Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages prevent steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by modulating inflammation, promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption.

Inflammatory reactions are involved in the development of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH). Studies have explored the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting inflammatory reactions in steroid-induced ONFH and revealed that inhibiting inflammation may be a new strategy for preventing the development of steroid-induced ONFH. Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages(M2-Exos) display anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of M2-Exos on early-stage steroid-induced ONFH and explore the underlying mechanisms involved. In vitro, we explored the effect of M2-Exos on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs). In vivo, we investigated the role of M2-Exos on inflammation, osteoclastogenesis, osteogenesis and angiogenesis in an early-stage rat model of steroid-induced ONFH. We found that M2-Exos promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Additionally, M2-Exos effectively attenuated the osteonecrotic changes, inhibited the expression of proinflammatory mediators, promoted osteogenesis and angiogenesis, reduced osteoclastogenesis, and regulated the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages in steroid-induced ONFH. Taken together, our data suggest that M2-Exos are effective at preventing steroid-induced ONFH. These findings may be helpful for providing a potential strategy to prevent the development of steroid-induced ONFH.

Utility of somatosensory- and motor-evoked potential change thresholds in surgical treatment for thoracic spinal stenosis based on different pathologies.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) is secondary to different pathologies that differ in clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the optimal warning thresholds for combined somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) for predicting postoperative neurological deterioration in surgical treatment for TSS based on different pathologies. Additionally, we explored the correlation between SSEP/MEP monitoring and postoperative spinal neurological function. STUDY SETTING: Retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE: 205 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: We obtained perioperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores to assess spinal neurological function. METHODS: The data collected in this study included demographic data, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) signals, and perioperative neurological function assessments. To determine the optimal IONM warning threshold, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between IONM signals and clinical neurological conditions. RESULTS: A total of 205 consecutive patients were eligible. Forty-one patients had thoracic disc herniation (TDH), 14 had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), 124 had ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF), and 26 had OPLL+OLF. The mean mJOA scores before surgery and 3 months after surgery were 7.0 and 7.9, respectively, resulting in a mean mJOA recovery rate (RR) of 23.1%. The average postoperative mJOA RRs for patients with TDH, OPLL, OLF, and OPLL+OLF were 24.8%, 10.4%, 26.8%, and 11.2%, respectively. Patients with OPLL+OLF exhibited a more stringent threshold for IONM changes. This included a lower amplitude cutoff value (a decrease of 49.0% in the SSEP amplitude and 57.5% in the MEP amplitude for short-term prediction) and a shorter duration of waveform change (19.5 minutes for SSEP and 22.5 minutes for MEP for short-term prediction). On the other hand, patients with TDH had more lenient IONM warning criteria (a decrease of 49.0% in SSEP amplitude and 77.5% in MEP amplitude for short-term prediction; durations of change of 25.5 minutes for SSEP and 32.5 minutes for MEP). However, OPLL patients or OLF patients had moderate and similar IONM warning thresholds. Additionally, there was a stronger correlation between the SSEP amplitude variability ratio and the JOA RR in OPLL+OLF patients, while the correlation was stronger between the MEP amplitude variability ratio and the JOA RR for the other three TSS pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal IONM change criteria for prediction vary depending on different TSS pathologies. The optimal monitoring strategy for prediction varies depending on TSS pathologies.

