When giants talk; robotic dialog during thoracolumbar and sacral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Spinal trauma patients treated in a specialized hybrid operating room (OR) using two robotic systems communicating during surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with thoracolumbar or sacral fractures who underwent surgical fixation between Jan 2017 to Jan 2020 with robotic-guided percutaneous pedicle screw insertion in the specialized hybrid OR with Robotic flat panel 3D C-arm (ArtisZeego) for intraoperative interventional imaging connected with the robotic-guidance platform Renaissance (Mazor Robotics). RESULTS: Twenty eight surgeries were performed in 27 patients; 23 with traumatic spinal fractures, 4 with multi-level thoracolumbar compression fractures due to severe osteoporosis. Average patient age 49 (range 12-86). Average radiation exposure time 40 s (range 12-114 s). Average radiation exposure dose 11,584 ± SD uGym2 (range 4454-58,959). Lumber levels operated on were between T5 and S2 (shortest three vertebras and longest eight vertebras). 235 (range 5-11) trajectories were performed. All trajectories were accurate in all cases percutaneous pedicle screws placement was correct, without breach noted at the pedicle in any of the cases. No major complications reported. In all cases, follow-up X-rays showed adequate fracture reduction with restoration. CONCLUSIONS: Merging of surgical robotics technologies increases patient safety and surgeon and patient confidence in percutaneous spine traumatic procedures.

Minocycline Effectively Protects the Rabbit's Spinal Cord From Aortic Occlusion-Related Ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the minocycline anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms through which it is believed to exert spinal cord protection during aortic occlusion in the rabbit model. DESIGN: An animal model of aortic occlusion-related spinal cord ischemia. Randomized study with a control group and pre-ischemia and post-ischemia escalating doses of minocycline to high-dose minocycline in the presence of either hyperglycemia, a pro-apoptotic maneuver, or wortmannin, a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase antagonist. SETTING: Tertiary medical center and school of medicine laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Laboratory animals-rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Balloon obstruction of infrarenal aorta introduced via femoral artery incision. RESULTS: Severe hindlimb paralysis (mean Tarlov score 0.36±0.81 out of 3) was observed in all the control group animals (9 of 11 with paraplegia and 2 of 11 with paraparesis) compared with 11 of 12 neurologically intact animals (mean Tarlov score 2.58±0.90 [p = 0.001 compared with control]) in the high-dose minocycline group. This protective effect was observed partially during a state of hyperglycemia and was completely abrogated by wortmannin. Minocycline administration resulted in higher neurologic scores (p = 0.003) and a shift to viable neurons and more apoptotic-stained nuclei resulting from reduced necrosis (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a rabbit model of infrarenal aortic occlusion, minocycline effectively reduced paraplegia by increasing the number of viable neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Its action was completely abrogated by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway and was inhibited partially by the pro-apoptotic hyperglycemia maneuver, indicating that the activation of cell salvage pathways and mitochondrial sites are possible targets of minocycline action in an ischemic spinal cord.

Art and craft material use patterns by pre-school and elementary school children at home and school: a year long survey for refining exposure assessments.

BACKGROUND: Use frequency and times are critical parameters for estimating realistic chemical exposures associated with the use of consumer products. Very limited information is available in the published literature for children's use patterns of art and craft materials at home and school. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a year-long survey of art materials use at home and school by pre-school and elementary school children, teachers, and parents which can be used to refine chemical exposure assessments for these consumer products. METHODS: Parent and teacher online surveys were conducted on the daily use of markers and monthly use of fifteen additional art and craft materials. RESULTS: Daily marker use by elementary children was widespread at home and school (65% and 80%, respectively). On average, pre-school and elementary students used markers for 27 min per day, more than double daily home use. Adults used markers for longer durations relative to their children/students with teachers reporting the highest average daily usage time. School use of general art materials exceeded home use for both age groups, with elementary children using art materials more frequently than their pre-school counterparts. Examples of how these data can be used to refine exposure estimates are provided. SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate art material usage data contributes to refined estimates of chemical exposure for these consumer products. IMPACT STATEMENT: A year-long online survey was conducted which measured daily frequency and duration use for markers and comparable monthly use of other art materials for pre-school and elementary school children, their parents and teachers. Such use information is critical for estimating chemical exposures associated with this class of consumer products.

