Ten-year trends in surgical management of 1207 congenital scoliosis.

PURPOSE: To report and analyze development trends in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis (CS) in a large CS cohort over a 10-year period. METHODS: We retrospectively searched and extracted medical records of CS inpatients receiving posterior instrumented fusion surgery at our institute from January 2010 to December 2019. We analyzed information on demographics and surgical information, including the surgical approach, number of fused segments, use of osteotomy and titanium cage implantation, length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, and rates of complications and readmission. RESULTS: 1207 CS inpatients were included. In the past decade, the proportion of patients younger than 5 years increased from 15.5 to 26.9%. The average number of fused segments decreased from 9.24 to 7.48, and the proportion of patients treated with short-segment fusion increased from 13.4 to 30.3%. The proportion of patients treated with osteotomy and titanium cage implantation increased from 55.65% and 12.03% to 76.5% and 40.22%. The average length of stay and blood loss decreased from 16.5 days and 816.1 ml to 13.5 days and 501.7 ml. The complication and readmission rates also decreased during these ten years. CONCLUSION: During this ten-year period, the surgical treatment of CS at our institute showed trends toward a younger age at fusion, lower number of fused segments, higher rate of osteotomy and titanium cage implantation, reduced blood loss, shorter length of stay and lower rate complications and readmission. These results suggest performing osteotomy combined with titanium cage implantation at an earlier age can achieve fewer fused segments and complications.

Multiple cervical hemivertebra resection and staged thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the treatment of complicated congenital scoliosis.

PURPOSE: To present our experience of staged correction with multiple cervical hemivertebra resection and thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) treating a rare and complicated congenital scoliosis. METHODS: A 14-year-old male presented with progressive torticollis and spine deformity. The malformation developed since birth, and back pain after long-time sitting or exercise arose since 6 months before, which was unsuccessfully treated by physiotherapy. X-ray showed a right cervical curve of 60° and a left compensatory thoracic curve of 90°. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) scan revealed three semi-segmented hemivertebrae (C4, C5 and C6) on the right side. Based on our staged strategy, the three consecutive cervical hemivertebrae, as the major pathology causing the deformity, were firstly resected by the combined posterior and anterior approach. Six months later, T6 PSO osteotomy was used to correct the structural compensatory thoracic curve. RESULTS: The cervical curve was reduced to 23° while the thoracic curve to 60° after the first-stage surgery, and the thoracic curve was further reduced to 30° after the second-stage surgery. The radiograph at 5-year follow-up showed that both the coronal and sagittal balance were well restored and stabilized, with the occipital tilt reduced from 12° to 0°. CONCLUSIONS: Our strategy may provide an option for similar cases with multiple consecutive cervical hemivertebrae and a large structural compensatory thoracic curve, which proved to achieve excellent correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes with acceptable neurologic risk.

One-stage posterior-only lumbosacral hemivertebra resection with short segmental fusion: a more than 2-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbosacral hemivertebra poses a unique problem because it can cause gross imbalance and progressive compensatory thoracolumbar deformity. Previous studies have reported lumbosacral hemivertebra resection through a combined anterior and posterior approach, but there have been no reports on the results and complications of hemivertebra resection via a posterior-only procedure and short fusion with large series of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study of a prospective collected database comprises a consecutive series of 14 congenital scoliosis due to lumbosacral hemivertebra treated by 1-stage posterior hemivertebra resection with short segmental fusion, with at least a 2-year follow-up period (24-144 months). Surgical reports and patient charts were reviewed. Radiographic evaluation included measured changes in segmental scoliosis and lordosis, compensatory scoliosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and trunk shift. Quality of life data from Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaires were also collected. RESULTS: Our results showed that the mean follow-up period was 38.4 months. The mean fusion level was 3.2 segments. Mean operation time was 207.8 min with the average blood loss of 235.7 ml. The mean segmental scoliosis was 30° preoperatively, 5° postoperatively (83 % correction rate), and 4° (87 %) at the latest follow-up. The compensatory coronal curve of 30° was spontaneously corrected to 13° at most recent follow-up. Trunk shift was significantly improved on both coronal (63 %) and sagittal plane (58 %) after the surgery, and kept stable during the follow-up. The total SRS-22 score, the self-image domain score and the satisfaction domain score demonstrated significant improvement compared with preoperative status. Only one intra-operative complication was observed, a pedicle fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our results showed that one-stage HV resection and short segment fusion by a posterior approach can offer excellent scoliosis correction and trunk shift improvement without neurological complications, while saving motion segments as much as possible. This strategy is not only corrective of the deformity but also preventive of compensatory curve progression, thus avoiding long lumbar fusion.

