Timing of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) recovery and clinical recovery after termination of pediatric spinal deformity surgery due to loss of IONM signals.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is used to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury during pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Significant reduction and/or loss of IONM signals without immediate recovery may lead the surgeon to acutely abort the case. The timing of when monitorable signals return remains largely unknown. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between IONM signal loss, clinical examination, and subsequent normalization of IONM signals after aborted pediatric spinal deformity surgery to help determine when it is safe to return to the operating room. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a multicenter, multidisciplinary, retrospective study of pediatric patients (< 18 years old) undergoing spinal deformity surgery whose surgery was aborted due to a significant reduction or loss of IONM potentials. PATIENT SAMPLE: Sixty-six patients less than 18 years old who underwent spinal deformity surgery that was aborted due to IONM signal loss were enrolled into the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: IONM data, operative reports, and clinical examinations were investigated to determine the relationship between IONM loss, clinical examination, recovery of IONM signals, and clinical outcome. METHODS: Information regarding patient demographics, deformity type, clinical history, neurologic and ambulation status, operative details, IONM information (e.g., quality of loss [SSEPs, MEPs], laterality, any recovery of signals, etc.), intra-operative wake-up test, post-operative neurologic exam, post-operative imaging, and time to return to the operating were all collected. All factors were analyzed and compared with univariate and multivariate analysis using appropriate statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled with a median age of 13 years [IQR 11-14], and the most common sex was female (42/66, 63.6%). Most patients had idiopathic scoliosis (33/66, 50%). The most common causes of IONM loss were screw placement (27/66, 40.9%) followed by rod correction (19/66, 28.8%). All patients had either complete bilateral (39/66, 59.0%), partial bilateral (10/66, 15.2%) or unilateral (17/66, 25.8%) MEP loss leading to termination of the case. Overall, when patients were returned to the operating room two weeks postoperatively, nearly 75% (40/55) had monitorable IONM signals. Univariate analysis demonstrated that bilateral SSEP loss (p = 0.019), bilateral SSEP and MEP loss (p = 0.022) and delayed clinical neurologic recovery (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with having unmonitorable IONM signals at repeat surgery. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that delayed clinical neurologic recovery (> 72 hours) was significantly associated with unmonitorable IONM signals when returned to the operating room (p=0.006). All patients ultimately made a full neurologic recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In children whose spinal deformity surgery was aborted due to intraoperative IONM loss, there was a strong correlation between combined intraoperative SSEP/MEP loss, the magnitude of IONM loss, the timing of clinical recovery, and the time of electrophysiological IONM recovery. The highest likelihood of having a prolonged postoperative neurological deficit and undetectable IONM signals upon return to the OR occurs with bilateral complete loss of SSEPs and MEPs.

Clinical Relevance of Painful Congenital Early-onset Scoliosis: A Magnetic Resonance Image-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Back pain, as a clinical marker in scoliosis, has been associated with underlying pathology for many years, warranting further magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Failures of segmentation, mixed defects, female gender, rib anomalies, congenital thoracic anomalies, and neurocutaneous markers are known risk factors for abnormal MRI pathology findings in patients with congenital early-onset scoliosis (Congenital-EOS). Yet, back pain has not been evaluated as a risk factor for underlying MRI pathology in patients with Congenital-EOS. This study aimed to assess back pain as a risk factor for underlying pathology in Congenital-EOS using MRI as a diagnostic tool. METHODS: A retrospective database review from the Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG) of all patients with Congenital-EOS who reported a back pain complaint, and underwent a spinal MRI study before surgical intervention was performed. Patients were divided into those with an underlying MRI pathology and those without. Demographics were compared between groups. RESULTS: From a total of 2355 patients with Congenital-EOS registered in PSSG, 107 patients reported a back pain complaint, with only 42 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria (being evaluated with an MRI study). Overall group mean age was 8.1±4.5 years, with 25 of the 42 patients (60%) being females. Twenty-four of 42 patients (57%) had a comorbidity reported such as cardiac problems, musculoskeletal complaints, neurological deficits/myelopathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, developmental delay, respiratory problems, craniofacial abnormalities, and chromosomal conditions. An underlying MRI pathology was found in 21 of 42 patients with Congenital-EOS (50%) with back pain. The underlying MRI pathologies found were tethered spinal cord, spinal canal stenosis, syringomyelia, Arnold-Chiari malformation, and arachnoid cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal MRI findings are common in patients with Congenital-EOS who report back pain. Gender, age, major coronal curve angle, thoracic or lumbar predominance deformity, and comorbidities type or amount were not associated with abnormal MRI findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-Prognostic study.