Long-Term Effects on Sexual Function in Women Treated With Scoliosis Correction for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with a cross-sectional comparison. OBJECTIVES: To assess sexual function and experience in adult women who had scoliotic correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: Women ages 18-40 years with a history of scoliosis, who were braced or underwent uncomplicated posterior scoliosis correction for AIS, followed for two years or more since treatment were included. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Participants' scores were compared to those of a control group consisting of age-matched healthy women. RESULTS: Of 115 women who responded to the questionnaires, 40 (35%) had surgical treatment (mean age 25.1; range 19-35 years; mean time since surgery 8.2 years; range 3-12 years) and 35 (30%) were braced (mean age 23.3; range 18-27 years; mean time since treatment 3.6 years; range 3-5 years). The control group consisted of a cohort of 40 (35%) aged-matched healthy women. According to the FSDS-R, significantly more women with scoliotic correction for AIS reported sexual distress compared to healthy controls (25% vs 12%, respectively), and the difference in the total mean scores (7.05 vs 5.34, respectively), was significant (P < .001). Additionally, the mean overall FSFI score for scoliotic-corrected women was 24.2 (range 17.5-29.1) within the pathological range (<26.55) of sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of sexual distress and dysfunction were reported in women with a history of AIS, thus, there appears to be long-term consequences years after deformity correction by brace or surgical correction.

Awake Percutaneous Fixation for Unstable Fractures of the Spine in High-risk Patients: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Unstable fractures in sick or elderly patients are on the rise. These patients who are at high risk for surgery present a challenge for surgeons and anesthesiologists. In patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores 3 to 4, the risk is even higher because of the high rate of intraoperative complications. METHODS: All patients with ASA scores 3 to 4 who presented with unstable fractures of the spine to a level-one trauma center were assessed, and they underwent awake spinal percutaneous fixation, with mild sedation and local anesthesia. Demographics, radiology, and the outcome were collected. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were operated between the years 2019 and 2021. Average follow-up was 12 months (range 8 to 24 months); six patients were female and 13 males. The average age was 77.7 years; the ASA score was 3 to 4 in all patients. There were 10 extension-type injuries, six unstable burst injuries, two chance fractures, and one teardrop fracture. All patients underwent unilateral fixation, and just one patient underwent bilateral fixation; cement augmentation was done in 16 of the patients. No neurologic complication was observed. One case of infection presented 4 months after surgery. All patients were discharged ambulating. CONCLUSIONS: Awake fixation in extreme cases is safe and feasible; a dedicated team including an anesthesiologist and radiologist is needed to treat these cases safely and quickly.

Surgical Correction of Spinopelvic Instability in Children With Caudal Regression Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of surgical correction of children with caudal regression syndrome. METHODS: The study included 12 patients aged 1.5 to 9 years with caudal regression syndrome. In order determine the type of caudal regression, the Renshaw Classification was used. The surgery included correction and stabilization of the kyphotic deformity at the unstable lumbosacral region, with reconstruction of the sagittal balance using a bony block constructed from allograft. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. RESULTS: Children with types III and IV caudal regression syndrome underwent spinal-pelvic fusion, with 100% fusion rate, which allows sufficient stabilization of the lumbopelvic segment permitting patient mobilization and standing in type III patients. There were 5 complications needing additional care. CONCLUSION: Multilevel pedicular screw fixation in combination with spinopelvic fusion with cortical allografts allows reconstruction of the sagittal alignment with solid bony fusion improving the quality of life for these patients.

