Effectiveness of the Bilateral and Bilevel Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) in Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effect of the ultrasound-guided bilateral and bilevel erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain scores, opioid requirement, intraoperative motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and stress response to surgery expressed by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) versus standard analgesia methods following idiopathic scoliosis surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients aged 10 to 18 years and physical status ASA 1 or 2 were randomized into 2 equal groups, each receiving an ESPB or sham block. The primary outcome was the pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) within 48 hours after spinal correction and fusion surgery for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. The secondary outcomes were total opioid consumption, NLR, and PLR levels at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively and intraoperative MEPs. RESULTS: ESPB patients presented lower NRS scores, signifying less pain, at all time points (30, 60, 90, 120 min; and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery), all P <0.0001. The total opioid consumption, the incidence of nausea or vomiting, and the need for remifentanil and propofol during surgery were significantly lower in the ESPB group. The surgery-induced stress response expressed by NLR and PLR was considerably lower in the ESPB group. ESPB did not affect the intraoperative MEP's amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: ESPB is effective for postoperative analgesia, can reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery, and reduces the stress response to surgery. ESPB does not interfere with neuromonitoring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

"Real-Time Neuromonitoring" Increases the Safety and Non-Invasiveness and Shortens the Duration of Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery.

Introduction: A practical solution to the incidental unreliability of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) may be the simultaneous neurophysiological recording and control of the surgical field through a camera (the concept of "Real-time" IONM). During "Real-time" IONM, the surgeon is immediately warned about the possibility of damage to the neural structures during, but not after, standard idiopathic scoliosis (IS) corrective surgery procedures (the concept of "Surgeon-neurophysiologist" interactive, verbal IONM). This study aimed to compare the advantages, utilities, reliabilities, and time consumption of the two IONM scenarios. Methods: Studies were performed in two similar groups of patients undergoing surgery primarily due to Lenke 2 idiopathic scoliosis (N = 120), when both IONM approaches were applied. Neurophysiological evaluations of the spinal transmission were performed pre- (T0), intra- (before (T1) and after (T2) surgery), and postoperatively (T3), as well as once in healthy volunteers (control, N = 60). Non-invasive and innovative recordings of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) bilaterally from the peroneal (PER) nerve and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were performed with surface electrodes as a result of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electrical stimulation (TES) at T0-T3. Results: In both groups, the MEP amplitudes and latencies recorded from the PER nerve were approximately 67% lower and 3.1 ms shorter than those recorded from the TA muscle. The MEP recording parameters differed similarly at T0-T3 compared to the control group. In all patients, the MEP parameters induced by TMS (T0) and TES (T1) did not differ. The MEP amplitude parameters recorded from the TA and PER at T1 and T2 indicated a bilateral improvement in the neural spinal conduction due to the surgical intervention. The TMS-induced MEP amplitude at T3 further increased bilaterally. In both IONM groups, an average 51.8 BIS level of anesthesia did not affect the variability in the MEP amplitude, especially in the PER recordings when the applied TES strength was 98.2 mA. The number of fluctuations in the MEP parameters was closely related to the number of warnings from the neurophysiologist during the transpedicular screw implantation, corrective rod implantation, and distraction, derotation, and compression procedures, and it was higher in the "Surgeon-neurophysiologist" IONM group. The average duration of surgery was shorter by approximately one hour in the "Real-time" IONM group. The number of two-way communications between the surgeon and the neurophysiologist and vice versa in the "Real-time" IONM group decreased by approximately half. Conclusions: This study proves the superiority of using "Real-time" IONM over the standard "Surgeon-neurophysiologist" IONM procedure in increasing the safety and non-invasiveness, shortening the time, and lowering the costs of the surgical treatment of IS patients. The modifications of the MEP nerve-conduction-recording technology with surface electrodes from nerves enable precise and reliable information on the pediatric patient's neurological condition at every stage of the applied surgical procedures, even under conditions of slight fluctuations in anesthesia.

Comparison of Motor Evoked Potentials Neuromonitoring Following Pre- and Postoperative Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Intraoperative Electrical Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Surgical Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis.

