Cranial Suture Regeneration Mitigates Skull and Neurocognitive Defects in Craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis results from premature fusion of the cranial suture(s), which contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are crucial for calvarial expansion in coordination with brain growth. Infants with craniosynostosis have skull dysmorphology, increased intracranial pressure, and complications such as neurocognitive impairment that compromise quality of life. Animal models recapitulating these phenotypes are lacking, hampering development of urgently needed innovative therapies. Here, we show that Twist1+/- mice with craniosynostosis have increased intracranial pressure and neurocognitive behavioral abnormalities, recapitulating features of human Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Using a biodegradable material combined with MSCs, we successfully regenerated a functional cranial suture that corrects skull deformity, normalizes intracranial pressure, and rescues neurocognitive behavior deficits. The regenerated suture creates a niche into which endogenous MSCs migrated, sustaining calvarial bone homeostasis and repair. MSC-based cranial suture regeneration offers a paradigm shift in treatment to reverse skull and neurocognitive abnormalities in this devastating disease.

Non-surgical correction of knee flexion deformity in persons with haemophilia: A staged multidisciplinary approach.

INTRODUCTION: Flexion deformity of the knee is a common complication following recurrent haemarthrosis in persons with haemophilia (PWH) on episodic factor replacement therapy, restricting independent mobility. There is limited literature on the comprehensive management of this condition. This report provides the outcome of a staged multidisciplinary approach for the correction of knee flexion deformity (KFD) even in limited resource settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 49 consecutive PWH who were treated for KFD were analysed. The approach included graded physical therapy (PT), followed by serial casting and/or mobilisation under anaesthesia (MUA). MUA was done in carefully selected knees. Surgical correction was opted when non-surgical methods failed. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients (55 knees), with a median KFD of 40 degrees (range: 10-90), 26/55 (47%) were corrected by graded PT. With serial casting, 9/19 (47%) knees had their KFD corrected. MUA was done for 11 knees of which five achieved correction (45%). Surgical correction was required for only seven knees (12.7%). Following this approach, KFD improved from 40 degrees (range: 10-90) to 15 degrees (range: 0-40), with only minor loss of flexion from 105 (range: 60-155) to 90 degrees (range: 30-150). Out of 55 KFD, 46 (83.6%) KFD were corrected; non-surgical, 39 (70.9%) and surgery, seven (12.7%). The remaining patients (nine KFD; 16.4%) were able to achieve their functional goal despite not meeting the correction criteria. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in PWH, functionally significant KFD correction can be achieved in about 71%, through non-surgical methods, even without prophylactic factor replacement.

Early-onset and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus factors correlate with complications of Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis and is characterized by abnormal collagen structure in the penile tunica albuginea, resulting in plaque formation and penile deformity. PD's overall prevalence is estimated at 3.2% to 8.9%, with rates as high as 20.3% among men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the characteristics of DM associated with PD complications remain unclear. AIM: To explore clinical associations between DM characteristics and PD complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with DM and PD who presented at our institution between 2007 and 2022. We examined patients' clinical histories, DM- and PD-related clinical parameters, and complications. Penile deformities were assessed through physical examination, photographs, and penile Doppler ultrasound. Patients were categorized into subgroups based on age of DM onset: early (<45 years), average (45-65 years), and late (>65 years). OUTCOMES: Outcomes included effects of DM characteristics on PD development, progression, and severity. RESULTS: In total, 197 patients were included in the evaluation. Early-onset diabetes and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels exhibited significant correlations with the early development of PD (ρ = 0.66, P < .001, and ρ = -0.24, P < .001, respectively). Furthermore, having DM at an early age was associated with the occurrence of penile plaque (ρ = -0.18, P = .03), and there were no significant differences in plaque dimensions (ρ = -0.29, P = .053). A rise in HbA1c levels after the initial PD diagnosis displayed positive correlations with the formation of penile plaque (ρ = 0.22, P < .006). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with DM and PD. Enhanced management approaches can improve outcomes for those facing both challenges. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the single-site retrospective design with potential selection bias, inaccuracies in medical record data, and challenges in controlling confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that early-onset diabetes and poor diabetes control, as indicated by a subsequent rise in HbA1c levels following PD diagnosis, are significantly correlated with the onset and severity of PD. Revealing the mechanisms behind these findings will help us develop better management strategies for individuals with DM and PD.

