cost effective is high. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments led to significant improvements in patient outcomes that were sustained for at least 24 months. Costs were lower with IDET, and for appropriate patients IDET is an effective and cost-effective treatment alternative.

Intrathecal baclofen pumps do not accelerate progression of scoliosis in quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To compare scoliosis progression in quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy with and without intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps. METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted. Patients with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy, GMFCS level 5, treated with ITB pumps with follow-up >1 year were matched to comparable cases by age and baseline Cobb angle without ITB pumps. Annual and peak coronal curve progression, pelvic obliquity progression and need for spinal fusion were compared. RESULTS: ITB group: 25 patients (9 female), mean age at pump insertion 9.4 and Risser 0.9. Initial Cobb angle 25.6° and pelvic tilt 3.2°. Follow-up 4.3 (1.0-7.8) years. Cobb angle at follow-up 76.1° and pelvic tilt 18.9°. Non-ITB group: 25 patients (14 female), mean age at baseline 9.2 and Risser 1.0. Initial Cobb angle 29.7° and pelvic tilt 7.1°. Follow-up 3.5 (1.0-7.5) years. Cobb angle at follow-up 69.1° and pelvic tilt 21.0°. The two groups were statistically similar for baseline age, Cobb angle and Risser grade. Mean curve progression was 13.6°/year for the ITB group vs 12.6°/year for the non-ITB group (p = 0.39). Peak curve progression was similar between the groups. Pelvic tilt progression was comparable; ITB group 4.5°/year vs non-ITB 4.6°/year (p = 0.97). During follow-up 5 patients in the ITB group and 9 in the non-ITB group required spinal fusion surgery for curve progression (p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy with and without ITB pumps showed significant curve progression over time. ITB pumps do not appear to alter the natural history of curve progression in this population.

Does transcranial stimulation for motor evoked potentials (TcMEP) worsen seizures in epileptic patients following spinal deformity surgery?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials (TcMEP) in increasing the severity or frequency of post-operative seizures in patients undergoing deformity corrective spine surgery with a known history of seizures pre-operatively. METHODS: The information on all patients with history of epilepsy/seizures who underwent spinal TcMEP cord monitoring for deformity correction surgery was retrospectively collected through a review of the hospital notes. The benefits of TcMEP in the early detection of potential cord ischemia were deemed by the operating surgeon to outweigh the increased risks of seizures, tongue biting, etc. Data on age, gender, pre-operative diagnosis, curve type, intra-operative monitoring alerts, duration of hospital stay, and post-operative in-hospital seizures were collected. Additionally, the patients were contacted following discharge and data on any change in the frequency of the seizures or an alteration in seizure-related medication post-operatively was also collected. RESULTS: The records of 449 consecutively monitored patients were reviewed and 12 (2.7 %) patients with a history of seizures pre-operatively were identified. The mean age was 23 (9-59) years, 7 females, 11 scoliosis corrections (4 neuromuscular, 1 degenerative, 6 idiopathic adolescent), and one sagittal balance correction surgery. Intra-operatively, all patients had TcMEP monitoring, were catheterised, and had no neuromonitoring alerts or record of tongue biting or laceration. Post-operatively, the mean hospital stay was 12 (4-25) days with no recorded seizures. At a mean of 23 (12-49) months post-discharge, none of the patients reported a worsening of seizures (pattern or frequency) or required an alteration in the seizure-related medications. CONCLUSION: TcMEP does not appear to trigger intra-operative or post-operative seizures and is not associated with deterioration in the seizure control of patients suffering seizures pre-operatively.