The relationships between the results of pre- and intraoperative motor evoked potential recordings during neuromonitoring and whether idiopathic scoliosis (IS) surgical correction improves the spinal efferent transmission have not been specified in detail. This study aims to compare the results of surface-recorded electromyography (EMG), electroneurography (ENG, M, and F-waves), and especially motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings from tibialis anterior muscle (TA) bilaterally in 353 girls with right idiopathic scoliosis (types 1-3 according to Lenke classification). It has not yet been documented whether the results of MEP recordings induced by transcranial single magnetic stimulus (TMS, pre- and postoperatively) and trains of electrical stimuli (TES; intraoperatively in T0-before surgery, T1-after pedicle screws implantation, and T2-after scoliosis curvature distraction and derotation following two-rod implantation) can be compared for diagnostic verification of the improvement of spinal cord neural transmission. We attempted to determine whether the constant level of optimal anesthesia during certain surgical steps of scoliosis treatment affects the parameters of MEPs recorded during neuromonitoring procedures. No neurological deficits have been observed postoperatively. The values of amplitudes but not latencies in MEP recordings evoked with TMS in IS patients compared before and after surgery indicated a slight improvement in efferent neural transmission. The results of all neurophysiological studies in IS patients were significantly asymmetrical and recorded worse on the concave side, suggesting greater neurological motor deficits at p = 0.04. The surgeries brought significant improvement (p = 0.04) in the parameters of amplitudes of sEMG recordings; however, the consequences of abnormalities in the activity of TA motor units were still reflected. ENG study results showed the symptoms of the axonal-type injury in peroneal motor fibers improving only on the concave side at p = 0.04, in parallel with F-wave parameters, which suggests that derotation and distraction might result in restoring the proper relations of the lumbar ventral roots in the spinal central canal, resembling their decompression. There were no significant differences detected in the amplitudes or latencies of MEPs induced with TMS or TES when comparing the parameters recorded preoperatively and intraoperatively in T0. The amplitudes of TES-evoked MEPs increased gradually at p = 0.04 in the subsequent periods (T1 and T2) of observation. A reduction in MEP latency at p = 0.05 was observed only at the end of the IS surgery. Studies on the possible connections between the level of anesthesia fluctuations and the required TMS stimulus strength, as well as the MEP amplitude changes measured in T0-T2, revealed a lack of relationships. These might not be the factors influencing the efferent transmission in spinal pathways beside the surgical procedures. Pre- (TMS-evoked) and intraoperative (TES-evoked) recordings are reliable for evaluating the patient's neurological status before and during surgical scoliosis correction procedures. An increase in MEP amplitude parameters recorded on both sides after scoliosis surgery proves the immediate improvement of the total efferent spinal cord transmission. Considering comparative pre- and postoperative sEMG and ENG recordings, it can be concluded that surgeries might directly result in additional lumbar ventral root decompression. We can conclude that MEP parameter changes are determined by the surgery procedures during neuromonitoring, not the anesthesia conditions if they are kept stable, which influences a decrease in the number of false-positive neuromonitoring warnings.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) levels following erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in posterior lumbar decompression: a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are the inflammatory biomarkers of the stress response. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization by comparing NLR, PLR, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and functional recovery between sham block and ESPB. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial in a tertiary referral hospital. Sixty patients were randomized into two equal groups, each receiving either a sham block or ESPB. The primary outcome was the NLR and PLR 12 h and 24 h after lumbar posterior decompression and stabilization. The secondary outcomes were total opioid consumption and pain score 24 h postoperatively. Also, functional recovery determined by getting out of bed, verticalization, and walking by the balcony were reviewed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Significant differences existed between the sham block and ESPB group in NLR (29.08 ± 12.29 vs. 16.97 ± 10.38; p < 0.0001) and PLR (556.77 ± 110.32 vs. 346.43 ± 117.34; p < 0.0001) 12 h after surgery. Also, there was a significant difference in NLR (p = 0.0466) and PLR (p < 0.0001) 24 h after surgery. In addition, there was a substantial difference in pain score, total opioid consumption, and functional recovery. CONCLUSION: ESPB performance during spinal surgery lowers NRL and PLR ratios 12 h and 24 h after surgery. In addition, ESPB provides better analgesia and improves functional recovery compared to sham block following posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization.