Role of epidural fat in the local milieu: what we know and what we don't.

PURPOSE: Traditionally, the epidural fat (EF) is known as a physical buffer for the dural sac against the force and a lubricant facilitating the relative motion of the latter on the osseous spine. Along with the development of the studies on EF, controversies still exist on vital questions, such as the underlying mechanism of the spinal epidural lipomatosis. Meanwhile, the scattered and fragmented researches hinder the global insight into the seemingly dispensable tissue. METHODS: Herein, we reviewed literature on the EF and its derivatives to elucidate the dynamic change and complex function of EF in the local milieu, especially at the pathophysiological conditions. We start with an introduction to EF and the current pathogenic landscape, emphasizing the interlink between the EF and adjacent structures. We generally categorize the major pathological changes of the EF into hypertrophy, atrophy, and inflammation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It is acknowledged that not only the EF (or its cellular components) may be influenced by various endogenic/exogenic and focal/systematic stimuli, but the adjacent structures can also in turn be affected by the EF, which may be a hidden pathogenic clue for specific spinal disease. Meanwhile, the unrevealed sections, which are also the directions the future research, are proposed according to the objective result and rational inference. Further effort should be taken to reveal the underlying mechanism and develop novel therapeutic pathways for the relevant diseases.

Effect of Narrow Chest on Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery via Right Minithoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: The effect of a narrow chest on minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is unclear.Methods and Results: We enrolled 206 MIMVS patients and measured anteroposterior diameter (APD) between the sternum and vertebra, transverse thoracic diameter (TD), right and left APD of the hemithorax (RD and LD, respectively), and the Haller index (HI; TD/APD ratio) on computed tomography. Preoperative characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between patients with a narrow chest (Group N; HI >2.5; n=53) and those with a normal chest (control [C]; HI ≤2.5; n=153), and the correlations of these measurements with operation time were evaluated in 133 patients undergoing an isolated mitral procedure. Groups N and C differed significantly in APD (89.4 vs. 114.3 mm, respectively; P<0.001), TD (251.5 vs. 240.3 mm, respectively; P=0.002), RD (152.5 vs. 172.5 mm, respectively; P<0.001), LD (155.0 vs. 172.4 mm, respectively; P<0.001), and HI (2.84 vs. 2.12, respectively; P<0.001). Procedural characteristics were comparable, except for a longer aortic cross-clamp time (ACCT) in Group N (118.7 vs. 105.8 min; P=0.047). Rates of surgical death, re-exploration, cerebral infarction, and prolonged ventilation were comparable between the 2 groups. TD was significantly correlated with ACCT (R2=0.037, P=0.028) in patients undergoing an isolated mitral procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Early MIMVS outcomes in patients with narrow chests are satisfactory. TD prolongs ACCT during MIMVS.

Supraperiosteal fat repositioning with midface lift in lower eyelid blepharoplasty: an 18-year experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical outcomes of fat repositioning via supraperiosteal dissection with midface lift for correction of tear trough deformity in a large Asian patient population. METHODS: Retrospectively review 1152 Asian patients who underwent fat repositioning to the supraperiosteal plane with a midface lift between 2005 and 2022. Surgical technique, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, the degree of patient satisfaction was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2304 eyes from 1152 patients with an average follow-up of 10 months. These procedures were performed using a transforniceal approach in 185 patients (16%) or a transcutaneous skin excision approach in 967 patients (84%). Among the patients who underwent the transcutaneous technique, seven individuals (0.6%) experienced effective treatment of lower lid ectropion through lateral tarsal strip procedures. Nine patients (0.7%) required revision surgery to address the remaining lateral fat pad due to inadequate lateral orbital fat excision during the initial procedure. At the 6-month follow-up, most patients reported a high level of satisfaction, with 800 patients (78%) expressing extreme satisfaction and 196 patients (19.1%) reporting satisfaction with the improvement in their appearance. No one reported facial numbness, lower eyelid or cheek paralysis, newly developed diplopia or granuloma formation. CONCLUSION: The procedure of fat repositioning involving supraperiosteal dissection and a midface lift, whether performed using a transforniceal approach or a transcutaneous skin excision approach, in lower eyelid blepharoplasty proves to be a secure and auspicious surgical technique for rectifying tear trough deformity and attaining a pleasing aesthetic outcome.