Intra-operative MEP monitoring can work well in the patients with neural axis abnormality.

PURPOSE: To explain the intra-operative transcranial motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring can work well in patients with neural axis abnormality (NAA). METHODS: One hundred eighteen consecutive NAA and 334 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery between June 2010 and April 2013 in our spine center were included. The MEP data including the success rate of obtaining a baseline, amplitude, sensitivity and specificity were analyzed. RESULTS: High-efficiency MEPs baseline could be obtained in 117/118 NAA (74 congenital scoliosis, 32 neuromuscular scoliosis, 8 adult scoliosis, 3 congenital kyphoscoliosis and 1 neurofibromatosis scoliosis) and 334 AIS cases. They had an approximate level in success rate of MEPs baseline (99.2 vs. 99.7 %) and MEPs amplitude (317 µV, n = 118; vs. 312 µV, n = 334). The sensitivity and specificity for MEP were 100 and 98.2 % in patients with NAA. And the MEPs amplitude value fitted positive-skewed distribution in both of NAA and AIS. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative MEP monitoring can be used accurately and satisfactorily in NAA patients and show no difference compared with AIS.

Prognostic value of intraoperative MEP signal improvement during surgical treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic value of intraoperative improved transcranial motor evoked potential (MEP) after cervical cord decompressive surgery for cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). METHOD: A consecutive series of 59 CCM patients who underwent cervical cord decompressive surgery were studied between December 2013 and April 2015 in this study. And all patients were divided into three subgroups: the patients with intraoperative improved MEP, without obvious MEP change and MEP degeneration. MEP and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score were mainly utilized to assess intra-, pre- and post-operative neurologic function; all patients had reliable and stable MEP baseline. The early neurologic outcomes and the long-term mJOA improvement rate were evaluated after surgery. RESULTS: There were 21 patients with intraoperative monitoring improvement (MEP improved rate, 140 ± 76 %), 32 patients without obvious MEP change and six patients with MEP degeneration. The early motor or sensory outcome showed varying degrees of recovery in the MEP improvement group. The long-term mJOA improvement rate among the three groups was 59.5 ± 4.2, 48.9 ± 3.9 and 40.6 ± 7.4 %, respectively, after 6-month follow-up, and the improvement group was better than the other two groups with statistical significance (59.5 ± 4.2 vs. 48.9 ± 3.9 %, p < 0.05; 59.5 ± 4.2 vs. 40.6 ± 7.4, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with intraoperative MEP improvement after cervical cord decompression have better prognosis in early and long-term neurologic recovery in CCM surgery.

A randomized controlled trial on effects of different hemostatic sponges in posterior spinal fusion surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Spinal fusion surgery is associated with significant blood loss, which may result in potential clinical complications, it is necessary to take safe and effective measures to reduce blood loss in surgery. We perform this study to assess the impact of three different hemostatic materials on perioperative blood loss. METHODS: We performed a Randomized Controlled Trial research and recruited patients with lumbar disease into the study between November 2013 and March 2015. All the participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups using a simple equal probability randomization scheme: Group A (Stypro hemostatic sponge), Group B (Collagen hemostatic sponge) and Group C (gelatin sponge). We compared postoperative blood loss between these 3 groups. RESULTS: In our study, drainage volume in the first 24 h of patients in Group A and B is significantly smaller, as well as total postoperative volumes of drainage (p < 0.05) during their hospital stay. The drainage volumes in the second 24 h were similar in the 3 groups. We also found that the average drainage Hematocrit (HCT) reduced over time, the average HCT of drainage is 18.04% and 11.72% on the first day and on the second day respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hemostatic collagen sponge demonstrated better hemostasis effects than gelatin sponge with lower volume of postoperative drainage volume and blood loss in posterior spinal fusion surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial registration number (TRN) of the study is ISRCTN29254316 and date of registration is 25/10/2016. Our trial was registered retrospectively.

Multicentric epidemiologic study on six thousand three hundred and ninety five cases of femoral head osteonecrosis in China.