Effects of smoking on the retina of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The macula of the retina is analysed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to provide clinical basis and explain the mechanism of smoking as a risk factor in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 49 normal control nonsmokers, 12 normal control smokers, 38 dry AMD nonsmokers and 35 dry AMD smokers. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal density (FD) in a 300 µm region around FAZ, vessel densities of the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and central fovea retinal thickness (FRT) were compared using OCTA. The bivariate correlation analysis was used to evaluate the effect of pack-year history on retina-related indices. RESULTS: The vessel densities of whole, foveal and parafoveal of SCP and whole and parafoveal of DCP in the control nonsmoking group were all significantly higher than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (all P < 0.05), whereas the whole vessel density of SCP in the normal smoking group was higher than that in the dry AMD smoking group (P = 0.04). The thickness values of the inner and full-layer FRT in the normal nonsmoking group were significantly thicker than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (all P < 0.01). The pack-year history was negatively correlated with the parafoveal vessel density of DCP (r = - 0.224, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: FD, SCP, DCP and FRT are sensitive indices for the detection of early and intermediate dry AMD. DCP is a sensitive indicator that reflects the effects of smoking on the retina. Considerable changes are observed in retinal vessels, suggesting that dry AMD may affect the retinal tissue to a certain extent.

Retracted: Modified Closing-Opening Wedge Osteotomy to Correct Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

An Editorial decision has been made to retract the manuscript, Feng C, et al. Modified Closing-Opening Wedge Osteotomy to Correct Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis. Med Sci Monit. 2019; 25:6532-6538. It has come to our attention that the method of modified closing opening wedge osteotomy is not an original procedure developed by the authors, but has previously been described by Boissière L, et al. Spine J. 2015;15(12):2574-82, and Gao R, et al. Spine J. 2015;15(9):2009-15, and Boachie-Adjei O, et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006;31(4):485-92.

Modified Closing-Opening Wedge Osteotomy to Correct Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified closing-opening wedge osteotomy (mCOWO) for correcting kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS From April 2012 to April 2017, records of consecutive patients who underwent mCOWO were reviewed. The clinical and radiological outcomes were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the most recent follow-up. RESULTS Eleven AS patients underwent mCOWO, with a mean follow-up of 19.4 months (range, 12-45 months). The average sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was corrected from 191.9 mm preoperatively to 75.9 mm postoperatively (P<0.05) and 78.9 mm at the most recent follow-up (P<0.05). The average correction angles at the osteotomy site were 44.5° postoperatively and 45.0° at the most recent follow-up (P>0.05). Sagittal translation (ST) occurred in 2 patients, and 5 mm was the maximum. There was no neurologic damage. Solid fusion was observed at the most recent follow-up in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Modified closing-opening wedge osteotomy (mCOWO) is an effective technique for correcting kyphosis in patients with AS.

Is It Possible to Correct Congenital Spinal Deformity Associated With a Tethered Cord Without Prophylactic Intradural Detethering?