Thoracic and vertebral deformities in lung transplantation: perioperative complications and long-term prognoses.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LTx) is a crucial therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from end-stage respiratory diseases, necessitating precise donor-recipient size matching to ensure optimal graft function. While standard allocation protocols rely on predicted lung capacity based on factors such as sex, age, and height, a subset of patients with respiratory diseases presents an additional challenge - thoracic or vertebral deformities. These deformities can complicate accurate volume predictions and may impact the success of lung transplantation. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LTx at Tohoku University Hospital between January 2007 and April 2022, with follow-up until October 2022, the primary objective was to assess the influence of thoracic and vertebral deformities on perioperative complications, emphasizing interventions, such as volume reduction surgery. The secondary objective aimed to identify any noticeable impact on long-term prognoses in recipients with these deformities. RESULTS: Of 129 LTx recipients analyzed, 17.8% exhibited thoracic deformities, characterized by pectus excavatum, while 16.3% had vertebral deformities. Perioperative complications, requiring delayed chest closure, tracheostomy, and volume reduction surgery, were more prevalent in the deformity group. Thoracic deformities were notably associated with the need for volume reduction surgery. However, long-term prognoses did not differ significantly between patients with deformities and those without. Vertebral deformities did not appear to significantly impact perioperative or long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the prevalence of thoracic deformities in LTx recipients, correlating with increased perioperative complications, particularly the potential need for volume reduction surgery. Importantly, these deformities do not exert a significant impact on long-term prognoses. Additionally, patients with vertebral deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, appear to be manageable in the context of LTx.

Multiple spinal extradural arachnoid cysts presenting as compressive myelopathy in a teenager: case report and literature review with special emphasis on postoperative spine deformity in the current minimally invasive era.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple synchronous spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are extremely rare in children and can lead to cord compression and disability. Multiple spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEDACs) in children with immature and growing spine need to be studied separately from multiple SEDACs in adults with mature and fully grown spine because of multiple surgical limitations in children (blood loss, surgery duration, long-term spinal stability after long segment exposure, etc.). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We planned a non-systematic literature review of similar cases described in literature to analyse the pattern of presentation, management, and outcome of this surgically curable disease. RESULTS: A total of 28 cases of paediatric multiple SEDACs in the age range of 5 months to 17 years and mean age of 11.54 years were analysed. Exposure was achieved by laminectomy in 9, laminoplastic laminotomy in 13, laminectomy in first surgery followed by laminoplasty in second surgery (re-exploration) in 1, hemilaminectomy in 2, and technique "not reported" in 3 children. Complete/near-complete recovery was seen in 27 (96.42%) children. Postoperative spine deformity was reported in 7 (25%) children and was progressive in 2 children during serial follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic multiple synchronous SEDACs in children is a rare surgically curable condition. Sincere attempt to find out a dural defect in all cysts is a very important step in multiple SEDAC surgery. Total cyst wall excision with closure of all dural defects is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cases. Laminoplasty is preferred for excision of multiple SEDACs in children to prevent postoperative spine deformity during long-term follow-up. Long serial follow-up for postoperative spine deformity is necessary.

Surgical limits, pitfalls, and potential solutions in kyphectomy in myelomeningocele: three cases and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To describe surgical treatment of 3 cases of severe and progressive thoracolumbar kyphosis in myelomeningocele and provide a systematic review of the available literature on the topic. METHODS: Medical records and pre- and post-operative imaging of 3 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis and myelomeningocele were reviewed. A database search was performed for all manuscripts published on kyphectomy and/or surgical treatment of kyphosis in myelomeningocele. Patients' information, preoperative kyphosis angle, type of surgery, levels of surgery degrees of correction after surgery and at follow-up, and complications were reviewed for the included studies. RESULTS: Three cases underwent posterior vertebral column resection (pVCR) of 2-4 segments at the apex of the kyphosis (kyphectomy). Long instrumentation was performed with all pedicle screws constructed from the thoracic spine to the pelvis using iliac screws. According to literature review, a total of 586 children were treated for vertebral kyphosis related to myelomeningocele. At least one vertebra was excised to gain some degree of correction of the deformity. Different types of instrumentation were used over time and none of them demonstrated to be superior over the other. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of progressive kyphosis in myelomeningocele has evolved over the years incorporating all major advances in spinal instrumentation techniques. Certainly, the best results in terms of preservation of correction after surgery and less revision rates were obtained with long construct and screws. However, complication rate remains high with skin problems being the most common complication. The use of low-profile instrumentation remains critical for treatment of these patients.

