Percutaneous instrumentation without arthrodesis for thoracolumbar burst fractures (a3/a4, b): a retrospective study / Instrumentação percutânea sem artrodese em fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão (a3/a4, b): estudo retrospectivo / Instrumentación percutánea sin artrodesis en fracturas toracolumbares del tipo explosión (a3/a4, b): estudio retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Objective: There is still no consensus as to the treatment options for thoracolumbar burst fractures, although these fractures are widely described in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous instrumentation without arthrodesis as a method of fixation of these lesions. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated 16 patients by measuring regional kyphosis using the Cobb method and the scores for quality of life and return to work (Oswestry Disability Index, VAS, SF-36 and Denis). Results: Six months after surgical treatment, 62.5% of all patients showed minimal disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index, maintenance of regional kyphosis correction and no synthesis failure. Conclusions: The clinical and radiological outcomes of the study suggest that minimally invasive fixation is indicated for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Level of evidence IV; Observational study: retrospective cohort.

RESUMO Objetivo: As fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão, embora amplamente descritas na literatura, permanecem sem consenso quanto às modalidades de tratamento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos da instrumentação percutânea sem artrodese como método de fixação dessas lesões. Métodos: O estudo transversal retrospectivo avaliou 16 pacientes por meio da aferição da cifose regional pelo método de Cobb e dos escores de qualidade de vida e retorno ao trabalho (Índice de Incapacidade de Oswestry, EVA, SF-36 e Denis). Resultados: Seis meses depois do tratamento cirúrgico, verificou-se 62,5% dos pacientes com incapacidade mínima segundo o Índice de Incapacidade Oswestry, manutenção da correção da cifose regional e ausência de falha da síntese. Conclusões: Os desfechos clínicos e radiológicos do estudo sugerem que a fixação minimamente invasiva é relevante para o tratamento das fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão. Nível de evidência IV; Estudo observacional: coorte retrospectiva.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Las fracturas toracolumbares del tipo explosión, aunque están ampliamente descritas en la literatura, siguen sin tener consenso en cuanto a las modalidades de tratamiento.. El obetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de la instrumentación percutánea sin artrodesis como método de fijación de estas lesiones. Métodos: El estudio transversal retrospectivo evaluó a 16 pacientes, midiendo la cifosis regional mediante el método de Cobb y las puntuaciones de calidad de vida y reincorporación al trabajo (Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry, VAS, SF-36 y Denis). Resultados: Seis meses después del tratamiento quirúrgico, el 62,5% de los pacientes presentaron discapacidad mínima según el Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry, mantenimiento de corrección de cifosis regional y ausencia de fallo de síntesis. Conclusiones: Los resultados clínicos y radiológicos del estudio sugieren que la fijación mínimamente invasiva es pertinente para el tratamiento de fracturas toracolumbares del tipo explosión. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudio observacional: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.

Toracolombar burst fractures and spinopelvic balance / Fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão e equilíbrio espinopélvico / Fractura toracolumbar del tipo explosión y equilibrio espinopélvico

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the spinopelvic parameters in patients with conservatively treated thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods Twenty-six patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated conservatively between 2008 and 2017 participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were acute burst-type fractures, located between T11 and L2, which compromised a single vertebral segment, did not present a neurological deficit, and had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up, excluding injuries that presented distraction or rotation, pathological fractures, and surgically treated cases. The sagittal and spinopelvic alignment parameters, including vertical sagittal axis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and regional kyphosis, were analyzed. Results The values obtained for the sample showed that there was an increase in regional kyphosis and that the mean sagittal parameters and lumbar lordosis were within the values considered normal in the literature. Conclusion Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated conservatively had no alterations in the spinopelvic parameters. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os parâmetros espinopélvicos de pacientes com fratura toracolombar tipo explosão tratados de modo conservador. Métodos Participaram do estudo 26 pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão tratados conservadoramente entre 2008 e 2017. Os critérios de inclusão consistiam em: fraturas tipo explosão agudas, localizadas entre T11 e L2, as quais comprometiam um único segmento vertebral, não apresentavam déficit neurológico e tinham no mínimo seis meses de acompanhamento, excluídas as lesões que apresentavam componente de distração, rotação, fraturas patológicas e casos tratados cirurgicamente. Foram analisados os parâmetros do alinhamento sagital e espinopélvico, incluindo o eixo sagital vertical, a inclinação sacral, a versão pélvica, a incidência pélvica, lordose lombar e cifose regional. Resultados Os valores obtidos na amostra demonstraram que houve aumento da cifose regional e que a média total dos parâmetros sagitais e de lordose lombar estão dentro dos valores considerados normais na literatura. Conclusões Os pacientes com fraturas toracolombares tipo explosão, tratados de modo conservador, não apresentaram alterações nos parâmetros espinopélvicos. Nível de evidência II; Estudo retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir los parámetros espinopélvicos de pacientes con fractura toracolumbar tipo explosión tratados de modo conservador. Métodos Participaron en el estudio 26 pacientes con fractura toracolumbar del tipo explosión, tratados conservadoramente entre 2008 y 2017. Los criterios de inclusión consistían en: fracturas tipo explosión agudas, localizadas entre T11 y L2, las cuales comprometían un único segmento vertebral, no presentaban déficit neurológico y tenían como mínimo 6 meses de acompañamiento,, excluidas las lesiones que presentaban componente de distracción, rotación, fracturas patológicas y casos tratados quirúrgicamente. Fueron analizados los parámetros de la alineación sagital y espinopélvica, incluyendo el eje sagital vertical, la inclinación sacral, la versión pélvica, la incidencia pélvica, lordosis lumbar y cifosis regional. Resultados Los valores obtenidos en la muestra demostraron que hubo aumento de la cifosis regional y que el promedio total de los parámetros sagitales y de lordosis lumbar están dentro de los valores considerados como normales en la literatura. Conclusiones Los pacientes con fracturas toracolumbares tipo explosión, tratados de modo conservador, no presentaron alteraciones en los parámetros espinopélvicos. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio retrospectivo.