Robotic assisted fixation of sacral fractures: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Sacral fractures that require fixation are a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Due to anatomical consideration, implant insertion is not risk free, and requires a steep learning curve. A robotic system has been successfully used in pedicle screws insertion and can be also used for iliosacral screws. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the use of the robot in the treatment of unstable sacral fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: An academic level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Fourteen patients with sacral fractures were eligible for robotic assisted treatment. These included 9 high-energy fractures, 4 osteoporotic fractures, and 1 pathological fracture. INTERVENTION: Fixation constructs included iliosacral screws, transiliac screws, lumbopelvic fixation, sacroplasty, or a combination of the above techniques. A Renaissance robot was mounted on a multidirectional bridge that was attached to the patients spine and implant trajectories were planned either on preoperative or intraoperative 3D scans. Guide wires were inserted percutaneously and screws were placed subsequently. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Accuracy of implant placement, operating room and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 36 (17-84), and number of screws, including iliosacral and pedicular ranged 1-14 per patient (average 4.25). Mean operative time was 150 minutes (range 90-300). Average fluoroscopic time was 18 seconds (7-42) for 2D and 40 seconds (12-72) for 3D imaging. All fractures healed, no hardware failure was observed. All hardware was always within bony confines, and no procedure-related neurological deficits were observed. CONCLUSION: Robotic assisted fixation of sacral fracture is a safe and reproduceable method, allowing precise and accurate implant placement.

Ambulation and survival following surgery in elderly patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a disabling consequence of disease progression. Surgery can restore or preserve physical function, improving access to treatments that increase duration of survival; however, advanced patient age may deter oncologists and surgeons from considering surgical management. PURPOSE: Evaluate the duration of ambulation and survival in elderly patients following surgical decompression of MESCC. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective file review of a prospective database, under institutional review board (IRB) waiver of informed consent, of consecutive patients treated in an academic tertiary care medical center from August 2008 to March 2015. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients ≥65 years presenting neurological and/or radiological signs of cord compression because of metastatic disease, who underwent surgical decompression. OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of ambulation and survival. METHODS: Patients underwent urgent multidisciplinary evaluation and surgery. Ambulation and survival were compared with age, pre-, and postoperative neurological (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS]) and performance status (Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS]), and Tokuhashi Score using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cox regression model, log-rank analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (21 male, 54%; mean age 74 years, range 65-87). Surgery was performed a mean 3.8 days after onset of motor symptoms. Mean duration of ambulation and survival were 474 (range 0-1662) and 525 days (range 11-1662), respectively; 53% of patients (21 of 40) survived and 43% (17 of 40) retained ambulation for ≥1 year. There was no significant relationship between survival and ambulation for patients aged 65-69, 70-79, or 80-89 years, although Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested stratification. There was a significant relationship between duration of ambulation and pre- and postoperative AIS (p=.0342, p=.0358, respectively) and postoperative KPS (p=.0221). Tokuhashi score was not significantly related to duration of survival or ambulation, and greatly underestimated life expectancy in 22 of 37 (59%) patients with scores 0-11. CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive surgery led to marked improvement in neurological function and performance status. More than 50% of patients survived for >1 year, some for 3 years or more after surgery.

Canal expansive laminoplasty in the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is often progressive and leads to motor and sensory impairments in the arms and legs. Canal expansive laminoplasty was initially described in Japan as an alternative to the traditional laminectomy approach. The results of this approach have not previously been described in the Israeli population. OBJECTIVES: To describe the technique of CEL and present our clinical results in the management of patients with CSM due to multilevel compressive disease. METHODS: All patients undergoing CEL during the period 1984-2000 were identified. Of these, 24 of 25 patients had complete clinical information. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range 4-48). Mean age was 60 years (range 45-72). One patient underwent CEL at three levels, 22 patients at four to five levels and 1 patient at six levels The primary outcome measure was improvement in spinal cord function (according to the Nurick classification). RESULTS: Twenty-three (96%) of the patients experienced relief of their symptoms. Of these, 11 patients showed improvement in their Nurick grade, 12 patients were unchanged and one had worsening. Intraoperative complications (epidural bleeding and dural tear) occurred in six patients. Two patients developed a late kyphosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our treatment of choice for multilevel CSM is canal expansive laminoplasty as initially described by Hirabayashi. It provides the ability for posterior surgical decompression without compromising the mechanical stability of the spine. This approach has the benefit of not requiring internal fixation and fusion. Our clinical outcome and surgical complication rate are comparable to those in the literature.

