Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Romanian Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System for Patients with Extremity Bone Sarcomas.

Background and Objectives: Primary malignant bone tumors are rare lesions, and their complex treatment can lead to functional impairment. It is important to have a postoperative assessment tool for patients' functional outcomes to be evaluated and to consequently adapt future treatments in the pursuit of a continuous improvement of their quality of life. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) is a validated specific system score that is used frequently in the follow-up of these patients. We found no information about a valid translated Romanian version of this score neither for the upper limb nor for the lower limb. We proposed in this study to translate the original version of the MSTS Score into Romanian and to perform validation analysis of the Romanian-language MSTS Score. Materials and Methods: We selected 48 patients who underwent limb-salvage surgery after resection of bone sarcomas. Patients were interrogated twice according to the translated Romanian version of the MSTS Score during their follow-up. The translation was performed according to the recommended guidelines. A total number of 96 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis. Results: Internal consistency and reliability were good for both sets of questionnaires' analytic measurements, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.848 (test) and 0.802 (retest). The test-retest evaluation proved to be statistically strong for reproducibility and validity with Spearman's rho = 0.9 (p < 0.01, 95% CI). Conclusions: This study permitted the translation of this score and the validation of psychometric data. Our results showed that the Romanian version of the MSTS is a reliable means of assessment of the functional outcome of patients who received limb-salvage surgery for the upper and lower extremities.

Comparison of four correction techniques for posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: When performing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), it is of major importance to address both coronal and sagittal deformities. Although several techniques have been described, few data exist comparing them. Our objective was to compare four techniques (in situ bending (ISB), rod derotation (RD), cantilever (C) and posteromedial translation (PMT)) for the correction of spinal deformity in AIS including thoracic deformity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including 562 AIS patients with thoracic deformity with at least 24-month follow-up. Radiographic analysis was performed preoperatively, postoperatively and at last follow-up. The main outcomes were main curve correction and thoracic kyphosis restoration (TK). RESULTS: Coronal correction rate was significantly different among the four treatment groups (ISB 64% vs C 57% vs RD 55% vs PMT 67%, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression revealed that correction technique did not influence correction rate, whereas implant density, convex side compression and use of derotation connectors did. TK increase was significantly higher in the PMT group (average + 13°) than in DR (+ 3°), while ISB (-3°) and cantilever (-13°) resulted in TK decrease (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TK increase was only influenced by the reduction technique (p < 0.001) and preoperative TK (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The four techniques had the same ability to correct spinal deformity in the coronal plane. Three factors were identified to improve correction rate: implant density, convex compression and use of derotation connectors. On the other hand, PMT was more effective in restoring TK, particularly in hypokyphotic patients.

Early dynamic changes within the spine following posterior fusion using hybrid instrumentation in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a gait analysis study.

INTRODUCTION: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, mechanical consequences of posterior spinal fusion within the spine remain unclear. Through dynamic assessment, gait analysis could help elucidating this particular point. The aim of this study was to describe early changes within the spine following fusion with hybrid instrumentation in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, using gait analysis MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-centre prospective study including AIS patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) using hybrid instrumentation with sublaminar bands. Patients underwent radiographic and gait analyses preoperatively and during early postoperative period. Among gait parameters, motion of cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions was measured in the three planes. RESULTS: We included 55 patients (mean age 15 years, 84% girls). Fusion was performed on 12 levels and mean follow-up was 8 months. There was a moderately strong correlation between thoracolumbar sagittal motion and lumbosacral junction pre- and postoperatively (R = - 0.6413 and R = - 0.7040, respectively, all p < 0.001), meaning that the more thoracolumbar junction was in extension, the more lumbosacral extension movements decreased. There was a trend to significance between postoperative SVA change and thoracolumbar sagittal motion change (R = - 0.2550, p = 0.059). DISCUSSION: This is the first series reporting dynamic changes within the spine following PSF using hybrid instrumentation in AIS patients. PSF led to symmetrization of gait pattern. In the sagittal plane, we found that thoracolumbar extension within the fused area led to decreased extension at cervicothoracic and lumbosacral junctions. Even though consequences of such phenomenon are unclear, attention must be paid not to give a too posterior alignment when performing PSF for AIS patients.

