Retraction Note: Rare causes of scoliosis and spine deformity: experience and particular features.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1186/1748-7161-2-15.].

Rare causes of scoliosis and spine deformity: experience and particular features.

BACKGROUND: Spine deformity can be idiopathic (more than 80% of cases), neuromuscular, congenital or neurofibromatosis-related. However, there are many disorders that may also be involved. We present our experience treating patients with scoliosis or other spine deformities related to rare clinical entities. METHODS: A retrospective study of the records of a school-screening study in North-West Greece was performed, covering a 10-year period (1992-2002). The records were searched for patients with deformities related to rare disorders. These patients were reviewed as regards to characteristics of underlying disorder and spine deformity, treatment and results, complications, intraoperative and anaesthesiologic difficulties particular to each case. RESULTS: In 13 cases, the spine deformity presented in relation to rare disorders. The underlying disorder was rare neurological disease in 2 cases (Rett syndrome, progressive hemidystonia), muscular disorders (facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, arthrogryposis) in 2 patients, osteogenesis imperfecta in 2 cases, Marfan syndrome, osteopetrosis tarda, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, cleidocranial dysplasia and Noonan syndrome in 1 case each. In 2 cases scoliosis was related to other congenital anomalies (phocomelia, blindness). Nine of these patients were surgically treated. Surgery was avoided in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the fact that different disorders are related with curves with different characteristics, different accompanying problems and possible complications. Investigation and understanding of the underlying pathology is an essential part of the clinical evaluation and preoperative work-up, as clinical experience at any specific center is limited.

Sciatic and peroneal nerve injuries.

In the past, the attitude toward surgical repair of sciatic and peroneal nerve lesions was excessively pessimistic. Refinements of microsurgical technique, nerve conduction studies, and the establishment of indications and optimal timings for surgical interventions have led to significant improvements in outcomes, making repair worthwhile in most cases. Tendon transfers can augment functional outcomes, and are performed as secondary procedures or (in selected cases) in combination with the initial repair. Developments in the basic sciences, bioengineering, and medical imaging may further improve the results of management of these serious nerve injuries.