Radiologic abnormalities and low back pain in elite skiers.

Lumbar radiographs of 120 adolescent elite skiers were evaluated for radiologic abnormalities by two independent observers. All athletes had no symptoms before the study. Radiographs were taken before enrollment of the students in elite level training. To determine the clinical significance of these abnormalities, all athletes were observed prospectively during the subsequent 2-year period for development of low back pain under high performance training. Anterior end plate lesions, Schmorl's nodes, posterior end plate lesions, spondylolysis, scoliosis, and spina bifida occulta were found. The depth of anterior end plate lesions showed a two-peak distribution, with peaks at 11% and 22% and a valley at 18% vertebral body height. The overall low back pain incidence was 12.5%. Students with severe anterior lesions (greater than 18% vertebral body height, n = 25) had significantly more low back pain (incidence, 32%) than did students without severe anterior lesions (incidence, 7.4%). Accordingly, students with severe anterior lesions had a significantly higher risk of having low back pain develop. Moderate end plate lesions and other abnormalities were not related to an increased incidence of low back pain. Adolescent students of elite sports with severe lumbar anterior end plate lesions have an increased risk of having low back pain develop under high performance training.

Radiographic abnormalities in the thoracolumbar spine of young elite skiers.

An increased frequency of radiologic abnormalities in the thoracolumbar spine has been reported among young athletes in various sports, but there are no data concerning ski sports. To evaluate the incidence of these abnormalities in young elite skiers, we compared 120 skiers younger than 17 years old (alpine skiers, ski jumpers, and Nordic cross-country skiers) with a random sample of 39 control subjects of the same age who had no history of high-performance sports participation. Standardized anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the entire lumbar spine, the lower thoracic spine, and the upper part of the sacrum were obtained from each athlete and each control subject. Radiographs were evaluated by two independent observers for the presence and size of anterior and posterior endplate lesions and Schmorl's nodes. The elite alpine skiers and ski jumpers demonstrated a significantly higher rate of anterior endplate lesions than did the control subjects. This finding might be attributable to excessive loading and repetitive trauma of the immature spine under high velocity, especially in the forward bent posture.

Glenohumeral osteoarthrosis after the Eden-Hybbinette procedure.

Thirty-six patients (36 shoulders) who underwent the Eden-Hybbinette procedure for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder with an average followup of 15 years were evaluated. Evaluation consisted of radiographic assessment in a true anteroposterior view and an axillary lateral view of both shoulders, physical examination, and a questionnaire. Mild glenohumeral osteoarthrosis was present in 1/3 of the patients, and moderate and severe osteoarthrosis was evident in 1/2. There were no signs of osteoarthrosis in four shoulders. Function, as assessed by the Rowe score as modified by Young and Rockwood, was excellent or good in 27 shoulders and fair or poor in nine shoulders. The extent of osteoarthrosis was related to restriction of external rotation, length of followup, and function.

Conservative treatment of tuberculous spondylitis: a long-term follow-up study.

A retrospective follow-up study was performed on 40 patients, in which tuberculous spondylitis was treated conservatively between 1969 and 1985 with orthotic supports for an average of 16 months (range, 10-30 months) and with anti-tuberculous agents. All had persistent back pain, but none had neurological deficits. The mean follow-up period was 17 years (range, 10-26 years). Diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. The spinal segments involved ranged from T5 to L5. The kyphotic angle was calculated according to Cobb. At final follow-up, 22 patients were pain free, 11 had occasional pain, 6 complained of pain in the morning, and 1 had chronic pain and needed frequent analgesics. Solid bony union was found in 75% of patients. The kyphotic deformity occurred in the thoracic spine with a mean angle of 20 degrees (range, 13-28 degrees) and in the lumbar spine with a mean angle 12 degrees (range, 5-26 degrees). The long-term follow-up of conservative treatment showed only slightly increased kyphosis. Conservative treatment is an alternative to surgical intervention in cases with kyphosis < 35 degrees.

[Minimally invasive approach and surgical procedures in the lumbar spine]. / Minimal-invasive Zugänge und Operationsverfahren an der Lendenwirbelsäule.

The history of minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery began in 1963 with the introduction of chemonucleolysis. Like this technique, the later development of mechanical nucleotomy and lasernucleotomy aimed primarily at reduction of the disc pressure. Miniature optical systems offered the opportunity for more specific decompression by discoscopy or, more recently, by transforaminal epiduroscopy. Initially, nucleotomy was the only feasible minimally invasive procedure. In recent years, however, minimally invasive spinal fusion became possible due to the development of new devices (Cages) and advanced transperitoneal (laparoscopic) and retroperitoneal approaches.