PURPOSE: Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a common joint disease with high morbidity in mainland China. We performed a retrospective case investigation based on the widest range of patients ever to reveal the demographic and clinical characteristics of ONFH in mainland China. METHODS: We collected data from hospitalized patients of nine large tertiary hospitals in China, focusing on the aetiology of ONFH. Medical records and self-design questionnaires were used to collect data. We determined the patients' aetiology according to established guidelines and categorized patients into different subgroups. We further analysed the underlying illness of the steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head. RESULTS: A total of 6,395 patients with complete medical records were included in the study. The age (mean ± SD) of the patients was 46.45 ± 13.80 years. Males dominate with 70.1 % of all ONFH patients. In all the ONFH patients, 24.1 % are steroid induced, 30.7 % are alcoholic, 16.4 % are traumatic and 28.8 % are idiopathic. Among steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head patients, 546 patients have autoimmune disorder (46.63 %), which is the most common underling illness, among these, the most common disease is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CONCLUSIONS: The most common age when ONFH occurs is between 40 and 50 years old. Male patients developed ONFH 3.4 years earlier than female patients. The number of the male patients is greater than the female, reaching the overall gender proportion of 7:3. Autoimmune disease is the primary cause of steroid-induced ONFH, among which SLE is the most common disease.

Patellar denervation in total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing and postoperative anterior knee pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether patellar denervation with electrocautery (PD) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) could reduce the postoperative anterior knee pain (AKP). Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 572 patients and 657 knees were eligible for this meta-analysis. Our results showed that PD was associated with less AKP, lower visual analogue scale (VAS), higher patellar scores and better knee function compared with no patellar denervation (NPD). Complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The existing evidence indicates that PD may be a better approach, as it improves both anterior knee pain and knee function after TKA. Future multi-center randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes are required to verify the current findings.

Non-continuous versus continuous wound drainage after total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: So far, controversy still exists regarding the use of non-continuous or continuous wound drainage after total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of these two drainage techniques after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: We searched the established electronic literature databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and WANFANG. Nine RCTs including a total of 761 patients involving 811 knees were eligible for this meta-analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that non-continuous drainage was associated with less haemoglobin loss (WMD, -0.43, 95 % CI -0.62 to -0.24; P < 0.00001) and postoperative visible blood loss (WMD, -305.09, 95% CI -408.10 to -202.08; P < 0.00001) compared with continuous drainage. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of range of motion (WMD, 0.99, 95% CI -1.01 to 2.98; P = 0.33), incidence of blood transfusion (OR, 0.63, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.06; P = 0.80) or postoperative complications (OR, 1.09, 95% CI 0.35 to 3.40; P = 0.89). CONCLUSION: The existing evidence indicates that non-continuous drainage can achieve less haemoglobin loss (especially the four- to six-hour drain clamping) and postoperative visible blood loss with no increased risk of postoperative complications compared with continuous drainage.