Combined aerobic and resistance training improves respiratory and exercise outcomes more than aerobic training in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: In adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, does combined aerobic and resistance training improve respiratory function, perceived exertion and functional exercise capacity more than aerobic training only? DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Forty adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and formal indication for surgical correction (spinal curvature ≥ 45 deg). INTERVENTION: Both groups undertook three 60-minute training sessions per week for 12 weeks. The experimental group performed combined aerobic and resistance training and the control group performed only aerobic training. OUTCOME MEASURES: At baseline and upon completion of treatment, participants completed: a 6-minute walk test with Borg scale (0 to 10) rating of exertion, spirometry, maximal respiratory pressures and peak expiratory flow measurement. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of training, the experimental group improved more than the control group on the 6-minute walk test (MD 22 m, 95% CI 4 to 40), with lower perceived exertion at the end of the test (MD -1.2, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.4). The experimental group also improved more than the control group on several respiratory measures, including: FEV1 (MD 270 ml, 95% CI 30 to 510), maximal inspiratory pressure (MD 4 cmH2O, 95% CI 1 to 8) and peak expiratory flow (MD 33 l/minute, 95% CI 7 to 58). CONCLUSION: In adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, combined aerobic and resistance training improves functional exercise capacity and several respiratory outcomes more than a similar training regimen with aerobic training only. It is unclear whether the magnitude of the benefits is large enough to be worthwhile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02413788.

Evaluation of patients with subaxial cervical fractures by the new aospine classification / Avaliação de pacientes com fratura cervical subaxial por meio da nova classificação aospine / Evaluación de pacientes con fractura cervical subaxial por medio de la nueva clasificación aospine

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the profile of patients with fracture and / or dislocation of the subaxial cervical spine using the new AOSpine classification and to correlate it with the trauma mechanism and the type of neurological deficit. Methods: Analyses were performed of the medical records of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with fracture and / or subaxial cervical dislocation during the period from 2009 to 2016. For the evaluation of the association between the two categorical variables, the Chi-square test was used with a significance level of p <0.05. Results: A total of 67 medical records were analyzed, in which a higher prevalence of type C fractures (49.3%) was observed. The neurological subclassification N4 (35.8%) was the most prevalent type found, followed by subtype N0 (26.9%). Among the main injury mechanisms found, the most prevalent was the motorcycle accident (29.9%). There was no statistically significant association between the injury mechanism and the AOSpine morphological classification (p> 0.05) or neurological deficit (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Cervical fractures of type C, due to automobile accidents were the most prevalent. It was not possible to determine an association between the degree of neurological involvement and the morphology of the injury. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes com fratura e/ou luxação da coluna cervical subaxial por meio da nova classificação AOSpine e correlacionar com o mecanismo de trauma e o tipo de déficit neurológico. Métodos: Foram realizadas análises dos prontuários médicos dos pacientes admitidos em um hospital terciário com fratura e/ou luxação cervical subaxial entre o período de 2009 a 2016. Para a avaliação da associação entre as duas variáveis categóricas, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 67 prontuários, em que se obteve maior prevalência para as fraturas do tipo C (49,3%). A subclassificação neurológica N4 (35,8%) foi o tipo mais prevalente encontrado, seguido pelo subtipo N0 (26,9%). Entre os principais mecanismos de lesão encontrados, o mais prevalente foi o acidente motociclístico (29,9%). Não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre o mecanismo de lesão com a classificação morfológica AOSpine (p > 0,05) ou com o déficit neurológico (p > 0,05). Conclusão: As fraturas cervicais do tipo C, devido a acidentes automobilísticos, foram as mais prevalentes. Não foi possível obter associação entre o grau de acometimento neurológico e a morfologia da lesão. Nível de evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil de los pacientes con fractura y / o luxación de la columna cervical subaxial por medio de la nueva clasificación AOSpine y correlacionar con el mecanismo de trauma y el tipo de déficit neurológico. Métodos: Se realizaron análisis de los historiales médicos de los pacientes admitidos en un hospital terciario con fractura y/o luxación cervical subaxial entre el período de 2009 a 2016. Para la evaluación de la asociación entre dos variables categóricas, se utilizó el test Chi-cuadrado, con nivel de significancia de p <0,05. Resultados: Se analizaron 67 historiales, en que se obtuvo mayor prevalencia para las fracturas del tipo C (49,3%). La subclasificación neurológica N4 (35,8%) fue el tipo más prevalente encontrado, seguido del subtipo N0 (26,9%). Entre los principales mecanismos de lesión encontrados, el más prevalente fue el accidente motociclístico (29,9%). No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el mecanismo de lesión con la clasificación morfológica AOSpine (p> 0,05) o con el déficit neurológico (p> 0,05). Conclusión: Las fracturas cervicales del tipo C, debido a accidentes automovilísticos, fueron las más prevalentes. No fue posible obtener asociación entre el grado de afectación neurológica y la morfología de la lesión. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio retrospectivo.

Balloon Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Neoplastic Spine Lesions: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of kyphoplasty in controlling pain and improving quality of life in oncologic patients with metastatic spinal disease and pathologic compression fractures of the spine. METHODS: A literature search through medical database was conducted (using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and LILACS) for randomized controlled trials comparing balloon kyphoplasty versus the traditional treatment for compression fractures of the spine due to metastatic disease. Two investigators independently assessed all titles and abstracts to select potential articles to be included. Inclusion criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials involving patients with pathologic compression fractures due to spinal metastasis or multiple myeloma treated with balloon kyphoplasty procedure as one of the study interventions, while the control group was any other treatment modality. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed. RESULTS: Two studies, with a combined total of 181 patients, met inclusion criteria. Because of data heterogeneity, the meta-analysis was not possible, and individual analysis of studies was performed. There is moderate evidence that patients treated with balloon kyphoplasty displayed better scores for pain (Numeric Rating Scale), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey), and functional status (Karnofsky Performance Status) compared with those undergoing the conventional treatment. Patients treated with kyphoplasty also have better recovery of vertebral height. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that balloon kyphoplasty could be considered as an early treatment option for patients with symptomatic neoplastic spinal disease, although further randomized clinical trials should be performed for improvement of the quality of evidence.

