Head and pelvis are the key segments recruited by adult spinal deformity patients during daily life activities.

Functional assessment is a key element in evaluating adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients. The multitude of 3D kinematic parameters provided by movement analysis can be confusing for spine surgeons. The aim was to investigate movement patterns of ASD based on key kinematic parameters. 115 primary ASD and 36 controls underwent biplanar radiographs and 3D movement analysis during walking, sit-to-stand and stair ascent to calculate joint and segment kinematics. Principal component analysis was applied to identify the most relevant kinematic parameters that define movement strategies adopted by ASD. Pelvis and head relative to pelvis kinematics were the most relevant parameters. ASD patients adopted four different movement strategies. Class 1: normative head and pelvis kinematics. Class 2: persistent pelvic backward tilt. Class 3: persistent forward shift of the head. Class 4: both pelvic backward tilt and forward shift of the head. Patients in class 3 and 4 presented sagittal malalignment on static radiographs with increased pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch and sagittal vertical axis. Surprisingly, patients in class 3 had normal pelvic kinematics during movement, showing the importance of functional evaluation. In addition to being key segments in maintaining static global posture, head and pelvis were found to define movement patterns.

Iron Supplementation May Improve the Patient's Level of Satisfaction in Not-Low-Ferritin Telogen Effluvium: A Real-Life Observational Study.

Background: Telogen effluvium (TE) is the most common cause of alopecia in women. Treatment should address the etiological factors and may include adjuvant therapies. In practice, physicians may employ modified approaches and utilize various combinations of topical and oral molecules. Aims: In this real-life observational study, the aim was to evaluate the response of TE to iron supplementation. Materials and Methods: The population consisted of all patients who sought consultation for TE at our dermatology department between March 2021 and February 2022. Eligible participants were women, aged between 18 and 65, having a clinical diagnosis of TE, and intended for treatment with iron supplementation. Exclusion criteria comprised current pregnancy, chronic or active inflammatory disease, newly discovered dysthyroidism, concurrent use of hair supplements, topical minoxidil, or any other medications. The response was assessed based on the patient's level of satisfaction, a significant indicator, given the substantial psychological impact of TE on women's daily lives. Results: The analysis included 200 women. The average age was 32.9 ± 11.4 years. A recent history of COVID-19 or treated dysthyroidism was present in 18.5% and 8% of patients, respectively, but did not impact their response. Significantly, patients with baseline ferritin ≥50 ng/ml were mostly "very satisfied", those with baseline ferritin <50 ng/ml were mostly "not satisfied", and those with unknown levels were mostly "partially satisfied" with iron supplementation. A high dose of elemental iron and a prolonged duration of treatment significantly improved the patients' level of satisfaction. Conclusion: Iron supplementation can improve the patient's level of satisfaction in TE even if serum ferritin is not low.

The Use of Linear Formulas to Estimate Glenoid Bone Loss in the Lebanese Population: A 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Study.

Background: Glenoid bone loss (GBL) is common in patients with shoulder instability and plays a major role in surgical decision-making. While a plethora of GBL estimation methods exist, all of which present specific challenges, recent studies have developed simple linear formulas estimating GBL based on glenoid height. Purpose: To assess the correlation between glenoid height and width, and to develop specific formulas based on age and sex to calculate the native glenoid width in the Lebanese population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Computed tomography scans for 202 normal shoulders were extracted from our database. The glenoids were reconstructed in 3 dimensions and their width and height were measured. Glenoid width and height were compared between male and female groups. Correlation analysis was also performed on the width, height, age, and body mass index. Formulas estimating glenoid width were developed using regression analysis including all variables significantly influencing the model. Results were then compared with the values calculated using previously published formulas to determine the external validity when using linear formulas to estimate GBL. Results: Significant differences were found between men and women. Regression analysis found that glenoid height and width strongly influenced the model, and that age showed a weak but significant correlation; therefore, the following 2 sex-specific formulas were developed: width (mm) = 6.1 + 0.51 ×height+ 0.03 ×age, and width (mm) = 4.55 + 0.51 ×height+ 0.03 ×age, in men and women, respectively. The values yielded from the formulas developed in this study and the true width significantly differed from those calculated from previous reports. Conclusion: A strong correlation was found between glenoid height and width in a the Lebanese population and demonstrated that glenoid width can be accurately calculated based on the glenoid height and patient's age and sex using the following simplified formulas: width (mm) = 6 + 0.5 ×height+ 0.03 ×age, and width (mm) = 4.5 + 0.5 ×height+ 0.03 ×age, in men and women, respectively.

