Surgical reconstruction of hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review the efficacy of femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) and Dega transiliac osteotomy in the treatment of hip subluxation and dislocation of cerebral palsy (CP) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 hips of 22 CP patients (9 males, 13 females; mean age 8.7 years; range 4 to 18 years) who were operated due to hip subluxation and dislocation between July 2010 and December 2015. The mean follow-up period was 36.1±10.4 months (range, 20 to 65.6 months). Femoral VDRO and Dega transiliac osteotomy were performed in all cases. None of the patients were administered cast immobilization postoperatively. Patients were evaluated clinically with gross motor function classification system preoperatively and at the follow-up period. Acetabular index (AI), migration percentage (MP), and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured and documented by pelvic radiographs taken pre- and postoperatively and at the follow-up period. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Gross motor function classification system scores improved in 16 patients. Mean AI was 33.2° preoperatively and 20.4° postoperatively. In preoperative period, MP and NSA were 72.7% and 160°, respectively, which improved to 24.3% and 130°, respectively, postoperatively. The postoperative improvement in AI, NSA and MP were statistically significant (p<0.001). We performed revision surgery due to implant failure in two patients and detected hip subluxation due to increased pelvic obliquity in one patient who had thoracolumbar scoliosis. CONCLUSION: In CP patients, reconstruction of hip subluxation and dislocation with femoral VDRO and Dega transiliac osteotomy establish femoroacetabular congruency. Without any cast immobilization, early physical therapy is encouraged for immediate recovery.

Femoral bowing plane adaptation to femoral anteversion.

BACKGROUND: Femoral bowing plane (FBP) is the unattended subject in the literature. More over the femoral shaft with its bowing is neglected in established anteversion determination methods. There is limited information about the relationship between FBP and anteversion. Thus we focused on this subject and hypothesized that there could be an adaptation of FBP to anteversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FBP is determined on three-dimensional solid models derived from the left femoral computerized tomography data of 47 patients which were taken before for another reason and comparatively evaluated with anteversion. There were 20 women and 27 men. The mean age of patients was 56 years (range 21-84 years). RESULTS: The anteversion values were found as the angle between a distal condylar axis (DCA) and femoral neck anteversion axis (FNAA) along an imaginary longitudinal femoral axis (LFA) in the true cranio-caudal view. The FBP was determined as a plane that passes through the centre-points of three pre-determinated sections on the femoral shaft. The angles between DCA, FNAA and FBP were comparatively evaluated. The independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. At the end, it was found that FBP lies nearly perpendicular to the anteversion axis for the mean of our sample which is around 89° in females and 93° in males (range 78-102°). On the other hand, FBP does not lie close to the sagittal femoral plane (SFP); instead, there is an average 12.5° external rotation relative to the SFP. FBP is correlated well with anteversion in terms of FBP inclination from SFP and femoral torsion (i.e., angle between FBP and femoral neck anteversion axis (P < 0.001; r = 0.680 and r = -0.682, respectively). Combined correlation is perfect (R2 = 1) as the FBP, SFP, and posterior femoral plane forms a triangle in the cranio-caudal view. CONCLUSIONS: We found that FBP adapts to anteversion. As FBP lies close to perpendicularity for the mean, femoral component positioning perpendicular to the FBP can be an alternate way in the replacement surgeries. In addition, it has been found that FBP lies externally rotated relative to the SFP.