BACKGROUND: Patients who have a congenital spinal deformity with a tethered cord generally are treated with prophylactic intradural detethering before deformity correction. However, the detethering procedure carries substantial risk, and it is not clear whether deformity correction can be performed without detethering. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To determine the (1) correction rate, (2) proportion of patients who experienced complications after surgery, and (3) neurological status after recovery from surgery in a group of patients with congenital spinal deformity and a tethered cord who were treated either with posterior spinal fusion only (PSF), pedicle-subtraction osteotomy (PSO), or a vertebral column resection (VCR), based on an algorithmic approach. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2016, we treated 50 patients surgically for a congenital spinal deformity and a tethered cord. We defined a congenital spinal deformity as one that was caused by failure of vertebral segmentation, failure of vertebral formation, or both, and we made the diagnosis of a tethered cord based on a conus medullaris lower than L2 level, or a diameter of the filum terminale greater than 2 mm, as shown on magnetic resonance image. Of those, nine patients were lost to followup before the 2-year minimum, leaving 41 for analysis at a mean followup of 47 months (range, 24 to 92 months) in this single-institution retrospective study. The treatment algorithm involved one of three approaches: PSF, PSO, or VCR. A total of 15 patients underwent PSF; we used this approach for patients with moderate curves (Cobb angle < 80°) and intact neurological status both previously and during a bending and traction test. Eleven patients underwent PSO; we performed PSO when patients had neurological symptoms (in daily life or during the traction/bending test) and a magnitude of the curve less than 80°. Finally, 15 patients underwent VCR, which we used in patients with a magnitude of the curve more than 80° and/or flexibility less than 20%, with/without neurological symptoms. No patient in any group underwent intradural detethering. We report on the correction rate, defined as the ratio between the corrected magnitude and preoperative magnitude of a curve at a given postoperative time point (correction rate = 1- (Cobb angle at a given time point/preoperative Cobb angle) x 100%); complications, that is, postoperative/recurrent neurological symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infection, blood loss > 5000 mL, as determined by chart review performed by an individual not directly involved in patient care; and a detailed neurological exam, including evaluations of sensory function, extremity muscle strength, pain, gait, physiological reflexes, and pathological signs, both before surgery and at most recent followup, as performed by the surgeon. All neurologically symptomatic patients were evaluated with a neurologic scoring system. RESULTS: The overall mean ± SD correction rate in this series was 63% ± 14%. It was 70% ± 12% in the PSF group, 64% ± 17% in the PSO group, and 56% ± 12% in the VCR group. Seven patients in those three groups experienced major complications, including blood loss more than 5000 mL, temporary neurological symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and infection. The most severe complications included one patient in the VCR group who had temporarily decreased strength in the lower limb, and one patient in the PSO group with temporary numbness in the lower limb. Finally, no patients in PSF group had postoperative neurological complications, and all patients with neurological symptoms in the PSO/VCR group improved to varying degrees. For neurologically symptomatic patients in PSO group (n = 6), the neurological score improved slightly, from 22.5 ± 1.9 preoperatively to 24.2 ± 0.8 at the most recent followup (p = 0.024) with a mean difference of 1.7. For neurologically symptomatic patients in VCR group (n = 10), the neurological score improved slightly from 23.1 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 24.2 ± 0.6 at most recent followup (p = 0.009) with a mean difference of 1.1. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital spinal deformity with a tethered cord may be treated without prophylactic intradural detethering. In the current series treated according to this treatment algorithm, good correction and neurological improvement were achieved, and few complications occurred. However, such a small series cannot prove the safety of this treatment; for that, larger, multicenter studies are necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Surgical management of sacral meningeal cysts by obstructing the communicating holes with muscle graft.

BACKGROUND: The surgical indication and treatment of sacral meningeal cyst have not been well established and current methods are usually accompanied by complications and recurrence. The aim of this study is to discuss the treatment of symptomatic sacral meningeal cyst, by investigating the surgical results of our surgically treated patients, and minimize the complications and recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with symptomatic sacral meningeal cysts who were surgically treated by a single surgeon in the same institution from 2002 to 2017. All patients underwent the same operation by incising the cyst wall and obstructing the communicating hole with muscle graft, while the cyst wall was left untreated instead of resected or imbricated. The obstruction was verified by doing a Valsalva-like maneuver. The preoperative symptoms and signs, and the outcomes at most recent follow-up were rated and compared by Neurological Scoring System. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (7 male patients and 11 female patients, average age 42.3 years) were followed up for an average of 51.7 months. All patients had communicating holes linking the cysts and the dural sacs. The average preoperative neurological score was 19.7 ± 2.2, and it was improved to 23.2 ± 2.8 at the most recent follow-up (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The sacral meningeal cyst originated from the communication with the dural sac. Surgical treatment of symptomatic sacral meningeal cysts can yield a long-term resolution of the appropriately selected patient's symptoms. Obstructing the communicating hole with muscle graft is an effective and simple method to obliterate the cyst. The incised cyst wall can be left untreated instead of resected or imbricated.