The effect of metal density in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Determine impact of metal density on curve correction and costs in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Ascertain if increased metal density is required for larger or stiffer curves. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective case series of patients with Lenke 1-2 AIS treated with single-stage posterior only surgery using a standardized surgical technique; constructs using >80 % screws with variable metal density. All cases had >2-year follow up. Outcomes measures included coronal and sagittal radiographic outcomes, metal density (number of instrumented pedicles vs total available), fusion length and cost. RESULTS: 106 cases included 94 female. 78 Lenke 1. Mean age 14 years (9-26). Mean main thoracic (MT) Cobb angle 63° corrected to 22° (66 %). No significant correlations were present between metal density and: (a) coronal curve correction rates of the MT (r = 0.13, p = 0.19); (b) lumbar curve frontal correction (r = -0.15, p = 0.12); (c) correction index in MT curve (r = -0.10, p = 0.32); and (d) correction index in lumbar curve (r = 0.11, p = 0.28). Metal density was not correlated with change in thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.22, p = 0.04) or lumbosacral lordosis (r = 0.27, p = 0.01). Longer fusions were associated with greater loss of thoracic kyphosis (r = -0.31, p = 0.003). Groups differing by preoperative curve size and stiffness had comparable corrections with similar metal density. The pedicle screw cost represented 21-29 % of overall cost of inpatient treatment depending on metal density. CONCLUSIONS: Metal density affects cost but not the coronal and sagittal correction of thoracic AIS. Neither larger nor stiffer curves necessitate high metal density.

Anterior or posterior surgery for right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)? A prospective cohorts' comparison using radiologic and functional outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Prospectively compare patient-reported as well as clinical and radiologic outcomes after anterior or posterior surgery for right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in a single center by the same surgeons. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Anterior and posterior spinal instrumentation and arthrodesis are both well-established treatments of thoracic AIS. The majority of studies comparing the 2 approaches have focused on radiographic outcomes. There remains a paucity of prospectively gathered patient-reported outcomes comparing surgical approaches. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients with right thoracic AIS were treated in a single center by one of 2 surgeons with either anterior (n=18) or posterior (n=24) approaches and followed up for over 2 years. Radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes of the Modified Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument were gathered and analyzed by an independent surgeon. RESULTS: Patients reported significant improvements in all areas of the Modified Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument, especially pain and self-image domains. There were no significant differences in the degree of improvement in any domains between the groups. Posterior and anterior surgery corrected rib hump by 53% and 61%, respectively (P=0.4). The Main thoracic curve Cobb angle was corrected from 69 to 26 degrees (62%) by posterior surgery and 61 to 23 degrees (64%) by anterior surgery (P=0.6). Posterior surgery significantly reduced kyphosis and lumbosacral lordosis. Anterior surgery had no overall affect of sagittal alignment but seemed able to correct those hypokyphotic preoperatively. Complications differed and were largely approach-related--intrathoracic in anterior and wound-related in posterior surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with right thoracic AIS of differing curve types but otherwise similar preoperatively demonstrated that anterior and posterior surgery are largely equivalent. Patient-reported outcomes are improved similarly by either approach. Both offer excellent radiographic and trunk deformity correction. Differences in the effect of sagittal alignment, operative time, and complications should be considered when selecting approach.

Do vertebral derotation techniques offer better outcomes compared to traditional methods in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

PURPOSE: In recent years, authors have described novel derotation techniques for surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. These methods include direct vertebral body derotation (DVD) and vertebral coplanar alignment (VCA). By improved derotation it is hoped that there is further reduction in rib hump prominence and corresponding improvement in patients' quality of life. This paper aims to evaluate studies reporting outcomes from DVD and VCA techniques to assess if these methods lead to superior radiographic vertebral derotation, rib hump correction on surface measurements or patient-reported outcomes compared to traditional derotation manoeuvres using similar instrumentation. METHOD: Literature review. RESULTS: Fifteen reports were identified. Most comparative studies represent class three or four data. DVD and VCA techniques have been shown to reduce apical vertebral rotation by 37-63 %. Few studies compare DVD/VCA techniques with traditional methods. Most DVD/VCA reports with pedicle screw instrumentation have reported superior radiographic derotation on CT compared with conventional techniques. Despite this the majority of studies have found similar corrections of rib hump measurements between DVD/VCA techniques and cantilever or global derotation methods. There is no evidence that DVD/VCA techniques allow greater correction of significant rib hump deformity without an adjuvant thoracoplasty. No studies to date have used patient-reported outcomes prospectively or demonstrated clinically meaningful differences retrospectively between DVD/VCA and conventional techniques. CONCLUSIONS: There is little evidence to recommend the widespread adoption of DVD/VCA techniques. Whilst there is some weak evidence to suggest that novel techniques may improve radiographic measures, there is little to suggest that they offer patients improved correction of clinical rib hump or quality of life compared to established techniques. Further well-designed prospective studies are needed in this area.