Dual Growing Rods and the Apical Control Technique for Treating Congenital Early-Onset Scoliosis: Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: Congenital early-onset scoliosis (CEOS) is characterized by a spectrum of vertebral anomalies, including formation failures and segmentation failures at the apex segment, which makes CEOS different from other etiologies of early-onset scoliosis. To date, studies on patients who have graduated from CEOS treatment using traditional dual growing rods (TDGR) have been scarce, and the preliminary results of TDGR with or without the apical control technique (ACT) have varied. We therefore compared the final outcomes of patients with CEOS who graduated from TDGR with or without the ACT. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with CEOS who had graduated from TDGR treatment performed from 2007 to 2020 was conducted. Graduation included final fusion or observation after reaching skeletal maturity. Patients were divided into the ACT-TDGR group (apical vertebrectomy and/or hemivertebrectomy with short fusion and TDGR) and the TDGR-only group. Demographic characteristics, radiographic data, patient-reported clinical outcomes, pulmonary function, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients with CEOS were enrolled: 13 in the ACT-TDGR group and 28 in the TDGR-only group. The lengthening intervals were longer in the ACT-TDGR group (mean [and standard deviation], 1.26 ± 0.66 years) than in the TDGR-only group (0.80 ± 0.27 years). The preoperative main curve was larger in the ACT-TDGR group (80.53° ± 19.50°) than in the TDGR-only group (64.11° ± 17.50°). The residual curve was comparable between groups (26.31° ± 12.82° in the ACT-TDGR group compared with 27.76° ± 15.0° in the TDGR group) at the latest follow-up. The changes in apical vertebral rotation and thoracic rotation were significantly larger in the ACT-TDGR group. Patients had comparable T1-12 and T1-S1 heights, pulmonary function, and 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) scores at the latest follow-up. The mean number of mechanical-related complications per patient was lower in the ACT-TDGR group (0.77 ± 0.73) than in the TDGR-only group (1.54 ± 1.43). Seventeen patients underwent final fusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this small-scale study, we observed that both ACT-TDGR and TDGR-only could correct the deformity while allowing for spinal growth in patients with CEOS. ACT-TDGR yielded better correction in severe cases and did not have a deleterious effect on spinal height. A large number of cases will be needed to validate the clinical value of the ACT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes of Traditional Dual Growing Rods With Apical Control Techniques for the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis: Comparison With Patients Treated With Traditional Dual Growing Rods Only With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up After Graduation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Correction with traditional dual growing rods (TDGR) might not be sufficient for severe and rigid spinal deformity. TDGR combines with apical control techniques (ACT) could theoretically improve curve correction and decrease the incidence of mechanical complications. However, long-term results for TDGR with ACT are limited. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review and compare the outcomes of patients who graduated from TDGR with or without ACT. METHODS: Patients who were treated by TDGR with or without ACT with a minimum 2-year follow-up after graduation were enrolled. According to the intervention for the apex, patients were further divided into the TDGR group, the TDGR + apical control pedicle screws group (without apical fusion), and the TDGR + hybrid technique group. Clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, pulmonary function, and complications were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (51 patients in the TDGR group, 10 patients in the apical control pedicle screws group, and 15 patients in the hybrid technique group) were enrolled. Compared with TDGR, TDGR + ACT achieved better main curve correction, better control of apical vertebral translation and rotation, and lower incidence of complications and revision surgery (P < .05) while maintaining development of the spine and chest. Although the difference was not significant, patients in the TDGR + ACT group had better pulmonary function at the last follow-up (P > .05). The percentage of patients receiving final fusion in the TDGR + ACT group was significantly lower than that in the TDGR group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared with TDGR, TDGR + ACT can achieve better curve correction and apical control and comparable clinical outcomes while maintaining the growth of the spine and chest. Patients may derive more benefits from treatment with TDGR + ACT, including a lower incidence of mechanical complications and revision surgery, better pulmonary function, and the avoidance of final fusion.

Comparative Analysis of Early versus Late Surgical Intervention for Lumbosacral Hemivertebra: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbosacral hemivertebra (LSHV) is a complex and unique congenital spinal deformity characterized by early severe trunk imbalance and progressive compensatory curve. Previous studies have proved the efficiency of posterior LSHV resection. However, the optimal timing for surgical intervention of LSHV still remains controversial. Few studies compare the surgical outcomes in patients of different age groups. PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of posterior-only LSHV resection surgery timing on clinical and radiographic results. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: We retrospectively analyzed 58 LSHV patients undergoing posterior-only LSHV resection with short-segment fusion at our institution between 2010 and 2020, with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years. OUTCOME MEASURE: The following data were observed for all cases: patient demographics, clinical outcomes measured by operating time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and Health-Related Quality of Life, radiographic parameters included Cobb angles, trunk shift and sagittal spinal parameters. METHODS: From 2010 to 2020, a consecutive series of 58 LSHV patients treated by posterior LSHV resection with short segmental fusion were investigated retrospectively, with a 7.5-year average follow-up period (ranging from 2.0 to 19.5 years). Patients were stratified into two groups based on the timing of surgery: Group E (≤6 years old, representing the early-surgery) and Group L (>6 years old, representing the late-surgery). Radiographic assessments included pre- and postoperative measurements of main scoliosis, compensatory scoliosis, trunk shift, and sagittal balance parameters. Operative data, peri-operative complications and SRS-22 questionnaires were also collected. RESULTS: Compared to Group L, Group E exhibited a lower intraoperative blood loss (P<0.001), higher final main curve correction rate (P=0.037), smaller post-op compensatory curve (P=0.031), higher sagittal vertical axis correction rates at immediate post-op (P=0.045) and last follow-up (P=0.027), and lower implant failure complications incidence (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that early surgical intervention in LSHV patients can achieve better correction outcomes, while reducing blood loss and postoperative complications in a large-scale cohort.