Postoperative pulmonary complications following posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for congenital scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Congenital scoliosis (CS) may lead to more serious pulmonary complications compared with idiopathic scoliosis after spinal fusion surgery. However, little has been reported about postoperative pulmonary complication events in patients with CS after spinal fusion surgery. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of and predictive factors of postoperative pulmonary complications following posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery for the treatment of CS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 174 patients with CS (128 females and 46 males, mean age 16.4 years) treated with posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery between January 2012 and April 2017. We extracted demographic, medical history, and clinical data, and investigated the major predictive factors for postoperative pulmonary complications by logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curves analyses. RESULTS: A total of 26 (14.9%) patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications, consisting of pleural effusion (10.9%), pneumonia (6.9%), pneumothorax (1.1%), atelectasis (2.3%), hypoxemia (6.3%), and respiratory failure (1.1%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the predictive factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were age > 18.1 years (P = 0.039), a Cobb angle of > 77° (P = 0.011), operation time of > 430 min (P = 0.032), and blood transfusion volume > 1500 ml (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pulmonary complications are among the main complications following posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery in patients with CS. Such patients aged >18.1 years, with Cobb angles > 77°, operation times > 430 min, and/or blood transfusion volume of > 1500 ml may be more likely to develop postoperative pulmonary complications.

A novel recombinant RANKL vaccine prepared by incorporation of an unnatural amino acid into RANKL and its preventive effect in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory synovitis, bone atrophy, and subsequent progressive destruction of articular tissue. Targeted inhibition of receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) has been highly successful in preventing RA-mediated bone erosion in animal models and patients, suggesting that development of a RANKL vaccine might be of therapeutic value. Our previous study has shown that the recombinant RANKL vaccine Y234pNO2Phe, generated by replacement of a single tyrosine residue (Tyr234) in murine RANKL (mRANKL) with p-nitrophenylalanine (pNO2Phe), induces a high titer antibody response and prevents ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in mice. This aim of this study was to further evaluate the vaccine's preventive effects in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis. The results of this study showed that Y234pNO2Phe not only induced a high titer antibody response and inhibited osteoclastogenesis but also significantly prevented bone erosion and ameliorated the severity of a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice. Moreover, use of the vaccine improved the clinical situations of the CIA mice. These results suggest a potential application of an anti-RANKL vaccine in the treatment of RA-induced bone erosion.

Prevalence of Recurrent Herniation Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with a smaller incision, decreased damage to soft tissues, faster recovery, and fewer postoperative complications. However, the exactly epidemiological prevalence of recurrent herniation after PELD remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the epidemiological prevalence of recurrent herniation in patients following PELD and to analyze the potentially related risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review of prospective and retrospective studies. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials that mentioned the incidence of recurrent herniation after PELD. The overall prevalence estimate was calculated by an appropriate meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were also performed in our study, respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed the overall prevalence of recurrent herniation after PELD was 3.6% (95% CI 3.0-4.3%). The prevalence estimates after percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) were 4.2% and 3.4%, respectively. Individuals with older age (>/= 50 years) and higher BMI (>/= 25) had increased recurrence rates after PELD than those with younger age (4.3% vs. 2.7%) and normal body mass index (BMI) (4.8% vs. 1.5%). The prevalence was significantly higher at upper discs (5.4%) than that at L4-5 (2.7%) and L5-S1 (3.1%) level. The incidence of recurrent herniation at lateral disc was 4.7%, and the recurrence rate of migrated herniation was 3.8%. In most cases, the recurrent herniation occurred within 6 months postoperatively (accounting for 61.7%). LIMITATIONS: A majority of the included articles were relatively low quality retrospective studies with significant heterogeneity among them. Furthermore, owing to the paucity of data focused on recurrence, many potentially predictive factors related to subgroup analyses could not be conducted, which might have influenced the accuracy and comprehensiveness of our meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: PELD is associated with a certain rate of recurrence (3.6%), which usually occurred within 6 months postoperatively. Older age (>/= 50 years), obesity (BMI >/= 25), upper lumbar disc and central disc herniation might be independent risk factors for recurrence after PELD; however, different surgical approaches (PETD or PEID), lateral discs, migrated discs and foraminoplasty did not affect the incidence. These factors could be useful in preoperative evaluation, appropriate patient selection and informed consent before PELD. KEY WORDS: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, prevalence, recurrent herniation, meta-analysis.