Predictors for Postoperative Shoulder Balance in Lenke 1 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. OBJECTIVES: To determine the predictors of the shoulder balance after main thoracic (MT) fusion in patients with Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Imbalanced shoulders are a major cause of dissatisfaction in AIS patients. In Lenke 1 curves, MT curve fusion is supposed to lead to spontaneous correction of the proximal thoracic (PT) curve and thereby promote shoulder balance. However, this is not always observed. METHODS: Fifty-two Lenke 1 AIS patients who underwent MT fusion by a posterior approach were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and two years after the surgical procedure. The shoulder balance was determined using the biacromial angle. The clinical results were examined for their correlation with several radiographic measurements. RESULTS: Spontaneous correction of the PT Cobb angle after MT fusion was noted in 52% of cases, similar to that observed on preoperative bending films. A total of 51% of patients had unbalanced shoulders before surgery (right side higher). Two years after surgery, 30.77% showed unbalanced shoulders (p < .001). However, 17.1% of patients presented with a higher left shoulder, a reversion of the initial deformity. This phenomenon was more common among the patients with mild or no shoulder asymmetry (biacromial angle inferior to 1°) before surgery (p < .001). It was also determined that for each degree measured for the clavicle angle, there was an elevation of 0.14° for the ipsilateral shoulder. CONCLUSIONS: In Lenke 1 cases with higher right shoulder and absence of abnormalities in the sagittal plane view, the correction of the main right thoracic curve could be enough to balance the shoulders. No correlation was found between shoulder balance and the amount of correction of the PT and MT curves.

Respiratory muscle strength in idiopathic scoliosis after training program

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the impact of a physiotherapy protocol in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by manovacuometry. AIS may change the respiratory dynamics and the performance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles, affecting ventilatory capacity. Methods: Patients with AIS aged 10 to 20 years old were randomly assigned to receive an aerobic exercise-training program or no treatment. They were evaluated for respiratory muscle strength before and after the treatment period by means of manovacuometry, thorax and spine radiographs. Physical therapy exercising protocol comprised three weekly sessions including stretching and aerobic exercises during four months. Results: Forty five patients received physical therapy and 45 patients received no treatment (control group). The mean maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) was -52.13 cm H20 and the maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax) was 62.38 cm H20. There was a significant increase of Pimax and Pemax (p=0,000) in the group receiving physical therapy. There were no drop-outs and no adverse events in this study. Respiratory muscle strength, scoliosis and kyphosis degrees were not statistically correlated. Conclusion: Exercising is beneficial to patients with AIS, who have shown significant increases in respiratory muscle strength after physical therapy. There was no correlation between respiratory pressure and spine deformity. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.

Retrospective comparative analysis of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture: short versus long fixation / Análise retrospectiva comparativa do tratamento cirúrgico da fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão: fixação curta versus longa / Análisis retrospectivo comparativo del tratamiento quirúrgico de fractura toracolumbar por explosión: fijación corta versus larga

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to compare short posterior fixation to long posterior fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods: Fifty-three patients were divided into Group I (n=24) treated with short instrumentation (one level above and one below the fracture) and into Group II (n=29) treated with long instrumentation (two or more levels above and below the fracture). The load sharing classification was used to stratify cases. The evaluation of the sagittal index was performed using the Cobb method. Results: In subgroups with load sharing classification ≤ 6, Group I had loss of correction of 4.2 degrees and a procedure failure in 14.3% of cases, Group II showed loss of correction of 5.4 degrees and failure in 21.7% of cases. In subgroups with load sharing classification ≥7, Group I had a loss of correction of 11.2 degrees and procedure failure in 70% of cases, and Group II showed a loss of correction of 9 degrees and failure of 46.7%. Group I had a tendency to worse outcomes, especially in the subgroup of patients with load sharing classification ≥7. Conclusion: Despite the tendency for poorer results in the short fixation group in the cases with load sharing ≥7, in no sample was there statistically significant difference between the groups studied.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar fixação posterior curta e longa em fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão. Métodos: Cinquenta e três pacientes foram divididos em Grupo I (n = 24), tratados com instrumentação curta (um nível acima e um abaixo da fratura) e Grupo II (n = 29), tratados com instrumentação longa (dois ou mais níveis acima e abaixo da fratura). A classificação Load Sharing foi utilizada para estratificar os casos. A avaliação do índice sagital foi realizada pelo método de Cobb. Resultados: Nos subgrupos com classificação Load Sharing ≤ 6, o Grupo I teve perda da correção de 4,2 graus e uma falha do procedimento em 14,3% dos casos, o Grupo II apresentou perda da correção de 5,4 graus e falha de procedimento em 21,7% dos casos. Nos subgrupos com classificação Load Sharing ≥ 7, o Grupo I teve perda da correção de 11,2 graus e falha do procedimento em 70% dos casos, o Grupo II apresentou perda da correção de 9 graus e falha de 46,7%. O Grupo I apresentou tendência a piores resultados, principalmente no subgrupo dos pacientes que apresentavam classificação Load Sharing ≥ 7. Conclusão: Apesar da tendência de piores resultados no grupo de fixação curta nos casos com Load Sharing ≥7, em nenhuma avaliação desta amostra houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos estudados.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la fijación posterior corta y larga en fracturas toracolumbares del tipo explosión. Métodos: Cincuenta y tres pacientes se dividieron en el Grupo I (n = 24) tratados con instrumentación corta (un nivel por encima y por debajo de la fractura) y el Grupo II (n = 29) tratados con instrumentación larga (dos o más niveles por encima y por debajo de la fractura). La clasificación Load Sharing se utilizó para estratificar los casos. La evaluación del índice sagital se realizó mediante el método de Cobb. Resultados: En los subgrupos de la clasificación Load Sharing ≤ 6, el Grupo I tuvo pérdida de corrección de 4,2 grados y un fracaso del procedimiento en el 14,3% de los casos, el Grupo II mostró pérdida de corrección de 5,4 grados y falla de procedimiento de 21,7% de los casos. En los subgrupos de clasificación Load Sharing ≥ 7, el Grupo I tenía pérdida de corrección de 11,2 grados y falla del procedimiento en el 70% de los casos, el Grupo II presentó pérdida de corrección de 9 grados y falla del 46,7%. El Grupo I presentó tendencia a peores resultados, especialmente en el subgrupo de pacientes con clasificación Load Sharing ≥ 7. Conclusiones: Apesar de la tendencia de peores resultados en el grupo de fijación corta en los casos con Load Sharing > 7, en ninguna evaluación de esta muestra hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos estudiados

Nonoperative versus operative treatment of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis / Tratamento conservador versus cirúrgico de pacientes com espondilolistese degenerativa / Tratamiento conservador contra quirúrgico de pacientes con espondilolistesis degenerativa