Occlusal patterns in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic scoliosis is an orthopedic condition characterized by faulty posture. It might also be associated with some mild forms of facial asymmetry or dental deviations. The aim of the study was to clinically examine the occlusions of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive orthopedic patients with idiopathic scoliosis were examined. The orthopedic data of this group were recorded from their hospital files. The occlusal features of a random group of 705 Ashkenazi children served as the control. Frequency distributions were compared with the chi-square test. RESULTS: The distribution of the Angle classes of malocclusion was significantly different in the 2 groups (P = .0001) because of many Class II subdivision patients in the orthopedic group. Other evidence of asymmetrical malocclusion was found in upper (P =.002) and lower midline deviations (P =.0001), and a higher frequency of anterior (P = .024) and posterior (P =.020) crossbites. In the experimental group, no association was found between site, side, or severity of scoliosis and the appearance or site of the malocclusion features examined. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with idiopathic scoliosis have asymmetric features of malocclusion compared with a random population.

Value of repeat CT scans in low back pain and radiculopathy.

We assessed the clinical value of repeat spine CT scan in 108 patients aged 18-60 years who underwent repeat lumbar spine CT scan for low back pain or radiculopathy from January 2008 to December 2010. Patients with a neoplasm or symptoms suggesting underlying disease were excluded from the study. Clinical data was retrospectively reviewed. Index examinations and repeat CT scan performed at a mean of 24.3 ± 11.3 months later were compared by a senior musculoskeletal radiologist. Disc abnormalities (herniation, sequestration, bulge), spinal stenosis, disc space narrowing, and bony changes (osteophytes, fractures, other changes) were documented. Indications for CT scan were low back pain (60 patients, 55%), radiculopathy (46 patients, 43%), or nonspecific back pain (two patients, 2%). A total of 292 spine pathologies were identified in 98 patients (90.7%); in 10 patients (9.3%) no spine pathology was seen on index or repeat CT scan. At repeat CT scan, 269/292 pathologies were unchanged (92.1%); 10/292 improved (3.4%), 8/292 worsened (2.8%, disc herniation or spinal stenosis), and five new pathologies were identified. No substantial therapeutic change was required in patients with worsened or new pathology. Added diagnostic value from repeat CT scan performed within 2-3 years was rare in patients suffering chronic or recurrent low back pain or radiculopathy, suggesting that repeat CT scan should be considered only in patients with progressive neurologic deficits, new neurologic complaints, or signs implying serious underlying conditions.

Erratum: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Pregnancy: An Unsolved Paradigm.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1552987.].

Evidence for the adverse effect of starvation on bone quality: a review of the literature.