Growing rods in meningomyelocele lead to increased risk for complications in comparison with fusion; a retrospective study of 30 patients treated for at the University Hospital of Uppsala.

PURPOSE: To compare the complication rates of two different types of posterior instrumentation in patients with MMC, namely, definitive fusion and fusionless surgery (growing rods). METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of 30 MMC patients that underwent posterior instrumentation for deformity (scoliosis and/or kyphosis) treatment from 2008 until 2020. The patients were grouped based on whether they received definitive fusion or a growth-accommodating system, whether they had a complication that led to early surgery, osteotomy or non-osteotomy. Number of major operations, Cobb angle correction and perioperative blood loss were the outcomes. RESULTS: 18 patients received a growing system and 12 were fused at index surgery. The growing system group underwent a mean of 2.38 (± 1.03) surgeries versus 1.91 (± 2.27) in the fusion group, p = 0.01. If an early revision was necessitated due to a complication, then the number of major surgeries per patient was 3.37 (± 2.44) versus 1.77 (± 0.97) in the group that did not undergo an early revision, p = 0.01. Four patients developed a superficial and six a deep wound infection, while loosening/breakage occurred in 10 patients. The Cobb angle was improved from a mean of 69 to 22 degrees postoperatively. Osteotomy did not lead to an increase in perioperative blood loss or number of major operations. CONCLUSION: Growing systems had more major operations in comparison with fusion surgery and early revision surgery led to higher numbers of major operations per patient; these differences were statistically significant. Definitive fusion at index surgery might be the better option in some MMC patients with a high-risk profile.

Scoliosis and rare diseases: our experience with the Prader-Willi syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) represents a difficult challenge for spine surgeons, due to the association of a structural scoliosis, with a prevalence between 15 and 86%. Conservative therapy is a viable option, but surgery is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice. METHODS: The authors reviewed a series of 15 patients affected by PWS treated at their institution between 2008 and 2023. The mean age at index treatment was 9 years and 3 months (range 1-15 years) with a prevalence of female subjects. Primary scoliotic curve ranged from 14 to 102°, and mean thoracic kyphosis was 56° (range 20-75°). Eleven patients underwent conservative treatment, while four were treated surgically. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 5 years and 3 months (range 2-12 years). Among the 11 patients treated conservatively, only two showed improvements of the coronal curve, while the remaining nine displayed a worsening of the deformity during follow-up. Complication rate after surgery was 75%. One patient developed paraplegia after pedicle screw positioning. One patient displayed rod breakage and PJK that required revision surgery proximally. Hardware deep infection was seen in one case where it was necessary to proceed with instrumentation removal after 10 years. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Spine surgery represents a convincing option in patients affected by PWS, but the risks of complications are high. Correct patient selection must be the main objective, and multilevel pedicle screw fixation should be the procedure of choice. Traditional growing rod should be prudently evaluated in every single case.

Restoration of the sagittal profile according to the Roussouly classification reduces mechanical complications and revision surgery in older patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

PURPOSE: The mechanical complications related to ASD remain a concern due to their morbidity and associated revision surgery. Restoration of each patient's Roussouly profile may reduce these. Our aim was to examine if the restoration of the Roussouly profile reduced these complications and revision rates in older patients operated for degenerative ASD. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a single-centre, 2-year minimum follow-up patient database. All patients undergoing corrective surgery (≥ 4 levels) for ASD were included with analysis of demographic data, operative records, restoration of Roussouly sagittal profile, mechanical complications and revision rates. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included (mean age was 72.3 years, average follow-up 56.3 months). Twenty-six patients had a "restored" profile (50%) and 26 an "unrestored" profile (50%). The incidence of mechanical complications was 7 (27%) and 23 (88%) for the restored and unrestored groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Revision rates were 4 (15.4%) and 18 (69.2%), respectively (p < 0.000), in the restored and unrestored profiles. Univariate analysis determined that profile restoration and BMI were associated with mechanical complications and revision surgery, whilst only the profile restoration status maintained its statistical power in multivariate analysis (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively). Age was not a significant factor in univariate analysis. The relative risk for mechanical failure and revision surgery was 5.6 times (CI 1.929-16.39) and 3.08 times (CI 1.642-5.734) greater if the profile was not restored. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving each patient's ideal Roussouly profile is associated with a reduced incidence of mechanical complications and revision rates in the older population after surgery for degenerative ASD.