Surgical treatment of scoliosis in osteogenesis imperfecta with cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To report the early postoperative results of scoliosis surgery in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients utilizing all pedicle screw constructs and present a novel cementing technique to increase pedicle screw purchase in the osteoporotic OI spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Scoliosis surgery utilizing hooks and wire systems have high complication rates in OI. Pedicle screw fixation systems have the biomechanical advantage of 3-column fixation, and cement augmentation of pedicle screws provides additional pull-out strength in the osteoporotic OI spine. METHODS: The clinical and radiologic results of 10 consecutive OI patients treated with all pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion were retrospectively reviewed. The radiologic data included preoperative and postoperative major curve measurements: major curve Cobb angle, global coronal balance (GCB), apical vertebral translation (AVT), and the lowest instrumented vertebral (LIV) tilt. Operative findings included blood loss, surgery time, and additional procedures. All patients received intravenous pamidronate therapy preoperatively to increase bone mineral density. RESULTS: Ten patients with OI were operated on between 2005 and 2009. Seven had cement-augmented pedicle screw insertion at the proximal and distal foundations. The mean hospital stay was 10±7.5 days (range, 4-27 d) and the average follow-up period was 25.7±13.1 months (range, 14-50 mo). Mean preoperative and postoperative major Cobb angles were 83.7±23.8 and 40.3±14.6 degrees, respectively (48% correction; P<0.05). Mean preoperative and postoperative GCB deviations were 26.7±18.6 and 14.1±13.3 mm, respectively (P=0.097). Mean preoperative and postoperative AVTs were 69.3±29.1 and 29±12.2 mm, respectively (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative LIV tilts were 18.5±8.9 and 5.2±3.9 degrees, respectively (P<0.05). At the latest follow-up, the mean major curve Cobb angle was 37.7±13.1 degrees, the GCB deviation was 13.8±5.1 mm, the AVT was 31.7±13.3 mm, and the LIV tilt was 11.3±8.8 degrees. There was no difference between the early postoperative and the latest follow-up major curve Cobb angle, GCB deviation, AVT, or LIV tilt, indicating maintenance of correction. The mean blood loss was 23,75 mL (range, 800-45,00 mL). The mean operative time was 375.4 minutes (range, 262-491 min). The mean postoperative Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient-based outcome scores were 4.6±0.7 (out of 5). There were no instrumentation failures or permanent neurological deficits in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicle screw instrumentation in OI scoliosis is safe and effective. Cement augmentation in these patients may help to increase the pedicle pull-out strength and decrease the screw failure rates, especially at the proximal and the distal ends of instrumentation.

Efficacy of 5-fluorouracil in inhibition of unintended bone formation in spinal surgery: a histological evaluation on a rat model of spontaneous spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the antiproliferative agent 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) over inhibition of spinal bone formation in an experimental rat model. METHODS: The study included 30 6-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 3 groups. Aggressive periosteal denuding was performed by scalpel to induce punctuate bleeding in the posterior elements of the L4-L5 vertebrae in the spontaneous fusion model. Spinous processes were fixated by wires and no graft substitute was applied. Adcon-L was applied in Group 1, single-touch technique 5FU in Group 2. Group 3 was the control group. Rats were sacrificed at 4 weeks and specimens acquired for histological examination. RESULTS: 5FU substantially inhibited fibroblast and inflammatory cell densities as well as bone formation compared to the control group. 5FU was considerably superior to Adcon-L with regard to inhibition of bone formation and inflammatory cells (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: 5FU can inhibit fusion, fibrosis and unwanted scar tissue in spinal surgery. We believe that after further studies on its local delivery dose, it can be used in humans for inhibition of unintended fusion.

Cervicothoracic myelopathy in children with Morquio syndrome A: a report of 4 cases.