Posterior-only correction of Scheuermann kyphosis using pedicle screws: economical optimization through screw density reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior-only approach using pedicle screws' fixation has emerged as the preferred surgical technique for Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) correction. Insertion of multiple pedicle screws while increasing stability increases also the risk of complications related to screw malpositioning and surgical cost. The optimal screw density required in surgical correction of SK remains unclear. This study compares the safety and efficacy of low screw density (LSD) versus high screw density (HSD) technique used in posterior-only correction of SK. METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent surgical correction of SK between 2007 and 2011 and were reviewed after a mean of 29 months. HSD technique (i.e., 100 % of available pedicles, averaged 25.2 ± 4 screws) was used in 10 cases and LSD technique (i.e., 54-69 % of available pedicles in a pre-determined pattern, averaged 16.8 ± 1.3 screws; p < 0.001) was used in 11 cases. Kyphosis correction was assessed by comparing thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Cost saving analysis was performed for each group. RESULTS: Preoperative thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance were similar for both groups. The average postoperative kyphosis correction was similar in both HSD and LSD groups (29° ± 9° vs. 34° ± 6°, respectively; p = 0.14). Complication occurred in four patients (19 %) in the HSD group and in two patients (9 %) in the LSD group (p = 0.56). Three patients required re-operation. Compared to HSD using LSD saves 4,200 pounds sterling per patient in hardware and 88,200 pounds sterling for the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: LSD technique is as safe and effective as HSD technique in posterior-only correction of SK. Implant-related cost could be reduced by 32 %.

Double-curve synchronous derotation with convex correction: a new corrective technique for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with double curves.

STUDY DESIGN: Report of a new technique. OBJECTIVE: We describe a new technique of double-curve synchronous derotation with convex correction for double-major adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and is highlighted through illustrative cases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Rotational deformity is a significant component of scoliosis, which causes a secondary rib hump, and adversely affects patients' psychological and social well-being, and long-term functional results. For AIS, direct vertebral rotation is confirmed as a better and effective method for apical rotational correction and rib hump improvement than rod rotation technique, avoiding the need for an adjuvant thoracoplasty. However, this technique is mainly applied to Lenke I type thoracic curves with derotation of the main curve. There are no reports applying this technique in double-major scoliosis. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: With the patient lying prone, a standard posterior incision exposure and segmental screws placement was performed, 2 vertebral column manipulator devices were installed on the apical region of both curves, then both curves were synchronously derotated and following convex correction at both the curves, the concave rods were secured in situ. RESULTS: There were 11 double-curve cases divided into 3 groups: double-curve derotation group (A group, 3 cases), single-curve derotation group (B group, 4 cases), and rod derotation group (C group, 4 cases); all cases had minimum 2-year follow-up. Three illustrative cases corrected by double-curve synchronous derotation with convex correction are presented with better apical rotational and correction in thoracic and lumbar curves than single-curve derotation and rod derotation cases. The mean apical derotational corrective rates were 95.3%, 46.7%, and 38.8% in the lumbar curve, 66%, -35.1%, and -38.9% in thoracic curve. The 3-dimensional correction was maintained at a minimum 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Double-curve synchronous derotation with convex correction is a safe and effective technique for rotational and coronal correction in AIS with double curves, which can avoid apical rotation aggravation in minor curve induced by major curve derotaion.

Predictive factors for critical care dependency after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Aims: Historically, patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been nursed postoperatively in a critical care (CC) setting because of the challenges posed by prone positioning, extensive exposures, prolonged operating times, significant blood loss, major intraoperative fluid shifts, cardiopulmonary complications, and difficulty in postoperative pain management. The primary aim of this paper was to determine whether a scoring system, which uses Cobb angle, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and number of levels to be fused, is a valid method of predicting the need for postoperative critical care in AIS patients who are to undergo scoliosis correction with posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all AIS patients who had undergone PSF between January 2018 and January 2020 in a specialist tertiary spinal referral centre. All patients were assessed preoperatively in an anaesthetic clinic. Postoperative care was defined as ward-based (WB) or critical care (CC), based on the preoperative FEV1, FVC, major curve Cobb angle, and the planned number of instrumented levels. Results: Overall, 105 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 15.5 years (11 to 25) with a mean weight of 55 kg (35 to 103). The mean Cobb angle was 68° (38° to 122°). Of these, 38 patients were preoperatively scored to receive postoperative CC. However, only 19% of the cohort (20/105) actually needed CC-level support. Based on these figures, and an average paediatric intensive care unit stay of one day before stepdown to ward-based care, the potential cost-saving on the first postoperative night for this cohort was over £20,000. There was no statistically significant difference between the Total Pathway Score (TPS), the numerical representation of the four factors being assessed, and the actual level of care received (p = 0.052) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.187). Binary logistic regression analysis of the TPS variables showed that the preoperative Cobb angle was the only variable which significantly predicted the need for critical care. Conclusion: Most patients undergoing posterior fusion surgery for AIS do not need critical care. Of the readily available preoperative measures, the Cobb angle is the only predictor of the need for higher levels of care, and has a threshold value of 74.5°.