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate clinical and functional results of patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with operatively or nonoperatively. Methods: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis treated either nonoperatively or operatively from 2004 to 2014 were selected from databases and a cross-sectional evaluation was performed. Outcome measures included back and leg visual analogue scales (VAS), Fischgrund criteria, Short Form-36 (SF-36) function score, and the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: 43 patients were evaluated: 20 with nonoperative treatment and 23 with operative treatment. Baseline characteristics were similar without significant differences between groups. Mean follow-up time was 43 months (range 10 - 72) for the nonoperative group and 36 months (range 6-80) for the operative group. Significant statistical difference in favor of operative group were found in back VAS (mean 4 versus 8, p = 0.000), leg VAS (mean 3 versus 6, p = 0.0015), SF-36 function score (mean 77 versus 35, p = 0.000), and ODI (mean 17 versus 46, p = 0.000). On the basis of the Fischgrund criteria, only 10 % of patients reported excellent or good health post nonoperative treatment versus 83% for those treated operatively (p = 0.000). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we observed that symptomatic patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent operative treatment have superior clinical and functional scores compared to those that underwent nonoperative treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e funcionais dos pacientes com espondilolistese degenerativa lombar tratados de maneira conservadora ou cirúrgica. Métodos: Foram selecionados pacientes com espondilolistese degenerativa tratados conservadoramente ou submetidos à cirurgia, durante 2004-2014, à partir da coleta de dados que possibilitou a realização da avaliação transversal. As medidas de avaliação da dor lombar e das pernas foram escalas analógicas visuais (VAS), critérios Fischgrund, Short Form-36 (SF-36) pontuação funcional, e o Índice de Incapacidade Oswestry modificado (ODI). Resultados: 43 pacientes foram avaliados: 20 do tratamento conservador e 23 do tratamento cirúrgico. As características de base foram similares, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 43 meses (intervalo 10-72) para o grupo não-cirúrgico e 36 meses (intervalo 6-80) para o grupo cirúrgico. Diferenças estatísticas significativas em favor do grupo cirúrgico foram encontrados no VAS lombar (média de 4 versus 8, p = 0,000), VAS pernas (média 3 contra 6, p = 0,0015), SF-36 pontuação funcional (média 77 versus 35, p = 0,000), e ODI (média 17 versus 46, p = 0,000). Com base nos critérios Fischgrund, apenas 10% dos pacientes relataram excelente ou boa saúde de após o tratamento conservador contra 83% para aqueles tratados no cirúrgico (p = 0,000). Conclusão: Neste estudo transversal, observou-se que os pacientes sintomáticos com espondilolistese degenerativa que se submeteram ao tratamento cirúrgico têm escores clínicos e funcionais superiores em comparação àqueles que foram submetidos a tratamento conservador.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes con espondilolistesis degenerativa lumbar tratados quirúrgicamente o sin cirugía. Métodos: Se realizó una evaluación transversal de los pacientes con espondilolistesis degenerativa, registrados en la base de datos, tratados conservador o quirúrgicamente desde 2004 hasta 2014. Las medidas de desenlace incluyeron: Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) de dolor lumbar y las piernas, criterios de Fischgrund, Short Form-36 (SF-36) e Índice de Discapacidad Oswestry modificado (IDO). Resultados: Se evaluaron 43 pacientes: 20 con tratamiento no quirúrgico y 23 con tratamiento quirúrgico. Las características de base fueron similares, sin diferencias significativas entre los grupos. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 43 meses (rango 10-72) para el grupo no quirúrgico y 36 meses (rango 6-80) para el grupo quirúrgico. Diferencias estadísticamente significativas a favor del grupo quirúrgico fueron encontrados en EVA lumbar (media 4 contra 8, p=0,000), EVA pierna (media 3 contra 6, p=0,0015), SF-36 función (media 77 contra 35, p=0,000), e IDO (media 17 contra 46, p=0,000). Con respecto a los criterios de Fischgrund, sólo el 10% de los pacientes del grupo que recibió tratamiento no quirúrgico informo excelente o buen estado de salud en comparación con 83% de los que recibieron manejo quirúrgico (p = 0,000) Conclusión: En este estudio de corte transversal, se observó que los pacientes sintomáticos con espondilolistesis degenerativa que se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico tienen puntuaciones clínicas y funcionales superiores en comparación con los que se sometieron a tratamiento no quirúrgico.

RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS AFTER TRAINING PROGRAM.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of a physiotherapy protocol in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by manovacuometry. AIS may change the respiratory dynamics and the performance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles, affecting ventilatory capacity. METHODS: Patients with AIS aged 10 to 20 years old were randomly assigned to receive an aerobic exercise-training program or no treatment. They were evaluated for respiratory muscle strength before and after the treatment period by means of manovacuometry, thorax and spine radiographs. Physical therapy exercising protocol comprised three weekly sessions including stretching and aerobic exercises during four months. RESULTS: Forty five patients received physical therapy and 45 patients received no treatment (control group). The mean maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) was -52.13 cm H20 and the maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax) was 62.38 cm H20. There was a significant increase of Pimax and Pemax (p=0,000) in the group receiving physical therapy. There were no drop-outs and no adverse events in this study. Respiratory muscle strength, scoliosis and kyphosis degrees were not statistically correlated. CONCLUSION: Exercising is beneficial to patients with AIS, who have shown significant increases in respiratory muscle strength after physical therapy. There was no correlation between respiratory pressure and spine deformity. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.

Analysis of interbody versus posterolateral fusion for lumbar spondylosis / Análise da artrodese vertebral intersomática versus posterolateral na espondilose lombar / Análisis de la fusión intersomática versus posterolateral en la espondilosis lumbar

Objective : To evaluate and compare radiographic and clinical evaluation of patients undergoing interbody fusion versus posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine. Methods : Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis that were surgically treated in the period from 2012 to 2014. The results were observed by clinical evaluation by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain. We evaluated functional results and quality of life through the application of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, respectively. The pre and postoperative condition were compared in Group 1 (interbody fusion) and Group 2 (posterolateral fusion), in addition to evaluation of fusion by means of post-operative radiograph. Results : A total of 30 patients of 36 were eligible, 12 in Group 1 and 18 in Group 2. The mean follow-up was 10.1 months. Statistical analysis showed similar scores for back and leg pain VAS, SF-36 function scores and Oswestry between groups with interbody and posterolateral fusion, and compared within these groups regarding the pre- and postoperative condition, and found no statistical significance. The successful fusion was similar in both groups, with 11 of 12 patients in Group 1 showing bone fusion and 17 of 18 in Group 2 showing arthrodesis. Conclusion : No clinical or radiographic differences between patients who underwent posterolateral or interbody fusion were observed. Both methods showed improvement in functional outcome and pain reduction.