Implant density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis of clinical and radiological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 1-3% of adolescents, and treatment approaches, including the density of constructs in surgical fusion, vary among orthopedic surgeons. Studies have sought to establish whether high-density or low-density constructs offer superior clinical and radiological outcomes, yet conclusive results are lacking. This meta-analysis aims to provide a definitive answer to the controversial and ambiguous question surrounding the efficacy of different pedicle screw densities in treating AIS. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (page 1-20) were searched till December 2023. The studied outcomes were Major Cobb angle, major curve correction, lumbar curve, kyphosis (T5-T12), lumbar lordosis, coronal balance, LIV Tilt angle, TAV translation, LAV translation, apical trunk rotation, trunk shift, SRS-22, operative time, blood loss, complications and cost. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (total of 1985 patients, 1045 in LD group and 940 in HD group) were included in this meta-analysis. A statistically significant better improvement in ATR (p = 0.02) and LIV tilt angle (p = 0.02) was seen in the high-density group. On the other hand, longer operative time (p = 0.002), blood loss (p = 0.0004) and costs (p = 0.02) were seen in the high-density group. No difference was seen in the remaining radiographic and clinical outcomes between both surgeries. CONCLUSION: Both low-density (LD) and high-density (HD) screw constructs show comparable and satisfactory radiographic and QOL for AIS patients. Furthermore, HD constructs had increased costs, operative time, and blood loss associated. However, a definitive conclusion cannot be made and more studies taking into account multiple additional variables are necessary to do so.

Acute unexplained T1-T2 fracture-dislocation following posterior instrumentation and fusion for paralytic scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Upper thoracic fracture-dislocation following posterior instrumentation and fusion is rare, with potentially devastating neurologic consequences. The recommended treatment is an open reduction, spinal cord decompression, and a proximal extension of spinal instrumentation. To report the diagnosis and management of an acute non-traumatic T1-T2 fracture-dislocation, occurring in the early postoperative course of a posterior instrumentation and fusion for neurogenic scoliosis. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) male patient, who underwent an uneventful T2-S1 instrumentation for scoliosis, presented to the emergency department (ED) 2 weeks later, with mild fever, urinary retention, fecaloma and hypotonia of the 4 limbs, of few days duration. His parents reported no history of trauma and denied epileptic seizures. Atypical cervicothoracic spastic movements the night preceding his symptoms were the only relevant events of the patient's history. CT and MRI were both suggestive of a complete T1-T2 fracture-dislocation and spinal cord compromise. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The patient underwent immediate posterior decompression with wide lamino-arthrectomy, open reduction and proximal extension of his posterior instrumentation to C5. One year following surgery, there was only mild sensorimotor and bladder and bowel function recovery. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of an acute non-traumatic unexplained T1-T2 fracture-dislocation following posterior instrumentation and fusion. Despite a proper management, only very mild recovery was observed one year following surgery.

Role of bilateral staged hip arthroplasty in Hip-spine syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Hip-spine syndrome is a frequent finding in patients presenting with symptoms both at the level of the hip and spine. PATIENT CONCERNS: Patient previously operated of lumbar laminectomy for supposed spinal stenosis presenting with persistent pain and disability. DIAGNOSES: Clinical examination and imaging showed severe bilateral hip osteoarthritis. Full body standing and sitting biplanar radiographs showed an associated severe sagittal malalignment. 3D motion analysis and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires showed a severe functional impact. INTERVENTIONS: He was operated of a staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach. OUTCOMES: Spinopelvic and sagittal alignment parameters, as well as 3D motion analysis and HRQOL scores showed significant improvement after the first, then the second total hip arthroplasty. LESSONS: Comprehensive functional diagnostic testing, including full body standing and seated radiographs, 3D gait analysis and HRQOL questionnaires may provide important information for future management.

