Can postoperative Cobb and pelvic obliquity corrections be predicted using supine traction X-rays in non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy fused to L5? A case series study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether Cobb and pelvic obliquity corrections can be predicted using supine traction radiographs in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) from T2/3 to L5. METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2020, 167 non-ambulatory patients with CP scoliosis underwent PSF using pedicle screws in two quaternary centers with a minimum of 2 years follow-up (FU). Radiological measurements and chart reviews were performed. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients aged 15.6 ± 0.4 years were included. All patients had significant correction of the Cobb angle (MC), pelvic obliquity (PO), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL) without loss of correction at the last FU (LFU). Curve flexibility was significantly correlated with Cobb correction (δMC) immediately postoperatively (p < 0.0001, r = 0.8950), followed by the amount of correction in pelvic obliquity under traction (δPOT) (p = 0.0252, r = 0.2174). For correction in PO (δPO), the most significant variable was δPOT (p < 0.0001, r = 0.7553), followed by curve flexibility (p = 0.0059, r = 0.26) and the amount of correction in Cobb under traction (p = 0.0252, r = 0.2174). CONCLUSIONS: Cobb and PO corrections can be predicted using supine traction films for non-ambulatory CP patients treated with PSF from T2/3 to L5. The variables evaluated were interconnected, reinforcing preoperative planning for these patients. Comparative large-scale studies on patient-related clinical outcomes are required to determine whether this predicted correction is associated with improved surgical outcomes and reduced complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Distal level in scoliosis surgery for non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy: is L5 an option? A case series study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the radiographic outcomes of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent posterior spinal fusion from T2/3 to L5 at two quaternary hospitals. METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2020, 167 non-ambulatory patients with CP scoliosis underwent posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screws from T2/3 to L5 in both centers, with a minimum of 2 years follow-up (FU). Radiological measurements and chart reviews were performed. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients aged 15.6 ± 0.4 years were included. None of the patients was lost to FU. All patients had significant correction of the Cobb angle (MC) and pelvic obliquity (PO), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL), without loss of correction at the last FU (LFU). The mean values for preoperative, immediate postoperative, and LFU were MC 93.4°, 37.5°, and 42.8°; PO 25.8°, 9.9°, and 12.7°; TK 52.2°, 44.3°, and 45°; and LL - 40.9°, - 52.4°, and - 52.9°, respectively. Higher residual PO at LFU was associated with more severe MC and PO baselines, lower implant density, and an apex located at L3. CONCLUSIONS: CP scoliosis and PO can be corrected, and this correction is maintained over time with posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screws, with L5 as the lowest instrumented vertebra. Larger preoperative MC and PO values associated with the apex at L3 appear to be related to residual PO. Comparative large-scale studies of patient-related clinical outcomes are required to determine whether this intervention is associated with improved surgical outcomes and reduced complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Distal fusion in Duchenne scoliosis: the relevance of preoperative pelvic obliquity. A case series study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine clinical and radiographic outcomes for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion from T2/3 to L5 (without pelvic fixation), at this single centre. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2020, 29 consecutive DMD scoliosis patients underwent posterior spinal fusion using pedicle screws from T2/3 to L5 in a single center with a minimum of 3 years follow-up (FU). Radiologic measurements and chart review were performed. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients aged 14 ± 1.5 years were included. No patient was lost to FU. All patients had significant correction in Cobb angle, pelvic obliquity (PO) and lumbar lordosis (LL), without loss of correction at last FU. The mean values for preoperative, immediate postoperative and last FU were CA 62o, 15o and 17o, PO: 21o, 8o and 9o; and LL 10o, -41o and -41o respectively. Correction in CA was independent of any variable analysed including implant density, rod diameter, traction, or bone density. Regarding PO, it was inversely related to age and independent of all other variables. Factors associated with postoperative complications were age and respiratory function. CONCLUSIONS: It appears from our results that pelvic fixation might not always be required in DMD scoliosis surgery, when using pedicle screws with lowest instrumented vertebra at L5. However, larger preoperative PO values can be related with residual PO. It seems that probably related to the underlying condition, early surgery may decrease incidence of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pin Fracture in Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods: Influence of the Year of Manufacture.

