Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Utilizing robotic-assisted navigation for pelvic instrumentation in pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis: a technical note and case series.

Pelvic fixation is commonly used in correcting pelvic obliquity in pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and in preserving stability in adult patients with lumbosacral spondylolisthesis or instances of traumatic or osteoporotic fracture. S2-alar-iliac screws are commonly used in this role and have been proposed to reduce implant prominence when compared to traditional pelvic fusion utilizing iliac screws. The aim of this technical note is to describe a technique for robotically navigated placement of S2-alar-iliac screws in pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, which (a) minimizes the significant exposure needed to identify a bony start point, (b) aids in instrumenting the irregular anatomy often found in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, and (c) allows for greater precision than traditional open or fluoroscopic techniques. We present five cases that underwent posterior spinal fusion to the pelvis with this technique that demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Hip reduction surgery versus scoliosis correction in non-ambulant neuromuscular patients: which surgery is the first step?

PURPOSE: Children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders have a high incidence of both spine and hip deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of either primary scoliosis or hip surgery in children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all children and young adults with neuromuscular-related synchronous hip subluxation/dislocation and scoliosis undergoing hip or scoliosis surgery in our institution between 2012 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Demographic and operative data were collected; radiological parameters were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at final follow-up. RESULTS: Forty neuromuscular patients with synchronous hip displacement and scoliosis were included. Twenty patients with an average age of10.2 years had hip correction surgery performed primarily, with a mean follow-up of 54.9 (24-96) months. The other 20 patients with an average age of 12.4 years had scoliosis correction first, with a mean follow-up of 40 (24-60) months. In the "Hip first" group, pelvic obliquity, hip MP and Cobb angle were 16.8°, 71%, and 49°, respectively. At final follow-up, the mean pelvic obliquity and Cobb angles significantly progressed to 27.2° (p = 0.003) and 82.2° (p = 0.001), respectively. Eighteen patients (90%) required scoliosis correction after the hip surgery. In the "Scoliosis first" group, the mean pelvic obliquity, hip MP and Cobb angle were 21.2°, 49% and 65.5°, respectively. At final follow-up, both pelvic obliquity and Cobb angle significantly improved to 8.44° (p = 0.002) and 23.4° (p = 0.001), respectively. In 11/20 (55%) patients, the hip MP had significantly increased following the spinal surgery to 62% (p = 0.001), but only 5/20 (25%) patients underwent hip surgery after scoliosis correction. CONCLUSION: In neuromuscular patients presenting with synchronous hip displacement and scoliosis deformity, corrective scoliosis surgery is associated with a significant correction of pelvic obliquity and lower rates of secondary hip surgery. On the other hand, primary hip surgery does not reduce the risk of pelvic obliquity and scoliosis deformity progression.

Selective nerve transfers to restore shoulder abduction and flexion in acute flaccid myelitis: A case report.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a polio-like condition predominantly affecting children that is characterized by acute-onset, asymmetric flaccid paralysis, often preceded by a prodromal fever or viral illness. With prompt diagnosis and early surgical referral, nerve transfers may be performed to improve function. Highly selective nerve transfers are ideal to preserve existing functions while targeting specific deficits. In this report, we present a case of a double fascicular nerve transfer of median and ulnar nerve fascicles to the axillary nerve, combined with selective transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the supraspinatus branch of the suprascapular nerve, performed for a 5-year-old girl who developed AFM after an upper respiratory infection. Six months after the onset of the patient's symptoms, the patient had continued weakness of shoulder flexion and abduction, atrophy of the deltoid, and supraspinatus muscles, though needle electromyography revealed a functioning infraspinatus muscle. The patient had no post-operative complications and at 2 years of postoperative follow up achieved shoulder abduction and flexion Active Movement Scale scores of 7/7 compared to preoperative scores of 2/7, with no loss of function in the donor nerve domains. The patient showed active shoulder abduction against gravity to 90° from 30° preoperatively and shoulder flexion to 180° from 15° preoperatively. This case report shows that highly selective nerve transfers may preserve existing functions while targeting specific deficits. A double fascicular transfer from the median and ulnar nerves to axillary nerve may provide abundant axons for functional recovery.

Nerve Transfer Surgery in Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Prognostic Factors, Long-Term Outcomes, Comparison With Natural History.