Hybrid technique versus traditional dual growing rod technique to treat congenital early-onset scoliosis: a comparative study with more than 3 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' objective was to compare the intermediate outcomes of patients with severe congenital early-onset scoliosis (CEOS) treated with posterior vertebrectomy/hemivertebrectomy with short fusion and dual growing rods (hybrid technique [HT]) and those treated with traditional dual growing rods (TDGRs). METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent the HT and TDGR technique for CEOS was conducted. The inclusion criteria were CEOS (age < 10 years), Risser stage 0, treatment with HT or TDGR, index surgery performed between 2004 and 2017, and minimum follow-up of 3 years. For patients who completed lengthening procedures, the last lengthening procedure was considered the latest follow-up. Demographic, radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes and revisions were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with CEOS were included in this study, with 16 treated with HT and 45 with TDGR technique. There were no differences in age at index surgery, duration of treatment, or number of lengthening procedures. The lengthening interval was longer in the HT group. The preoperative mean ± SD main curve was 81.8° ± 17.1° for the HT group and 63.3° ± 16.9° for the TDGR group (p < 0.05). However, main curve correction was better in the HT group, and no differences in residual curve were found between groups. Although the preoperative apex vertebral translation (AVT) of the HT group was greater, the correction of AVT was better in the HT group (p < 0.05). No differences in T1-S1 and T1-12 height were found between groups at the latest follow-up. The growth of T1-S1 height was less in the HT group (p < 0.05), whereas the growth of T1-12 height was similar between groups. Patients in the HT group had a lower risk of mechanical complications but higher risks of dural tears and neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: HT may provide better correction and apex control ability than TDGR for EOS patients with severe and rigid deformity at the apex level, and it significantly decreased the risk of mechanical complications with little influence on growth of the thoracic spine. HT may be an option for patients with severe CEOS with large asymmetrical growth potential around the apex of the curve.

Clinical outcomes of the traditional dual growing rod technique combined with apical pedicle screws in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis: preliminary results from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: Limited control of an apical deformity is a major disadvantage in the traditional dual growing rod (TDGR) technique. Previous literature has reported the results of apical pedicle screw placement (APS) as an apical control technique in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). However, the clinical outcomes, indications, and complications of the TDGR technique combined with APSs have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of the TDGR technique combined with APSs in EOS patients. METHODS: Clinical data of 12 patients with EOS who were treated with the TDGR technique combined with APSs at the index surgery at the authors' center from January 2010 to January 2020, with a minimum 2-year follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for the use of APSs included 1) no vertebral segmentation failure, fused ribs, or multiple hemivertebrae at the apex; 2) at least 2 normal discs around the apex; and 3) proper development of apical pedicles on the convex side. Etiology, age at index surgery, number of lengthening procedures, follow-up duration, and complications were recorded. Radiographic measurements included Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation (AVT), apical vertebral rotation (AVR), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, spine height, and space available for the lung (SAL). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 1.4 years, with a mean of 4.8 lengthening procedures per patient. The mean Cobb angle improved from 61.7° ± 10.4° to 19.9° ± 9.0° after the index surgery (19.6° ± 9.4° at the latest follow-up). The mean postindex AVT decreased to 16.8 ± 8.9 mm from a preindex AVT of 56.3 ± 9.7 mm and further improved to 13.6 ± 10.0 mm at the latest follow-up. The mean annual increases in T1-12 and T1-S1 height were 9.0 ± 4.7 mm and 13.9 ± 6.5 mm, respectively. The SAL improved from 0.91 to 1.04 at the latest follow-up. AVR improved significantly after the index surgery (p = 0.013), while minor deterioration was observed after repeat lengthening procedures. Five complications (2 implant related and 3 alignment related) occurred in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: For EOS patients with good flexibility (without segmentation failure or multiple hemivertebrae at the apex), the TDGR technique combined with APSs can improve primary curve correction, maintain good correction results, and allow continuous spine growth, which may reduce the risks of complications during lengthening treatment. More multicenter prospective studies with larger samples are needed to further validate the findings of this study.

Dual Growing Rods Combined With the Apical Convex Control Pedicle Screw Technique Versus Traditional Dual Growing Rods for the Surgical Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Case-Matched 2-Year Study.