Malnutrition and starvation's possible adverse impacts on bone health and bone quality first came into the spotlight after the horrors of the Holocaust and the ghettos of World War II. Famine and food restrictions led to a mean caloric intake of 200-800 calories a day in the ghettos and concentration camps, resulting in catabolysis and starvation of the inhabitants and prisoners. Severely increased risks of fracture, poor bone mineral density, and decreased cortical strength were noted in several case series and descriptive reports addressing the medical issues of these individuals. A severe effect of severely diminished food intake and frequently concomitant calcium- and Vitamin D deficiencies was subsequently proven in both animal models and the most common cause of starvation in developed countries is anorexia nervosa. This review attempts to summarize the literature available on the impact of the metabolic response to Starvation on overall bone health and bone quality.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Pregnancy: An Unsolved Paradigm.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study with a cross-sectional comparison. Objective To compare the rates of anesthesia prescription and satisfaction with surgery, prevalence and severity of low back pain, prevalence of depression, and sexual dysfunction among pregnant and nonpregnant patients with AIS undergoing correction surgery with pedicle-based systems and healthy woman with a history of pregnancy. Methods Women between the ages of 18 and 40 years who underwent correction surgery for AIS with a pedicle screw system were interviewed regarding pregnancies, child delivery, method of pain control during delivery, and any long-term outcome after delivery. In addition, sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised [FSDS]), depression (the Beck Depression Assessment Questionnaire), and Scoliosis Research Society 24 (SRS24) questionnaires were administered. Data was compared between patients with AIS without a history of pregnancy and healthy controls. Results Satisfaction with surgery in the AIS pregnant group using the SRS24 questionnaire scored 3.76/5 (p = 0.0047 when compared with nonpregnant AIS group). Six of the 17 of the women with AIS had severe back pain during pregnancy (35%) mandating home treatment or hospitalization. Of the 17 women, 13 complained of a sustained back pain after child delivery (76%) that impacted their life. In the nonscoliosis group, no back pain attributed to pregnancy was reported. The rates of regional anesthesia prescription among pregnant patients with AIS who underwent correction surgery was 30% (5/17), whereas among healthy pregnant women, rates were 100% (6/6). The SRS24 scores in the patients with AIS were 72% (88/120), showing a low score of 3.69/5 in the pain domains (p = 0.0048 when compared with nonpregnant patients with AIS). Depression rates were in the normal range and similar in all groups. FSDS scores, used to assess sexual dysfunction, were 4.02 in the pregnancy group and 5.67 in the nonpregnant group (not significant) and 4.6 in the nonscoliosis control group (not significant). Conclusion Women who underwent scoliosis correction suffered from long-term back pain after pregnancy and had decreased satisfaction with surgery. In addition, anesthesiologists refused epidurals in a large number of these patients. A larger study is needed on the topic.

Spinal cord compression due to brown tumor.

We report a rare case of a vertebral brown tumor causing spinal cord compression and resulting in progressive paraparesis in a 27-year-old female with end-stage renal failure, managed with hemodialysis. Urgent neurosurgical intervention and gross total resection resulted in complete resolution of the symptoms.

Lumbar Spine Surgery in Patients with Parkinson Disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition. The literature on patients with Parkinson disease and spine surgery is limited, but increased complications have been reported. METHODS: All patients with Parkinson disease undergoing lumbar spine surgery between 2002 and 2012 were identified. Patients' charts, radiographs, and outcome questionnaires were reviewed. Parkinson disease severity was assessed with use of the modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale. Complications and subsequent surgeries were analyzed. Risk for reoperation was assessed. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients underwent lumbar spine surgery. The mean patient age was 63.0 years. The mean follow-up duration was 30.1 months. The Parkinson disease severity stage was <2 in thirteen patients, 2 in thirty patients, 2.5 in twenty-three patients, and ≥3 in thirty patients. The primary indication for surgery was spinal stenosis in seventy-two patients, spondylolisthesis in seventeen patients, and coronal and/or sagittal deformity in seven patients. There were nineteen early complications, including postoperative infections requiring surgical irrigation and debridement and long-term antibiotics in ten patients. The visual analog scale for back pain improved from 7.4 cm preoperatively to 1.8 cm postoperatively (p < 0.001). The visual analog scale for lower-limb pain improved from 7.7 cm preoperatively to 2.3 cm postoperatively (p < 0.001). The Oswestry Disability Index score dropped from 54.1 points to 17.7 points at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary score improved from 26.6 points preoperatively to 30.5 points postoperatively (p < 0.05). Twenty patients required revision surgery. Risks for further surgery included a Parkinson disease severity stage of ≥3 (p < 0.05), a history of diabetes mellitus, treatment for osteoporosis, and a combined anterior and posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher rate of complications than in the general population, the overall outcome of spine surgery in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson disease is good, with improvement of spine-related pain. A larger prospective study is warranted.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: the importance of preoperative neurological status and rapid intervention.