A new vaccine targeting RANKL, prepared by incorporation of an unnatural Amino acid into RANKL, prevents OVX-induced bone loss in mice.

Bone homeostasis is maintained by a dynamic balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. The receptor activator of nuclear-κB ligand (RANKL) is essential for the function of the bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and targeting RANKL has been proved highly successful in osteoporosis patients. This study aimed to design a novel vaccine targeting RANKL and evaluate its therapeutic effects in OVX-induced bone loss model. Anti-RANKL vaccine was generated by incorporating the unnatural amino acid p-nitrophenylalanine (pNO2Phe) into selected sites in the murine RANKL (mRANKL) molecule. Specifically, mutation of a single tyrosine residue Tyr234 (Y234) or Tyr240 (Y240) of mRANKL to pNO2Phe (thereafter named as Y234pNO2Phe or Y240pNO2Phe) induced a high titer antibody response in mice, whereas no significant antibody response was observed for the wild type mRANKL (WT mRANKL). The antiserum induced by Y234pNO2Phe or Y240pNO2Phe could efficiently prevent osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Moreover, immunization with Y234pNO2Phe or Y240pNO2Phe could also prevent OVX-induced bone loss in mice, suggesting that selected pNO2Phe-substituted mRANKL may pave the way for creating a novel vaccine to treat osteoporosis.

Neurological complications of thoracic posterior vertebral column resection for severe congenital spinal deformities.

PURPOSE: The risk of neurological injury during vertebral column resection is high. In this study, we investigated the incidence and risk factors for neurological complications when treating spinal deformities by thoracic posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, there were 62 consecutive patients (34 female patients and 28 male; the mean age: 16.3 years, range 6-46 years) treated with thoracic PVCR. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records to obtain demographic and radiographic data, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL, the ratio between circulating and lost blood), bleeding volume (the lost blood), number of vertebrae fused, number of vertebrae resected, usage of titanium mesh cage, and intraoperative neuromonitoring data. Multi-factor logistic regression was used to find the major risk factors for neurological complications. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 46 months (range 24-88 months); no patients were lost to follow up. The average operative time was 524.8 ± 156.8 min (range 165.0-880.0 min), the average bleeding volume was 2585 ± 2210 ml (100-9600 ml), and the average estimated blood loss was 75.8% (9-278%). Ten patients (16.1%) developed post-operative neurological complications (nine transient and one permanent). Multi-factor logistic regression revealed that the risk factors for neurological complications were age ≥18 years, pulmonary dysfunction, and EBL >50%. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic PVCR can lead to satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of severe spinal deformities. Risk factors for neurological complications include the age over 18 years, presence of pulmonary dysfunction, and EBL greater than 50%. The pulmonary dysfunction can be regarded as the most valuable indicator to measure the severity of the spine deformity.

Safety and Efficacy of Single-Stage Surgical Treatment for Congenital Scoliosis Associated with Intraspinal Mass.

For congenital scoliosis associated with intraspinal anomaly, surgical treatment is often advocated. However, the safety and efficacy of single-stage intraspinal mass resection and scoliosis correction remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and risk factors of single-stage surgical treatment for congenital scoliosis associated with intraspinal mass. Patients' clinical records were reviewed for demographic and radiographic data, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, and postoperative pathologic results. Two female and 5 male patients with an average age of 19.14 ± 7.52 years (range, 11-31 years) were evaluated. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months after initial surgical treatment, with an average of 49.71 ± 32.90 months (range, 27-99 months). Spinal curvature was corrected from an average of 69.57 ± 20.44° to 29.14 ± 9.87°, demonstrating a mean correction rate of 55.05% ± 18.75%. No obvious loss of correction was observed at the final follow-up. Complications included transient neurologic deficit, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and intraspinal mass recurrence in 1 patient each. There was no paralysis or permanent nerve damage. In conclusion, simultaneous intraspinal mass resection and scoliosis correction appears to be safe and effective.