BACKGROUND: Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) have a known issue with fracture of the internal locking pin resulting in early revisions. The manufacturer reported that rods manufactured before March 26, 2015, had a 5% risk of locking pin fracture. Locking pins made after this date are thicker in diameter and of a tougher alloy; their rate of pin fracture is not known. The aim of this study was to better understand the impact of the design changes on the performance of MCGRs. METHODS: This study involves 46 patients with 76 removed MCGRs. Forty-six rods were manufactured before March 26, 2015, and 30 rods after that date. Clinical and implant data were collected for all MCGRs. Retrieval analysis comprised plain radiographs evaluations, force and elongation testing, and disassembly. RESULTS: The 2 patient groups were statistically comparable. We found that 14 of 27 patients implanted with rods manufactured before March 26, 2015 (group I) had a fracture of their locking pins. Three of the 17 patients with rods manufactured after this date (group II) were also found to have a fractured pin. CONCLUSIONS: Retrieved rods collected at our center and made after March 26, 2015, had far fewer locking pin fractures than those made before this date; this may be due to the change in pin design.

Rod Fracture in Magnetically Controlled Growing Spine Rods.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of fracture in magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) and the risk factors associated with this are poorly understood. This retrospective analysis of explanted MCGRs aimed to add understanding to this subject. METHODS: From our cohort of over 120 retrieved MCGRs, we identified 7 rods that had fractured; all were single-rod constructs, retrieved from 6 patients. These were examined and compared with 15 intact single-rod constructs. Retrieval and fractographic analyses were used to determine the failure mode at the fracture site and the implant's functionality. Cobb angle, degree of rod contouring, and the distance between anchoring points were computed on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: 5/7 versus 3/15 rods had been inserted after the removal of a previously inserted rod, in the fractured versus control groups. All fractured rods failed due to bending fatigue. Fractured rods had greater rod contouring angles in the frontal plane ( P = 0.0407) and lateral plane ( P = 0.0306), and greater distances between anchoring points in both anteroposterior and lateral planes ( P = 0.0061 and P = 0.0074, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found all failed due to a fatigue fracture and were virtually all single rod configurations. Fracture initiation points corresponded with mechanical indentation marks induced by the intraoperative rod contouring tool. Fractured rods had undergone greater rod contouring and had greater distances between anchoring points, suggesting that it is preferable to implant double rod constructs in patients with sufficient spinal maturity to avoid this complication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Level III.

Blood titanium levels in patients with large and sliding titanium implants.

BACKGROUND: Titanium, which is known to be a highly biologically inert element, is one of the most commonly used metals in orthopaedic implants. While cobalt and chromium blood metal ion testing is routinely used in the clinical monitoring of patients with metal-on-metal hip implants, much less is known about the levels of titanium in patients with other implant types. The aim of this study was to better understand the normal ranges of blood titanium levels in patients implanted with large and sliding titanium constructs by comparison with reference levels from conventional titanium hips. METHODS: This study examined data collected from 136 patients. Over a period of 24 months, whole blood samples were collected from 41 patients implanted with large titanium implants: long (range 15 to 30 cm) spine rods with a sliding mechanism ("spine rods", n = 18), long bone tumour implants ("tumour implants", n = 13) and 3D-printed customised massive acetabular defect implants ("massive acetabular implants", n = 10). This data was compared with standard, uncemented primary titanium hip implants ("standard hips", 15 cm long) (n = 95). Clinical, imaging and blood titanium levels data were collected for all patients and compared statistically between the different groups. RESULTS: The median (range) of blood titanium levels of the standard hip, spine rods, femoral tumour implants and massive acetabular implants were 1.2 ppb (0.6-4.9), 9.7 ppb (4.0-25.4), 2.6 ppb (0.4-104.4) and 5.7 ppb (1.6-31.5) respectively. Spine rods and massive acetabular implants had significantly greater blood titanium levels compared to the standard hips group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that titanium orthopaedic implants that are large and/or have a sliding mechanism have higher blood titanium levels compared to well-functioning, conventionally sized titanium hips. Reassuringly, the increased levels did not appear to induce adverse metal reactions. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies aimed at assessing blood titanium levels as a biomarker for implant function.