[Advantages and disadvantages of retro- and transperitoneal approach for fusion of the presacral intervertebral disk]. / Vor- und Nachteile des retro- und transperitonealen Zugangs zur Fusion der präsakralen Bandscheibe.

In a retrospective study, we evaluated 180 patients treated for painful spondylolisthesis with combined anterior and posterior fusion. Group I included 90 patients treated by anterior fusion with the transperitoneal approach. Group II included 90 patients operated on with a retroperitoneal approach. Group II showed a higher incidence of pseudarthrosis L5/S1 (4%), tear of the common iliac vein (1%), postsympathectomy syndrome (4%) and reversible L4 nerve-root lesion (3%). On the basis of our findings, we recommend the transperitoneal approach for anterior interbody fusion L5 to S1 or L4 to S1.

[Lumbar fusion in adults--dorsal or combined ventral/dorsal approach?]. / Lumbale Fusion bei Erwachsenen--dorsal oder kombiniert ventral/dorsal?

A retrospective study was conducted to compare the results of posterior with combined anterior/posterior lumbar fusion in adults. Seventy-six consecutive posterior cases fused with pedicle screws and 46 combined cases were included and followed for at least 2 years. Subjective assessment was based on the Visual Analogue Scales, Waddel Disability and Impairment Score and the GBB for objective quantification of complaints. Furthermore, a thorough clinical examination was done and X-rays including flexion/ extension radiographs, were taken. Questions were asked about the occupational status as well. Pain decreased significantly more in the combined cases than in the posterior fusion cases. In one case a lesion of the common iliac vein occurred during a retroperitoneal approach. Only about half the patients working preoperatively returned to work again. In conclusion, the benefit of better pain relief after combined fusion must be regarded in relation to a higher complication rate due to a second approach.

Surgical treatment of neuropathic scoliosis: morphologic and functional outcome.

We evaluated the morphologic and functional outcome as well as the extent of satisfaction following surgical treatment in 41 patients with progressive neuropathic scoliosis. The mean follow-up time was 5.6 years (range 2.5-20 years), and follow-up rate was 97.6%. Posterior spine fusion was performed with new instrumentation techniques (Luque/Luque-Galveston, CD, ISOLA) in 29 patients, with extension onto the sacrum in 16 patients, and Harrington instrumentation in 12. In 20 patients we did an additional intervertebral disc excision and fusion. Mean correction of the thoracic spine deformity, as assessed by comparing the Cobb angles on pre- and postoperative X-rays, was 53%, and of the lumbar spine 55.2%, in patients classified as Lonstein I. Scolioses classified as Lonstein II evidenced an average correction of 46.2%. Functional improvement according to the Rancho-Los Amigos scheme could be demonstrated in 20 patients. Seventeen patients remained unchanged, whereas 4 patients showed deterioration. Cosmetic results were rated as excellent by 25 patients, good by 7, and poor by 1. For 8 patients the appearance was unimportant. Pain relief was experienced in all cases (n = 4) of the preoperative low-back or abdominal pain. The major complications were deep wound infection in 3 patients which led to revision surgery, and removal of instrumentation in 1 patient.

Comparison between single-screw and triangulated, double-screw fixation in anterior spine surgery. A biomechanical test.

STUDY DESIGN: The advantage to fixation strength of triangulated, double-screw fixation compared with that of single-screw instrumentation in anterior spine surgery was evaluated by in vitro testing. OBJECTIVES: To compare the fixation strength of single-screw instrumentation with ventral derotation spondylodesis screws with the fixation strength of triangulated, double-screw instrumentation with Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf screws. Resistance against pull-out load and against load perpendicular to the axis of the screws was evaluated. To avoid the bias caused by different screw design, the pull-out strength of single screws of both devices was compared first. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To the authors' knowledge, no study comparing anterior single with triangulated screws has been published. METHODS: A pull-out test was performed when one vertebra in each spine specimen was instrumented with a ventral derotation spondylodesis screw, one with an isolated Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf screws, and one with two triangulated, Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf screws linked by a Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf block. Load perpendicular to the axis of the screw was applied on the bone-device interface after instrumentation of further specimens with ventral derotation spondylodesis and triangulated, Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf devices. RESULTS: Use of isolated Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf screws compared with ventral derotation spondylodesis screws showed no significant differences in pull-out strength. The use of triangulated, double-screw fixation with Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf screws led to a significant 79% increase in resistance against pull-out and a 73% increase in resistance against load perpendicular to the screw axis compared with the resistance produced using ventral derotation spondylodesis single-screw instrumentation. CONCLUSION: In anterior surgery, fixation of the vertebra-device interface can be improved considerably by application of two triangulated screws.

Suprascapular nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch caused by a ganglion cyst.