BACKGROUND: Craniovertebral junction anomalies and C1-C2 instability resulting in myelopathy have been well described in the literature on mucopolysaccharidosis IV (MPS-IV). Spinal involvement in MPS-IV patients, with neurological impairment, other than atlanto-axial instability and thoracolumbar kyphosis, has been scarcely mentioned in the literature. METHODS: Retrospective clinical and radiologic review of the medical records and imaging studies of 4 individuals with Morquio A syndrome, who had undergone decompression and fusion of the cervicothoracic spine for myelopathy secondary to cervicothoracic stenosis between 1990 and 2009. Data regarding the presence of kyphosis at the cervicothoracic and upper thoracic spine, and neurological symptoms and signs were obtained. RESULTS: There were 3 girls and 1 boy with an average age of 5 years and 11 months at presentation with neurological symptoms. Half of the patients had previously undergone occipitocervical fusion for atlanto-axial instability, whereas the other half were noted to have spinal cord compression at both the upper cervical and cervicothoracic regions, and underwent decompression and fusion at both levels concomitantly. All patients showed postoperative neurological improvement. All patients presented with the classical Morquio syndrome vertebral morphology. Cervicothoracic kyphosis was found in all of our patients in a varying severity (10 to 35 degrees). Levels of stenosis were similar in 3 patients, C7-T2; and occurred at a lower spinal level, T1-T4, in the remaining patient. Posterior disk bulging and thecal sac indentation were found in all 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological problems secondary to progressive kyphosis and stenosis at the cervicothoracic and upper thoracic spine are seen in children with Morquio syndrome. Early detection with a careful neurological assessment, whole spine MR imaging, and appropriate surgical treatment can prevent permanent neurological sequelae.

Correction of lower extremity angular deformities in skeletal dysplasia with hemiepiphysiodesis: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity angular deformities are common in children with skeletal dysplasia and can be treated with various surgical options. Both acute correction by osteotomy with internal fixation and gradual correction by external fixation have been used with acceptable results. Recently, the Guided Growth concept using temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for correction of angular deformities in the growing child has been proposed. This study presents the results of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using eight-Plates and medial malleolus transphyseal screws in children with skeletal dysplasia with lower extremity angular deformities. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (50 lower extremities) with skeletal dysplasia of different types were treated for varus or valgus deformities at 2 centers. The mean age at the time of hemiepiphysiodesis was 10±2.9 years. A total of 66 eight-Plates and 12 medial malleolus screws were used. The average follow-up time between the index surgery and the latest follow-up with the eight-Plate in was 25±13.4 months. Erect long-standing anteroposterior and lateral view radiographs were obtained for deformity planning before the procedure. Angular deformities on radiograph were evaluated by mechanical axis deviation, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and lateral distal tibial angle. Mechanical axis deviation was also expressed as a percentage to one half of the width of the tibial plateau, and the magnitude of the deformity was classified by determining the zones through which the mechanical axis of the lower extremity passed. Four zones were determined on both the medial and lateral side of the knee and the zones were labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4, corresponding to the severity of the deformity. A positive value was assigned for valgus alignment and a negative for varus alignment. RESULTS: Patients were analyzed in valgus and varus groups. There was correction in 34 of 38 valgus legs and 7 of 12 varus legs. In the valgus group, the mean preoperative and postoperative mechanical lateral distal femoral angles were 82.1±3.7 and 91.1±4.9 degrees, respectively (P<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative medial proximal tibial angles were 98.5±8 and 87.8±7.1 degrees, respectively (P<0.001). Six patients with bilateral ankle valgus deformities (12 ankles) underwent single-screw medial malleolus hemiepiphysiodesis. The mean preoperative and postoperative lateral distal tibial angles were 73.9±8.7 and 86.1±6.8 degrees, respectively (P<0.001). The numbers of plates in each anatomic location were not enough to make statistical conclusions in varus legs. Four patients in the valgus group and 3 patients in the varus group did not benefit from the procedure. Mechanical axes were in zone 2 or over in 94% of the legs preoperatively, whereas postoperatively, only 23% of the legs had mechanical axes in zone 2 or over in varus and valgus groups. CONCLUSIONS: Growth modulation with an eight-Plate is a relatively simple surgery and has low risk of mechanical failure or physeal damage. It can be performed in very young patients, which is an important advantage in skeletal dysplasia. Screw purchase is reliable even in the abnormal epiphysis and metaphysis. Our results show that Guided Growth using eight-Plates in skeletal dysplasia is safe and effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Upper cervical fusion in children with Morquio syndrome: intermediate to long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Paraplegia or death secondary to upper cervical spine instability and spinal cord compression are known consequences of Morquio syndrome. Decompression and fusion of the upper cervical spine are indicated to treat spinal cord compression. The purpose of this study was to report the intermediate to long-term results of upper cervical spine fusion in children with Morquio syndrome. METHODS: Twenty patients (nine female and eleven male) with Morquio syndrome who underwent upper cervical spine fusion at a mean age of sixty-three months were retrospectively analyzed with use of hospital records. Radiographic and clinical results were reported. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was eight years and ten months. Fusion was achieved in all patients except one; this patient underwent a revision with transarticular C1-C2 screw fixation. Seven patients developed symptomatic instability below the fusion mass that required extension of fusion to lower levels at a mean of ninety-one months after the initial operation. Two patients required decompression and fusion of a site other than the upper cervical spine. Asymptomatic cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar kyphosis was prevalent among our patients. All patients were neurologically stable at the time of the latest follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Upper cervical spine fusion provides reliable fusion and a stable neural outcome in patients with Morquio syndrome. However, distal junctional instability is a major problem at long-term follow-up. Kyphotic deformity of the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junction may be present in a large number of patients with Morquio syndrome and evaluation for spinal stenosis at these levels should also be considered.