Description of spine motion during gait in normal adolescents and young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Standing radiographs allow analysis of spinal segments and their relative positioning. However, it requires a specific positioning influencing spinal alignment. Knowledge of trunk movements when walking is therefore an essential step to evaluate dynamic sagittal balance. Our objective was to define spinal junction kinematics and their correlations during gait in a healthy population. METHOD: This is a prospective, single-center study. Between 2015 and 2017, 25 healthy volunteers were included. The measurements were taken in a motion analysis laboratory. Several kinematic parameters were studied, including spinal junction movements in the three planes and dynamic sagittal vertical axis (Dyn-SVA). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the interactions between the spinal junctions. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, the average amplitude of variation of the dyn-SVA was 25.5 cm (SD = 8.9). The average range of motion of the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar junction was approximately 3°, they operated in anti-phase during the gait cycle and were strongly correlated (r = -0.5069, p = 0.01). In the transverse plane, the anti-rotation of the upper body relative to the pelvis was mainly ensured by the opposite movements of the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar junction (r = 0.5689, p = 0.003). In the frontal plane, the lateral inclination in the lumbar region was made in the opposite direction from the pelvis toward the carrying member. CONCLUSION: Although there is substantial inter-subject variability, our study characterized the angular movements in the three planes of the different spinal junctions, of the pelvis and the lower limbs during a gait cycle in a healthy population.