[Neurological complications of posterior vertebral column resection for severe rigid congenital spinal deformities].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of neurological complications of posterior vertebral column resection in the treatment of severe rigid congenital spinal deformities. METHODS: The clinical data of 88 patients with severe rigid congenital spinal deformities who underwent PVCR in Department Of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University from June 2007 to November 2012 were collected. There were 39 males and 49 females at the average age of 16.9 years (range 6-46 years). To measure the Cobb angle and balance at preoperative, postoperative and follow up, and to record the operation report, neurological complications and at follow up. The relevant factors of neurological complications were analyzed by one-way analysis, including: age, Cobb angle, operation time, body mass index, pulmonary function, blood volume loss, resection level, number of vertebrae fixed, number of vertebrae resected, usage of cage or titanium mesh, preoperative neurologic function, the type of deformity and combination of spinal canal deformity, and further analyzed by multiariable Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The average follow up was 42 months (range 19 to 83 months). The number of resected vertebrae average 1.3 (range 1 to 3), operative time average 502.4 min (range 165.0 to 880.0 min), estimate blood loss average 2,238 ml (range 100 to 11,500 ml) for an average 69.3% blood volume loss (range 9% to 299%). The average preoperative major coronal curve of 93.6° corrected to 22.2°, at the final follow-up, the coronal curve was 22.2° with a correction of 76.8%. The average preoperative coronal imbalance (absolute value) was 2.5 cm decreasing to 1.3 cm at the final follow-up. The average preoperative major sagittal curve of 88.2° corrected to 28.7°, at the final follow-up, the sagittal curve was 29.2°, average decrease in kyphosis of 59.0°. The average preoperative sagittal imbalance (absolute value) was 3.1 cm decreasing to 1.2 cm at the final follow-up. There were 12 patients (13.6%) developed a neurological complications. High rate of neurological complications was occurred in patients with operative time greater than 480 min, pulmonary dysfunction, blood volume loss greater than 50%, T7-T99 osteotomy and preoperative neurologic compromise (P=0.046, 0.000, 0.000, 0.033, 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior vertebral column resection can achieve satisfactory efficacy in treatment of severe spinal deformities. Pulmonary dysfunction and blood volume loss greater than 50% were significant risk factors of neurological complications.