Differences in Kinematic Changes From Self-Selected to Fast Speed Gait in Asymptomatic Adults With Radiological Signs of Femoro-Acetabular Impingement.

Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) may present as alterations in the skeletal morphology of the hip. Repercussions of FAI can be witnessed in self-selected speed walking as well as physical exercise such as running or fast speed walking. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in kinematics at different gait speeds in subjects presenting with radiological findings invoking FAI. One hundred thirty asymptomatic adults underwent biplanar X-rays with a calculation of 3D hip parameters: acetabular anteversion, abduction and tilt, vertical center edge angle (VCE), femoral anteversion, neck-shaft angle, acetabular coverage of the femoral head, femoral head diameter and neck length. Parameters were classified according to FAI clinical thresholds. Two groups were created: Control group (63 subjects having up to one subnormal hip parameter in favour of FAI) and Radiographic FAI group (67 subjects having ≥2 subnormal hip parameters that might cause FAI). All subjects underwent 3D gait analysis at self-selected and fast speed, from which kinematic parameters were generated. Arithmetic differences between fast and self-selected speed gait were considered as gait changes. Subjects in the Radiographic FAI group had decreased acetabular tilt (24 vs. 19˚), anteversion (19 vs. 16˚), abduction (55 vs. 53˚), femoral anteversion (18 vs. 14˚) and increased VCE (29 vs. 33˚, all p<0.05), compared to controls. Changes from self-selected to fast speed showed that subjects in the Radiographic FAI group had lower range of motion (ROM) pelvic rotation (7 vs. 4˚) and ROM hip flexion/extension (10 vs. 7˚), reduced hip extension (-4 vs. -2˚) and step length (16 vs. 13 cm; all p<0.05). The Radiographic FAI group had decreased acetabular abduction, anteversion and femoral anteversion in favour of FAI. When adapting from self-selected to fast speed gait, the Radiographic FAI group seemed to limit pelvic rotation and hip flexion/extension resulting in a decrease in step length. These kinematic limitations were previously reported in subjects with symptomatic FAI. Gait analysis could be considered as a functional diagnostic tool to assess FAI along with radiological assessment.

Augmented reality and shoulder replacement: a state-of-the-art review article.

Since its implementation, the rates of failure of total shoulder arthroplasty which may be due to malpositioning pushed to improve this surgery by creating new techniques and tools to help perioperatively. Augmented reality, a newly used tool in orthopedic surgery can help bypass this problem and reduce the rates of failure faced in shoulder replacement surgeries. Although this technology has revolutionized orthopedic surgery and helped improve the accuracy in shoulder prosthesis components positioning, it still has some limitations such as inaccurate over-imposition that should be addressed before it becomes of standard usage.

Assessment of the axial plane deformity in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and its relationship to the frontal and sagittal planes.

PURPOSE: Investigate the axial plane deformity in the scoliotic segment and its relationship to the deformity in the frontal and sagittal planes. METHODS: Two hundred subjects with AIS (Cobb ≥ 20°) underwent low dose biplanar X-rays with 3D reconstruction of the spine and pelvis. All structural curves were considered and were distributed as follows: 142 thoracic (T), 70 thoracolumbar (TL), and 47 lumbar curves (L). Common 3D spino-pelvic and scoliosis parameters were collected such as: frontal Cobb; torsion index (TI); hypokyphosis/lordosis index (HI). Parameters were compared between each type of curvature and correlations were investigated between the 3 planes. RESULTS: Frontal Cobb was higher in all T (45 ± 19°) and TL (41 ± 15°) curves compared to L curves (35 ± 14°, p = 0.004). TI was higher in T curves when compared to TL and L curves (TI: 15 ± 8°, 9 ± 6°, 7 ± 5°, p < 0.001). HI was similar between curve types. T curves showed significant correlations between the 3 planes: Cobb vs. TI (r = 0.76), Cobb vs. HI (r = - 0.54) and HI vs. TI (r = - 0.42). The axial plane deformity was related to the frontal deformity and the type of curvature (adjusted-R2 = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Beside showing the most severe deformity frontally and axially compared to TL and L curves, the T curves showed strong correlations between the 3 planes of the deformity. Moreover, this study showed that the axial plane deformity cannot be fully determined by the frontal and sagittal deformities, which highlights the importance of 3D assessment in the setting of AIS.

Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine: Importance and Surgical Implications.

The soft tissues surrounding the spine play a primordial role in its stability, the most important of which are located posteriorly and are deemed the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). Injuries to the PLC in the setting of thoracolumbar trauma are often dreaded and little attention has been given to them in the management protocols of thoracolumbar trauma. This review aims to summarize and contextualize current concepts in PLC injuries of the thoracolumbar spine with the aim to provide a clear guide for clinical management. Injuries to the PLC may be suspected on the clinical exam but are often missed, leading to serious complications, including instability and neurological compromise. The diagnosis is often made indirectly by spinal radiographs and CT-scanning or by direct visualization of soft tissues via magnetic resonance imaging. The latter remains the standard imaging modality and is mandatory for patients with a high suspicion of PLC injury. PLC injuries are associated with vertebral fractures and follow a progressive pattern of severity, depending on the mechanism of injury and extent of trauma. Surgical management is warranted, as PLC damage renders the spine unstable. Although fusion was once the standard of care and remains applicable for certain patients, recent endeavors of temporary spinal fixation without fusion are increasingly gaining traction in patients with PLC injuries. In conclusion, PLC injuries are challenging as they are often missed, poorly understood, and are not easily managed. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to avoid long-standing complications such as spinal instability. Considering the paucity of available data on such an important topic in thoracolumbar trauma, this review article aims to contextualize current concepts in PLC injuries in order to demystify this sparsely covered subject.

Reliability assessment of cervical spine parameters measured on full-body radiographs in asymptomatic subjects and patients with spinal deformity.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spinal alignment is usually assessed on full-body radiographs allowing for the concomitant evaluation of possible compensatory mechanisms that may occur at any level in the setting of postural malalignment. HYPOTHESIS: Cervical parameters measured on full-body radiographs are reliable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 70 subjects were included and divided in 3 groups: asymptomatic adults (n=21), adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (n=20), and adults with spinal deformity (n=29), for whom full-body low-dose biplanar radiographs were obtained. Eighteen cervical parameters including gaze and cervical curvature, upper cervical spine, global cervical alignment, thoraco-cervical and cervico-pelvic parameters were measured by 4 operators, three times each. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) where calculated for each parameter and compared between the 3 groups. RESULTS: ICC and the 95% CI were similar between the 3 groups. The measured parameters showed a very high repeatability (ICC>0.8) except for C0-C2, which presented an average repeatability (ICC=0.57). The cSVA, CTPA, C2-SPi, cranial offset, T1-SPi, CBVA and cranial tilt had a 95% CI<2 (° or cm). The TIA, T1-CL and C0-C2 had a 95% CI>6°. DISCUSSION: The poor visibility of the foramen magnum, hard palate, C7, T1, and the sternum on radiographs could explain why certain parameters showed a higher measurement error. The assessment of these error margins is essential for an accurate evaluation of cervical spinal deformities and a proper therapeutic approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Suspicious adrenal incidentaloma in a patient with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A case report.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia has been associated with an increased prevalence of adrenal masses. It is still unknown whether incidentalomas in CAH* patients are more frequent or if the risk of adrenal carcinoma is higher than the general population. Therefore, the management CAH subjects presenting with suspicious adrenal masses remains problematic. We relate the case of a patient with CAH presenting for an adrenal incidentaloma with malignant features. The management of such cases is controversial as surgery is risky for large masses. Despite dimensions, a laparoscopic approach was used for resection. The patient remained disease free at 4 years post-operatively.

How do skeletal and postural parameters contribute to maintain balance during walking?