The Effect of Implant Density on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Fusion: Results of the Minimize Implants Maximize Outcomes Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be treated with instrumented fusion, but the number of anchors needed for optimal correction is controversial. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized study that included patients undergoing spinal fusion for single thoracic curves between 45° and 65°, the most common form of operatively treated AIS. Of the 211 patients randomized, 108 were assigned to a high-density screw pattern and 103, to a low-density screw pattern. Surgeons were instructed to use ≥1.8 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the high-implant-density group or ≤1.4 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the low-implant-density group. The primary outcome measure was the percent correction of the coronal curve at the 2-year follow-up. The power analysis for this trial required 174 patients to show equivalence, defined as a 95% confidence interval (CI) within a ±10% correction margin with a probability of 90%. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was equivalent between the high-density and low-density groups at the 2-year follow-up (67.6% versus 65.7%; difference, -1.9% [95% CI: -6.1%, 2.2%]). In the per-protocol cohorts, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was also equivalent between the 2 groups at the 2-year follow-up (65.0% versus 66.1%; difference, 1.1% [95% CI: -3.0%, 5.2%]). A total of 6 patients in the low-density group and 5 patients in the high-density group required reoperation (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of spinal fusion for primary thoracic AIS curves between 45° and 65°, the percent coronal curve correction obtained with use of a low-implant-density construct and that obtained with use of a high-implant-density construct were equivalent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Who gets staged surgery in severe pediatric and adolescent spine deformity?

BACKGROUND: There is significant debate regarding the indications of staged surgery for severe adolescent spinal deformity, and the factors associated with the decision to perform staged compared to same-day surgery have not been previously investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine which factors were most strongly associated with this decision. METHODS: A prospective multicenter registry of adolescent patients with severe spinal deformity was reviewed. Two cohorts were identified: those who underwent a planned staged surgical procedure for deformity correction and those who underwent a same-day procedure. Patients who underwent an unplanned staged procedure secondary to complications during the initial procedure were excluded. Comparisons were made between these cohorts with respect to preoperative patient and radiographic variables to determine which factors were associated with the decision to perform a staged procedure. Surgical data was also compared to evaluate for differences in the intraoperative management of staged versus same-day patients. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients with severe spinal deformities were identified. Forty patients (17%) underwent a planned staged procedure and 189 patients (80%) underwent a same-day procedure. On univariate analysis of preoperative variables, patients who underwent staged surgery had a significantly younger age at surgery, greater major curve magnitude, greater major curve AVT to CSVL, lesser thoracic spine height, greater radiographic trunk shift, and a greater proportion of patients undergoing revision surgery (as opposed to primary correction) compared to those who underwent a planned single-stage procedure. Multivariate logistic regression of pre-operative variables showed that age < 16 years, maximum cobb angle ≥ 120 degrees, major curve AVT to CSVL of ≥ 3.5 cm, and revision surgery were independently associated with the decision to perform a staged procedure. Intraoperatively, patients in the staged cohort more frequently underwent combined anterior and posterior procedures, grade 4 or higher Schwab osteotomies, and had a greater number of levels fused. CONCLUSION: There is substantial variability with respect to the decision to perform surgery for severe adolescent spine deformities in a staged versus same-day fashion. This large analysis of prospectively collected data is the first to describe the factors most strongly associated with the decision to perform a staged procedure and may help guide the surgical decision-making for these patients.

Delayed Diagnosis of Cervical Epidural Hematoma in a 3-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report.

CASE: A 3-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with torticollis after a fall. With normal cervical radiographs and neurologic exam, he was diagnosed with cervical strain and discharged. After 2-week progressive symptoms, he was referred to a pediatric spine surgeon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cervical epidural hematoma, which was then surgically evacuated. He recovered fully and remains symptom-free 2 years later. CONCLUSION: Pediatric spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition with potentially serious outcomes yet often nonspecific symptoms. Timely management based on a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and imaging findings is crucial in improving patient outcomes.

Return to play following spine surgery.

Return to physical activity is a primary concern for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who are indicated for spinal fusion surgery. Preoperative counseling often addresses questions regarding ability to return to sport, postoperative restrictions, time away from play, and the safety of returning to activities. Previous works have shown that flexibility can noticeably decrease after surgery, and that the ability to return to the same level of play may be impacted by the levels of the spine included in the fusion. Equipoise remains on when patients should be allowed to return to non-contact, contact, and collision play; however, there is a trend toward earlier release to activities over the last few decades. Sources agree, though, that returning to play is safe, with rare instances of complications reported for patients with spinal fusion. Here, we review the literature on the function of spinal fusion levels on flexibility and biomechanics, address factors that may influence one's recovery of sports performance, and discuss safety considerations regarding return play following spine surgery.