High-grade spondylolisthesis: gradual reduction using Magerl's external fixator followed by circumferential fusion technique and long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a cohort of patients treated with this technique high lighting radiological and functional outcomes, discussing also benefits arising from a gradual reduction procedure compared with other techniques. METHODS: We evaluated nine patients who have undergone high-grade listhesis reduction and circumferential fusion at our institution from 1988 to 2006. Average length of follow-up was 11 years (5-19). Functional outcomes and radiological measurements were recorded and reported. RESULTS: Slip magnitude was reduced by an average of 2.9 grades (Meyerding classification). Slip angle improved by an average of 66% (p = 0.0001), lumbosacral angle by 47% (p = 0.0002), sacral rotation by 51% (p = 0.0068) and sacral inclination by 47% (p = 0.0055). At the latest follow-up 88.9% had achieved solid fusion. Post-operative 10-point Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for back pain had improved by 70% (p < 0.001) and that for leg pain by 76% (p < 0.001) compared with pre-operative score. Average postoperative Oswestry Disability Index for all patients was 8% (range 0-16%) and that for Low Back Outcome Scores was 56.6 (range 44-70). All components of Short Form 36 Health Survey were greater than 80%. Overall patients' expectations were met in 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This is an effective and safe technique which addresses the lumbosacral kyphosis and cosmetic deformity without the neurological complications which accompany other reduction and fusion techniques for high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Claustrophobia: a proxy for psychological distress in patients with back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of psychological distress in patients with back pain who expressed claustrophobia at the time of their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, compared with sex and age-matched normal controls who did not exhibit claustrophobia. The secondary aim was to document the level of disability and intervention rates in this group. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Psychosocial factors influence the outcomes of low back pain treatment with psychological distress being associated with poorer surgical outcomes in patients with low back pain. Up to 14% of patients experience claustrophobia during MRI scans requiring sedation to complete the scan. The effect of claustrophobia on back pain disability and outcomes has not been previously reported. METHODS: Twenty females and 13 males all requiring MRI scan under sedation for claustrophobia (group 1) were compared with an age and sex-matched cohort that had MRI scan without sedation (group 2). Both groups were drawn from a chronic back clinic. Average age in both groups was 54 years (range, 27 to 79 y). Both groups had standard conservative therapy, together with psychometric evaluation: Zung Depression Index and Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire. Disability was measured by Oswestry Disability Index. Primary outcome measures were intervention rates (surgery, injections, and physiotherapy sessions) and prevalence of psychological distress. RESULTS: Mean Zung Depression Index in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (59.5 vs. 28.9, P<0.05) as was the mean Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire score (13.3 vs. 9.2, P<0.05.) Prevalence of psychological distress was higher in group 1 (75.8% vs. 18.2%, P<0.05). Oswestry Disability Index was the same in both groups (50% vs. 48%). Group 1 had 13 interventions (13 patients=39.4%) compared with 26 in group 2 (26 patients=78.8%) (P< 0.05). Twenty-two patients (66.7%) in group 1 were discharged after their MRI scan with no intervention compared with 7 patients (21.2%) in group 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Claustrophobic patients with back pain showed higher levels of depression than nonclaustrophobic patients, with a higher rate of psychological distress. Disability, however, was not higher. The majority of claustrophobic patients did not require surgical intervention. The reasons for this are unclear and require further investigation. Claustrophobia requiring sedation for MRI scans may be a proxy for psychological distress in these patients and psychometric testing is advised during assessment to help with surgical decision making.