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining balance during gait allows subjects to minimize energy expenditure and avoid falls. Gait balance can be measured by assessing the relationship between the center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP) during gait. Demographics, skeletal and postural parameters are known to influence gait balance. PURPOSE: What are the determinants of dynamic balance during gait in asymptomatic adults among skeletal and demographic parameters? METHODS: 115 adults underwent 3D gait analysis and full-body biplanar X-rays. Angles between the COM-COP line and the vertical were calculated in frontal and sagittal planes during gait: maxima, minima, and ROM were evaluated. Full-body 3D reconstructions were obtained; skeletal and postural parameters of the spine (lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, sagittal vertical axis SVA), pelvis (pelvic tilt and incidence, acetabular orientation in the 3 planes) and lower limbs (neck shaft angle femoral and tibial torsions) were calculated. A univariate followed by a multivariate analysis were computed between the COM-COP parameters and skeletal and demographic parameters. RESULTS: The univariate analysis showed that in the frontal plane, maximum (4.6°) of the COM-COP angle was significantly correlated with weight (r = 0.53), age (r = 0.28), height (r = 0.35), SVA (r = 0.23), T1T12 (r = 0.24) and pelvic width (r = 0.25).In the sagittal plane, maximum COM-COP (19.7 ± 2.8°) angle was significantly correlated to acetabular tilt (r = 0.25) and acetabular anteversion (r = 0.21). The multivariate analysis showed that, in the frontal plane, an increase in the maximum of the COM-COP angle was determined by a decreasing height (ß = -0.28), an increasing weight (ß = 0.48), being a male (ß = -0.42), and an increasing posterior acetabular coverage (ß = 0.22). In the sagittal plane, an increasing maximum COM-COP angle was determined by a decreasing height (ß = -0.38) and an increasing SVA (ß = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Frontal imbalance appeared to be mainly correlated to demographic parameters. Sagittal imbalance was found to be correlated with weight, height, acetabular parameters and SVA. These results suggest that in addition to demographic parameters, acetabular parameters and SVA are important determinants of balance during gait.

Alterations of 3D acetabular and lower limb parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3D deformity of the acetabula and lower limbs in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their relationship with spino-pelvic alignment. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-four subjects with AIS (frontal Cobb: 33.5° ± 18° [10°-110°]) and 84 controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent full-body biplanar X-rays with subsequent 3D reconstructions. Classic spino-pelvic and lower limb parameters were collected as well as acetabular parameters: acetabular orientation in the 3 planes (tilt, anteversion and abduction), center-edge angle (CEA) and anterior and posterior sector angles. Subjects with AIS were represented by both lower limb sides and classified by elevated (ES) or lowered (LS), depending on the frontal pelvic obliquity. Parameters were then compared between groups. Determinants of acetabular and lower limb alterations were investigated among spino-pelvic parameters. RESULTS: Acetabular abduction was higher on the ES in AIS (59.2° ± 6°) when compared to both LS (55.6° ± 6°) and controls (57.5° ± 3.9°, p < 0.001). CEA and acetabular anteversion were higher on the LS in AIS (32° ± 6.1°, 20.5° ± 5.7°) when compared to both ES (28.7° ± 5.1°, 19.8° ± 5.1°) and controls (29.8° ± 4.8°, 19.1° ± 4°, respectively, p < 0.001). Anterior sector angle was lower on both ES and LS in AIS when compared to controls. CEA, acetabular abduction and acetabular anteversion were found to be mostly determined (adjusted R2: 0.08-0.32) by pelvic tilt and less by frontal pelvic obliquity, frontal Cobb and T1T12. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with AIS had a more abducted acetabulum at the lowered side, more anteverted acetabulum and a lack of anterior coverage of both acetabula. These alterations were strongly related to pelvic tilt.