MicroRNA expression profile analysis in human skeletal muscle tissue: Selection of critical reference.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small non-coding RNAs, that modulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA of many processes. Thus, miRNAs are key regulators of both physiological and pathological settings. Reliable results of quantitative miRNA evaluation depend on suitable reference genes (RGs) for data normalization. To date, no consensus has been reached on the best RG for muscle tissue. We assessed RGs stability in skeletal muscle tissue in patients with spinal deformity. Ninety tissue samples were obtained from the deep paravertebral muscles from the convex and concave sides of the spinal curvature, as well as the superficial paraspinal muscles. We evaluated the stability of twelve miRNAs (hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-1-5p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-133a-3p, hsa-miR-133a-5p, hsa-miR-133b, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-208b-5p, hsa-miR-486-5p, hsa-miR-499a-5p), finding three to be indicative of reference miRNA, and nine as muscle-tissue specific. Stability was quantified using four statistical tools and a comprehensive ranking system. Three miRNAs were indicated as the most stable, and we assessed hsa-miR-486-5p as the most, and hsa-miR-208b-5p as the least suitable RGs for miRNA quantitative analyses. We recommend using a minimum of three RGs miRNA to normalize RT-qPCR data. Finally, qPCR efficiency should always be considered. To obtain consistent results, data normalization in muscle tissue is required.

Update on neuromonitoring procedures applied during surgery of the spine - observational study.

Introduction: Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are currently considered as a more useful method for neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring than somatosensory evoked potentials in cases of surgery applied to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The non-invasive approach is preferred to modify MEP recordings, criticizing, in many cases, the fundamentalism for neurophysiological monitoring based only on needle recordings. The aim of the review is to provide our own experience and practical guidelines with reference to neuromonitoring innovations. Material and methods: Recordings of MEPs with surface electrodes instead of needle electrodes including nerve instead of muscle combinations during neurophysiological monitoring associated with surgical interventions to the spine have become more relevant for pediatric purposes, avoiding the anesthesiology-related influences. Observations on 280 patients with Lenke A-C types of spine curvature are presented before and after the surgical correction. Results: The MEPs recorded from nerves do not undergo fluctuations at different stages of scoliosis corrections and the anesthesia effect more than MEPs recorded from muscles. The use of non-invasive surface electrodes during neuromonitoring for MEP recordings shortens the total time of the surgical procedure without diminishing the precision of the neural transmission evaluation. The quality of MEP recordings during intraoperative neuromonitoring from muscles can be significantly influenced by the depth of anesthesia or administration of muscle relaxants but not those recorded from nerves. Conclusions: The proposed definition of "real-time" neuromonitoring comprises the immediate warning from a neurophysiologist about the changes in a patient's neurological status during scoliosis surgery (especially during pedicle screws' implantation, corrective rods' implantation, correction, distraction and derotation of the spine curvature) exactly during the successive steps of corrective procedures. This is possible due to the simultaneous observation of MEP recordings and a camera image of the surgical field. This procedure clearly increases safety and limits financial claims resulting from possible complications.

Association Between Baby Walker Use and Infant Functional Motor Development.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between baby walker use and infant motor development, quality of gait, and potential development of lower extremity deformities. METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted among 6874 parents and legal guardians regarding the use of baby walkers, their children's development, and the occurrence of lower extremity deformities and gait disorders. A total of 969 questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: Baby walkers were used by 15.6% of children. A higher percentage of children who used baby walkers omitted crawling compared with the 10.7% of children who did not use baby walkers. Gait disorders occurred at a similar percentage in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of baby walkers may be associated with infant motor development. Infants who used a baby walker were 3 times more likely to not have crawled for mobility than those who did not use a baby walker.

Association of LBX1 Gene Methylation Level with Disease Severity in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: Study on Deep Paravertebral Muscles.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a multifactorial disease with a genetic background. The association of Ladybird Homeobox 1 (LBX1) polymorphisms with IS has been proven in multiple studies. However, the epigenetic mechanisms have not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the LBX1 methylation level in deep paravertebral muscles in order to analyze its association with IS occurrence and/or IS severity. Fifty-seven IS patients and twenty non-IS patients were examined for the paravertebral muscles' methylation level of the LBX1 promoter region. There was no significant difference in methylation level within paravertebral muscles between patients vs. controls, except for one CpG site. The comparison of the paravertebral muscles' LBX1 promoter region methylation level between patients with a major curve angle of ≤70° vs. >70° revealed significantly higher methylation levels in 17 of 23 analyzed CpG sequences at the convex side of the curvature in patients with a major curve angle of >70° for the reverse strand promoter region. The association between LBX1 promoter methylation and IS severity was demonstrated. In patients with severe IS, the deep paravertebral muscles show an asymmetric LBX1 promoter region methylation level, higher at the convex scoliosis side, which reveals the role of locally acting factors in IS progression.