Occipitocervical instrumented fixation utilising patient-specific C2 3D-printed spinal screw trajectory guides in complex paediatric skeletal dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Instability of the craniocervical junction in paediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia poses a unique set of challenges including anatomical abnormalities, poor bone quality, skeletal immaturity and associated general anaesthetic risks. Instrumented fixation provides optimal stabilisation and fusion rates. The small vertebrae make the placement of C2 pedicle screws technically demanding with low margins of error between the spinal canal and the vertebral artery. METHODS: We describe a novel clinical strategy utilising 3D-printed spinal screw trajectory guides (3D-SSTG) for individually planned C2 pedicle and laminar screws. The technique is based on a pre-operative CT scan and does not require intraoperative CT imaging. This reduces the radiation burden to the patient and forgoes the associated time and cost. The time for model generation and sterilisation was < 24 h. RESULTS: We describe two patients (3 and 6 years old) requiring occipitocervical instrumented fixation for cervical myelopathy secondary to Morquio syndrome with 3D-SSTGs. In the second case, bilateral laminar screw trajectories were also incorporated into the same guide due to the presence of high-riding vertebral arteries. Registration of the postoperative CT to the pre-operative imaging revealed that screws were optimally placed and accurately followed the predefined trajectory. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, we present the first clinical report of 3D-printed spinal screw trajectory guides at the craniocervical junction in paediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia. The novel combination of multiple trajectories within the same guide provides the intraoperative flexibility of potential bailout options. Future studies will better define the potential of this technology to optimise personalised non-standard screw trajectories.

Understanding the implant performance of magnetically controlled growing spine rods: a review article.

PURPOSE: Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS) (defined as a curvature of the spine ≥ 10° with onset before 10 years of age) if not properly treated, can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Traditionally Growing Rods (TGRs), implants fixated to the spine and extended every 6-8 months by surgery, are considered the gold standard, but Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGRs) avoid multiple surgeries. While the potential benefit of outpatient distraction procedure with MCGR is huge, concerns still remain about its risks, up to the release of a Medical Device Alert (MDA) by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advising not to implant MCGRs until further notice. The aim of this literature review is to (1) give an overview on the use of MCGRs and (2) identify what is currently understood about the surgical, implant and patient factors associated with the use of MCGRs. METHODS: Systematic literature review. RESULTS: Surgical factors such as use of single rod configuration or incorrect rod contouring might affect early failure of MCGRs. Patient's older age and higher BMI are correlated with rod slippage. Wear debris and distraction mechanism failure may result from implant design and iteration. CONCLUSION: Despite the complications reported, this technology still offers one of the best solutions to spine surgeons dealing with severe EOS. Lowering the complication rate by identifying risk factors for failure is possible and further studies in this direction are required. Once the risk factors are well described, some of these can be addressed enabling a safer use of MCGRs.

Single vs dual rod constructs in early onset scoliosis treated with magnetically controlled growing rods.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive distractions of recently introduced magnetically controlled growing rods (MGCRs) spare multiple operations in the surgical treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS). Since the costs of the implants are high, concerns have been raised regarding cost-effective, optimal but safe MGCR options: single or dual constructs. OBJECTIVES: To report deformity control, spinal growth and complication incidence in EOS patients treated with MCGR singleor dual-rod constructs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 47 patients with MCGRs inserted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London (UK) in 2013-2014, who were followed up for at least 1 year. In 32 patients, T1-S1 distances, and coronal and sagittal curves were measured on preoperative and postoperative X-rays, and at a one-year follow-up. All complications were recorded. The patients were analyzed in 2 groups: those with single-rod constructs (24 patients) and those with dual-rod constructs (23 patients). RESULTS: Comparing postoperative with one-year follow-up measurements, T1-S1 length increase was better in the dual-rod group (3.29%) than in the single-rod group (0.34%) (p = 0.031). In the whole series, mean scoliosis magnitude dropped by 27.5% at the one-year follow-up. The dual-rod group showed better mean curve correction: 36.5% compared to 15.3% in the single-rod group (p = 0.0076). Overall, 34.04% of the patients had complications: 45.8% in the single-rod group and 30.4% in the dual-rod group (p = 0.0413). Metalwork failure was observed in 8 patients, lengthening problems in 5 and wound infections in 2; there was also 1 case of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). Preoperative hyperkyphosis was associated with more complications (75%, p = 0.037), most of which were metalwork failure (41.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The MCGRs are efficient at controlling EOS; however, the complication rate is high, particularly in single-rod constructs. The use of dual-rod constructs allows for better curve control, greater T1-S1 length increase and a lower complication rate.