Curve location influences spinal balance in coronal and sagittal planes but not transversal trunk motion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), spinal deformity can be seen in the thoracic or in the lumbar area. Although differences according to curve location are well described on standard radiographs, dynamic consequences of such difference remain unclear. Our objective was to explore the differences in dynamic spinal balance according to curve location in AIS patients using gait analysis METHODS: We prospectively included 22 females with AIS planned for surgical correction (16.3 years old, 81% Risser ≥ 4). Patients were divided into two matched cohorts, according to major curve location [right thoracic (Lenke 1) or left lumbar (Lenke 5)]. Gait analysis was performed the day before surgery. Global balance was analyzed as the primary outcome. Local curves parameters (dynamic Cobb angles) were defined as the secondary outcome. RESULTS: In coronal plane, Lenke 5 patients had a left trunk shift, whereas trunk was shifted to the right in Lenke 1 patients (- 20.7 vs 6.3, p = 0.001). In the sagittal plane, the main difference between the two groups was T12 position that remained over the pelvis during gait in Lenke 5 patients, whereas it was anterior to the pelvis in Lenke 1 patients. In the transversal plane, Lenke 5 and Lenke 1 patients presented the same gait abnormalities, with a global trunk rotation to the left (- 4.8 vs - 7.6, p = 0,165). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to provide the results of a direct comparison between Lenke 1 and Lenke 5 patients during gait. Curve location influenced coronal and sagittal balance, but abnormalities of transversal trunk motion were the same, wherever the curve was located. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Characterization of trunk motion in adolescents with right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Although standard radiography is currently used for deformity assessment in AIS patients, it is performed in a constrained position and probably not reflective of spinal balance during daily-life activities. Our main objective was to compare trunk motion in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients to healthy volunteers, using gait analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lenke 1 or 2 AIS patients planned for surgery were included. The day before surgery, they underwent radiographic evaluation and gait analysis. Among the gait parameters, sagittal vertical axis (Dyn-SVA), shoulder line rotation (Dyn-SL rotation), pelvis rotation (Dyn-P rotation) and acromion pelvis angle (Dyn-APA) were measured. AIS patients were compared to 25 asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included in the study, with a mean Cobb angle of 55.4°. AIS patients had a lower Dyn-SVA when compared to controls (47.0 vs. 62.9 mm, p = 0.012). Dyn-APA and Dyn-SL rotation were negative in AIS patients, meaning that shoulder line was rotated towards the left (- 6.4 vs. 7.8° and - 7.5 vs. - 0.4°, p<0.001, respectively). On the other hand, Dyn-P rotation was positive, meaning that pelvis was rotated towards the right side during gait (1.1 vs. - 0.5, p = 0.026). DISCUSSION: This is one of the largest series of gait analysis in AIS patients. We demonstrated that AIS patients have an abnormal gait pattern, with a decreased anterior tilt of the trunk and transverse plane abnormalities. We found that gait deviation was not related to radiographic measurements, pointing out that dynamic assessment provides new data about spinal posture. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Correction of hypokyphosis in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using sublaminar bands: a 3D multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The comparison of implants and correction methods remain controversial in AIS. Excellent frontal and axial correction rates have been reported with all-screw constructs, but at the expense of sagittal alignment, which has a tendency to flatten postoperatively. Posteromedial translation using hybrid constructs seems to preserve and improve thoracic kyphosis (TK), but no series exist to date with a significant number of hypokyphotic patients. In addition, the measures of TK in 2D are often wrong in severe AIS due to axial rotation. The goals of this study were therefore to analyze the 3D radiological outcomes of a group of hypokyphotic AIS patients operated with sublaminar bands. METHODS: 35 consecutive AIS hypokyphotic patients (T4T12 <15°) operated in three centers were included, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The surgical technique was similar in all centers, associating lumbar pedicle screws and thoracic sublaminar bands. Posteromedial translation was the main correction technique, and no patient underwent prior anterior release. 3D spinal reconstructions were performed preoperatively, postoperatively and at the latest follow-up by an independent observer using SterEOS (EOS imaging, Paris, France), and 2D and 3D measurements were compared. In addition, a new 3D parameter [sagittal shift of the apical vertebra (SSAV)], reflecting the translation of the apical vertebra of the main curve in the patient sagittal plane, was described and reported. RESULTS: The age of the cohort was 16 years and the number of sublaminar bands used for correction averaged 6 (±1.5). T1T12 and T4T12 sagittal Cobb angles appeared to be overestimated on 2D postoperatively (3°, p = 0.002 and 4°, p < 0.001, respectively). Hence, only 3D measurements were kept for the quantitative analysis of the postoperative correction. T4T12 TK significantly increased after surgery (average 8° ± 7°, p < 0.001), but 11 patients (31.4%) remained hypokyphotic. Seven out of the eight patients (87.5%) who presented a thoracic lordosis (i.e., T4T12 <0°) preoperatively were corrected after surgery (mean gain 16° ± 4°). A posterior shift (positive SSAV) of the apical vertebra was reported in 24 patients (68.6%). In this subgroup, the mean SSAV was +2 cm (±1). Good correlation was found between the SSAV and the postoperative change in 3D T4T12 kyphosis (r = 0.62). CONCLUSION: Measures in 2D tend to overestimate sagittal alignment and are not sufficient to evaluate postoperative correction. SSAV is a new 3D parameter reflecting the TK change that needs to be further investigated and used in the future. This series confirms that sublaminar bands should be considered in hypokyphotic patients, since thoracic sagittal alignment was restored in 68.6% of the cases.

