Incidence of cardiac anomalies in congenital vertebral deformity: systematic review and meta-analysis of 2910 patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the overall incidence of cardiac abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis and the possible influencing factors. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. The quality of the studies was assessed independently by two authors using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) criteria. The following data were extracted from the included studies: bibliometric data, number of patients, number of patients with cardiac anomalies, gender, types of deformity, diagnostic method, type of cardiac anomaly, location, and other associated anomalies. The Review Manager 5.4 software was used to group and analyze all the extracted data. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included nine studies and identified that 487 of 2,910 patients with congenital vertebral deformity had cardiac anomalies diagnosed by ultrasound (21.05%, 95% CI of 16.85-25.25%). The mitral valve prolapse was the most frequent cardiac anomaly (48.45%) followed by an unspecified valvular anomaly (39.81) and an atrial septal defect (29.98). A diagnosis of cardiac anomalies was highest in Europe (28.93%), followed by USA (27.21%) and China (15.33%). Females and formation defects were factors significantly associated with increased incidence of cardiac anomalies: 57.37%, 95% CI of 50.48-64.27% and 40.76%, 95% CI of 28.63-52.89%, respectively. Finally, 27.11% presented associated intramedullary anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that the overall incidence of cardiac abnormalities detected in patients with congenital vertebral deformity was 22.56%. The incidence rate of cardiac anomalies was higher in females and those with formation defects. The study offers guidance for ultrasound practitioners to accurately identify and diagnose the most common cardiac anomalies.

Efficacy of perioperative gabapentin use in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing fusion surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess whether the perioperative use of gabapentin was associated with decreased opioid use. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The randomized clinical trials included were focused on patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior fusion surgery and were treated with gabapentin versus placebo medicine. The primary outcomes were opioid consumption at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h; time to introduction of oral medication, length of hospital stay, and period of urinary catheterization were also recorded. Data were combined using the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials with a pool of 196 adolescent patients (mean age: 14.8 ± 2.0 years) were included. At 24 and 48 h after surgery, opioid consumption was significantly lower in the gabapentin group: (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.79 to - 0.22) and (SMD: - 0.59; 95% CI - 0.88 to - 0.30), respectively. At 72 and 96 h, there were no significant differences between studies: (SMD: - 0.19; 95% CI - 0.52 to 0.13) and (SMD: 0.12; 95% CI - 0.25 to 0.50), respectively. Regarding the administration type, there were significant differences in favor of the 15 mg/kg subgroup with 600 mg at 48 h (SMD: - 0.69; 95% CI - 1.08 to - 0.30). There were no significant differences concerning the time to introduction of oral medication (MD: - 0.08; 95% CI - 0.39 to 0.23), hospitalization time (MD: - 0.12; 95% CI - 0.40 to 0.16), or period of urinary catheterization (SMD: - 0.27; 95% CI - 0.58 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin decreased opioid consumption during the first 48 h. Doses of 15 mg/kg showed superiority in reducing opioid consumption in the first 48 h. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of anterior vertebral body tethering in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: In this meta-analysis, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of anterior vertebral body tethering in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: We performed a literature search and analyzed the following data: baseline characteristics, efficacy measures (corrections of the main thoracic curve, proximal thoracic curve, and thoracolumbar curve, thoracic kyphosis, lumbosacral lordosis, rib hump, lumbar prominence and SRS-22 scores, and complications. Analyses were performed with Cochrane's Review Manager version 5.4. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Significant corrections of the main thoracic (MD 22.51, 95% CI 12.93 to 32.09) proximal thoracic (MD 10.14°, 95% CI 7.25° to 13.02°), and thoracolumbar curve (MD 12.16, 95% CI 9.14 to 15.18) were found. No statistically significant corrections were observed on the sagittal plane assessed by thoracic kyphosis (MD - 0.60°, 95% CI - 2.45 to 1.26; participants = 622; studies = 4; I2 = 36%) and lumbosacral lordosis (MD 0.19°, 95% CI - 2.16° to 2.54°). Significant corrections were identified for rib hump (MD 5.26°, 95% CI 4.19° to 6.32°) and lumbar prominence (MD 1.20°, 95% CI 0.27° to 2.13°) at final follow-up. Significant improvements of total SRS-22 score (MD - 0.96, 95% CI - 1.10 to - 0.83) were achieved at final follow-up. The most common complication was overcorrection (8.0%) and tether breakage (5.9%), with a reoperation rate of 10.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior vertebral body tethering is effective to reduce the curve in the coronal plane and clinical deformity. Maximum correction is achieved at one year. The method should, however, be optimized to reduce the rate of complications.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of ketamine in postoperative pain control in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion.