Objetivo : Avaliar e comparar a evolução radiográfica e clínica dos pacientes submetidos à artrodese intersomática em comparação com a posterolateral na coluna lombar. Métodos : Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico de espondilose lombar, submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico no período de 2012 a 2014. Os resultados foram observados por avaliação clínica pela aplicação da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) para dor com relação à dor lombar e nos membros inferiores. Foram avaliados resultados funcionais e de qualidade de vida através dos questionários Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) e o Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectivamente. A situação pré e pós-operatória foi comparada no Grupo 1 (artrodese intersomática) e no Grupo 2 (artrodese posterolateral), além da avaliação da fusão por meio de radiografia pós-operatória. Resultados : Foram avaliados 30 pacientes de 36 elegíveis, sendo 12 do Grupo 1 e 18 do Grupo 2. O seguimento médio dos pacientes foi de 10,1 meses. Os resultados da análise estatística mostraram pontuações semelhantes para EVA lombar, EVA na perna, função no SF-36 e Oswestry entre os grupos com artrodese intersomática e posterolateral, assim como na comparação dentro desses grupos referente ao estado pré e pós-operatório, sem significância estatística. A fusão bem-sucedida foi semelhante nos grupos, com 11 de 12 no Grupo 1 mostrando sucesso e 17 de 18 no Grupo 2 também evidenciando artrodese. Conclusão: Não foram observadas diferenças clínicas ou radiográficas entre pacientes submetidos à artrodese intersomática e posterolateral. Ambos os métodos apresentaram melhora no resultado funcional e na redução da dor.

Objetivo : Examinar y comparar la evaluación radiográfica y clínica de los pacientes sometidos a la fusión intersomática frente a la fusión posterolateral de la columna lumbar. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes diagnosticados con espondilosis lumbar que fueron tratados quirúrgicamente en el período desde 2012 hasta 2014. Se observaron los resultados de la evaluación clínica por la Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) para el dolor en relación con el dolor de lumbar y de los miembros inferiores. Evaluamos el resultado funcional y la calidad de vida por medio de los cuestionarios Índice Discapacidad de Oswestry (ODI) y el Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectivamente. Antes y después de la intervención se compararon el Grupo 1 (fusión intersomática) y Grupo 2 (artrodesis posterolateral), además de la evaluación de la fusión a través de la radiografía postoperatoria. Resultados : Un total de 30 pacientes de 36 elegibles, 12 en el Grupo 1 y 18 en el Grupo 2. El seguimiento medio de los pacientes fue de 10,1 meses. Los resultados del análisis estadístico mostraron puntuaciones similares para EVA lumbar, EVA de las extremidades inferiores, SF-36 y Oswestry entre los grupos con artrodesis intersomática y artrodesis posterolateral, así como la comparación dentro de estos grupos en relación con el estado de pre y postoperatorio y sin significación estadística. La fusión fue similar en ambos grupos con 11 de 12 en el Grupo 1 que tuvieron éxito y 17 de 18 en el Grupo 2 que presentaron artrodesis. Conclusión : No se observaron diferencias clínicas o radiográficas entre los pacientes sometidos a artrodesis intersomática y posterolateral. Ambos métodos mostraron una mejoría en los resultados funcionales y la reducción del dolor.

Surgical vs. conservative treatment for degenerative lumbar stenosis / Tratamento cirúrgico vs. conservador de estenose lombar degenerativa / Tratamiento quirúrgico vs. conservador para la estenosis lumbar degenerativa

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes between patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis who were treated by decompression with those awaiting the same kind of treatment for the disease. METHODS: Retrospective study which divided patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis with surgical indication in 2 groups, operated and awaiting the procedure. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, visual analog scale and SF36 were applied. RESULTS: Twelve operated patients and 18 awaiting the procedure were included. The average age of those operated was 59 years (43-70), and 55 (37-82) (p=0.3) for those awaiting surgery. The operated group had a mean ODI of 38.67 against 59.72 (p<0.05) in the non-operated group. The pain analog scale had lumbar result of 5.33 and pain radiating to the lower limbs of 3.83 in operated patients, against 6.78 (p>0.05) and 7.22 (p<0.05) in the awaiting surgery patients, respectively. As for the SF36 scale, functional capacity, limitations due to physical aspects and pain had an average score of 36.25, 19.58 and 21.67 in the operated group against 35.94, 27.50 and 32.61 in the awaiting group (p>0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: The operated patients showed improvement of referred pain in the lower limbs (leg VAS) and improved function (Oswestry), however showed no significant change in quality of life according to SF36 scale and low back pain (lumbar VAS) were found.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar os resultados clínicos entre os pacientes com estenose lombar degenerativa que foram tratados por descompressão com aqueles que aguardam o mesmo tipo de tratamento para a doença. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que dividiu os pacientes com estenose lombar degenerativa com indicação cirúrgica em dois grupos, operados e que aguardam o procedimento. Foram aplicados o questionário Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Escala Visual Analógica e SF36. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 12 pacientes operados e 18 pacientes que aguardam o procedimento. A média de idade dos operados foi 59 anos (43-70) e a dos que aguardam a cirurgia foi 55 (37-82) (p = 0,3). O grupo operado teve ODI médio de 38,67 contra 59,72 dos que aguardavam (p < 0,05). A escala analógica da dor teve resultado lombar de 5,33 e de dor irradiada para os membros inferiores de 3,83 nos operados, contra 6,78 (p > 0,05) e 7,22 (p < 0,05), respectivamente, no grupo que aguarda cirurgia. Quanto à escala SF36, capacidade funcional, limitação por aspectos físicos e dor tiveram resultado médio de 36,25, 19,58 e 21,67 nos pacientes operados contra 35,94, 27,50 e 32,61, respectivamente, nos ainda não operados (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes operados apresentaram melhora da dor reflexa nos membros inferiores (VAS Perna) e melhora na função (Oswestry), porém não demonstraram alteração significativa da qualidade de vida segundo a escala SF36 e dor lombar (VAS Lombar).