Proximal junctional kyphosis in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors and compensatory mechanisms in a multicenter national cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a frequent complication, up to 46%, in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgical treatment (AIS). Several risk factors have been evoked but remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of PJK in a multicenter cohort of AIS patient and to determine risk factor for PJK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lenke I and II AIS patients operated between 2011 and 2015 (minimum of 2-years follow-up) were included. On fullspine X-rays, coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at final follow-up. Occurrence of radiological PJK corresponding to a 10° increase in the sagittal Cobb angle, measured between the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and UIV + 2, between postoperative and 2-years follow-up X-rays, was reported. RESULTS: Among the 365 patients included, 15.6% (n = 57) developed a PJK and only 10 patients required a revision surgery. Preoperatively, PJK patients had significantly larger pelvic incidence (57° ± 13° vs. 51° ± 12°), larger lumbar lordosis (LL) (63° ± 12° vs. 57° ± 11°) and bigger C7 slope. Postoperatively (3 months), in the non-PJK group, thoracic kyphosis (TK) was increased and LL was not significantly different. However, postoperatively, in the PJK group, no significant change was observed in TK, whereas C7 slope decreased and LL significantly increased. There was also a postoperative change in inflection point which was located at a more proximal level in the PJK group. Between postoperative time and final follow-up, TK and LL significantly increased in the PJK group. CONCLUSION: PJK is a frequent complication in thoracic AIS, occurring 16%, but remains often asymptomatic (less than 3% of revisions in the entire cohort). An interesting finding is that patients with high pelvic incidence and consequently large LL and TK were more at risk of PJK. As demonstrated in ASD, one of the causes of PJK might be postoperative posterior imbalance that can be due to increased LL, insufficient TK or inflection point shift during surgery. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Experience and volume are determinantive factors for operative management of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: We compared radiographic and operative results of pediatric patients undergoing surgical treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF) according to the surgeon's experience. METHODS: During an 11-year period (2006-2016), we reviewed the medical records of 236 patients operated on for Gartland III SCHF in our institution. Operative (operative time, time to implants removal) and radiographic parameters (Baumann and lateral capitellohumeral angles) were assessed. A malalignment was defined if there was a difference in the Baumann angle or lateral capitellohumeral angles >15° or if malrotation existed compared with normative values. We compared surgeon experience and volume (number of patients operated on by year). RESULTS: In patients operated on by less experienced surgeons (<1 year, n = 69), operative time (61 vs. 41 minutes) and time to implant removal (48 vs. 40 days) were significantly longer (P < .001). Radiographic parameters did not differ between less and more experienced surgeons. Operative parameters improved through the 20 first cases of the younger surgeons. In surgeons managing fewer than 5 patients per year, malalignment and conversion to open reduction were more frequent (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Experience and volume are 2 crucial parameters influencing the quality of management of pediatric patients undergoing surgical treatment for displaced SCHF. They should be taken into account in daily practice, especially when making the decision to operate on these patients out of day time.

Knee function after limb salvage surgery for malignant bone tumor: comparison of megaprosthesis and distal femur allograft with epiphysis sparing.

PURPOSE: Limb salvage surgery is increasingly used for the treatment of distal femur bone sarcomas. Total knee replacement using megaprosthesis and epiphysis-sparing biologic reconstruction using an allograft are widely used in order to preserve joint motion. We aimed to compare the results of these procedures using gait analysis in patients undergoing limb salvage surgery. METHODS: Fifteen patients were included, nine undergoing allograft with epiphysis sparing (Allograft group) and six undergoing megaprosthesis (Megaprosthesis group). Every patient underwent a gait analysis using the Plug-in-Gait protocol. Spatiotemporal parameters, knee kinematics, and kinetics were compared between the two groups and a cohort of ten asymptomatic subjects. Knee function was assessed by the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and the Gilette Gait Index (GGI). RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed decreased knee flexion during the loading response phase. Megaprosthesis patients showed a decreased knee flexion all along stance phase. There was no difference in gait pattern between the treatment groups. GDI was significantly lower in Megaprosthesis and Allograft patients when compared to controls (86.4 and 84.3 vs 94, all p < 0.05). This difference was not clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that Megaprosthesis and Allograft patients did not show differences in gait patterns and global function. Even though Allograft and Megaprosthesis patients have significant changes in gait pattern, knee function is acceptable with effective gait mechanisms. Changes occur during stance phase and are due to the quadriceps weakness. The particular pattern of gait in Megaprosthesis patients could be a concern for prosthesis wear and should be investigated on this specific aspect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in children: do osseous abnormalities matter?