PURPOSE: In this meta-analysis, we aim to compare ketamine use versus a control group (saline solution) during induction of anesthesia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing fusion surgery in terms of postoperative opioid consumption, pain control, and side effects. METHODS: A PubMed search of studies published over the last 20 years using the descriptor/terms "ketamine AND scoliosis" was performed. Baseline characteristics of each article were obtained and efficacy measures analyzed (morphine equivalent treatment at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively, complications (vomiting/nausea and pruritus), length of hospital stay (days); and pain score (VAS)) (Review Manager 5.4 software package). RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials were included. Morphine administration showed statistically significant differences at 24 and 48 h (MD - 0.15, 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.12) and (MD - 0.26, 95% CI - 0.31 to - 0.21) between the ketamine and control (saline solution), respectively. No intergroup differences were found regarding nausea/vomiting and pruritus (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.67) and (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.62), respectively, same as for the pain score (MD - 0.75, 95% CI - 1.71 to 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The use intraoperative and postoperative continuous low doses of ketamine significantly reduces opioid use throughout the first 48 h in patients with AIS who undergo posterior spinal fusion.

Avoiding Above-the-Knee Amputation with a Free Tibiofibular-Talocalcaneal Fillet Flap and Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap.

Despite the advances achieved in reconstructive surgery, amputation is still the only option after some severe traumas. Preservation of the knee joint is considered a significant functional advantage. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with a comminuted Gustilo type IIIC open tibia fracture with massive bone loss. To achieve a well-fashioned amputation stump and preserve the knee joint, a free osteocutaneous fillet flap was performed, including the distal tibia and fibula, talus, and calcaneus bones. As a result, a sensate and long amputation stump covered with thick skin from the sole of the foot provided a stable coverage with an excellent functional result and adjustment to prosthesis.

Chronic infections of the spine.

Chronic infections following posterior fusion are relatively uncommon. They develop in a previous asymptomatic patient at a distant time from the surgery. Chronic infections arise from direct inoculation or hematogenous seeding. To eradicate a chronic infection, the pathogens, biofilm, non-viable tissues, adherence on surfaces, and instrumentation must be removed. The appropriate antibiotherapy is used in a short (4 weeks) or long protocol (9 weeks). Some patients may need repeated surgeries (leaving the instrumentation in situ) to avoid progressive deformity or symptomatic pseudoarthrosis in cases of implant removal.

Pain and disability following fusion for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: prevalence and associated factors.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective prognostic study. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of pain following fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to identify factors associated with pain and disability. METHODS: From 126 consecutive patients surgically treated for scoliosis between 1997 and 2007, 104 (82.5%) completed SRS-22 and ODI questionnaires at a last follow-up (mean, 4.8 years; range 1-11.2 years). Prevalence of pain and disability were determined from SRS questions 1 and 9 respectively, with "any" pain or decrease in activity considered clinically significant. SRS Pain Domain Scores (PDS) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Most participants reported "no pain" (38.5%) or "mild pain" (30.8%) and 72.1% of participants reported a current work/school activity level of 100% normal. An association between instrument type and the presence of any pain in the previous 6 months was noted (P = .022). Instrument type was the only factor that was significantly associated with the PDS (P = .0052). CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of patients reporting no pain or mild pain may suggest overall success of the procedures. Although an association between instrument type and pain was seen, unmeasured factors that contributed to the decision of what instrument to use may confound the relationship. From these data a causal inference cannot be made.Final class of evidence-prognosisSTUDY DESIGNProspective CohortRetrospective Cohort•Case controlCase seriesMETHODSPatients at similar point in course of treatment•F/U ≥ 85%Similarity of treatment protocols for patient groupsPatients followed up long enough for outcomes to occur•Control for extraneous risk factors•*Overall class of evidenceIIIThe definiton of the different classes of evidence is available on page 55.*Potentially confounding factors were systematically explored and considered for stratified analysis as appropriate.

Beneficial effects of aerobic training in adolescent patients with moderate idiopathic scoliosis.

AIM AND METHODS: The major aim of this study was to determine whether after 6 weeks of aerobic training adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) girls who suffer from mild scoliotic curvatures (n = 6) behaved in a similar way than healthy controls (n = 6) in different biochemical, anthropometric, and cardio respiratory parameters. RESULTS: The maximal power output and the power output achieved at the anaerobic threshold (AT), during the maximal exercise test, were significantly increased in both experimental groups, when compared with resting conditions. The training program caused significant changes in body composition (i.e., a decrease in body fat %) only in the scoliotic group. Regarding the cardio respiratory measurements, VO(2max) was increased by 17% in AIS group and 10% in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that physical activity should be encouraged in scoliotic girls with mild curvatures.