Surgical Treatment of Scoliosis in Non-Ambulatory Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Matched Cohort Comparison of Unit Rod Technique and All-Pedicle Screw Constructs.

STUDY DESIGN: Matched cohort. OBJECTIVE: To compare the unit rod instrumentation (UR) technique with all-pedicle screw (PS) constructs in the surgical care of scoliosis in Gross Motor Function Classification System IV/V non-ambulatory spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Over the past 20 years, there has been a transition from the UR technique to the use of pedicle screws and iliac screws in neuromuscular scoliosis. To date, no head-to-head comparative analysis has been reported between the UR technique and PS constructs for posterior segmental spinal instrumentation and fusion in cerebral palsy patients. METHODS: A matched cohort study was performed between 2 tertiary-care pediatric centers: 1 using UR technique and the other PS constructs. Minimum follow-up was 2 years postoperatively (PS 2.5 years, UR 4.6 years, not significant). Fourteen patients were matched from each center based on age (mean age: PS 15.4 years, UR 15.5 years), preoperative pelvic obliquity (mean: PS 33.8°, UR 29.1°) and major coronal Cobb angle (mean: PS 100.9°, UR 100.1°). RESULTS: There was posterior-only surgery in 14 of 14 PS and 11 of 14 UR surgeries. The final follow-up Cobb angle was lower in the PS group (13.5° vs. 34.3°, p < .05), with 86.5% correction in the PS group and 65.7% in the UR group. Final follow-up pelvic obliquity was similar (PS 8.5° vs. UR 3.3°; not significant). There were no major complications in the PS group. In the UR group, there was 1 deep infection and 1 reoperation for removal of a prominent sublaminar wire. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to directly compare UR with PS constructs using matched patient cohorts in this patient population. All-pedicle screw constructs had better correction of coronal Cobb angle, lower blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. There was no difference in the correction of pelvic obliquity, complications, or reoperations.