OBJETIVOS: Comparar los resultados clínicos entre los pacientes con estenosis lumbar degenerativa tratados mediante descompresión y los que esperan el procedimiento para la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que dividió a los pacientes con estenosis degenerativa lumbar con indicación quirúrgica en dos grupos, operado y en espera del procedimiento. Se aplicaron el cuestionario de Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), el SF36 y la escala visual analógica (EVA). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 12 pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico y 18 pacientes en espera de la cirugía. La edad media de los operados fue de 59 años (43-70), y de los que esperaban el procedimiento fue de 55 (37-82) (p = 0,3). El grupo operado tuvo ODI promedio de 38.67 contra 59.72 del grupo de espera (p < 0,05). La escala analógica del dolor lumbar tuvo resultado de 5,33 y el dolor que se irradia a las extremidades inferiores de 3,83 en los operados contra 6,78 (p > 0,05) y 7,22 (p < 0,05), respectivamente, en el grupo de espera de la cirugía. En cuanto a la escala SF-36, la capacidad funcional, las limitaciones debidas a aspectos físico y el dolor tuvieron puntuación media de 36,25, 19,58 y 21,67 en pacientes operados contra 35,94, 27,50 y 32,61, respectivamente, en los que esperan la cirugía (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes operados mostraron una mejoría del dolor referido en las extremidades inferiores (EVA de la pierna) y mejoría de la función (Oswestry). Sin embargo, no se observaron cambios significativos con respecto al dolor lumbar (EVA lumbar) ni en la calidad de vida medida a través del cuestionario SF-36.

Improved diagnosis of infection associated with osteosynthesis by use of sonication of fracture fixation implants.

Previous studies have shown that sonication fluid cultures from removed orthopedic devices improved the microbiological diagnosis of orthopedic implant-associated infections; however, few of these investigations have applied sonication to the removed fracture fixation devices to evaluate its utility for the diagnosis of osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI). We compared sonication fluid to conventional tissue cultures from 180 subjects with different sizes of plates and screws (n = 156), spinal implants (n = 26), and intramedullary nails (n = 3), of whom 125 and 55 subjects had OAI and noninfected osteosynthesis (NIO), respectively. The sensitivity for detecting OAI was 90.4% for sonication fluid culture and 56.8% for periprosthetic tissue cultures (P < 0.05), and the specificities were 90.9% and 96.4%, respectively. Sonication fluid culture detected more pathogens than peri-implant tissue culture (113 versus 71; P < 0.001), while polymicrobial infections were diagnosed by sonication fluid cultures and tissue cultures in 20.8% and 8% (P < 0.001), respectively. Microbiological diagnosis was achieved exclusively by sonication fluid cultures for 47 (90.4%) subjects, and among them, 18 (38.3%) had previously received antibiotics, whereas in five (9.6%) infected subjects, tissue culture was positive and the sonication fluid culture was negative. Among 39 (31.2%) OAI cases receiving antibiotics, the identification of the organisms occurred in 38.5% and 82.1% of the tissue and sonication fluid cultures, respectively (P < 0.049). We demonstrated that sonication fluid culture from removed osteosyntheses has the potential for improving the microbiological diagnosis of OAI.

Analysis of musculoskeletal changes in patients with postural roundback / Análise das alterações musculoesqueléticas do paciente com dorso curvo postural / Análisis de las alteraciones musculoesqueléticas en pacientes con dorso curvo postural

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and radiographic changes in patients with postural rounded upper back. METHODS: 30 patients diagnosed with postural rounded upper back were studied, being 22 male and eight female, aged between 10 and 20 years, referred by the outpatient clinic of the Grupo de Cirurgia da Coluna of the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Patients underwent assessment of posture, special tests to check for muscle retractions and radiographic examination to measure the curvatures of spine using the Cobb method. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: It is concluded that in the postural roundback there is a moderate increase of the thoracic kyphosis; the lumbar and cervical curvatures do not increase as a compensatory mechanism; the head appears anteriorized and the shoulder is also anteriorized and medially rotated; muscle retractions are present in the hamstrings, hip flexors, pectoralis minor and adductors of the shoulder muscles; the mobility of the lumbar spine is preserved and there is no relationship between the magnitude of thoracic curvature and the retraction of the hamstring muscles. .

OBJETIVO: Analisar as alterações clínicas e radiográficas do paciente com dorso curvo postural. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de dorso curvo postural, sendo 22 do sexo masculino e oito do feminino, com idades entre 10 e 20 anos, encaminhados pelo ambulatório do Grupo de Cirurgia da Coluna da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da postura, a testes especiais para verificar as retrações musculares e a exame radiográfico para mensurar as curvaturas da coluna vertebral pelo método de Cobb. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que no dorso curvo postural existe um aumento moderado da cifose torácica; as curvaturas lombar e cervical não aumentam como mecanismo compensatório; a cabeça apresenta-se anteriorizada e os ombros anteriorizados e rodados medialmente; as retrações musculares estão presentes nos músculos isquiotibiais, flexores do quadril, peitoral menor e adutores do ombro; a mobilidade da coluna lombar está preservada e não existe relação entre a magnitude da curvatura torácica e a retração dos músculos isquiotibiais. .

OBJETIVO: Analizar las características clínicas y radiológicas del paciente con dorso curvo postural. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 30 pacientes con diagnóstico de dorso curvado postural, siendo 22 hombres y ocho mujeres, con edades entre 10 y 20 años, encaminados por el ambulatorio del Grupo de Cirurgia da Coluna da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Los pacientes se sometieron a la evaluación de la postura, pruebas especiales para detectar las retracciones musculares y examen radiográfico para medir las curvaturas de la columna vertebral por el método de Cobb. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye que en el dorso curvado postural hay un aumento moderado de la cifosis torácica; las curvaturas lumbar y cervical no aumentan como mecanismo compensatorio; la cabeza se presenta anteriorizada y el hombro también es anteriorizado y con rotación medial; las retracciones musculares están presentes en los músculos isquiotibiales, flexores de la cadera, pectoral menor y aductores del hombro; la movilidad de la columna lumbar se conserva preservada y no hay relación entre la magnitud de la curvatura torácica y la retracción de los músculos isquiotibiales. .

Effect of a preoperative protocol of aerobic physical therapy on the quality of life of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized clinical study.

Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have lower potential for physical activity because of lung dysfunction and lower muscle strength, which can be reversed by the cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal conditioning provided by standardized physical activities. We conducted a study to determine if a preoperative protocol of aerobic exercise would improve quality of life (QoL) both before and after training and if there would be any differences between patients who received the therapy and those who did not. Patients with the indication of surgical correction of AIS were randomized to receive or not receive a 4-month preoperative course of aerobic physical training. At baseline and after 4 months, they were evaluated with the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). QoL scores improved for the study group but did not change for the control group. In all QoL domains, the study group's mean score increased significantly between baseline and 4 months. We concluded that the proposed preoperative physical therapy protocol improved the QoL of patients with AIS.

Medial patellofemoral ligament anatomy: is it a predisposing factor for lateral patellar dislocation?