We describe the presentation, management, and outcome of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) in two tertiary academic centers. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and imaging files in patients diagnosed with SSEH from 2002-2011. Neurologic status was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS). A total of 17 patients (10 females; mean age 54 years, range 10-89) were included. Among patients presenting with AIS A, 5/8 showed no improvement and 3/8 reached AIS C. Among those presenting with AIS C, 5/6 reached AIS E and 1/6 reached AIS D. Of those presenting with AIS D, 3/3 reached AIS E. Mean time-to-surgery (TTS) was 28 hours (range 3-96). TTS surgery in two patients remaining at AIS A was ⩽ 12 hours; in 4/8 patients recovering to AIS E it was > 12 hours, including three patients operated on after > 24 hours. In patients remaining at AIS A, a mean of 4.4 levels were treated compared with means of 3.7 and 3.5 in those with AIS C and E, respectively, at late follow-up. In this series, preoperative neurological status had greater impact on late outcome than time from symptom onset to surgery in patients with SSEH.

The Utility of 3-Dimensional-Navigation in the Surgical Treatment of Children With Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Ambispective study of patients undergoing surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of screw placement using preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT)-based navigation with intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance compared with freehand placement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pedicle screws placed in deformed vertebrae have a high malposition rate. The use of navigation-based systems has increased placement accuracy. METHODS: Intraoperative registration of patient anatomy to preoperative 3D-CT was performed using anatomic landmarks. When registration accuracy was high (mean square error, <1.0 mm), screw tracts were drilled under navigation guidance; when the error was >1.0 mm, re-registration was performed. The researchers documented times for registration, navigation, and screw placement, and the number of passes. Results were compared with outcomes in cases operated on with freehand screw placement. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included (54 females and 8 males; mean age was 15.1 years [range, 12-18 years]). Mean deformity was 67° (range, 52° to 80°). Mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 42-19 months). In the navigation group, 710 pedicle screws were placed. Mean times were 55 seconds for tracker placement, 94.5 seconds per vertebra for patient registration, 131.1 seconds for screw tract formation on the concave side of the deformity, and 129.5 seconds on the convex side. Average total procedure time was 3.5 hours (range, 2-7 hours). Mean overall registration accuracy was 0.7 mm. Pedicle integrity was breached in 1.6% trajectories. In the freehand group, 470 pedicle screws were placed. Average time for screw placement was 135.2 seconds (p < .001 vs. navigation). Pedicle integrity was breached in 5.1% of trajectories (p < .0001 vs. navigation). No patient developed neurological or other complications. There was no destabilization of the instrumented spine during short- or long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative optic fluoroscopic navigation based on anatomic landmark registration to preoperative 3D-CT spine images enables precise pedicle screw placement with only a minor increase in pedicle preparation time in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The effect of 3-column spinal osteotomy on anterior pelvic plane and acetabulum position.

Because the spine and pelvis are integrated, changes in spine sagittal balance affect relative acetabulum position. A 1° change of the anterior pelvic plane changes acetabulum anteversion by 0.8°. Three-column spine osteotomies correct fixed sagittal plane deformity. Twenty patients with kyphotic deformity and associated sagittal imbalance underwent corrective 3-column osteotomy. We reviewed upright pelvic and spine radiographs preoperatively and postoperatively and documented the changes in angles. The average sagittal vertical axis was 11.07 cm preoperatively and 4.8 cm postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis changed (on average) from 39° preoperatively to 55° postoperatively (P < .05). Sacral slope increased an average of 6.7° (P = .015). Pelvic tilt decreased by 5.4° (P = .001). The anterior pelvic plane increased by 8.23° (P < .0001). This correction of the sagittal balance is associated with a concomitant increase in sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and the anterior pelvic plane angles. These changes will increase acetabulum anteversion by a predicted 6.54°. This increase will change acetabular cup position and must be considered in patients with spine and pelvic osteoarthritis that requires hip surgery.