Regular School Sport versus Dedicated Physical Activities for Body Posture-A Prospective Controlled Study Assessing the Sagittal Plane in 7-10-Year-Old Children.

Body posture develops during the growing period and can be documented using trunk photography. The study aims to evaluate the body posture in children aged 7-10 years undergoing a dedicated physical activities program versus regular school sport. A total of 400 children, randomly chosen from a cohort of 9300 participating in a local scoliosis screening program, were evaluated twice at a one-year interval. A total of 167 children were involved in regular school sport (control group), while 233 received both school sport and a dedicated physical activities program (intervention group). Standardized photographic habitual body posture examination was performed at enrollment (T0) and one-year after (T1). Sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), chest inclination (CI), and head protraction (HP) were measured. At T0, the body posture parameters did not differ between groups. At T1 in the controls, all five parameters tended to deteriorate (insignificant): SS p = 0.758, LL p = 0.38, TK p = 0.328, CI p = 0.081, and HP p = 0.106. At T1 in the intervention group, the SS decreased (p = 0.001), the LL tended to decrease (p = 0.0602), and the TK, CI, and HP remained unaltered. At T1, the SS and LL parameter differed between groups statistically (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0064, respectively) and clinically (2.52° and 2.58°, respectively). In 7-10-year-old children, participation in dedicated physical activities tends to improve their body posture compared to regular school sport.

Polish Adaptation of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The study aimed to carry on the process of the cultural adaptation of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life Questionnaire (ISYQOL) into Polish (ISYQOL-PL). The a priori hypothesis was: the ISYQOL-PL questionnaire is reliable and appropriate for adolescents with a spinal deformity. Fifty-six adolescents (mean age 13.8 ± 1.9) with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a mean Cobb angle 29.1 (±9.7) and two with Scheuermann juvenile kyphosis (SJK) with a kyphosis angle 67.5 (±17.7) degrees were enrolled. All patients had been wearing a corrective TLSO brace for an average duration of 2.3 (±1.8) years. The Institutional Review Board approved the study. The cross-cultural adaptation of the ISYQOL-PL was performed following the guidelines set up by the International Quality of Life Assessment Project. The reliability was assessed using internal consistency (the Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC2.1, CI = 95%); moreover, floor and ceiling effects were calculated. The internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.8). The test-retest revealed high reliability with the value of ICC2.1 for the entire group 0.90, CI (0.84 to 0.94). There was neither floor nor ceiling effect for the ISYQOL-PL overall score. The ISYQOL-PL is reliable and can be used in adolescents with spinal deformity.

Methylation of Estrogen Receptor 1 Gene in the Paraspinal Muscles of Girls with Idiopathic Scoliosis and Its Association with Disease Severity.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a multifactorial disease with epigenetic modifications. Tissue dependent and differentially methylated regions (T-DMRs) may regulate tissue-specific expression of the estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1). This study aimed to analyze methylation levels within T-DMR1 and T-DMR2 and its concatenation with ESR1 expression of IS patients. The study involved 87 tissue samples (deep paravertebral muscles, both on the convex and the concave side of the curve, and from back superficial muscles) from 29 girls who underwent an operation due to IS. Patient subgroups were analyzed according to Cobb angle ≤70° vs. >70°. Methylation was significantly higher in the superficial muscles than in deep paravertebral muscles in half of the T-DMR1 CpGs and all T-DMR2 CpGs. The methylation level correlated with ESR1 expression level on the concave, but not convex, side of the curvature in a majority of the T-DMR2 CpGs. The T-DMR2 methylation level in the deep paravertebral muscles on the curvature's concave side was significantly lower in patients with a Cobb angle ≤70° in four CpGs. DNA methylation of the T-DMRs is specific to muscle tissue location and may be related to ESR1 expression regulation. Additionally, the difference in T-DMR2 methylation may be associated with IS severity.

Good outcomes of modified Grammont and Langenskiöld technique in children with habitual patellar dislocation.