Assessing the predictive power of the GAP score on mechanical complications: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The prevention of mechanical complications (MC) is a major concern in adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction surgery; thus, the global alignment and proportion (GAP) score was developed to assess MC risk. Numerous studies have clarified the validity of the GAP score, but their contradictory results have prevented researchers from reaching compelling conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the predictive power of the GAP score on MC via a meta-analysis. METHODS: A total of 1,617 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Studies relevant to the GAP score and MC were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL and screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The GAP score categories of the patients and their MC/revision surgery status were collected. The data collected for the meta-analysis of odds ratios (OR) included the number of patients in the GAP score subgroups and their MC/revision surgery status. To calculate the OR, three GAP score subgroups were combined into two groups; hence, the analysis was conducted twice (gap proportioned [GAP-P] and higher groups, and gap severely disproportioned [GAP-SD] and lower groups). RESULTS: Eleven studies were collected; of them, revision surgery data were available for seven. The proportion of MC in the studies was 27.7-60.6%, while that of revision surgery was 11.7-34.9%. In the meta-analysis of the GAP-P and higher score groups, the difference in MC ratio was significant (OR = 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-6.67; P = 0.02), whereas that for revision surgery was not. For the GAP-SD and lower score groups, the GAP-SD group had significantly higher proportions of both MC (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.57-4.45; P < 0.001) and revision surgery (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.33-3.88; P = 0.003). Publication bias was significant only in the latter MC analysis. CONCLUSION: The GAP score offers predictive value for the risk of mechanical complications.

Should the pelvis be included? An analysis of distal junctional failure risk factors in correcting adult spinal deformity in women with fusion to L5.

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors for distal junctional failure (DJF) in women treated for adult spine deformity with fusion to L5 and to highlight the significance of preoperative assessment, surgical decision-making, and postoperative care. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of data collected prospectively on the local institutional spine surgery registry (2016-2021). All patients, women older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of adult spine deformity who underwent long posterior instrumentation to L5 and had a minimum of 2-years follow-up were included in the study (two groups: with or without DJF). Demographic and radiographic data, corrective strategy, preoperative level of degeneration at L5/S1 and GAP score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (n = 48) satisfied eligibility criteria. At two-years follow-up, nine patients (18,7%) developed a DJF that required surgical revision. Thirty-nine patients did not present distal junctional complications. Patients with or without DJF showed significant differences in terms of preoperative spinopelvic parameters (PT: 28°± 6° vs. 23°± 9°, p-value 0.05; DJF group vs. not DJF) and degeneration of L5-S1 (Pfirmann grade L5-S1 disc 3.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 0.8, p-value 0.001; DJF group vs. not DJF) (L5-S1 Facet joint Osteoarthritis 3.1 ± 0.8 vs.2.4 ± 0.8, p-value 0.023; DJF group vs. not DJF). CONCLUSION: DJF following spinal deformity correction surgery is influenced by a combination of patient-related, surgical and implant-related factors. Fusion construct length, preoperative and postoperative sagittal alignment and the grade of degeneration of the distal disc have been identified as significant risk factors. Surgeons should carefully evaluate these factors and employ appropriate strategies.