Perioperative Complications and Health-related Quality of Life Outcomes in Severe Pediatric Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative complications and mid-term outcomes for severe pediatric spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have evaluated the impact of complications on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in severe pediatric spinal deformity. METHODS: Patients from a prospective, multicenter database with severe pediatric spinal deformity (minimum of 100 degree curve in any plane or planned vertebral column resection (VCR)) with a minimum of 2-years follow-up were evaluated (n=231). SRS-22r scores were collected preoperatively and at 2-years postoperatively. Complications were categorized as intraoperative, early postoperative (within 90-days of surgery), major, or minor. Perioperative complication rate was evaluated between patients with and without VCR. Additionally, SRS-22r scores were compared between patients with and without complications. RESULTS: Perioperative complications occurred in 135 (58%) patients, and major complications occurred in 53 (23%) patients. Patients that underwent VCR had a higher incidence of early postoperative complications than patients without VCR (28.9% vs. 16.2%, P =0.02). Complications resolved in 126/135 (93.3%) patients with a mean time to resolution of 91.63 days. Unresolved major complications included motor deficit (n=4), spinal cord deficit (n=1), nerve root deficit (n=1), compartment syndrome (n=1), and motor weakness due to recurrent intradural tumor (n=1). Patients with complications, major complications, or multiple complications had equivalent postoperative SRS-22r scores. Patients with motor deficits had lower postoperative satisfaction subscore (4.32 vs. 4.51, P =0.03), but patients with resolved motor deficits had equivalent postoperative scores in all domains. Patients with unresolved complications had lower postoperative satisfaction subscore (3.94 vs. 4.47, P =0.03) and less postoperative improvement in self-image subscore (0.64 vs. 1.42, P =0.03) as compared to patients with resolved complications. CONCLUSION: Most perioperative complications for severe pediatric spinal deformity resolve within 2-years postoperatively and do not result in adverse HRQoL outcomes. However, patients with unresolved complications have decreased HRQoL outcomes.

The Reliability of the AO Spine Upper Cervical Classification System in Children: Results of a Multi-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: There is no uniform classification system for traumatic upper cervical spine injuries in children. This study assesses the reliability and reproducibility of the AO Upper Cervical Spine Classification System (UCCS), which was developed and validated in adults, to children. METHODS: Twenty-six patients under 18 years old with operative and nonoperative upper cervical injuries, defined as from the occipital condyle to the C2-C3 joint, were identified from 2000 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included the availability of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at the time of injury. Patients with significant comorbidities were excluded. Each case was reviewed by a single senior surgeon to determine eligibility. Educational videos, schematics describing the UCCS, and imaging from 26 cases were sent to 9 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The surgeons classified each case into 3 categories: A, B, and C. Inter-rater reliability was assessed for the initial reading across all 9 raters by Fleiss's kappa coefficient (kF) along with 95% confidence intervals. One month later, the surgeons repeated the classification, and intra-rater reliability was calculated. All images were de-identified and randomized for each read independently. Intra-rater reproducibility across both reads was assessed using Fleiss's kappa. Interpretations for reliability estimates were based on Landis and Koch (1977): 0 to 0.2, slight; 0.2 to 0.4, fair; 0.4 to 0.6, moderate; 0.6 to 0.8, substantial; and >0.8, almost perfect agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were read by 9 raters twice. Sub-classification agreement was moderate to substantial with α κ estimates from 0.55 for the first read and 0.70 for the second read. Inter-rater agreement was moderate (kF 0.56 to 0.58) with respect to fracture location and fair (kF 0.24 to 0.3) with respect to primary classification (A, B, and C). Krippendorff's alpha for intra-rater reliability overall sub-classifications ranged from 0.41 to 0.88, with 0.75 overall raters. CONCLUSION: Traumatic upper cervical injuries are rare in the pediatric population. A uniform classification system can be vital to guide diagnosis and treatment. This study is the first to evaluate the use of the UCCS in the pediatric population. While moderate to substantial agreement was found, limitations to applying the UCCS to the pediatric population exist, and thus the UCCS can be considered a starting point for developing a pediatric classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Myelopathic Patients Undergoing Severe Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery Can Improve Neurologic Function to That of Non-Myelopathic Patients by 1-Year Postoperative.