Comparative analysis of hook, hybrid, and pedicle screw instrumentation in the posterior treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Spinal instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) aims to correct spinal deformity and maintain long-term spinal stability until bony healing is ensured. The purpose of this study was to compare the minimum 2-year postoperative radiographic and clinical results of posterior spine correction and fusion with all-hook instrumentation versus hybrid segmental instrumentation versus pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS from a single institution. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with AIS who underwent a posterior spinal fusion with segmental pedicle screw (35), hook (35), or hybrid (35) instrumentation were sorted and matched according to the following criteria: similar age at surgery, identical Lenke curve types, curve magnitude, and Risser grade. Patients were evaluated before, immediately after, and at 2 years after surgery for radiographic parameters, complications, and outcome, as well as on the basis of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The age and Risser grade, major curve Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation (AVR), apical vertebral translation (AVT), lowest instrumented vertebral tilt, global coronal and sagittal balance, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis were determined as part of preoperative evaluation. All 3 groups showed significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative major curve Cobb angle, lowest instrumented vertebral tilt, AVT, and AVR. At the latest follow-up, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and global coronal and sagittal balance remained similar among the 3 groups. Major curve Cobb angle, AVT, and AVR were significantly different--the hook group's measurements were significantly higher than the other groups, but there was no difference between the pedicle screw and hybrid groups. Major curve correction rate was significantly different among all groups (screw=71.9%±13.8%, hybrid=61.4%±16.6%, hook=48.1%±19.7%) (P<0.001). The pedicle screw group had the least amount of correction loss but there was no statistically significant difference between groups (screw=2.6±6.7 degrees, hybrid=4.5±7.4 degrees, hook=4.4±6.2 degrees) (P=0.35). The hook group had the least amount of AVT correction, but the screw group and the hybrid groups were similar (pedicle=67.3%±15.5%, hybrid=57.5%±22.4%, hook=39.9%±32.5%) (P<0.001). Surgery time and blood loss were higher in the screw group. No differences in global SRS-22 scores were demonstrated between the patients treated with pedicle screw, hybrid, and hook constructs; however, the satisfaction domain was higher in the screw group at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicle screw and hybrid instrumentations offer significantly better spinal deformity correction than hook constructs in major curve coronal correction, AVT, and AVR. Patients with pedicle screw instrumentation had the greatest curve correction percentage, maintenance of this correction in the coronal and sagittal planes, and higher patient satisfaction by the SRS outcome scores. Global SRS-22 scores were similar at 2-year follow-up in all groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III retrospective comparative study.

Outcomes of posterior titanium spinal instrumentation in neuromuscular scoliosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to characterize the outcomes of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) using titanium instrumentation in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) patients with a special focus on deformity correction and correction maintenance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2004, nine patients (5 girls and 4 boys; mean age 14.9±2.3 years; range 11 to 19 years) with NMS who underwent PSF using titanium instrumentation were retrospectively analyzed. The mean height at surgery was 154.6±14.2 cm (range, 136-173 cm) and the mean weight was 59.4±19.2 kg (range, 26-114 kg). The mean follow-up duration was 3.7 years (range, 2-5 years). Preoperative data included demographics, curve type, and surgical indication. Rod size, fusion levels, duration of the operation (min), estimated blood loss (cc), and length of stay in hospital (day) were also evaluated intraoperatively. Postoperative data included correction of deformity, maintenance of correction, and complications. Radiographic measurements were obtained from standing posterior-anterior and lateral spinal radiographs at preoperative, postoperative (at first week after standing; i.e. first erect) and last follow-up visits. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistic methods (mean, standard deviation, median, frequency and percentage). RESULTS: Dramatic improvements in the spinal deformities were observed in the patients with NMS who underwent PSF using titanium instrumentation. Mean preoperative Cobb angle was reduced from 69.7 degrees to 16.2 degrees at first erect following surgery (at first week; 77% correction). Two-year follow-up revealed that this correction sustained (mean 14.8 degrees). However, moderate to severe postoperative complications requiring careful monitoring were reported. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that PSF with titanium instrumentation in pediatric NMS patients demonstrated satisfactory outcomes during the follow-up period. However, further large-scale studies with a long-term follow-up results are required to generalize the results regarding PSF using titanium instrumentation in these patients.