What is the most reliable radiographic method to evaluate the longitudinal foot arch? Application in subjects with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: The foot arch is known to be altered in subjects with postural malalignment. Foot arch morphology can be studied simultaneously with body's balance by measuring foot radiographic parameters on full-body biplanar x-rays. There is no consensus on which is the most reliable method to use to draw the foot axes. The aim was to determine the most reliable methods to draw the main foot axes and apply these findings in order to study the difference of foot parameters between AIS and control subjects. HYPOTHESES: (1) distant and clear anatomical landmarks are needed to draw the foot axes accurately; (2) foot longitudinal arch parameters differ between AIS and controls. METHODS: Ninety AIS patients and 36 controls have undergone full body biplanar X-rays from which 3D spino-pelvic and postural parameters were collected for each patient. Six radiological foot angles were evaluated on the 2D lateral radiographs: calcaneal pitch (CPA), talar declination (TDA), first metatarsal declination (FMDA), talo-calcaneal (TCA), calcaneal first metatarsal (CFMA) and Meary. Angles were calculated based on three major axes of the foot: talar, calcaneal, and first metatarsal. Two to three methods were used to draw each axis and the reliability of each method was assessed (three operators, 2-times each). Then, differences of the foot parameters between AIS and controls, and determinants of these differences among 3D spino-pelvic and postural parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The most reliable methods for drawing the three axes of the foot were those using distant and clear anatomical landmarks on talus, calcaneum and first metatarsal and used for the subsequent analysis. The AIS group showed a significantly lower TDA (22° vs. 24°, p=0.014) and CFMA (141° vs. 144°, p=0.045), and higher FMDA (18° vs. 15°, p=0.008) and Meary's angle (-5° vs. -9°, p=0.005) when compared to controls. Differences were found to be determined mainly by the center of auditory meatus sagittal plumbline. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to evaluate the most reliable method to draw foot axes on the lateral radiograph of biplanar X-rays in order to assess radiological foot arch parameters. AIS patients were shown to have more elevated foot arch compared to controls.

Influence of spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters on gait kinematics.

INTRODUCTION: Postural alignment is altered with spine deformities that might occur with age. Alteration of spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters are known to affect daily life activities such as gait. It is still unknown how spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters are related to gait kinematics. RESEARCH QUESTION: To assess the relationships between spino-pelvic/postural alignment parameters and gait kinematics in asymptomatic adults. METHODS: 134 asymptomatic subjects (aged 18-59 years) underwent 3D gait analysis, from which kinematics of the pelvis and lower limbs were extracted in the 3 planes. Subjects then underwent full-body biplanar X-rays, from which skeletal 3D reconstructions and spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters were obtained such as sagittal vertical axis (SVA), center of auditory meatus to hip axis plumbline (CAM-HA), thoracic kyphosis (TK) and radiologic pelvic tilt (rPT). In order to assess the influence of spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters on gait kinematics a univariate followed by a multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: SVA was related to knee flexion during loading response (ß = 0.268); CAM-HA to ROM pelvic obliquity (ß = -0.19); rPT to mean pelvic tilt (ß = -0.185) and ROM pelvic obliquity (ß = -0.297); TK to ROM hip flexion/extension in stance (ß = -0.17), mean foot progression in stance (ß = -0.329), walking speed (ß = -0.19), foot off (ß = 0.223) and step length (ß = -0.181). SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed that increasing SVA, CAM-HA, TK and rPT, which is known to occur in adults with spinal deformities, could alter gait kinematics. Increases in these parameters, even in asymptomatic subjects, were related to a retroverted pelvis during gait, a reduced pelvic obliquity and hip flexion/extension mobility, an increased knee flexion during loading response as well as an increase in external foot progression angle. This was associated with a decrease in the walking pace: reduced speed, step length and longer stance phase.

