[Spondylodiscitis]. / Spondylodiszitis.

Spondylodiscitis is a severe infectious disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebrae. It can lead to nonspecific pain, limited mobility, and destruction of spinal structures. Various pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites, can trigger the disease. An early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to reduce the risk of serious complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast agent and blood tests are essential for the diagnosis and assessing the course of the disease. The treatment includes conservative and surgical approaches. Conservative treatment consists of a minimum 6­week antibiotic course and immobilization of the affected area. Surgical interventions, along with several weeks of antibiotic therapy, are indicated for instabilities or complications in order to eliminate the infection focus and to restore spinal stability.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Deformities in Pediatric Orthopedic Patients.

Scoliosis and Scheuermann's disease are common spinal deformities that affect a substantial population, particularly adolescents, often impacting their quality of life. This comprehensive review aims to present a detailed understanding of these conditions, their diagnosis, and various treatment strategies. Through an extensive exploration of current literature, the review discusses the etiology of these spinal deformities and the use of diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRI. It further delves into the range of treatment options available, from conservative approaches such as physiotherapy and bracing to more invasive surgical interventions. The review underscores the necessity of an individualized treatment approach, taking into account factors such as the patient's age, the severity of the curvature, and overall health. This all-encompassing perspective on scoliosis and Scheuermann's disease will aid in evidence-based decision making in their management with the goal of improving patient outcomes.

[Scheuermann's disease]. / Morbus Scheuermann.

Scheuermann's disease represents the second most common deformity of the growing spine after the various forms of scoliosis. In cases of early diagnosis and mild kyphotic deformity conservative treatment with a brace and physiotherapy shows very good results; however, in cases of neurologic deficits, curve progression despite conservative treatment and increasing pain symptoms with a Stagnara angle of more than 70-75°, surgical treatment is meaningful. The surgical strategy can include posterior spondylodesis with prior anterior release or posterior instrumentation with posterior column osteotomy depending on the surgeon's experience. The choice of the extent of the operation with the vertebrae to be instrumented and including the straightening method should be oriented to the avoidance of complications, such as proximal or distal junctional kyphosis.

[Nonfusion procedures in pediatric scoliosis]. / Nonfusionsverfahren bei kindlichen Skoliosen.

The treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) in children is a complex and demanding challenge in the treatment of spinal deformities. Conservative treatment with physiotherapy is indicated in mild forms with a Cobb angle from 10° and additionally a corset treatment with a Cobb angle of more than 20°. After exhaustion of the conservative measures or a progression of spinal scoliosis of 10° or deformities of more than 35°, a surgical approach should be considered in order to prevent respiratory insufficiency as well as severe postural and thoracic deformities. In situations where growth is still ongoing fusion operations can lead to stunted growth, a crankshaft phenomenon or degeneration of alignment. Meaningful alternatives to a fusion are so-called growing rods as a distraction-based nonfusion technique, e.g. traditional growing rods (TGR) and magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) or as a further method a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) device. The advantages and disadvantages of each operative procedure must be considered with respect to the risk profile of each patient and the experience of the surgeon in order to guarantee the best possible treatment.