Safety and Efficacy of One-stage Spinal Osteotomy for Severe and Rigid Congenital Scoliosis Associated with Split Spinal Cord Malformation.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of one-stage spinal osteotomy in the treatment of severe and progressive congenital scoliosis (CS) associated with split spinal cord malformation (SSCM). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: For severe and rigid spinal deformity, spinal osteotomies are often advocated for correcting the deformity. However, the safety and efficacy of one-stage spinal osteotomy in the treatment of severe and rigid CS with SSCM have been unclear thus far. METHODS: Patients were treated by one-stage spinal osteotomy between September 2007 and June 2011 in our hospital. The clinical records were reviewed for demographic and radiographical data, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, perioperative complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: There were 18 females and 11 males with an average age of 15.5 ± 3.6 years (range, 12-28 yr). Spinal cord was longitudinally split by a bony spur in 11 patients (type I SSCM) and by a fibrous band in 18 patients (type II SSCM). Patients were observed for a minimum of 24 months after initial surgical treatment with an average follow-up of 43.0 ± 17.1 months (range 24-68 mo) from September 2007 to June 2013. The mean operative time and average blood loss of type ISSCM was significantly greater than those of type II SSCM (P < 0.05). The major curve was corrected from an average of 97.2°± 17.8° to 35.7°± 15.9°, a mean correction rate of 64.3% ± 11.0%. The average loss of correction at final follow-up was 2.9% for major curves. The overall complication rate was 24.1%, including transient neurological deterioration in 3 patients, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 2 patients, urinary tract infection in 1 patient and pleural rupture in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Relative to multistage corrective surgery, one-stage spinal osteotomy is effective for the correction of severe CS and SSCM without increasing the rate of surgical complications. However, surgical treatment of type I SSCM does require more operating time and blood loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Scoliosis Associated With Tethered Cord by Thoracic Spine-shortening Osteotomy Without Cord Detethering.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of spine-shortening osteotomy for congenital scoliosis with tethered cord. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Conventional surgery for congenital scoliosis associated with tethered cord risks the complications of detethering. Spine-shortening osteotomy holds the potential to correct scoliosis and decrease spinal cord tension simultaneously without an extra detethering procedure, but no data on this issue is available. METHODS: 21 patients (14 females and 7 males, average age 15.4 yr) underwent spine-shortening osteotomy without detethering. All of the patients had tethered cord. Patients with main curve more than 90° underwent vertebral column resection (VCR), whereas the others had pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) performed. The average postoperative follow-up period was 45.2 months. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 544.5 min with average blood loss of 2769.1 ml. The deformity correction was 61.3% in the coronal plane and 43.9° in the sagittal plane. 10 patients had neurological deficits preoperatively. At the final follow-up, the deficits in 8 (80%) patients were significantly improved, whereas 2 (20%) remained unchanged. At final follow-up, 71.4% (5/7) patients reported improvement in motor function, 100% (3/3) had improved pain scores, and 75% (3/4) reported better sensory function after the spine-shortening osteotomy. Urinary dysfunction and bowel incontinence present preoperatively in 3 patients all recovered by final follow-up. 5 (23.8%) patients incurred complications including temporary neurological deterioration in 1 patient, urinary tract infection in 2 patients, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 patient, and blood loss more than 5000 ml in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Spine-shortening osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure for congenital scoliosis associated with tethered cord. Spine-shortening osteotomy at the thoracic apical vertebrae level not only corrects the spine deformity but also simultaneously releases the tension of the tethered cord, resulting in improved neurologic function.

[One stage surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis associated with split cord malformation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of one stage surgical treatment in congenital scoliosis (CS) patients associated with split cord malformation (SCM). METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, 50 patients underwent one stage surgical treatment for CS associated with SCM. Among of them, 38 patients (13 male and 25 female) with an average age of (15 ± 6) years, who were followed up in the clinic at least 2 years longer, were include in the study. There were 12 patients with Type I SCM and 26 patients with Type II SCM Pre-operative, post-operative and the follow-up imaging data were collected and compared by paired t-test, while imaging data between Type I SCM group and Type II SCM group were compared by group t-test. Bony spur was first resected to the Type I SCM while nothing was done to the Type II SCM. Then, all patients were followed by posterior corrective procedure in one stage. Meanwhile, duraplasty were only applied in 5 patients whose dural cleft were more than 1 cm longer. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 41 ± 13 months (range, 26-68 months). The average operation time was 491 ± 152 minutes (range, 105-780 minutes) and the average blood loss was (1 933 ± 1 516) ml (range, 1 000-8 000 ml). The mean major coronal curve was corrected from 70° ± 26° preoperatively to 312° ± 16° postoperatively with a correction rate of 57% ± 18%, and 33° ± 17° at the final follow-up with a correction rate of 54% ± 20%. The mean major sagittal curve was corrected from 43° ± 31° to 26° ± 16°, and 27° ± 15° at the final follow-up. The postoperative complication occurred in 2 patients (5.3%) with Type I SCM, including neurological deterioration in 1 patient (2.6%) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 patient (2.6%). There were no paralysis and other serious complications. The patients who suffered from neurological deterioration recovered to the preoperative neurological status at 30 months postoperatively and no further improvement at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: It is safe and efficient to treat the CS associated with SCM by one stage surgery without increasing the risk of neurological complications postoperatively.