Is the apical vertebra the most rotated vertebra in the scoliotic curve?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if the apical vertebra (AV) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most rotated vertebra in the scoliotic segment. METHODS: A total of 158 patients with AIS (Cobb angle range 20°-101°) underwent biplanar radiography with 3D reconstructions of the spine and calculation of vertebral axial rotations. The type of major curvature was recorded (thoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbar), and both major and minor curvatures were included. The difference of levels (DL) between the level of maximal vertebral rotation (LMVR) and the AV was calculated as follows: DL = 0 if LMVR and AV were the same, DL = 1 if LMVR was directly above or below the AV, and DL = 2 if LMVR was separated by 1 vertebra or more from the AV. To investigate which factors explained the divergence of the LMVR from the AV, multinomial models were computed. RESULTS: The distribution of the DL was as follows: for major curvatures, 143 were DL = 0, 11 were DL = 1, and 4 were DL = 2; and for minor curvatures, 53 were DL = 0, 9 were DL = 1, and 31 were DL = 2. The determinants of a DL = 2 (compared with DL = 0) were lumbar curvature (compared with thoracic; adjusted OR 0.094, p = 0.001), major curvature (compared with minor; adjusted OR 0.116, p = 0.001), and curvatures with increasing apical vertebral rotation (adjusted OR 0.788, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the AV is the most rotated vertebra in the majority of major curvatures, while in minor curvatures, the most rotated vertebra appears to be the junctional vertebra between major and minor curvatures in a significant proportion of cases.

An epidemiological evaluation of fractures and its determinants among Lebanese schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence and determinants of fractures among 974 Lebanese schoolchildren aged 8-18. Fractures might be less common in the Lebanese pediatric population compared to western populations. Male gender and high SES are independent risk factors for fractures, while 25(OH)D and BMI have no impact. PURPOSE: To establish the prevalence of fractures among Lebanese schoolchildren and its relationship with age, gender, BMI, 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 974 Lebanese schoolchildren aged 8-18 years old, mean age 13.37 ± 2.92 (508 boys and 466 girls), were recruited from 10 schools with different SES. For each participant, a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding history of fractures. Serum 25(OH)D was also measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of Lebanese children sustaining ≥ 1 fracture was 16.9% and was higher in boys compared to girls (22.2% vs 11.1%, p < 0.0001). A 71.3% of fractures were localized in the upper limbs and 20% of participants had at least one displaced fracture. Children who sustained a fracture had a non-significant higher BMI compared to those without (p = 0.096). The percentage of children with fractures was higher in children from high SES compared to those from middle and low SES (respectively 23.3% vs. 16.3% and 13.8%, p < 0.0001). Fractures occurred at a younger age in girls compared to boys, but this difference was non-significant (p = 0.13). 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in children with fractures compared to those without (p = 0.017). Finally, female gender was protective against upper limb fractures (p = 0.009). In a logistic regression analysis, male gender and high SES were independently associated with fractures, while BMI and 25(OH)D were not. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the prevalence of fractures in the Lebanese pediatric population might be lower than western populations. It also confirms that male gender and high SES are independent risk factors for fractures, while 25(OH)D and BMI were not independently associated with fracture risk.

Alterations of treatment-naïve pelvis and thigh muscle morphology in children with cerebral palsy.

Lower limb (LL) muscle morphology and growth are altered in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Muscle alterations differ with age and with severity of motor impairment, classified according to the gross motor classification system (GMFCS). Muscle alterations differ also with orthopedic intervention, frequently performed at the level of the shank muscles since an early age, such as the gastrocnemius. The aim was to investigate the alterations of treatment-naïve pelvis and thigh muscle lengths and volumes in children with GMFCS levels I and II, of varying ages. 17 children with CP (GMFCS I: N = 9, II: N = 8, age: 11.7 ±â€¯4 years), age-matched to 17 typically developing (TD) children, underwent MRI of the LL. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the muscles were performed bilaterally. Muscle volumes and lengths were calculated in 3D and compared between groups. Linear regression between muscle volumes and age were computed. Adductor-brevis and gracilis lengths, as well as rectus-femoris volume, were decreased in GMFCS I compared to TD (p < 0.05). Almost all the reconstructed muscle volumes and lengths were found to be altered in GMFCS II compared to TD and GMFCS I. All muscle volumes showed significant increase with age in TD and GMFCS I (R2 range: 0.3-0.9, p < 0.05). Rectus-femoris, hamstrings and adductor-longus showed reduced increase in the muscle volume with age in GMFCS II when compared to TD and GMFCS I. Alterations of treatment-naïve pelvis and thigh muscle volumes and lengths, as well as muscle growth, seem to increase with the severity of motor impairment in ambulant children with CP.