BACKGROUND: Nerve transfer surgery is sometimes offered to patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate surgical efficacy, assess which clinical and neurophysiological data are valuable for preoperative planning, and report long-term outcomes. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective case series of patients with AFM who received nerve transfer surgery. All patients had preoperative electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS). Matched control muscles that did not receive nerve transfer surgery were defined in the same cohort. RESULTS: Ten patients meeting inclusion criteria received a total of 23 nerve transfers (19 upper extremity, four lower extremity). The mean age at symptom onset was 3.8 years, surgery was 0.5 to 1.25 years after diagnosis, and mean follow-up was 2.3 years (range 1.3 to 4.5 years). Among muscles with preoperative strength Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 0, muscles receiving nerve transfers performed significantly better than those that did not (MRC grade 2.17 ± 0.42 vs 0 ± 0, respectively, P = 0.0001). Preoperative EMG/NCS predicted worse outcomes in recipient muscles with more abundant acute denervation potentials (P = 0.0098). Donor nerves found to be partially denervated performed equally well as unaffected nerves. Limited data suggested functional improvement accompanying strength recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve transfer surgery is an effective strategy to restore strength for patients with AFM with persistent, severe motor deficits. Postoperative outcomes in patients with complete paralysis are better than the natural history of disease. This study demonstrates the utility of preoperative clinical and electrophysiological data in guiding patient selection for nerve transfer surgery.

Evidence of spinal stiffening following fusionless bipolar fixation for neuromuscular scoliosis: a shear wave elastography assessment of lumbar annulus fibrosus.

OBJECTIVES: There are no established criteria for stiffness after fusionless surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). As a result, there is no consensus regarding the surgical strategy to propose at long-term follow-up. This study reports the first use of shear wave elastography for assessing the mechanical response of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) after fusionless bipolar fixation (FBF) for NMS and compares them with healthy controls. The aim was to acquire evidence from the stiffness of the spine following FBF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen NMS operated on with FBF (18 ± 2y at last follow-up, 6 ± 1 y after surgery) were included prospectively. Preoperative Cobb was 89 ± 20° and 35 ± 1° at latest follow-up. All patients had reached skeletal maturity. Eighteen healthy patients (20 ± 4 y) were also included. Shear wave speed (SWS) was measured in the annulus fibrosus of L3L4, L4L5 and L5S1 IVDs and compared between the two groups. A measurement reliability was performed. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, average SWS (all disc levels pooled) was 7.5 ± 2.6 m/s. In NMS patients, SWS was significantly higher at 9.9 ± 1.4 m/s (p < 0.05). Differences were significant between L3L4 (9.3 ± 1.8 m/s vs. 7.0 ± 2.5 m/s, p = 0.004) and L4L5 (10.3 ± 2.3 m/s vs. 7.1 ± 1.1 m/s, p = 0.0006). No difference was observed for L5S1 (p = 0.2). No correlation was found with age at surgery, Cobb angle correction and age at the SWE measurement. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant increase in disc stiffness at the end of growth for NMS patients treated by FBF. These findings are a useful adjunct to CT-scan in assessing stiffness of the spine allowing the avoidance of surgical final fusion at skeletal maturity.

The indication of fusion to the pelvis in neuromuscular scoliosis is based on the underlying disease rather than on pelvic obliquity.

INTRODUCTION: The decision to instrument to L5 or ilium, in NMS, is usually based on radiologic factors, including pelvic obliquity (PO) > 15°, apex of curvature < L3, and Cobb angle > 60°. Since scoliosis in these patients is caused by a neurologic disease, we based our decision to stop at L5 on the presence of spasticity or flaccidity. PATIENTS & METHODS: The senior author did 109 primary fusions in NMS. Of those with DMD or SMA only 16% were instrumented to the ilium. The main factor for our decision was the correction potential of the truncal shift and PO in the supine traction radiographs and the absence of severe spasticity. RESULTS: The 57 patients with DMD/SMA had a mean preoperative curvature of 68°, PO of 17°, and truncal shift of 20°. 74% should have been instrumented to the pelvis, but only 16% were. Those instrumented shorter as the rule, were corrected from 74° to 26° and had a postoperative PO of 8°. There was no significant difference in postoperative correction and PO compared to those instrumented to L5 on standard protocol. Subsequent extension to the pelvis was needed in 1 CP patient. There were no significant changes after 2 years. Of the 20 patients instrumented to the pelvis 11 had cerebral palsy and a preop curvature of 89°, a PO of 21° and a truncal shift of 25°. DISCUSSION: The decision on instrumentation length should take flexibility and disease into consideration. If the trunk is centred over the pelvis, deterioration will not occur in absence of spasticity.

Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery for Neuromuscular Disease Patients with Severe Scoliosis Whose Cobb Angle Was over 100 Degrees.

Background and objectives: Patients with neuromuscular diseases usually have progressive neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS), requiring invasive surgery. Some patients present with severe scoliosis at the time of consultation and are difficult to treat. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery combined with anterior release and pre- or intraoperative traction would be effective for severe spinal deformities but would be invasive. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of PSF-only surgery for patients with severe NMS with a Cobb angle > 100°. Materials and Methods: Thirty NMS patients (13 boys and 17 girls; mean age 13.8 years) who underwent PSF-only surgery for scoliosis with a Cobb angle > 100° were included. We reviewed the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV), duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complications, preoperative clinical findings, and radiographic findings, including Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity (PO) in the sitting position pre- and postoperatively. The correction rate and correction loss of the Cobb angle and PO were also calculated. Results: The mean duration of surgery was 338 min, intraoperative blood loss was 1440 mL, preoperative %VC was 34.1%, FEV1.0 (%) was 91.5%, and EF was 66.1%. There were eight cases of perioperative complications. The Cobb angle and PO correction rates were 48.5% and 42.0%, respectively. We divided the patients into two groups: the L5 group, in which the LIV was L5, and the pelvis group, in which the LIV was the pelvis. The duration of surgery and PO correction rate in the pelvis group were significantly higher than those in the L5 group. Conclusions: Patients with severe NMS demonstrated severe preoperative restrictive ventilatory impairments. PSF surgery without anterior release or any intra-/preoperative traction showed satisfactory outcomes, including acceptable scoliosis correction and improved clinical findings, even in patients with extremely severe NMS. Instrumentation and fusion to the pelvis for severe scoliosis in patients with NMS showed good PO correction and low correction loss of Cobb angle and PO, but a longer duration of surgery.

Bipolar Fusionless Versus Standard Fusion Surgery in Neuromuscular Scoliosis: A Two-center Comparative Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled cohort. OBJECTIVE: To compare early results between bipolar fusionless construct (BFC) and single posterior fusion (SPF) surgery in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). BACKGROUND: Surgical treatments for NMS have traditionally been characterized by high complication rates. A mini-invasive BFC was developed to reduce these risks while maintaining adequate curve reduction. There is, however, a current lack of studies comparing clinical and radiologic perioperative outcomes between both techniques. METHODS: All patients surgically treated for NMS with to-pelvis construct between 2011 and 2021 at 2 centers were included and divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique (BFC or SPF). Gender, age, main deformity region, etiology, preoperative and postoperative main curve magnitude and pelvic obliquity, surgery time, estimated blood loss and transfusion rates, length of hospital stay, the magnitude of main curve and pelvic obliquity correction, and early complications were compared. Quantitative data were compared through ANOVA or Mann-Whitney test. Analysis of qualitative outcomes was performed through Fisher exact test and logistic regressions. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare complications between groups. RESULTS: Eighty-nine NMS patients were included: 48 in the SPF group and 41 in the BFC group. Surgery time (203 vs. 241 min), rate (32 vs. 52%) and severity of complications, unplanned returns to the operating room (15 vs. 39%), estimated blood loss (179 vs. 364 cc), and transfusion rates (27 vs. 73%) were lower in the BFC group ( P <0.05). There were no significant differences in age, maturity stage, preoperative curve magnitude, preoperative pelvic obliquity and postoperative curve, and pelvic obliquity correction between groups. CONCLUSIONS: BFC may be a safer and less invasive option for NMS surgical treatment, resulting in similar curve corrections while significantly decreasing the number and severity of complications as well as intraoperative blood loss when compared with SPF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level -lll.

Clinical and radiological efficacy of spino-pelvic fixation in the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis.