PURPOSE: Because the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary restraint to lateral dislocation of the patella, we aimed, in this controlled study, to verify whether the MPFL with different measurements could be considered another predisposing factor for patellar dislocation. METHODS: A group of 100 consecutive individuals without the criteria for patellar dislocation (trochlear dysplasia, patella alta and lateral patellar tilt) was recruited as a control group and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study and another group of 50 patients with patellar instability. Femoral condyles, interepicondylar distance, length and thickness of the MPFL were measured. RESULTS: In the control group, the MPFL was 38-60 mm long. Individuals with patellar instability who had no episode of patellar dislocation had a 4.11-mm longer ligament than controls (p = 0.032), while patients with instability with a previous history of dislocation had a 13.54-mm longer MPFL than controls (p < 0.001). Thickness of the MPFL at the patellar insertion was lower in individuals with patellar instability with a history of dislocation (p < 0.001). An instability coefficient (IC) less than 1.3 indicates that the MPFL is insufficient. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with patellar instability and previous patellar dislocation present with longer MPFL when compared to controls, and an associated IC less than 1.3 can be considered a predisposing factor for patellar dislocation. Treatment of patellar instability is a challenge, and it is difficult to identify what is the predisposing factor. This study has verified the measurements of the MPFL for the first time and presents values of thickness and length that can be considered as indications for surgical reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Radiographic evaluation of the use of transverse traction device in vertebral arthrodesis for degenerative diseases / Avaliação radiográfica do uso do dispositivo de traço transversa nas artrodeses vertebrais de patologias degenerativas / Evaluación radiográfica de la utilización del dispositivo de tracción transversal en la artrodesis vertebral para las enfermedades degenerativas

OBJECTIVE: Perform radiographic analysis of the use of Transverse Traction Device (DTT) with respect to fusion rate in patients submitted to vertebral arthrodesis for degenerative lumbar diseases. METHODS: We selected x-ray images on anteroposterior, lateral and oblique views and with maximum flexion and extension dynamics of 23 patients submitted to posterolateral arthrodesis of the lumbar spine with a minimum follow-up period of six months. The images were evaluated and classified by the Linovitz's system by two spine surgeons. RESULTS: We evaluated the radiographs of 23 patients after the minimum postoperative period of 6 months and of these, 11 have used DTT. With regard to the consolidation rate, seven patients (63.6%) in the group of DTT were classified as fusion as well as six patients (50%) who were not submitted to the treatment. There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding the consolidation rate. CONCLUSION: The use of transverse traction device in this study showed no significant difference in the rate of consolidation in radiographic evaluation. Studies on the effective participation of this device in the stability of pedicle fixation systems are still lacking in the literature. .

OBJETIVO: Realizar análise radiográfica do uso do dispositivo de tração transversa (DTT) quanto a taxa de consolidação em pacientes submetidos à artrodese vertebral da coluna lombar em patologias degenerativas. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas radiografias nas incidências anteroposterior, perfil, oblíquas e dinâmicas em flexão e extensão máxima de 23 pacientes submetidos à artrodese posterolateral da coluna lombar com seguimento pós-operatório mínimo de seis meses. As imagens foram avaliadas e classificadas pelo sistema de Linovitz, por dois cirurgiões de coluna. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos as radiografias de 23 pacientes no pós-operatório mínimo de 6 meses sendo que destes, 11 fizeram uso do DTT. Quanto à taxa de consolidação foram classificados como fusão sete pacientes (63,6%) no grupo que recebeu o DTT e seis pacientes (50%) naqueles em que o dispositivo não foi utilizado. Não observamos diferença estatística entre os grupos quanto à taxa de consolidação. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização do dispositivo de tração transversa neste estudo não apresentou diferença significativa quanto à taxa de consolidação na avaliação radiográfica. Ainda faltam na literatura estudos sobre a efetiva participação deste dispositivo na estabilidade dos sistemas de fixação pedicular. .

OBJETIVO: Análisis del uso del dispositivo de tracción transversal (DTT) respecto a la tasa de consolidación en las enfermedades degenerativas de la columna vertebral en pacientes sometidos a la artrodesis, a partir del estudio de los resultados radiológicos. MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron radiografías de la zona anteroposterior, oblicua y de perfil, así como, dinámicas de la flexión y extensión máxima, de 23 pacientes sometidos a la operación quirúrgica de artrodesis posterolateral de la columna lumbar, con un mínimo de seis meses después de la realización de la cirugía. Las imágenes fueron evaluadas y clasificadas mediante el sistema de Linovitz por dos cirujanos de columna. RESULTADOS: Evaluamos las radiografías de 23 pacientes después de la cirugía, mínimo de seis meses después y en 11 de los 23 pacientes anteriormente mencionados, se usó DTT. En cuanto a la tasa de consolidación, siete pacientes (63,6%) fueron clasificados como de fusión en el grupo con la DTT, así como seis pacientes (50%) del grupo en el que no se utilizó el tratamiento. Por lo tanto, no se observó diferencia estadística entre los grupos respecto a la tasa de consolidación en el análisis radiográfico. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del dispositivo de tracción transversal en este estudio no mostró diferencias significativas con respecto a la tasa de consolidación radiográfica. Además, no existen todavía estudios suficientes sobre la efectiva participación de este dispositivo en la estabilidad de los sistemas de fijación pedicular. .

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: sagital plane and low density pedicle screws / Escoliose idiopática do adolescente: plano sagital e baixa densidade metálica de parafusos pediculares / Escoliosis idiopática del adolescente: el plano sagital y tornillos pediculares metálico de baja densidad

OBJECTIVE: To examine the sagittal curves of patients treated with CD instrumentation using exclusively pedicle screws. METHODS: Image analysis of medical records of 27 patients (26 M and 1 F) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, who underwent surgical treatment in our service between January 2005 and December 2010. The curves were evaluated on coronal and sagittal planes, taking into account the potential correction of the technique. RESULTS: In the coronal plan the following curves were evaluated: proximal thoracic (TPx), main thoracic (TPp), and thoracolumbar; lumbar (TL, L), and the average flexibility was 52%, 52%, and 92% and the capacity of correction was 51%, 72%, and 64%, respectively. In the sagittal plane there was a mean increase in thoracic kyphosis (CT) of 41% and an average reduction of lumbar lordosis (LL) of 17%. Correlation analysis between variables showed Pearson coefficient of correlation of 0.053 and analysis of dispersion of R2 = <0.001. CONCLUSION: The method has shown satisfactory results with maintenance of kyphosis correction in patients with normal and hyper kyphotic deformities. .