PURPOSE: In this study, the functional mid-term outcomes of the modified Grammont and Langenskiöld technique was assessed in skeletally immature patients with habitual patellar dislocation, with emphasis on knee function, pain, and other possible post-surgical complications. This is the first study concerning the application of the modified Grammont and Langenskiöld technique in habitual patellar dislocations. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study considered 10 patients (15 knees), ranging from 7 to 11 years old, who underwent the modified Grammont and Langenskiold procedure between 2015 and 2018. History of dislocation, patellar stability and range of motion (ROM) were analysed. To assess functional improvement and knee pain, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale and KOOS-Child Knee Survey were used before and after surgical treatment. RESULTS: No history of dislocation was noted after surgical treatment. All 15 knees showed full ROM. There were no signs of genu recurvatum and no length discrepancies were found. The subjective assessment revealed significant improvement in the scores of the KOOS-Child questionnaire in all five sections (p < 0.001), as well as in The Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified Grammont and Langenskiöld technique yields remarkable results in terms of knee stability and knee function, while decreasing recurrence risk and intensity of pain in patients with challenging cases of patellofemoral joint dislocation. This surgical technique is most effective in cases where the patella remains dislocated continuously; however, it may also be used in immature patients with recurrent instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Methylation of estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) in deep paravertebral muscles and its association with idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is one of the most common spinal disorders in adolescents. Despite many studies, the etiopathogenesis of IS is still poorly understood. In recent years, the role of epigenetic factors in the etiopathogenesis of IS has been increasingly investigated. It has also been postulated that the development and progression of the disease is related to gender and puberty, and could be associated with estrogen action. Estrogen hormones act via estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2). It has been suggested that ESR2 expression is dependent on methylation within its gene promoter. So far, no studies have evaluated local, tissue-specific DNA methylation in patients with IS. Thus, our study aimed to analyze the methylation and expression level of ESR2 in the paraspinal muscles of the convex and concave side of the IS curvature. The methylation level within ESR2 promoter 0N, but not exon 0N, was significantly higher on the concave side of the curvature compared to the convex side. There was no significant correlation between ESR2 expression and methylation level in the promoter 0N on the convexity of thoracic scoliosis, whereas, on the concave side of the curvature, we observed a moderate negative correlation. There was no difference in the methylation levels of the ESR2 promoter and exon 0N between groups of patients with Cobb angle ≤ 70° and > 70° on the concave and convex side of the curvature. We also found no statistically significant correlation between the Cobb angle value and the mean methylation level in either the ESR2 promoter or exon 0N on the convex or concave side of the curvature. Our findings demonstrate that DNA methylation at the ESR2 promoter in deep paravertebral muscle tissue is associated with the occurrence but not with the severity of idiopathic scoliosis.

New regulations regarding e-prescriptions may increase the risk of acute withdrawal syndromes in patients dependent on benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. / Nowe regulacje prawne dotyczace elektronicznego wystawiania i ewidencjonowania recept moga zwiekszyc ryzyko wystapienia ostrych zespolów odstawiennych u pacjentów uzaleznionych od benzodiazepin lub niebenzodiazepinowych leków nasennych.

The implementation of solutions in the area of e-health and use of electronically issued prescription obligations meets the modern requirements of the healthcare system. Adigital record of theissued prescriptions aims atpreventing prescriptions from being traded without a physician's name in patient medical records. Access to the system may in turn reveal doctors' bad practices, and fear of the professional and legal consequences may force achange in the prescription of benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. The effect of these activities may be the disclosure of many cases of 'hidden' dependence and adverse phenomena and increase in the number of effects of cases of sudden dose reduction or discontinuation of benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. It is recommended to develop integrated, central information and train Emergency Department staff. Awareness of the phenomenon and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can significantly increase the chance of improving the quality and safety of services provided in the acute intervention mode (Emergency Department). Arational solution may be to urgently develop standards of conduct in cases of acute withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Itseems reasonable to introduce preventative programs enabling early recognition and treatment of cases where large and very large doses of drugs have been taken (high dose tolerance). Under no circumstances should medication be stopped abruptly. An information campaign, raising awareness also among the personnel of psychiatric wards, may increase the chances of systemic preparation for admission of the currently unknown population of patients at risk.