Management of patients with magnetically controlled growth rods amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: At the time of writing, we are all coping with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst other things, this has had a significant impact on postponing virtually all routine clinic visits and elective surgeries. Concurrently, the Magnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rod has been issued with a number of field safety notices and UK regulator medical device alerts. METHODS: This document serves to provide an overview of the current situation regarding the use of MAGEC rods, primarily in the UK, and the impact that the pandemic has had on the management of patients with these rods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The care of each patient must of course be determined on an individual basis; however, the experience of the authors is that a short delay in scheduled distractions and clinic visits will not adversely impact patient treatment. The authors caution against a gap in distractions of longer than 6 months and emphasise the importance of continued remote patient monitoring to identify those who may need to be seen more urgently.

Analysing a mechanism of failure in retrieved magnetically controlled spinal rods.

PURPOSE: We aim to describe a mechanism of failure in magnetically controlled growth rods which are used for the correction of the early onset scoliosis. METHODS: This retrieval study involved nine magnetically controlled growth rods, of a single design, revised from five patients for metal staining, progression of scoliosis, swelling, fractured actuator pin, and final fusion. All the retrieved rods were radiographed and assessed macroscopically and microscopically for material loss. Two implants were further analysed using micro-CT scanning and then sectioned to allow examination of the internal mechanism. No funding was obtained to analyse these implants. There were no potential conflicts interests. RESULTS: Plain radiographs revealed that three out of nine retrieved rods had a fractured pin. All had evidence of surface degradation on the extendable telescopic rod. There was considerable corrosion along the internal mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a third of the retrieved magnetically controlled growth rods had failed due to pin fracture secondary to corrosion of the internal mechanism. We recommend that surgeons consider that any inability of magnetically controlled growth rods to distract may be due to corrosive debris building up inside the mechanism, thereby preventing normal function.

Do Growing Rods for Idiopathic Early Onset Scoliosis Improve Activity and Participation for Children?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether growing rod surgery for children with progressive idiopathic early onset scoliosis (EOS) effects activity and participation, and investigate factors that may affect this. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data on 60 children with idiopathic EOS and significant scoliosis (defined as a Cobb angle >40°). Thirty underwent brace treatment, and 30, growth rod surgery. Questionnaire and radiographic data were recorded at 1 year. The validated Activities Scale for Kids performance version (ASKp) questionnaire was used to measure activity and participation. RESULTS: In the brace group, Cobb angle increased from 60° to 68°. There was no change in ASKp score. In the operative group, Cobb angle decreased from 67° to 45°. ASKp decreased from 91 to 88 (P < .01). Presence of spinal pain correlated with greater reduction in activity and participation scores in both groups, as did occurrence of complications in the operative group (P < .05). Both treatments permitted growth of the immature spine. CONCLUSIONS: In children with significant idiopathic EOS (Cobb angle>40°), growth rod surgery was associated with a reduction in activity and participation and Cobb angle, whereas brace treatment was associated with an increase in Cobb angle and no change in activity and participation. Pain was the most important factor affecting activity and participation in both groups.

A Preliminary Study to Assess Whether Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis Improves Carer-assessed Quality of Life for Children With GMFCS Level IV or V Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis affects 50% of children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV or V cerebral palsy (CP). In children with complex neurodisability following intervention, the WHO considers quality of life (QoL) should be assessed to aid decision-making and assess the effects. This study assesses whether scoliosis surgery improves carer-assessed QoL for children with severe CP. METHODS: Retrospective review of 33 children (16 male:17 female) with GMFCS level IV/V CP and significant scoliosis. Fifteen underwent observational treatment during childhood, and 18 underwent surgery. Questionnaire and radiographic data were recorded over a 2-year period. The carer-completed Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) questionnaire was used to assess QoL. RESULTS: In the observational group, Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity increased from 46 (40 to 60) and 8 degrees (0 to 28) to 62 (42 to 94) and 12 degrees (1 to 35). Mean CPCHILD score decreased from 50 (30 to 69) to 48 (27 to 69) (P<0.05). In the operative group, Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity decreased from 78 (52 to 125) and 14 degrees (1 to 35) to 44 (16 to 76) and 9 degrees (1 to 24). Mean CPCHILD score increased from 45 (20 to 60) to 58 (37 to 76) (P<0.05). Change in pain, and not presence of associated impairments, was the most significant factor affecting QoL changes for children in both groups. There was no difference in mobility, GMFCS level, feeding, or communication in either group before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment for children with GMFCS level IV/V CP and a significant scoliosis was associated with a small decrease in carer-assessed QoL over 2 years. Spinal fusion was associated with an increase in QoL. Change in pain was the most significant factor affecting QoL changes, and is therefore an important factor to consider when deciding upon surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic retrospective study.