Pelvic fixation is performed to obtain proper coronal and sagittal alignment when the pelvic obliquity is more than 15º in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). Since many NMS patients were wheelchair or bed-ridden status, there has been controversy on the effect of pelvic fixation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of pelvic fixation on correction of spinal deformity and quality of life (QoL) in NMS patients. A total of 77 NMS patients who underwent deformity correction were divided into three groups and retrospectively analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 2-year follow-up: pelvic fixation group (Group A, n = 16), fixed to S1 (Group B, n = 33), and fixed to L5 (Group C, n = 28). The correction rate of scoliosis was 60.0%, 58.0%, and 56.7% in groups A, B, and C, respectively, with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The correction rate of pelvic obliquity was 61.3%, 42.8%, and 57.5% in respective groups A, B, and C, with no significance (P > 0.05). The correction loss of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity showed no statistical significance between three groups for 2-year follow-up (all Ps > 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding clinical outcomes and postoperative complications among the three groups (all Ps > 0.05). Therefore, pelvic fixation using iliac screws is not substantially influencing radiological and clinical outcomes in the patients with NMS.

Perioperative complications after posterior spinal fusion versus minimally invasive fusionless surgery in neuromuscular scoliosis: a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Early-onset scoliosis is a common deformity in neuromuscular disease. When conservative treatment becomes ineffective, several surgical options can be proposed. The most common technique is posterior spinal fusion (PSF) consisting of performing a multiple segmental instrumentation with pedicular screws on the full spine associated with decortication and bone graft. Minimally invasive fusionless surgery (MIFS) is an alternative to correct and fix definitively the spine without graft. The objective of this study was to compare early surgical inpatient period between PSF and MIFS in neuromuscular scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 140 NMS operated by PSF or MIFS between 2012 and 2017 was retrospectively reviewed. The following data were compared between groups: general characteristics (age, sex, etiology), preoperative preparation (halo traction, noninvasive ventilation or tracheostomy), Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity correction, use of drugs (vasopressor and/or inotropes, expansion fluids, transfusion and volumes), postoperative complications, and need of noninvasive ventilation. RESULTS: 75 patients were managed by PSF with a mean age of 14.3 ± 2.3y and 65 by MIFS with a mean age of 11.8 ± 3y. Average pelvic obliquity and major curve correction were similar postoperatively. Intraoperative blood transfusion was significantly more common in PSF group (OR, 14; 95% CI [6.3-33.0]). Vasopressors were used non-significantly more often in the PSF group and expansion fluids similar in the two groups. PSF group had more overall complications (OR, 4.6; 95% CI [2.3-9.8]), more infections (OR, 3.6; 95% CI [1.5-9.3]) and more hemodynamic complications (OR, 4.1; 95% CI [1.4-15.1]). Average intubation duration was 5 days in the PSF and 4 days in MIFS (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this series of neuromuscular patients, the complication rate was reduced in MIFS comparatively to PSF, with lower blood transfusion and less infections.

Comparison of baseline characteristics and postoperative complications in neuromuscular, syndromic and congenital scoliosis.

Nonidiopathic scoliosis encompasses a group of diagnoses, including neuromuscular scoliosis, syndromic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis. The objective of this study was to compare the preoperative and postoperative clinical differences in pediatric nonidiopathic scoliosis patients with neuromuscular scoliosis vs. syndromic scoliosis/congenital scoliosis. This is a single-center retrospective review of all pediatric patients undergoing spinal instrumentation for nonidiopathic scoliosis during a 5-year period. Neuromuscular scoliosis patients ( n = 144), syndromic scoliosis patients ( n = 44) and congenital scoliosis patients ( n = 52) were compared. Demographics, patient characteristics and outcomes were compared. Neuromuscular scoliosis patients had lower BMI z-scores and were more likely to have pulmonary disease, technology dependence and seizure disorder. Additionally, neuromuscular scoliosis patients underwent bigger procedures with more levels fused and a higher rate of pelvis fixation. By direct comparison, neuromuscular scoliosis patients tended to have more complications including deep surgical site infections, readmission in 30 days, return to operating room in 90 days and emergency care visits in 90 days. When controlling for the differences in their preexisting conditions and surgical procedure, we found that pelvic fixation was a major confounding factor, whereas the others had no effect. We further subanalyzed cerebral palsy patients and found this group to exhibit no difference in complications compared to other neuromuscular scoliosis subtypes. Neuromuscular scoliosis patients have different characteristics and subsequent postoperative complications than those with syndromic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis. The difference in complication profile is mainly due to differences in surgical procedure and a higher rate of pelvic fixation. This should be considered when planning nonidiopathic scoliosis surgery among multidisciplinary teams.