The method for measurement of the three-dimensional scoliosis angle from standard radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional idiopathic scoliosis cannot be accurately assessed with the aid of a single plane parameter - the Cobb angle. We propose a novel method for evaluating the three-dimensional (3D) pattern of scoliosis based on two X-rays (PA and lateral). The proposed method consists of the measurements of the angles between the upper endplate of the upper-end vertebra and the lower endplate of the lower-end vertebra (3D scoliosis angle). METHODS: The 3D-angles of thirty scoliosis curves were measured with either computed tomography (CT) or digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs): PA and lateral. CT was used as a reference. In the case of CT, the 3D angle was calculated based on the coordinates of three points situated on the upper endplate and those of three points situated on the lower endplate of the scoliosis curve. In the case of the DRR, the 3D angle was calculated using the four-angle method: the angles formed by the endplates of the curve with the transverse plane. The results were tested with the Student's t-test, and the agreement of measurements was tested with the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 3D-angle measurements obtained with DRRs versus CT, p > 0.05. There was, however, a significant difference between the 3D-scoliosis angle and the Cobb angle measurements performed based on the X-rays. The reproducibility and reliability of 3D angle measurements were high. CONCLUSIONS: Based on two standard radiographs, PA and lateral, it is possible to calculate the 3D scoliosis angle. The proposed method facilitates 3D-scoliosis assessment without the use of sophisticated devices. Considering the 3D nature of AIS, the 3D parameters of the spine may help to apply a more effective treatment and estimate a more precise prognosis for patient with scoliosis.

CHD7 gene polymorphisms in female patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: The CHD7 (chromosome domain helicase DNA binding protein 7) gene has been associated with familial idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in families of European descent. The CHD7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms have never been studied in Polish Caucasian IS patients. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of CHD7 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to or progression of IS in Polish Caucasian females. The study group comprised 211 females who underwent clinical, radiological and genetic examination. The study group was analyzed in three subgroups according to: (1) Cobb angle (Cobb angle ≤30° vs. Cobb angle ≥35°), (2) age of diagnosis (adolescent IS vs. early-onset IS) and (3) rate of progression (non-progressive vs. slowly progressive vs. rapidly progressive IS). The control group comprised 83 females with no scoliosis and with a negative family history who underwent clinical and genetic examination. In total six CHD7 gene polymorphisms were examined. Three polymorphisms (rs1017861, rs13248429, and rs4738813) were examined by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis, and three were quantified by Sanger sequencing (rs78874766, rs4738824, and rs74797613). RESULTS: In rs13248429, rs78874766, and rs74797613 polymorphisms only the wild allele was present. The rs1017861 polymorphism demonstrated an association with IS susceptibility (p < 0.01). Two polymorphisms, rs1017861 and rs4738813, were associated with curve severity and progression rate (p < 0.05). None of the evaluated polymorphisms in CHD7 gene showed any association with the age of IS onset. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphism rs1017861 in CHD7 gene showed an association with IS susceptibility. Two polymorphisms (rs1017861 and rs4738813) were associated with curve severity and progression rate. None of the evaluated polymorphisms in CHD7 gene showed any association with the age of IS onset. Further evaluation of CHD7 gene should be considered as IS modifying factor.

TIMP2 Polymorphisms Association With Curve Initiation and Progression of Thoracic Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Caucasian Females.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) etiology remains unclear, but strong genetic background is suggested. Previously reported TIMP2 study indicates an association of genic rs8179090 with IS progression in a Han Chinese population. However, there has been a lack of investigation into intragenic TIMP2 polymorphisms in IS patients. We recruited 100 Caucasian females with IS and 100 controls. Patients were subdivided accordingly to: progression rate, curve severity, joint mobility, and curve pattern. Allele-specific-polymerase chain reaction based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer was applied to evaluate nine TIMP2 polymorphisms. Distribution of genotype and allele frequency in only one polymorphism (rs11658743) differed in case-control study. Four of the polymorphisms (rs2277700, rs11077401, rs2376999, and rs4789934) showed non-equal distributions either in genotype or/and allele distributions in the patients of different progression rates. The rs11077401 was related to curve severity patients distinction and the rs8179090 distinguished patients with different joint mobility level. Two polymorphisms either differed statistically in case of curve patterns subgrouping (rs8068674 and rs8179090) or showed a slight tendency toward significance in the recessive model of allele distributions (rs9916809 and rs8179090). The remaining two polymorphisms (rs2377005, rs11658743) showed no association with either clinical or radiographic IS characteristics. The influence of the G allele of the rs8179090 on the clinical course of IS has not yet been confirmed. We identified four TIMP2 polymorphisms (rs11077401, rs2376999, rs2277700, and rs4789934) that were associated with a higher risk of the progressive IS form. Further genetic association studies based on suggested clinical criteria would be necessary to validate TIMP2 polymorphisms associated with the curve progression. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2217-2225, 2019.