A retrospective review to assess whether spinal fusion and scoliosis correction improved activity and participation for children with Angelman syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates outcome of scoliosis treatment for 11 children with Angelman syndrome (AS), with particular focus on activity, participation and the musculoskeletal factors that may affect these outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records, radiographs and questionnaires administered to caregivers of 11 children (8M:3F) with AS and scoliosis. Six underwent observational treatment during childhood and five underwent spinal fusion. The Activities Scale for Kids (ASKp) questionnaire was used to measure activity and participation. Questionnaire and radiographic data were recorded over a 2 year period. RESULTS: In the observational group, scoliosis increased from 31° to 46°. Mean ASKp decreased from 13.8 to 11.9 (p = 0.06). In the operative group, scoliosis decreased from 68° to 29°. Mean ASKp increased from 11.4 to 15.9 (p < 0.01). There was also a reduction in spinal-related pain and mean number of hospital admissions for chest infection. However, there was a 60% major complication rate. There was no difference in mobility, GMFCS level, feeding or communication in either group before or after treatment. CONCLUSION: In children with significant scoliosis and AS, spinal fusion was associated with a small improvement in activity and participation, reduction in pain and a decrease in frequency of severe chest infections. Non-operative treatment resulted in progression of scoliosis during childhood and decrease in activity.

Does Spinal Fusion and Scoliosis Correction Improve Activity and Participation for Children With GMFCS level 4 and 5 Cerebral Palsy?

Spinal fusion is used to treat scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Following intervention, the WHO considers activity and participation should be assessed to guide intervention and assess the effects. This study assesses whether spinal fusion for scoliosis improves activity and participation for children with severe CP.Retrospective cohort study of 70 children (39M:31F) with GMFCS level 4/5 CP and significant scoliosis. Thirty-six underwent observational and/or brace treatment as the sole treatment for their scoliosis, and 34 underwent surgery. Children in the operative group were older and had worse scoliosis than those in the observational group. Questionnaire and radiographic data were recorded over a 2-year period. The ASKp was used to measure activity and participation.In the observational group, Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity increased from 51 (40-90) and 10 (0-30) to 70 (43-111) and 14 (0-37). Mean ASKp decreased from 16.3 (1-38) to 14.2 (1-36). In the operative group, Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity decreased from 81 (50-131) and 14 (1-35) to 38 (10-76) and 9 (0-24). Mean ASKp increased from 10.5 (0-29) to 15.9 (3-38). Spinal-related pain correlated most with change in activity and participation in both groups. There was no difference in mobility, GMFCS level, feeding or communication in either group before and after treatment.In children with significant scoliosis and CP classified within GMFCS levels 4 and 5, spinal fusion was associated with an improvement in activity and participation, whereas nonoperative treatment was associated with a small reduction. Pain should be carefully assessed to guide intervention.