BACKGROUND: Combination of apical control convex pedicle screws (ACPS) with traditional dual growing rods (TDGRs) had better apex control ability for early-onset scoliosis (EOS); however, there is a paucity of studies on the ACPS technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare 3-dimensional deformity correction parameters and complications between the apical control technique (DGR + ACPS) and TDGR in the treatment of EOS. METHODS: A retrospective case-match analysis consisting of 12 cases of EOS treated with the DGR + ACPS technique (group A) from 2010 to 2020, and matched with TDGR case (group B) at a ratio of 1:1 by age, sex, curve type, major curve degree, and apical vertebral translation (AVT). Clinical assessment and radiological parameters were measured and compared. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, preoperative main curve, and AVT were comparable between groups. The correction ability of the main curve, AVT, and apex vertebral rotation were better in group A at index surgery ( P < .05). The increase in T1-S1 and T1-T12 height was large in group A at index surgery ( P = .011, P = .074). The annual increase in spinal height was slower in group A, but without significant difference. The surgical time and estimated blood loss were comparable. Six complications occurred in group A, and 10 occurred in group B. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, ACPS seems to provide better correction of apex deformity, while attaining the comparable spinal height at 2-year follow-up. Larger cases and longer follow-up are needed to achieve reproducible and optimal results.

Recent Advances in Inorganic Electrochromic Materials from Synthesis to Applications: Critical Review on Functional Chemistry and Structure Engineering.

For the assembly of electrochromic devices (ECDs) with generally multilayer structures, supportive components usually are needed to be incorporated with EC materials. Herein, we reviewed several impressive methods to design and fabricate ECDs with high performance and versatility based on recent frontier research. The first part of the review is centered on the desirability and strengthening mechanism of nanostructured inorganic EC materials. The second part illustrates the recent advances in transparent conductors. We then summarize the demands and means to modify the formation of electrolytes for practicable ECDs. Moreover, efforts to increase the compatibility with the EC layer and ion capacity are delineated. At the end, the application prospects of inorganic ECDs are further explored, which offers a guideline for the industrialization process of ECDs.

Two-Dimensional Porous Structure of V-Doped NiO with Enhanced Electrochromic Properties.

In this work, a two-dimensional porous structure of a V-doped NiO film with excellent electrochromic properties on an ITO substrate was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The influence of V5+ ions on the NiO film was explored by adjusting the amount of V doping, including refining the crystal grains, increasing the specific surface area of the film, and accelerating the diffusion rate of OH- in the film. Compared with the undoped NiO film, a 3 atom % V-doped NiO film comes out with superior electrochromic properties with large optical transmittance modulation (81.9% at 600 nm), fast response times (1.2 and 0.9 s), and excellent cycle stability (90.6%). This work creates innovation direction in the field of intelligent energy-saving window materials with high electrochromic properties.

How to select the lowest instrumented vertebra in Lenke type 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) determination in Lenke type 5 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) requires a thorough understanding and prediction of the correction force on the LIV from coronal, sagittal, and axial plane. Although many LIV selection criteria have been reported, none of them comprehensively evaluated the multidimensional characteristics of the LIV till now. PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate our LIV selection criteria in Lenke type 5 AIS patients using pedicle screw system via posterior approach. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE: All consecutive patients with Lenke 5 curves who were treated with one-stage selective lumbar fusion using complete pedicle screw system in our center from January 2006 to December 2017, with minimum 2-year follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, gender and Risser grade, fused levels, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaires outcome were recorded. Coronal, sagittal, and axial parameters were measured from plain radiographs. METHODS: A total of 138 consecutive patients with Lenke 5 curves treated with selective lumbar fusion were retrospectively analyzed, with minimum 2-year follow-up. Our LIV selection criteria include: (1) the most cephalad vertebrae touched by central sacrum vertical line (CSVL); (2) Nash-Moe rotation being equal or less than grade I on the standing AP radiograph; (3) CSVL cross between the two pedicles of LIV on concave bending film; (4) not at the apex of kyphosis. Radiographic data, operative data, perioperative complications and SRS-22 outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 50.9±24.7 months. The thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was corrected from 46.9°±8.9° before surgery to 5.5°±2.6° at the final follow-up. The C7-CSVL was 19.7±6.2 mm before surgery and 5.2±3.4 mm at the final follow-up. The LIV translation was corrected from 22.3 ±5.4 mm before surgery to 4.8 ± 2.6 mm at the final follow-up, with the correction rate of 78.4%. The LIV tilt was corrected from 21.6 ± 4.4° before surgery to 2.6 ± 2.3° at the final follow up, with the correction rate of 87.9%. Our LIV saved 0.3 level than SRS-last barely touching vertebra, 0.6 level than SRS-last substantially touching vertebra, 0.9 level than neutral vertebra, and 1.4 level than stable vertebra. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates using our LIV criteria, our study achieved the correction rate of thoracolumbar/lumbar curve as 88.9%, with the rate of adding on or coronal imbalance as 8.7% (12/138). The criteria may provide important guidance for preoperative decision-making in Lenke 5 AIS patients, and more multicenter prospective studies with larger samples are needed to further validate the findings of this study.