Breakage of metal hip arthroplasty components: Retrieval and structural analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breakage of joint arthroplasty components are rare, yet during an implant retrieval program we found several cases. OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the components to determine the causes and mechanisms of breakage of these implants. METHODS: From our collection of 849 retrievals we selected 682 cases with metal parts (503 hip, 79 knee arthroplasties) and identified fractured components: seven hip resurfacing implants, five total hip replacement stems, one monopolar femoral head, and one modular revision femoral stem from. Implants were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy; metallographic sections were prepared and samples of periprosthetic tissues underwent microscopic examination. RESULTS: In the resurfacing components breakage occurred in small stems placed in the femoral neck due to necrosis of femoral heads, with no metal flaws detected. Fatigue breakage of femoral stems was caused by presence of material flaws in the CoCrMo alloy, and corrosion. The monopolar head failed in fatigue fracture mechanism, breakage was initiated in an undercut near the taper connection for femoral component. The modular stem from Ti alloy sustained fatigue fracture induced by corrosion caused by debris from previously revised stem; no material flaws were detected in this sample. In most cases periprosthetic tissues had a morphology typical for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS: In our series failure was caused by material flaws, presence of stress raisers and localized corrosion. Our findings indicate that sharp edges and other features which can act as stress raisers should be avoided in newly designed implants. Corrosion induced fracture of the modular Ti stem indicates the need for a detailed debridement of periprosthetic tissues during revision arthroplasties.

The Four Fixation Points of the Axis: Technique and Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Instrumentation of the axis can be accomplished through a variety of techniques including transarticular screw fixation, pars and pedicle screw fixation, translaminar screw fixation, and posterior wiring. We report on the evolution of the axial 4-screw technique. METHODS: Retrospective case review. After exposure of posterior spinal elements, the medial and superior walls of the C2 pedicle were identified from within the spinal canal. A high-speed drill was then advanced under lateral fluoroscopy, which guided craniocaudal angulation. Medial angulation was based on anatomic landmarks and preoperative imaging. This was followed by placement of translaminar screws according to the technique described by Wright. When extending the construct into the subaxial spine or the occiput, lateral connectors are placed in translaminar screws, which are usually more offset. The rod is directly connected to the pedicle screws, which are usually more in alignment with the subaxial/occipital instrumentation. RESULTS: Two male patients ages 56 and 58 underwent posterior instrumentation of the axis employing a combination of pedicle and laminar polyaxial screws. Indications included multilevel spinal cord compression and deformity in a patient with Down syndrome and cervical meningioma, respectively. Follow-up was 1 year and 5 years, respectively. Medical complications (N = 2) occurred in the patient with Down syndrome resulting in prolonged intubation with tracheostomy placement. Reduction was maintained in both patients at last follow-up. There were no neurologic, vascular, or instrumentation related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The axis serves as a versatile anchor point and offers 4 potential points of fixation. Lateral connectors play a crucial role and allow for incorporation of the C2 screws with the rest of the construct. Local anatomy will dictate the necessity and ability to place instrumentation and detailed preoperative planning is of paramount importance.

Humeral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia and in patients with post-septic shortening: comparison of procedure efficiency and safety.

PURPOSE: Although humeral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia is an accepted procedure for improving functional status, there is still a paucity of information about the effectiveness of the method. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of humeral lengthening using monolateral fixators in patients with achondroplasia and unilateral shortening. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (31 humeri) were included in this study. The study group consisted of eight patients with achondroplasia (16 segments). The control group consisted of 13 patients with post-septic shortening of the humerus (15 segments). All subjects underwent distraction osteogenesis with the use of a monolateral fixator. RESULTS: The mean lengthening in the patients with achondroplasia was 8.29 cm, whereas in the control group it was 7.34 cm (p = 0.1677). The mean lengthening percentage in the patients with achondroplasia (50% of the initial length of the humerus) was significantly greater than in the control group (33% of the initial length of the humerus) (p = 0.0007). The mean healing index was 24.8 days/cm in the patients with achondroplasia and 28.56 days/cm in the control group (p = 0.1832). The overall complication rates for the achondroplastic and post-septic patients were, respectively, 175% and 160% (p = 0.1420). CONCLUSIONS: Humeral lengthening with use of monolateral fixators in patients with achondroplasia is an efficient method. Although the segment lengthening percentage is significantly greater in patients with achondroplasia than in patients with post-septic shortening of the humerus, the safety of this procedure is comparable.