OBJETIVO: Analisar as curvas sagitais dos pacientes tratados com instrumentação de CD com uso exclusivo de parafusos pediculares. MÉTODO: Análise de prontuário de imagem de 27 pacientes (26 M e 1 F), com seguimento mínimo de 6 meses, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico no serviço entre Janeiro 2005 e Dezembro de 2010. As curvas foram avaliadas no plano coronal e sagital, levando em consideração o potencial de correção da técnica. RESULTADOS: Plano coronal: Avaliadas as curvas: torácicas proximais (TPx), torácicas principais (TPp) e toracolombares; lombares (TL;L), flexibilidade média de 52%, 52% e 92% e capacidade de correção de 51%, 72% e 64% respectivamente. No plano sagital observou-se aumento médio da cifose torácica (CT) de 41% e diminuição média da lordose lombar (LL) de 17%. Análise de correlação entre as variáveis demonstrou teste de Pearson (0,053) e análise de dispersão (R2 = <0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O método demonstrou resultados satisfatórios com manutenção da correção da cifose em pacientes com deformidades normocifóticas e hipercifóticas. .

OBJETIVO: Analizar las curvas sagitales de los pacientes tratados con instrumentación CD exclusivamente con tornillos pediculares. MÉTODOS: Análisis de las imágenes de los registros clínicos de 27 pacientes (26 H y 1 M) con un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses, que fueron sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico en nuestro servicio, entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2010. Las curvas se evaluaron en planos coronales y sagitales, teniendo en cuenta el potencial de corrección de la técnica. RESULTADOS: En el plan coronal se evaluaron las siguientes curvas: torácica proximal (TPx), torácica principal (TPP), y toracolumbar; lumbar (TL, L), y la flexibilidad promedio fue de 52%, 52%, y 92% y la capacidad de corrección fue de 51%, 72% y 64%, respectivamente. En el plano sagital, se produjo un incremento medio de la cifosis torácica (CT) de 41% y una reducción media de la lordosis lumbar (LL) de 17%. El análisis de correlación entre las variables mostró coeficiente de correlación de Pearson of 0,053 y el análisis de la dispersión fue R2 = <0,001. CONCLUSIÓN: El método mostró resultados satisfactorios con el mantenimiento de la corrección de la cifosis en pacientes con deformidades hipercifóticas y normocifóticas. .

Prospective evaluation of quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient quality of life before and after surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and determine whether an association exists between quality of life and curve magnitude, curve correction, and type of instrumentation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Assessment of AIS surgery outcomes has always been based on analysis of radiographic measurements and postoperative curve correction. However, there is a current trend toward greater emphasis on patient-centered outcomes. Assessment of treatment success on the basis of these outcomes requires prospective use of quality-of-life surveys before and after AIS treatment. METHODS: Prospective study of 33 patients undergoing surgical treatment of AIS. Mean age was 15.6 years and mean Cobb angle was 70.5 degrees. Patients were randomly allocated into one of 2 instrumentation groups (hybrid and pedicle screws alone), and the Scoliosis Research Society-30 questionnaire (SRS-30) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Statistical testing was performed to determine whether survey scores correlated with Cobb angle, curve correction, or type of instrumentation. RESULTS: SRS-30 and SF-36 scores improved significantly. The greatest changes occurred in the self-image and satisfaction with management domains of the SRS-30 survey. SRS-30 and SF-36 scores showed worsening pain and decreased function at 3-month follow-up, but significant improvement from baseline at 12 months. Total SRS-30 scores were significantly improved at 6- and 12-month follow-up, as were subscores in the general health, vitality, and social functioning domains of SF-36. Curve magnitude, percent curve correction, and type of instrumentation had no significant influence on final SRS-30 and SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of AIS improved patient quality of life, as shown by significant improvement on all SRS-30 and SF-36 domains. Questionnaire scores did not correlate with Cobb angle, curve correction, or type of instrumentation.

Kyphosis in fractures: evaluation of digital measuring / Cifose em fraturas: avaliação da aferição digital / Cifosis en fracturas: evaluación de la medición digital

Objective: This study evaluates the manual and digital reliability and reproducibility of five methods of measuring deformity (kyphosis) in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Method: Ninety (90) tomographic images were evaluated and, in each case, kyphotic deformity was measured, both manually and digitally, through the five most relevant methods described in the literature. For the assessment of intraobserver error, 20 cases were measured again. Results: The results show that all five methods are highly reliable and digitally reproducible, with estimated error near or lower than that indicated in the intraobserver error analysis. Cobb's method had the highest concordance (96%) while the sagittal index had the lowest concordance (75%). It is also suggested that digital assessment is more reliable then the manual method. Conclusion: All tested methods are highly reliable and digitally reproducible.

Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade manual e digital dos cinco métodos de aferição da deformidade (cifose) na fratura toracolombar tipo explosão. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 90 imagens tomográficas e, em cada caso, foi medido o valor angular da deformidade em cifose, tanto de forma manual como de forma digital, através dos cinco métodos mais relevantes descritos na literatura atual. Foram novamente aferidos 20 exames para avaliação do erro intraexaminador. Resultados: Todos os cinco métodos são altamente confiáveis e reprodutíveis de forma digital, com erro estimado próximo ou menor que o apontado na análise do erro intraexaminador, sendo o método de Cobb o de maior concordância (96%) e o índice sagital, o de menor concordância (75%). Sugere-se também que a aferição digital tenha confiabilidade superior à aferição manual. Conclusão: Todos os métodos testados são altamente confiáveis e reprodutíveis na forma digital.

Objetivo: Evaluar la fiabilidad y reproducibilidad manual y digital de los cinco métodos de medición de la deformidad (cifosis) en las fracturas toracolumbares por explosión. Métodos: Fueron evaluadas 90 imágenes de tomografía computadorizada y, en cada caso, se midió el valor angular de la deformidad cifótica, tanto en forma manual como digital, mediante los cinco métodos más relevantes descritos en la literatura actual. Se midieron de nuevo 20 exámenes para valorar el error intra-evaluador. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los cinco métodos son muy fiables y reproducibles en forma digital, con un error estimado cercano o inferior al indicado en el análisis de error intra-evaluador, siendo que el método de Cobb presentó la mayor concordancia (96%) y el índice sagital, la concordancia más baja (75%). También se sugiere que la medición digital tiene fiabilidad superior a la manual. Conclusión: Todos los métodos testados son altamente fiables y reproducibles en forma digital.