Tranexamic acid given into wound reduces postoperative drainage, blood loss, and hospital stay in spinal surgeries: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although intravenous tranexamic acid administration (ivTXA) has prevailed in clinical antifibrinolytic treatment, whether it increases thromboembolic risks has remained controversial. As a potent alternative to ivTXA, topical use of TXA (tTXA) has been successfully applied to attenuate blood loss in various surgical fields while minimizing systemic exposure to TXA. This meta-analysis was conducted to gather scientific evidence for tTXA efficacy on reducing postoperative drainage, blood loss, and the length of hospital stay in spine surgeries. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether topical use of TXA (tTXA) reduces postoperative drainage output and duration, hidden blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, hospital stay, and adverse event rate, we reviewed both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that assessed the aforementioned efficacies of tTXA compared with placebo in patients undergoing cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spinal surgeries. METHODS: An exhaustive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 2000 through March 2020. Measurable outcomes were pooled using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.0 in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Significantly reduced postoperative drainage output (weighted mean difference [WMD]= - 160.62 ml, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [- 203.41, - 117.83]; p < .00001) and duration (WMD= - 0.75 days, 95% CI [- 1.09, - 0.40]; p < .0001), perioperative hidden blood loss (WMD= - 91.18ml, 95% CI [- 121.42, - 60.94]; p < .00001), and length of hospital stay (WMD= - 1.32 days, 95% CI [- 1.90, - 0.74]; p < .00001) were observed in tTXA group. Pooled effect for Hb level drop with tTXA vs placebo crossed the equivalent line by a mere 0.05 g/dL, with the predominant distribution of 95% confidence interval (CI) favoring tTXA use. CONCLUSIONS: With the most comprehensive literature inclusion up to the present, this meta-analysis suggests that tTXA use in spinal surgeries significantly reduces postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, and hospital stay duration. The pooled effect also suggests that tTXA appears more effective than placebo in preserving postoperative Hb level, which needs further validation by future studies.

Chondrogenesis mediates progression of ankylosing spondylitis through heterotopic ossification.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is chronic inflammatory arthritis with a progressive fusion of axial joints. Anti-inflammatory treatments such as anti-TNF-α antibody therapy suppress inflammation but do not effectively halt the progression of spine fusion in AS patients. Here we report that the autoimmune inflammation of AS generates a microenvironment that promotes chondrogenesis in spine ligaments as the process of spine fusion. Chondrocyte differentiation was observed in the ligaments of patients with early-stage AS, and cartilage formation was followed by calcification. Moreover, a large number of giant osteoclasts were found in the inflammatory environment of ligaments and on bony surfaces of calcified cartilage. Resorption activity by these giant osteoclasts generated marrow with high levels of active TGF-ß, which induced new bone formation in the ligaments. Notably, no Osterix+ osteoprogenitors were found in osteoclast resorption areas, indicating uncoupled bone resorption and formation. Even at the late and maturation stages, the uncoupled osteoclast resorption in bony interspinous ligament activates TGF-ß to induce the progression of ossification in AS patients. Osteoclast resorption of calcified cartilage-initiated ossification in the progression of AS is a similar pathologic process of acquired heterotopic ossification (HO). Our finding of cartilage formation in the ligaments of AS patients revealed that the pathogenesis of spinal fusion is a process of HO and explained why anti-inflammatory treatments do not slow ankylosing once there is new bone formation in spinal soft tissues. Thus, inhibition of HO formation, such as osteoclast activity, cartilage formation, or TGF-ß activity could be a potential therapy for AS.