PURPOSE: Management of post-traumatic patellar instability in children with osseous abnormalities is challenging because of the presence of an open physis. The aim of our study was to compare the rate of recurrence after isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in children with or without osseous abnormalities. METHODS: The medical records of 25 children (27 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation were reviewed. Each child underwent an isolated reconstruction of the MPFL using a hamstring graft. At the last follow-up, a clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed, including assessment of functional outcomes based on the Kujala score. Patients were compared in terms of the occurrence of a pre-existing osseous abnormality. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of the surgery was 13.8 years. Eleven patients had trochlear dysplasia (40%), three had a patella alta (11%) and seven had an increased TT-TG (26%). The recurrence rate was 3.7% (one patient), after a mean follow-up of 41.1 months. Recurrence was not more frequent in patients with preoperative anatomical predisposing factors. The mean Kujala score was 95. The mean time to return to practicing sports was 7.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective option for the management of post-traumatic patellofemoral instability in skeletally immature patients. The results of this technique seem to be independent on either proximal or distal misalignments such as trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, or increased TT-TG.

Bone substitutes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery using sublaminar bands: is it useful? A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: In order to avoid pseudarthrosis in adolescent idiopathic (AIS) patients, it is recommended to bring additional bone graft or substitute. Modern rigid instrumentations have been shown to provide less pseudarthroses even without bone substitutes. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of using bones substitutes on fusion rates in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing PSF with sublaminar bands. METHOD: AIS patients scheduled to undergo PSF with sublaminar bands were prospectively enrolled into this study and not given any bone substitutes (no-substitute group). Data were collected and analyzed in patients with at least two years of follow-up. Pseudarthrosis was diagnosed if at least one of the following was present: persistent back pain, hardware failure, loss of correction greater than 10°. The results were compared to a control group who received bone substitutes for the same surgical procedure. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included. For the whole cohort, the mean age was 14.8 years old and the mean follow-up was 30.9 months. For the 'no-substitute' group (n = 44), the mean Cobb angle was 56° pre-operatively, 20.1° post-operatively, and 22° at final follow-up. The fusion rate was not statistically different between the two groups (97.7% vs 95.5%, p = 0.56). At last follow-up, one pseudarthrosis occurred in the 'no substitute' group and two in the control group. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to determine the impact of bone substitutes in AIS fusion using sublaminar bands. In our study, the use of local autologous bone graft alone resulted in a fusion rate of 97.7% despite the use of more flexible instrumentation. The high rate of fusion in AIS patients is more probably due to the healing potential of these young patients rather than to the type of instrumentation. CONCLUSION: The use of additional bone graft or bone substitutes may not be mandatory when managing AIS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

High Prevalence of Mycoplasma faucium DNA in the Human Oropharynx.

Mycoplasma faucium has recently been associated with brain abscesses and seems to originate from the mouth. We evaluated its prevalence by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in the oropharynxes of 644 subjects and found that 25% harbored M. faucium, probably constituting the gateway for entrance of the bacteria into cerebral abscesses.

Intraoperative spinal cord monitoring in children under 4 years old.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to study intraoperative spinal cord monitoring (IOM) particularities and performances in children under 4 years old with congenital spinal deformities. IOM is characterized by specific difficulties due to the immaturity of sensory-motor pathways in such young patients. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest dedicated to IOM in this challenging population. METHODS: This study was retrospective and monocentric. 78 IOM in children under 4 years old were analyzed. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), neurogenic mixed evoked potentials (NMEP) and D waves were performed. Patients were classified into one of four categories with respect to IOM data and clinical outcome: true positive, false positive, true negative and false negative. Sensitivity and specificity were then calculated accordingly. RESULTS: There were 6 true positive, 3 false positive, 67 true negative and 1 false negative outcomes. One patient was characterized by unreliable baseline IOM data. IOM sensitivity was 86 %. IOM specificity was 96 %. The false negative case was monitored using SSEP alone. IOM was difficult in 10/77 cases, being unilateral because of a planned fibular graft harvest. NMEP were characterized by higher signal-to-noise ratio than SSEP. CONCLUSIONS: Immaturity of sensory-motor pathways predominates in the central rather than the peripheral nervous system in young children. MEP and D waves could thus be difficult to obtain. Although non-specific to motor pathways, it could be useful to "by-pass" the brain, using NMEP. In regard to maturational particularities, IOM in children under 4 years old should be performed by experienced neurophysiologists, avoiding in these cases surgeon-guided devices.