Adolescent Blount disease in obese children treated by eight-plate hemiepiphysiodesis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of eight-plate (Orthofix) use during hemiepiphyseodesis operation for growth modulation in obese children with adolescent Blount disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six limbs of five consecutive patients who underwent lateral proximal tibial eight-plate (Orthofix) hemiepiphysiodesis were evaluated. The body mass index (BMI) was >30 and the severity of the deformity was in Zone III according to the Mielke and Stevens definition. The mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up. The outcome of the procedure was established by the degree of tibia vara correction degree at final plate removal or skeletal maturity. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients and mean BMI at the time of surgery was 13 years (range 12 to 14) and 33.5 kg/m2 (range 31 to 36), respectively. Patients were followed for an average of 22 months (range 13 to 31). Preoperative and last follow-up mean values for MPTA were 81 and 80 degrees, respectively. Outcome of the procedure showed two extremities demonstrated progression of the tibia vara (mean of 6.5 degrees), two extremities had no correction of the deformity, and the remaining two extremities showed minimally improvement (mean 3 degrees). The procedure failed to correct the tibia vara in all extremities and all patients were scheduled for an osteotomy to treat the deformity. CONCLUSION: We do not recommend the use of a tension band plate hemiepiphyseodesis (eight-plate, Orthofix) to treat severe adolescent Blount disease in obese children.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the Risser sign. Is it a reliable and reproducible method?

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of ultrasonographic evaluation (UE) results of the Risser sign (RS) in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficiency of UE of RS, compare it with radiographic evaluation, and investigate the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability of UE. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The use of ultrasound in orthopedic practice has a growing popularity. As a noninvasive radiological method, the evaluation of RS seems to be a promising alternative in patients suffering from scoliosis who require a long-term follow-up. METHODS: This study consists of 142 patients (70 female and 72 male cases) aged between 10 and 17 years, with a mean age of 13.8 ± 1.7 years. Menarche experience, body mass index, and skinfold thickness of the patients were recorded. Forty-five patients were found to have scoliosis. All ultrasonographic and radiographic evaluations were made by 2 blinded orthopedists. X-ray was considered as the gold standard. RESULTS: Percentage accuracy of UE was found to be 77.7% (κ = 0.698) for the first examiner and 64.30% (κ = 0.542) for the second examiner. Intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement were 0.971 and 0.924 for the UE, respectively. Moreover, interexaminer agreement for radiographic evaluation was 0.689. No significant difference was observed between the values of scoliosis and nonscoliosis patients. When the patients with a skinfold thickness of 16 mm or less and more than 16 mm were examined, the percentage accuracy of the UE was 80.43% (κ = 0.727) for the first group, whereas it was 72.91% (κ = 0.637) in the other group. CONCLUSION: We found the intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement for the UE of RS to be reliable. In radiographic evaluation of RS, the intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement were lower. These findings were also consistent with data from the literature. In conclusion, UE of RS is a reliable method; however, the results may vary when x-ray is considered as the gold standard.

Effectiveness and safety of posterior titanium instrumentation in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the effectiveness and the relative safety of posterior spinal fusion with titanium instrumentation in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort (case-only) study was conducted to determine this effectiveness and safety. There were 24 patients (21 girls, 3 boys; mean age 14.1±1.8 years; range 11 to 17 years) who underwent surgery between January 2002 and December 2003 in our clinic, with a minimum of two years follow-up. Upper thoracic, thoracic, and thoracolumbar coronal curves as well as kyphosis from T5-T12 were measured as main outcome variables and repeated measure ANOVA was used to assess the data. RESULTS: The main thoracic curve (coronal plane) correction achieved at the first erect period (the first 4 weeks postoperative) (mean 12.21±9.78 degrees), this correction was maintained at 24 months follow-up (mean 15.71±7.15 degrees) and both were significantly lower than the preoperative values (mean 57.0±12.75 degrees), (p<0.001). Sagittal plane (kyphosis angle between T5-T12) curve was not worsened by posterior titanium instrumentation and it was 19.50±10.53 degrees preoperatively, 16.45±6.68 degrees at the first erect period and 17.73±8.40 degrees at the 24 months follow-up (p=0.74). There were no evidence of pseudoarthrosis, no loss of correction and no infections. CONCLUSION: Posterior titanium instrumentation in the treatment of AIS is effective due to its ability to achieve and maintain curve correction. Further, this instrumentation does not worsen hypokyphosis and is safe since there were no adverse events.