Long-term outcomes of ilio-sacral screws in minimally invasive bipolar fusionless technique for neuromuscular scoliosis: a retrospective study in 167 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic fixation in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis is difficult, due to their fragile general condition and poor bone quality. Many techniques have been described, associated with high rates of mechanical complications. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical complications and long-term radiological results of ilio-sacral screw pelvic fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 167 consecutive patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent minimally invasive bipolar fixation with ilio-sacral screw pelvic fixation were retrospectively reviewed. The instrumentation consisted in a bilateral sliding rods construct extended from T1 to the sacrum, anchored proximally by double-hook claws and distally by ilio-sacral screws through a minimally invasive approach. Mechanical complications and radiographic measurements (angle of the major coronal curve, pelvic obliquity, lumbar lordosis) were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Mean operative age was 12 ± 3 years, and follow-up 6.4 years (3.0-10.4 years). Pelvic obliquity decreased from 20° preoperatively to 5° (77% correction) at last follow-up, Angle of the major coronal curve from 75° to 36° (52% correction), and lumbar lordosis from 28° to 38°. 16 mechanical complications in nine patients occurred: screw prominence (n = 1), connector failure (n = 4), screw malposition (n = 11). Unplanned surgery was required in seven cases, two were managed during rod lengthening, seven did not require treatment. CONCLUSION: In this series of neuromuscular patients operated by ilio-sacral screws as pelvic fixation, the results were stable with a mean follow-up of more than 6 years and the complication rate was reduced comparatively to the literature.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis: A Dual-Surgeon Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Neuromuscular Scoliosis (NMS) causes severe deformity and operative correction for these patients carries high complication rates. We present a retrospective study comparing a series of consecutive patients who underwent posterior fusion via a single-surgeon (SS) approach with a consecutive series of patients treated via a dual-surgeon (DS) approach. METHODS: Patients with NMS who underwent posterior fusion via a SS approach from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed and compared to a series of patients with NMS who underwent posterior fusion via a DS approach. RESULTS: In the SS group, the average estimated blood loss (EBL) was 675 mL, average length of stay (LOS) was 6.3 days, average operative time (OT) was 6.5 hours, average packed red blood cell transfusion was 1.5 units, with a complication rate of 30%. The DS group had an average EBL of 400 mL, a LOS of 4.8 days, an OT of 4.75 hours, an average packed red blood cell transfusion of 0.8 units, with a complication rate of 20%. The DS approach was significant for a lower EBL, OT (P < 0.001), and LOS (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that for patients with NMS the DS approach decreases OT, EBL, complication rates, and LOS. This further supports that this approach may benefit outcomes in NMS patients.

Determining Incidence and Risk Factors of Pressure Injury After Orthopaedic Surgery in Children and Adolescents With Neuromuscular Complex Chronic Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injuries are serious yet often preventable alterations in skin integrity prevalent in orthopaedics, especially in pediatric patients with neuromuscular complex chronic conditions (NCCC). The aims of this study were to (1) estimate incidence of pressure injury in children with NCCC after orthopaedic surgery; (2) determine risk factors for pressure injury development; and (3) describe severity and location of pressure injuries. METHODS: Children and adolescents (<22 y old) with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery at a single tertiary-care children's hospital between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. A matched case-control design was used to match patients who developed a pressure injury within 1.5 months after surgery to subjects who did not develop a pressure injury using a 1:1 matching based on neuromuscular diagnosis, age, sex, and type of surgery. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, pressure injury characteristics, and a pressure injury risk assessment score utilizing the Braden QD scale were compared across pressure injury groups. RESULTS: Of 564 children with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery, 43 (7.6%) developed a postoperative pressure injury. Pressure injuries were primarily located on the heel, followed by sacral/groin/buttocks, then knee. The most common diagnosis was cerebral palsy with associated neuromuscular scoliosis, and hip reconstruction was the most common surgical procedure. The pressure injury cohort had significantly more patients who were non-ambulatory (GMFCS IV/V), with a seizure disorder, g-tube, nonverbal status, wheelchair usage, and had additional medical devices. Median Braden QD risk score was higher in the injury cohort and a cutoff ≥12 was optimal for predicting pressure injury development. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure injuries after orthopaedic surgery are not uncommon in children with NCCC. The entire care team should be aware of additional risk factors associated with pressure injury development, including the diagnosis of cerebral palsy with neuromuscular scoliosis, seizure disorder, nonverbal status, g-tube, and the presence of multiple medical devices. Implementation of evidence-based pressure injury prevention guidelines on identified high-risk children with NCCC may reduce pressure injury risk and improve the postoperative course. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The effect of a flexible thoracolumbar brace on neuromuscular scoliosis: A prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT: Neuromuscular scoliosis is a common deformity seen in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Although rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis is the most frequently used brace, it has low compliance rates and can lead to complications including skin ulcers. Thus, alternative methods for treating neuromuscular scoliosis are needed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of a novel flexible brace to prevent the progression of neuromuscular scoliosis.This study is a prospective observational study. Twenty-three patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were enrolled in the study. Among patients diagnosed with neuromuscular disease, spine radiographs were checked for a neuromuscular scoliosis diagnosis. The participants were treated with a novel flexible brace for 6 months. The control group (n = 46) was selected using propensity score matching method from a clinical data warehouse. The Cobb angle was measured and compared between the study and control groups.In the study group, the average Cobb's angle significantly decreased from 47.22 ±â€Š18.9° to 31.8 ±â€Š20.0 when wearing the flexible brace (P < .001). Thus, the correction rate was 36.9%. The annual progression rate was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P  < .05).The flexible brace showed a significant correction rate of scoliosis in patients with severe neuromuscular diseases. The flexible brace is an alternative treatment modality for patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Daily application of the flexible brace during the growing period can reduce the degree of fixed deformity in the long term.

Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular diseases: a minimum of 2 years' follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular disease. METHODS: We reviewed 156 patients with neuromuscular disease who underwent hemiarthroplasty between June 2015 and December 2019. Patients were divided into cemented group (n = 105) and uncemented group (n = 51), with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Factors including preoperative features, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, complications, pain, Harris hip scores (HHS), and quality of life were compared across groups, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival. RESULTS: In the uncemented group, the mean duration of surgery was 16.0 min. shorter (p = 0.001) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 71.1 mL less (p = 0.01). Visual analog scales (VAS), HHS, and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores were not different between the groups. Despite a few potential trends, we did not observe a difference in complications such as periprosthetic fractures and dislocations. The rates of mortality were similar between groups (p=0.821). CONCLUSIONS: Both arthroplasties may be used with good medium-term results in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

What Happens to Our Neuromuscular Patients in Adulthood: Pathway to Independence and Maximal Function.

BACKGROUND: Children with neuromuscular disorders regularly seek care from pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. These conditions can have a significant impact on the growth and development of children and their function and well-being as adults. Questions exist about the long-term outcomes of musculoskeletal interventions performed during childhood. METHODS: A search of recent literature pertaining to the musculoskeletal and functional consequences of cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscle atrophy was performed. Information from those articles was combined with the experience of the authors and their institutions. RESULTS: Neuromuscular conditions can result in limb and spine deformities that lead to impaired physical function. Orthopaedic interventions during childhood can improve function and well-being and can be durable into adulthood. Unfortunately, many individuals with these conditions transition to adult health care that lacks the informed, collaborative multidisciplinary care they received as children. This can lead to unmet health care needs and a shortage of long-term natural history and outcome studies that would inform the care of children today. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with childhood-onset neuromuscular conditions need, and deserve, dedicated health care systems that include the best aspects of the care they received as children. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons have a role in promoting the development of such systems and a responsibility to learn from their adult patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Expert Opinion.

Recommendations for Therapy following Nerve Transfer for Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis.

AIM: To provide recommendations for pre- and post-operative occupational and physical therapy for children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). METHODS: Writing panel members consisted of an interdisciplinary team of seven healthcare professionals specializing in the care of children with AFM. The panel reviewed background material on AFM, nerve transfer, and rehabilitation principles applied to pediatrics. Recommendations were prioritized if evidence was available. Where there was no known evidence to support a recommendation, this was noted. RECOMMENDATIONS: Communication and coordination among interprofessional team members are vital to a comprehensive family-centered rehabilitation program. Surgical planning should include team preparation accounting for frequency, duration, and timing of treatment, as well as individual characteristics and developmental status of the child. Recommendations for pre-operative and six phases of post-operative therapy address assessment, strengthening, range of motion, orthoses, performance of functional activity, and support of the family. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation following nerve transfer in children with AFM requires interdisciplinary collaboration and a multisystem approach to assessment and treatment. As new evidence becomes available, recommendations may be revised or replaced accordingly.