Influence of pelvic tilt correction on PJK occurrence after adult spinal deformity surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Many risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) have been reported in the literature, especially sagittal alignment modifications, but studies on pelvic tilt (PT) variations and its influence on PJK are missing. Aim of this study was to analyze the influence of pelvic tilt correction, after long fusion surgery for ASD patients, on PJK occurrence. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective study was conducted on prospectively collected data, including 76 patients, operated with fusion extending from the thoraco-lumbar junction to the ilium. Radiologic parameters were measured on fullspine standing radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively (<6 months) and at latest follow-up (before revision surgery or >2 years). All parameters were analyzed comparing patients with PJK (group "PJK") and without PJK (group "no PJK"). A further analysis compared patients with low (PT/PI<25th percentile, LowPT group) and high (PT/PI>75th percentile, HighPT group) preoperative pelvic tilt. RESULTS: « PJK ¼ patients had a greater lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis correction (p=0,03 et <0,001 respectively) compared to the "no PJK" patients. Pelvic tilt was significantly lower postoperatively in the "PJK" group (p=0,03). Patients from the HighPT PJK group were significantly more corrected than patients from the HighPT noPJK group (p=0,003). CONCLUSION: Through the analysis of 76 patients, we showed that pelvic tilt did not seem to play a role in the setting of PJK after ASD surgery. Decreasing PT after surgery could be an element to watch out for in patients with PJK risk factors.

Prevalence of spinal deformity development after surgical management of a congenital heart disease among children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Open heart surgery is the most common treatment for congenital heart disease. Thoracotomy, sternotomy, or a combination of both are the main approaches used in open heart surgeries. In cardiac surgery, there have been concerns that these surgeries increase the likelihood of spinal deformities. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis provided updated evidence on the prevalence of spinal deformities following congenital heart surgery. METHOD: EMBASE, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used to search for studies published until 2022. We include randomized clinical trials and observational studies that reported the prevalence of spinal deformities (scoliosis and kyphosis) after congenital heart surgery among participants without these deformities before surgery. Two independent reviewers independently screened literature identified from the databases. Two reviewers independently conducted screening of studies identified during the search, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. RESULTS: In total, 688 studies were screened; 13 retrospective and one prospective cohort studies were included, encompassing 2294 participants. The pooled prevalence of spinal deformities (scoliosis and kyphosis) after open heart surgery performed on skeletally immature patients was 23.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.1-35.3; I2 = 97.5%). CONCLUSION: This review suggests that the prevalence of spinal deformities was high among patients who underwent sternotomy or thoracotomy.

Preoperative supine pelvic incidence predicts standing pelvic incidence following S2AI fixation in patients with adult spinal deformity: a prospective study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the PI change in different postures and before and after S2­alar­iliac (S2AI) screw fixation, and to investigate whether pre-op supine PI could predict post-op standing PI. Previous studies have reported PI may change with various positions. Some authors postulated that the unexpected PI change in ASD patients could be due to sacroiliac joint laxity, S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw placement, or aggressive sagittal cantilever technique. However, there was a lack of investigation on how to predict post-op standing PI when making surgical strategy. METHODS: A prospective case series of ASD patients undergoing surgical correction with S2AI screw placement was conducted. Full-spine X-ray films were obtained at pre-op standing, pre-op supine, pre-op prone, as well as post-op standing postures. Pelvic parameters were measured. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine relationships between each parameter. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients (22 males, 61females) with a mean age of 58.4 ± 9.5 years were included in this study. Pre-op standing PI was significantly lower than post-op standing PI (p = 0.004). Pre-op prone PI was significantly lower than post-op standing PI (p = 0.001). By contrast, no significant difference was observed between pre-op supine and post-op standing PI (p = 0.359) with a mean absolute difference of 2.2° ± 1.9°. Correlation analysis showed supine PI was significantly correlated with post-op standing PI (r = 0.951, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed the PI changed after S2AI screw fixation. The pre-op supine PI can predict post-op standing PI precisely, which facilitates to provide correction surgery strategy with a good reference for ideal sagittal alignment postoperatively.