Pseudoaneurysm of anterior tibial artery following a diaphyseal fracture of the tibia mimicking a malignant bone tumor.

Pseudoaneurysms of the lower limb are rare and frequently iatrogenics complications. Closed traumas are likely to generate lesions of the arterial wall, which generally become symptomatic at a later stage. The diagnosis of such vascular lesion is difficult because the symptomatology and the onset can be delayed. We herein report the case of a 15-year-old patient in whom the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery was made 5 months after a non-displaced closed fracture of the tibial shaft. The radiographs were evocative of a malignant bone tumor. The study of vessels by a contrast-enhanced CT-scan enabled us to diagnose the pseudoaneurysm. Before the occurrence of late onset swelling, a history of trauma must be sought, even old.

Sublaminar bands: are they safe?

BACKGROUND: Sublaminar bands (SB) are frequently used as implants in spine deviation correction. PURPOSE: Our purpose is to demonstrate their safety on a large series of patients. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. METHODS: Our department treated 378 spine deviations on children and adolescents via a hybrid posterior technique (lumbar screws, hook and thoracic SB). Each surgery was undertaken using anesthesiologic and a neurophysiologic monitoring using somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and neurogenic mixed evoked potentials (NMEP). An alert was described as an amplitude decrease of 50 % and/or a latency increase of 10 %. Data were analyzed using Student or Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: We used 2,223 SB in 378 operative procedures. We described ten neurophysiologic alerts during the passage of the band under the lamina. There were no significative differences between the two groups concerning the age and the severity of the deformation (p > 0.05). These neurophysiologic alerts were associated with a dysautonomic trouble (hypertension and bradycardia). The lesional level was determined using a spinal electrode. In six cases, the responsible SB was removed. Three patients had post-operative neurologic deficiency (0.8 %) without complete recovery for one of them (localized incomplete sensitive deficiency). Within the group of 378 patients, 21 alerts were reported due to a screw or a hook, or during the correction manoeuver, without dysautonomic trouble. CONCLUSION: SB neurologic complications rate is as high as other implants' complication rate. Simultaneous hemodynamic and neurophysiologic change is an argument for vegetative response due to SB passage. Their optimal use requires a strict learning of their insertion under the lamina to be as less traumatic as possible. SB are as safe as any other spine implants.

Circumferential fusion using a custom-made screw in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis.

PURPOSE: Management of high-grade spondylolisthesis is challenging and to date no therapeutic consensus is available. Various surgical procedures have been described using unique or double approach. The aim of the study is to describe an original technique using a posterior-only approach to achieve a circumferential lumbosacral fusion with a custom-made screw. METHODS: In our experience, eight patients (mean age 15 years old) were treated for grade III or IV slipping without instrumental reduction. Surgical technique included a laminectomy from L5 to S2, then after mobilization of neural elements a guide wire was inserted from the posterior side of S2 to the antero-superior corner of L5. A specific drill was used and the 10-mm screw was then inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Further steps included a discectomy, lumbosacral interbody graft and posterolateral graft to obtain a circumferential fusion. Clinical and radiological evaluations were obtained. RESULTS: On the whole series, solid fusion was achieved after 6 months on average. Sagittal realignment was observed with a regression of pelvic retroversion and hip flessum, a lumbarization of the lumbar lordosis and an improvement of the thoracic kyphosis. For one patient, a postoperative S1 deficit was observed. CONCLUSION: This technique provides satisfactory results in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis. This concept is based on a double spine instability considering viscoelastic properties of the disc and postoperative sagittal reciprocal changes as prerequisite. This posterior-only approach represents a valuable alternative to other procedures.