Minimizing complications with single submuscular growing rods: a review of technique and results on 88 patients with minimum two-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical and radiologic review of consecutive series of patients treated with single submuscular growing rods from a single center with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. OBJECTIVES: To describe the surgical technique and methods used to minimize complications and to report on the outcomes of a large consecutive series of patients treated with single submuscular growing rods for scoliosis in the immature spine from a single center. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of single and dual growing-rod constructs; however, these studies have been of small patient numbers with varying results. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2007, 88 patients underwent the insertion of a single, submuscular growing-rod construct for scoliosis. A clinical and radiologic review of these 88 consecutive patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was conducted. Diagnoses include idiopathic, neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital. Data include Cobb angle measurements, T1-S1 heights, number, and frequency of lengthening as well as complications. RESULTS: The patients underwent single submuscular growing-rod insertion at an average age of 7.0 years. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. Twenty-eight patients had a simultaneous apical fusion. Growing-rod lengthening was performed on an average at 9-month intervals. The average initial Cobb angle was 73° (range: 40-117) and improved to 44° (range: 9-90) at final follow-up. T1-S1 height gain was 3.37 cm; this translates to 1.04 cm growth/yr. No significant difference was noted between those who had undergone apical fusion and those without. Complications noted in this series include 8 incidences of superficial infection and 3 of deep infection, proximal junctional kyphosis in 2 patients requiring early fusion, 31 rod fractures, 10 cases of proximal anchor failure, and 6 distal anchor failures. Thirty patients within study group have reached definitive fusion. CONCLUSION: Favorable outcomes have been demonstrated in this large single-center series of growing-rod constructs used to treat scoliosis in the growing spine. Their safety and efficacy in controlling spinal deformity and allowing spinal growth along with an acceptable rate of complications would support the continued use of single growing-rod constructs as a scoliosis management option.

The surgical treatment of congenital kyphosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study with clinical and radiologic evaluation of 15 patients with congenital kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis who underwent anterior instrumented spinal fusion for posterolateral or posterior hemivertebra (HV). The management of congenital kyphosis has been described in the literature using a variety of techniques. The presentation of patients at diagnosis is discussed. The question of when to begin treatment is reviewed. The pitfalls in the management and how to avoid these are discussed. The different published techniques are reviewed. We present our own techniques and our results of treatment of congenital kyphosis in very young children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early surgical anterior instrumented fusion with partial preservation of the HV in the treatment of progressive congenital kyphosis in children below the age of 3. We discuss the management of patients presenting with neurologic compromise. We aim to systematically review the literature and to present our own experience in the management of these deformities, so that the issues common to treating physicians may be explored. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A variety of treatments have been described in the literature for the treatment of congenital kyphosis due to HV. We report the results of our technique. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2005 we have treated 15 consecutive patients with progressive congenital kyphosis with anterior instrumented fusion and strut grafting. Thirteen patients had a single posterolateral HV and 2 patients had a single posterior HV. Of the 15 patients in the study, 5 were girls and 10 boys. Mean age at surgery was 22 months (range, 8-33). Mean follow-up period was 6.8 years. Thirteen HV were located in the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) and 2 in the thoracic spine. RESULTS: The average operating time of procedure was 150 minutes (range, 130-210 minutes). The average blood loss was 180 mL (range, 100-330 mL), equivalent to a mean external blood volume loss of 15% (range, 11%-24%).Preoperative segmental Cobb angle averaging 34 degrees at last follow-up. Compensatory coronal cranial and caudal curves were corrected by 50%. The angle of segmental kyphosis averaged 39 degrees (range, 20 degrees-80 degrees) before surgery and 21 degrees (range, 11 degrees-40 degrees) at last follow-up. This represents a 43% of improvement of the segmental kyphosis, and a 64% of improvement of the segmental scoliosis at last follow-up. One case with initial kyphosis of 80 degrees continued to progress and required revision anterior and posterior surgery. There were no neurologic complications.

Lordoscoliosis and large intrathoracic airway obstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. OBJECTIVE: We report the treatment of 2 children with right main bronchus obstruction complicating thoracic lordoscoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The preoperative investigation and treatment of large airway obstruction caused by lordoscoliosis has not been reported in the literature. METHODS: Obstruction of the right main bronchus was confirmed before surgery by ventilation-perfusion scans, bronchogram, and computed tomography scan. Deformity correction was achieved using a submuscular growth rod construct in one child, and posterior spinal fusion in the other. Clinical examination and repeat ventilation-perfusion scans were performed 8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: In both children, ventilation to the right "convex" lung was reestablished after surgery. Lung function improved in both patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of large airway obstruction associated with thoracic lordoscoliosis in which ventilation was reestablished after spinal deformity correction. Early deformity correction is indicated in such cases because of the risk of irreversible compromise to lung ventilation and perfusion.