Coronal deformity in ankylosing spondylitis with concomitant thoracolumbar kyphosis: patterns, manifestations and surgical strategies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate different patterns of coronal deformity secondary to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), to propose relevant treatment strategies, and to assess efficacy of asymmetrical pedicle subtraction osteotomy (APSO). METHODS: Coronal deformity was defined as coronal Cobb angle over 20º or coronal balance distance (CBD) more than 3 cm. 65 consecutive AS patients with concomitant coronal and sagittal deformity who underwent PSO were included. The average follow-up time was 40.4 months. Radiographic evaluation included coronal Cobb angle and CBD. Furthermore, sagittal parameters were used to assess magnitude and maintenance of kyphosis correction. RESULTS: Based on curve characteristics, coronal deformity caused by AS included four different radiologic patterns: Pattern I: lumbar scoliosis; Pattern II: C-shaped thoracolumbar curve; Pattern III: trunk shift without major curve; Pattern IV: proximal thoracic scoliosis. APSO was performed for patients in Pattern I to III while conventional PSO was applied for patients in Pattern IV. Significant improvement in all the sagittal parameters were noted in 65 patients without obvious correction loss at the last follow-up. Besides, significant and sustained correction of coronal mal-alignment was identified in 59 APSO-treated patients. Rod fracture occurred in four cases and revision surgery was performed for one case. CONCLUSION: According to radiologic manifestations, coronal deformity caused by AS could be categorized into four patterns. APSO proved to be a feasible and effective procedure for correction of Pattern I to III patients. Coronal deformity pattern, apex location, sagittal profile of lumbar spine and preoperative hip function should be considered for osteotomy level selection in APSO.

Intradiscal vacuum phenomenon matches lumbar spine degeneration patterns in an ageing population.

PURPOSE: Intra-Discal Vacuum phenomenon (IDVP) is well-recognised, yet poorly visualised and poorly understood radiological finding in disc degeneration, particularly with regard to its role in spinal alignment. CT analysis of the lumbar spine in an aging population aims to identify patterns associated with IDVP including lumbopelvic morphology and associated spinal diagnoses. METHODS: An analysis was performed of an over-60s population sample of 2020 unrelated abdominal CT scans, without acute spinal presentations. Spinal analysis included sagittal lumbopelvic reconstructions to assess for IDVP and pelvic incidence (PI). Subjects with degenerative pathologies, including previous vertebral fractures, auto-fusion, transitional vertebrae, and listhesis, were also selected out and analysed separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of lumbar spine IDVP was 50.3% (955/1898) and increased with age (125 exclusions). This increased in severity towards the lumbosacral junction (L1L2 8.3%, L2L3 10.9%, L3L4 11.5%, L4L5 23.9%, and L5S1 46.3%). A lower PI yielded a higher incidence of IDVP, particularly at L5S1 (p < 0.01). A total of 292 patients had IDVP with additional degenerative pathologies, which were more likely to occur at the level of isthmic spondylolisthesis, adjacent to a previous fracture or suprajacent to a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the prevalence and severity of IDVP in an aging population. Sagittal patterns that influence the pattern of IVDP, such as pelvic incidence and degenerative pathologies, provide novel insights into the function of aging spines.

Thoracolumbar fascia and chronic low back pain in idiopathic lumbar scoliosis: an ultrasonographic study.

PURPOSE: The role of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in the development of chronic low back pain (CLBP) has growing evidence in the literature. Although CLBP is reported in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), its relationship with the TLF has yet not been established. This study aims to evaluate the TLF and its relationship with CLBP in IS. METHODS: A total of 60 individuals were included in the study. They were divided into three groups as follows: painful scoliosis (n = 20, age: 17.1 ± 3.7 years, Cobb angle: 15-43°), non-painful scoliosis (n = 20, age: 16.4 ± 3.4 years, Cobb angle: 15-45°), and healthy group (n = 20, age: 16.4 ± 4.7 years). Pain was evaluated using the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. TLF thickness was evaluated on the lumbar region using ultrasonography. Trunk range of motion was assessed using a universal goniometer, and flexibility was assessed with sit-and-reach test. RESULTS: The thickness of the right TLF was greatest in the painful group, followed by non-painful (p = 0.007) and healthy (p < 0.001) groups. The thickness of the left TLF in the non-painful and painful groups was greater compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). In the painful group, right TLF thickness was negatively correlated with trunk flexion/extension (r = -0.540, p = 0.014/r = -0.514, p = 0.020) and left rotation (r = -0.499, p = 0.025) but positively correlated with pain (r = 0.562, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Thickening of the TLF was observed in IS, whereby, in the presence of CLBP, it was further intensified. We suggest considering fascial thickening as a potential contributing factor to both pain and limited motion in relevant patients.