Use of the Universal Clamp in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

UNLABELLED: The Universal Clamp (UC) equipped with a soft sublaminar band is a relatively new thoracic anchor that can be used in hybrid constructs. A dedicated reduction tool that applies traction to the sublaminar band permits gentle translation of the thoracic curve to the pre-contoured fusion rods, which have been previously anchored distally by pedicle screws and proximally by hooks in a claw configuration. METHODS: A literature review concerning the use of UC in adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis was performed. RESULTS: The results confirm the efficacy with the UC hybrid constructs, the good correction (71-66%) of the main thoracic curve and low loss of correction at 2-year follow-up (3-4%). The thoracic curve correction achieved and maintained in the AIS patients appears to be substantially higher than that reported for all hook and hook hybrid techniques. Regardless of the deformity correcting method employed with all-screw constructs, the Cobb angle correction achieved is equivalent to that achieved with UC hybrid devices. Among the present AIS patients who had normal values of thoracic kyphosis pre-operatively, there was almost no change in average thoracic kyphosis at the latest follow-up. However, among the patients with low pre-operative values of T5-T12 kyphosis, the average T5-T12 kyphosis improved. CONCLUSION: Hybrid construct with UC is safe, with reduced operative time and blood loss. While achieving deformity correction in the coronal and axial planes equivalent to the best-reported results of all screw or previous hybrid constructs, the UC hybrid technique appears to provide superior correction in the sagittal plane. The excellent outcome is maintained at the 2-year follow-up.

Neuromonitoring for spine surgery in children.

Neuromonitoring or electrophysiologic monitoring is now an essential component of pediatric spine surgery due to the high number of spinal deformity indications in asymptomatic patients, for whom any neurological complication would be disastrous. Technological advances have led to the development of compact monitors that allow surgeons themselves to monitor the motor evoked potentials (MEP) perioperatively. This shift happened because it was difficult to always have a neurophysiologist in the operating room. Unfortunately, this also means that multimodal monitoring (sensory, mixed, D-wave, electromyography, pedicle screws) is much more difficult to implement. There are absolute indications, such as any spinal deformity without neurological deficit and relative indications, which are more difficult to interpret. Technical incidents frequently occur before the start of the surgery. If no replacement device is available, the procedure must be cancelled unless the patient's life or function are at risk. At least two monitoring systems should be available at every facility to avoid having to cancel surgery for purely technological reasons. Once the surgical procedure has started, the absence of MEP recruitment curves in the upper and lower limbs is likely due to the anesthesia depth; the surgery should be stopped until this problem is corrected. When there is a true intraoperative alert (MEPs disappear in the lower limbs only), we propose taking the following steps, depending on whether the spine is stable or unstable: remove the causal implant, remove all hardware, preserve any stabilization devices, initiate an intraoperative wake-up test, verify conditions under which the intervention should continue. Level of evidence: V.

Juvenile hallux valgus: Comparison of three types of osteotomy and medium-term postoperative results.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV). Numerous surgical techniques have been described, none of which has been proven to be superior and the mid-term results of these methods are not well known. Our objective was to compare the mid-term clinical, radiographic, and functional results of three metatarsal osteotomy techniques. METHODS: Patients under 18 years of age operated on for JHV between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Patients were excluded if they had non-idiopathic hallux valgus or if their postoperative follow-up was less than 3 years. The surgical techniques used were metatarsal osteotomies: basimetatarsal, scarf, or distal. During follow-up visits, we collected HMIS-AOFAS (Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale-American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, acquired radiographs, and recorded complications and recurrences. Secondarily, the study population was stratified according to physis status (open vs. closed). RESULTS: During the study period, 18 patients (26 feet) met the inclusion criteria. The median postoperative follow-up was 6.5 (4.1) years. At the end of follow-up, the median HMIS score was 79.0 (20.0), the mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) improvement was 13.2° (16.8), and the complication and recurrence rates were 31 % and 23 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in the outcome measures between the three techniques or any difference according to physis status at the time of surgery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The functional and radiographic results of metatarsal osteotomies are good in the medium term, regardless of the osteotomy site. Our results are comparable to those published in the literature. As our sample size was limited, it did not lead to the identification of statistically significant differences.