Correlation between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures in the assessment of surgically treated CTEV patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the correlation between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures in patients with surgically treated congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 50 patients [70 feet; 34 girls (68%) and 16 boys (32%); mean age 11.2 months; range 3-30.6 months] surgically treated for CTEV with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years (range 4.3 to 15 years). Patients had radiographic and pedobarographic measurements simultaneously. The right and left feet were assessed separately. The relationship between selective pedobarographs and standing weight-bearing radiographs of the foot was assessed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There were moderate correlations between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures in surgically treated CTEV patients. The strongest positive correlations were between the right heel rise and right anteroposterior calcaneal-5(th) metatarsal angle (r=0.54, p=0.001) and, the right anteroposterior talo-1(st) metatarsal angle (r=0.48, p=0.003). A similar strong positive correlation was observed between lateral tibiocalcaneal angle and left heel rise parameters (r=0.42, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: There were moderate correlations between selective pedobarographic and radiographic measures of surgically treated CTEV. However, the pedobarographic measure is a direct measure of the contact force of the foot with the ground and therefore has a more direct functional implication than radiographic measures.

Congenital vertical talus in multiple pterygium syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is a rare foot deformity, but it is a commonly associated anomaly in patients with multiple pterygium syndrome (MPS). If left untreated, it can cause pain and morbidity, which will affect the patient's ambulation and quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CVT among patients with MPS, to characterize the clinical and radiological features and examine the outcome of treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records from 1969 to 2009, and detected 14 patients with a diagnosis of MPS. Data regarding clinical findings, radiographs, associated anomalies, and treatment were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: CVT was seen in 10 of 14 patients (71%). All of them had bilateral involvement. Eight of the 10 (80%) were girls, and 3 of these 10 (30%) were nonambulatory patients. All 7 ambulatory patients had manipulation and casting, followed by a single-stage surgical release. The mean age at surgery was 3.0 ± 3.7 years (range, 3 mo-9 y 2 mo). At the last follow-up, all of the 7 patients (100%) had painless plantigrade feet and a reduced talonavicular joint, and none had recurrence of the deformity. The overall mean follow-up was 6 years (range, 2-19 y) and the mean age at the last follow-up was 9 years (range, 2-23 y). The commonly associated anomalies were scoliosis (93%), tethered cord (14%), hip dislocation (43%), cardiac (29%), respiratory (43%), and gastrointestinal anomalies (29%). CONCLUSIONS: CVT is common in MPS. The other common anomalies included scoliosis, hip dislocation, and respiratory problems. Treatment with manipulation and casting followed by, a single-stage surgical release resulted in a good outcome.

Spontaneous regeneration of the large femoral defect in patient with diffuse osteomyelitis after intramedullary nailing.

Infection of the long bones after intramedullary nailing is a troublesome condition and management of the infection remains challenging to orthopedic surgeons. Associated infection can be more problematic and more diffuse in intramedullary bone fixation, since it may spread along the nail. Surgical treatment choices are also difficult especially in cases with large bone defects after debridement. In this article, we present a 75-year-old woman that had been treated only with in-situ external fixation, antibiotic therapy and observation. Despite diffuse femoral osteomyelitis, a 10 cm femoral defect healed with unexpected bone regeneration which couldn't be explained reasonably.

An unusual cause of foot pain in a child: osteochondrosis of the intermediate cuneiform.

UNLABELLED: Osteochondrosis of the intermediate cuneiform is a rare entity that may cause foot pain and limping in children. We report a case of osteochondrosis of the intermediate cuneiform in a child who underwent a spontaneous recovery after conservative treatment. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

Congenital agenesis of pubic bones: a case report.

Congenital absence of bilateral pubic bones is extremely uncommon. A 2-year-old boy presented with a history of intoeing at our outpatient clinic. The testes were found located at the inguinal canal on ultrasonography. A pelvic radiograph and a spiral computed tomography scan of the pelvis with three-dimensional reconstruction revealed the absence of both pubic bones. In conclusion, we report that the absence of the pubic bones, either as an isolated finding or associated with undescended testes, is peculiar.