Upper arm length model suggests transient bilateral asymmetry is associated with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (RT-AIS) with implications for pathogenesis and estimation of linear skeletal overgrowth.

INTRODUCTION: In girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) the finding of abnormal extra-spinal bilateral skeletal length asymmetries in upper limbs, periapical ribs, and ilia begs the question whether these bilateral asymmetries are connected in some way with pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated upper arm length (UAL) asymmetries in two groups of right-handed girls aged 11-18 years with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (RT-AIS, n=95) from preoperative and screening referrals (mean Cobb angle 46°) and healthy controls (n=240). Right and left UAL were measured with a Harpenden anthropometer of the Holtain equipment, Asymmetry was calculated as UAL difference, right minus left, in mm. Repeatability of the measurements was assessed as technical error of the measurement and coefficient of reliability. RESULTS: In girls with RT-AIS, UAL asymmetry was greater than in healthy girls, regressed negatively with age and correlated significantly with Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation. In healthy girls, UAL asymmetry was unrelated to age. Plotted against years after estimated menarcheal age, UAL asymmetry decreased significantly for girls with RT-AIS but not for healthy girls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The apparent transience of the abnormal UAL asymmetry suggests it is not secondary to spinal deformity but pathogenetically associated with it. We suggest two hypotheses to account for these changes: (1) a transient asymmetry process with growth velocity; and (2) in the light of subsequent research, early skeletal overgrowth with catch-down growth affecting right but not left upper arm. The relation of the upper arm length asymmetry to the increased length of periapical left ribs reported for RT-AIS is unknown. Right upper arm length may provide a more simple model than arm span, for estimating linear skeletal overgrowth of girls with RT-AIS.

Schober Test and Its Modifications Revisited-What Are We Actually Measuring? Computerized Tomography-Based Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Examine Schober test's (ST), Modified ST (MST), and Modified-Modified ST (MMST) surface markers' accuracy in spanning lumbar L1-S1 motion segments and repeatability related to actual patient anatomy as measured on sagittal CT scans. METHODS: The study included 25 patients of varying heights, weights, and gender without prior spinal surgery or deformity. Researchers assessed patients' CT scans for ST, MST, and MMST skin levels of the measured cephalic and caudal endpoints. RESULTS: The original ST failed to include at least one lumbar motion segment in all patients, omitting the L1-L2 motion segment in 17 patients and the L2-L3 in another eight. The additional cephalic length of the MST did not improve the inclusion of the actual L1-S1 components. The MMST measured 19 'patients' entire L1-S1 motion segments, reaching a 76% accuracy rate. WMST, measuring 16 cm (instead of MMST's 15 cm), improved the measurement significantly, measuring the L1-S1 motion segments in all cases (with 100% accuracy). CONCLUSION: ST and its modifications fail to span the L1-S1 motion segments and are thus prone to underestimating lumbar spine motion. This study shows that the WMST is much more accurate than previous modifications and is a better tool for evaluating lumbar spine motion.

Long-term outcome after surgical treatment of Scheuermann's Kyphosis (SK).