A 34-year-old man had right infraspinatus muscle palsy and posterior aching of the shoulder caused by electromyographically confirmed suprascapular nerve entrapment. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion at the spinoglenoid notch; this lesion was diagnosed as a ganglion. Operative removal led to immediate pain relief and incomplete recovery of the compressed branches of the suprascapular nerve.

Axial rotation measurement of scoliotic vertebrae by means of computed tomography scans.

STUDY DESIGN: This study evaluated the preconditions for exact axial rotation measurement and the possibility for other parameters to measure axial rotation and mechanical torsion. OBJECTIVES: Quality criteria for axial rotation measurement in computed tomography scans are not established yet. Criteria should be found to improve axial rotation measurement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To the authors' knowledge, no systematic analysis of the errors of axial rotation measurement based on computed tomography scans has been performed. METHODS: Axial rotation was measured in 259 computed tomography scans of 11 cadaveric vertebrae from scoliotic specimens. The sagittal axial rotation measurement angle of Aaro and Dahlborn and a new rotation parameter were measured with a pencil and ruler. Five landmarks were digitized and consequently five axial rotation parameters were computed. The influence of insufficient visualization of bony landmarks, mechanical torsion of the vertebra itself, and oblique position of the vertebra was evaluated. RESULTS: Accuracy is considerably improved in central computed tomography scans (same distance to the top and bottom of the vertebral body) due to good visualization of landmarks and reduction of effects of mechanical torsion. The oblique vertebral position causes more errors. One mechanical torsion parameter with sufficient reliability is identified. CONCLUSION: The sagittal axial rotation measurement method of Aaro and Dahlborn is superior to other techniques of measurement. It can be improved considerably if computed tomography scans fulfill certain quality criteria.

Acetabular development following early treatment of hip dysplasia by Pavlik harness.

One hundred sixty-two neonates with sonographically diagnosed developmental dysplasia of the hip (200 hips) according to the method of Graf were treated with a Pavlik harness until sonographic maturation was reached. Eight patients (12 hips) treated with closed reduction and retention in a bilateral hip spica cast were included. When the children started to walk their acetabular indices were assessed and demonstrated low-grade dysplasia in 26% and high-grade dysplasia in 6% according to the criteria of Tönnis and Brunken. We discuss the current sonographic criteria defining treatment-induced normalization and the adequacy of the length of treatment. We conclude that despite normal values at the end of treatment dysplasia may develop, which necessitates further radiological monitoring of all hips initially rated at risk on sonography. When to end monitoring, however, remains to be determined.

[The hip in infantile cerebral palsy, natural developmental course and treatment concepts]. / Die Hüfte bei der infantilen Zerebralparese, natürlicher Entwicklungsverlauf und Behandlungskonzepte.

Classification of cerebral palsy according to the topographical distribution of clinical phenomena permits determination of a prognosis of the natural history of CP and the probability of hip problems to some extent. In 55 patients with CP, 101 muscle release operations were performed between 1971 and 1988. Preoperatively, the diagnosis was established by the neuropediatrician, function was evaluated according to the Rancho-los-amigos system, and the X-rays of the hip were assessed according to Reimers. For the postoperative evaluation patients were grouped according to neurologic diagnosis: hemiplegia (4), diplegia (19), total body involvement (31). Patients with hemiplegia had no functional or radiological changes as a result of the operation. In diplegia functional deterioration was seen in 4 cases (21%); in 3 cases (16%) this meant loss of the ability to walk. The migration percentage was improved from 48% to 39% on average. In 19 cerebral palsy patients with total body involvement surgery was considered to be indicated on the basis of a suspected dislocation of the hip. No functional changes occurred as a result of surgery. Hip dislocation was successfully prevented in 90% of the cases. The migration percentage was improved from 73% to 33%. In another 12 patients with total body involvement, adductor and iliopsoas release was performed to allow better hygiene and care and for pain relief. These goals were achieved; neither the Rancho-Los-Amigos function classification system nor X-rays were used to evaluate the results.

Scoliosis correction by Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. The effect of derotation and three dimensional correction.

In 30 patients undergoing Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation, computerized tomography was performed before and after surgery. The RAsag-angle was measured for each vertebral level. Coronal and sagittal translation were evaluated in the same computerized tomographic scans by means of a new method. Based on the hooks used, various sections of the spine were defined. In these sections relative rotation as well as relative sagittal and frontal translation were calculated by an algorithm comparing the most severely rotated or translated vertebra with the mean value of both end vertebrae. Significant correction of rotation did not occur in any of these sections. A significant increase of kyphosis, however, could be demonstrated in all thoracic sections. Above the second intermediate hook combined correction of all three parameters was achieved. Below this hook correction occurred almost independently in the frontal and sagittal planes.