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study with a minimum follow-up of 10 years of patients who underwent surgery for Scheurmann Kyphosis (SK). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcome of patients with SK who either underwent combined anterior-posterior surgery or posterior instrumented fusion alone. There is paucity of literature for long-term outcome studies on SK. The current trend is towards only posterior (PSF) surgical correction for SK. The combined strategy of anterior release, fusion and posterior spinal fusion (AF/PSF) for kyphosis correction has become historic relic. Long-term outcome studies comparing the two procedures are lacking in literature. METHODS: 51 patients (30 M: 21F) who underwent surgery for SK at a single centre were reviewed. Nineteen had posterior instrumentation alone (PSF) (Group 1) and 32 underwent combined anterior release, fusion with posterior instrumentation (AF/PSF) (Group 2). The clinical data included age at surgery, gender, flexibility of spine, instrumented spinal levels, use of cages and morcellised rib grafts (in cases where anterior release was done), posterior osteotomies and instrumentation, complications and indications for revision surgery. Preoperative flexibility was determined by hyperextension radiographs. The radiological indices were evaluated in the pre-operative, 2-year post-operative and final follow-up [Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Lumbar lordosis (LL), Voustinas index (VI), Sacral inclination (SI) and Sagittal vertical axis (SVA)]. The loss of correction and incidence of JK (Junctional Kyphosis) and its relation to fusion levels were assessed. Complications and difference in outcome between the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery for 51 patients was 20.6 years who were followed up for a minimum of 10 years (mean: 14 years; range 10-16 years). The mean age was 18.5 ± 2.2 years and 21.9 ± 4.8 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean pre- and 2-year post-operative ODIs were 32.6 ± 12.8 and 8.4 ± 5.4, respectively, in group 1 (p < 0.0001) and 30.7 ± 11.7 and 6.4 ± 5.7, respectively, in group 2 (p < 0.0001). The final SRS-22 scores in group 1 and 2 were 4.1 ± 0.4 and 4.0 ± 0.35, respectively (p = 0.88). The preoperative flexibility index was 49.2 ± 4.2 and 43 ± 5.6 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean TKs were 81.4° ± 3.8° and 86.1° ± 6.0° for groups 1 and 2, respectively, which corrected to 45.1° ± 2.6° and 47.3° ± 4.8°, respectively, at final follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean pre-operative LL angle was 60.0° ± 5.0° and 62.4° ± 7.6° in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which at final follow-up was 45.1° ± 4.4° and 48.1° ± 4.8°, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean pre-operative and final follow-up Voustinas index (VI) in group 1 were 22.9 ± 2.9 and 11.2 ± 1.2, respectively, and in group 2 was 25.9 ± 3.5 and 14.0 ± 2.3, respectively. The mean pre-operative and final follow-up SI angle were 43.6° ± 3.3° and 31.2° ± 2.5° in group 1, respectively, and 44.3° ± 3.5° and 32.1° ± 3.5° in group 2, respectively (p < 0.0001). The pre-operative and final follow-up SVA in group 1 were - 3.3 ± 1.0 cms and - 1.3 ± 0.5 cms, respectively, and in group 2 was - 4.0 ± 1.3cms and - 1.9 ± 1.1cms, respectively (p < 0.0001). Though the magnitude of curve correction in the groups 1 and 2 was significant 36° vs 39° (p = 0.05), there was no significant difference in correction between the two groups. Proximal JK was seen in seven and distal JK in five patients were observed in the whole cohort. CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical outcomes for both PSF and AF/PSF are comparable with reproducible results. No difference was noted in loss of correction and outcome scores between the two groups. The correction of thoracic kyphosis (TK) had a good correlation with ODI. AF/PSF had much higher complications than PSF group. The objective of correcting the sagittal profile and balancing the whole spinal segment on the pelvis can be achieved through single posterior approach with fewer complications.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a meta-analysis and systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review reporting on the efficacy of an ERAS protocol in patients undergoing spinal fusion for AIS. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the relevant literature pertaining to the efficacy of ERAS protocols with respect to the length of stay, complication, and readmission rates in patients undergoing posterior spinal corrective surgery for AIS. ERAS is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at improving outcomes of surgery by a specific evidence-based protocol. The rationale of this rapid recovery regimen is to maintain homeostasis so as to reduce the postoperative stress response and pain. No thorough review of available information for its use in AIS has been published. METHODS: A systematic review of the English language literature was undertaken using search criteria (postoperative recovery AND adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) using the PRISMA guidelines (Jan 1999-May 2020). Isolated case reports and case series with < 5 patients were excluded. Length of stay (LOS), complication and readmission rates were used as outcome measures. Statistical analysis was done using the random effects model. RESULTS: Of a total of 24 articles, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria (9 were Level III and 1 of level IV evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 1040 patients underwent an ERAS-type protocol following posterior correction of scoliosis and were compared to 959 patients following traditional protocols. There was a significant reduction in the length of stay in patients undergoing ERAS when compared to traditional protocols (p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in the complication (p = 0.19) or readmission rates (p = 0.30). Each protocol employed a multidisciplinary approach focusing on optimal pain management, nursing care, and physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrates advantages with ERAS protocols by significantly reducing the length of stay without increasing the complications or readmission rates as compared to conventional protocols. However, current literature on ERAS in AIS is restricted largely to retrospective studies with non-randomized data, and initial cohort studies lacking formal control groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.