STUDY DESIGN: Multi-center, prospective, observational cohort. OBJECTIVE: To compare myelopathic vs. non-myelopathic ambulatory patients in short- and long-term neurologic function, operative treatment, and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Pediatric deformity patients from 16 centers were enrolled with the following inclusion criteria: aged 10-21 years-old, a Cobb angle ≥100° in either the coronal or sagittal plane or any sized deformity with a planned 3-column osteotomy, and community ambulators. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups: myelopathic (abnormal preoperative neurologic exam with signs/symptoms of myelopathy) and non-myelopathic (no clinical signs/symptoms of myelopathy). RESULTS: Of 311 patients with an average age of 14.7 ± 2.8 years, 29 (9.3%) were myelopathic and 282 (90.7%) were non-myelopathic. There was no difference in age (P = 0.18), gender (P = 0.09), and Risser Stage (P = 0.06), while more patients in the non-myelopathic group had previous surgery (16.1% vs. 3.9%; P = 0.03). Mean lower extremity motor score (LEMS) in myelopathic patients increased significantly compared to baseline at every postoperative visit: Baseline: 40.7 ± 9.9; Immediate postop: 46.0 ± 7.1, P = 0.02; 1-year: 48.2 ± 3.7, P < 0.001; 2-year: 48.2 ± 7.7, P < 0.001). The non-myelopathic group had significantly higher LEMS immediately postoperative (P = 0.0007), but by 1-year postoperative, there was no difference in LEMS between groups (non-myelopathic: 49.3 ± 3.6, myelopathic: 48.2 ± 3.7, P = 0.10) and was maintained at 2-years postoperative (non-myelopathic: 49.2 ± 3.3, myelopathic: 48.2 ± 5.7, P = 0.09). Both groups improved significantly in all SRS domains compared to preoperative, with no difference in scores in the domains for pain (P = 0.12), self-image (P = 0.08), and satisfaction (P = 0.83) at latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: In severe spinal deformity pediatric patients presenting with preoperative myelopathy undergoing spinal reconstructive surgery, myelopathic patients can expect significant improvement in neurologic function postoperatively. At 1-year and 2-year postoperative, neurologic function was no different between groups. While non-myelopathic patients had significantly higher postoperative outcomes in SRS mental-health, function, and total-score, both groups had significantly improved outcomes in every SRS domain compared to preoperative.

7.7% Prevalence of neural axis abnormalities on routine magnetic resonance imaging in patients with presumed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis scheduled for spine surgery: a consecutive single surgeon retrospective cohort of 182 patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use a Delphi analysis to identify a clinically relevant threshold for the prevalence of neural axis abnormalities (NAAs) that would warrant routine preoperative screening. METHODS: A panel of experienced physicians specializing in pediatric spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and pediatric neuroradiology was formed to establish consensus using a Delphi process to identify a minimum prevalence of NAAs that would initiate the implementation of preoperative MRIs as standard of care. Following the Delphi analysis, patients scheduled for PSF (Posterior Spinal Fusion) from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively identified. Patients were included based on the following criteria: (1) 10-18 years old at time of MRI (inclusive), (2) AIS diagnosis prior to preoperative MRI (no concerning curve pattern, rate of progression, or neurologic signs/symptoms to suggest alternative diagnosis to AIS), and (3) standard preoperative MRI of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine undergone. The prevalence of NAAs on preoperative MRI was recorded for all patients. RESULTS: There were 182 eligible patients. 14 had NAAs on MRI. The prevalence of NAAs was 7.7% [95% CI 4.27-12.57%]. This prevalence was significantly [p < 0.0001] higher than the clinically relevant threshold of 1.3% established by the Delphi panel. Of the 14 patients with NAAs noted on preoperative MRI, neurosurgical intervention was recommended for 4 patients, 2.2% [95% CI 0.6-5.5%] of the total cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Delphi panelists reported a low tolerance for NAAs among patients undergoing PSF for presumed AIS. Group consensus recommended routine screening should be implemented if the prevalence of NAAs is greater than 1.3%. The prevalence of NAAs in our cohort as well as related studies was significantly higher than this threshold. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic-level III.

Modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system is reliable for classifying complications following surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Appropriately measuring and classifying surgical complications is a critical component of research in vulnerable populations, including children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The purpose of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of a modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system (CDS) classification system for EOS patients among a group of pediatric spinal deformity surgeons. METHODS: Thirty case scenarios were developed and presented to experienced surgeons in an international spine study group. For each case, surgeons were asked to select a level of severity based on the modified CDS system to assess inter-rater reliability. The survey was administered on two occasions to allow for assessment of intra-rater reliability. Weighted Kappa values were calculated, with 0.61 to 0.80 considered substantial agreement and 0.81 to 1.00 considered nearly perfect agreement. RESULTS: 11/12 (91.7%) surgeons completed the first-round survey and 8/12 (66.7%) completed the second. Inter-observer weighted kappa values for the first and second survey were 0.75 [95% CI 0.56-0.94], indicating substantial agreement, and 0.84 [95% CI 0.70-0.98], indicating nearly perfect agreement, respectively. Intra-observer reliability was 0.86 (range 0.74-0.95) between the first and second surveys, indicating nearly perfect agreement . CONCLUSION: The modified CDS classification system demonstrated substantial to nearly perfect agreement between and within observers for the evaluation of complications following the surgical treatment of EOS patients. Adoption of this reliable classification system as a standard for reporting complications in EOS patients can be a valuable tool for future research endeavors, as we seek to ultimately improve surgical practices and patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Adolescent athletes return to sports rapidly after posterior spine fusion for idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: No consensus exists regarding the timing for return to sports after PSF for patients with AIS. Return-to-play protocols are based on expert opinion and vary widely. The purpose of this study was to determine how rapidly athletes return to baseline sports activity following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Athletes were consecutively enrolled. Inclusion criteria included competition at a junior varsity level or greater for ≥ 3 months yearly, major Cobb angle of 40-75°, age 10-18 years, and one year of follow-up. Athletes completed preoperative sports performance and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical activity, pain interference, and depressive symptoms questionnaires. Self-assessments were repeated monthly until one year after PSF. RESULTS: Twenty-six athletes were enrolled. The median time to return to sport was 2.7 months [range: 0.6-13 months]. At twelve months, 24 of 26 [90.1%; 95% CI 36.9-74.9%] athletes reported they had returned to the sport at their presurgical level of play. Participation in contact sports was associated with a longer return to sport relative to participation in non-contact/limited contact sports [Hazard Ratio: 0.37, 95% 95% CI 0.14-0.97, p = 0.0427]. Conditioning and flexibility were the most common barriers to return to sport. CONCLUSIONS: When released to unrestricted activity at 4-8 weeks, athletes rapidly return to baseline levels of sports performance, with over half achieving this metric by 3 months.

Posterior-only Resection of Single Hemivertebrae With 2-Level Versus >2-Level Fusion: Can We Improve Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of congenital scoliosis (CS) patients undergoing hemivertebra (HV) resection surgery with a 2-level fusion versus a >2-level fusion are unclear. We hypothesized that CS patients undergoing HV resection and a >2-level fusion have decreased curve progression and reoperation rates compared with 2-level fusions. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a multicenter scoliosis database. Fifty-three CS patients (average age 4.5, range 1.2 to 10.9 y) at index surgery were included. Radiographic and surgical parameters, complications, as well as revision surgery rates were tracked at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients had a 2-level fusion while 27 patients had a >2-level fusion with similar age and body mass index between groups. The HV was located in the lumbar spine for 69% (18/26) 2-level fusions and 30% (8/27) >2-level fusions ( P =0.006). Segmental HV scoliosis curve was smaller in 2-level fusions compared to >2-level fusions preoperatively (38 vs. 50 degrees, P =0.016) and at follow-up (25 vs. 34 degrees, P =0.038). Preoperative T2-T12 (28 vs. 41 degrees, P =0.013) and segmental kyphosis (11 vs. 23 degrees, P =0.046) were smaller in 2-level fusions, but did not differ significantly at postoperative follow-up (32 vs. 39 degrees, P =0.22; 13 vs. 11 degrees, P =0.64, respectively). Furthermore, the 2 groups did not significantly differ in terms of surgical complications (27% vs. 22%, P =0.69; 2-level fusion vs. >2-level fusion, respectively), unplanned revision surgery rate (23% vs. 22%, 0.94), growing rod placement or extension of spinal fusion (15% vs. 15%, P =0.95), or health-related quality of life per the EOS-Questionnaire 24 (EOSQ-24). Comparison of patients with or without the need for growing rod placement or posterior spinal fusion revealed no significant differences in all parameters analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Two-level and >2-level fusions can control congenital curves successfully. No differences existed in curve correction, proximal junctional kyphosis or complications between short and long-level fusion after HV resection. Both short and long level fusions are viable options and generate similar risk of revision. The decision should be individualized by patient and surgeon.

Navigation Options for Spinal Surgeons: State of the Art 2021.

The use of navigation in spinal surgery has been increasing over the past decade. There are three primary types of navigation in spinal surgery: three-dimensional image-based computer-assisted navigation, robot-assisted navigation, and three-dimensional printed patient-specific drill guides for navigation. All three have demonstrated increased accuracy in placement of spinal instrumentation versus freehand or fluoroscopic-assisted techniques. Each has unique preoperative and intraoperative technical considerations. All three typically rely on three-dimensional imaging and will have varied radiation exposure to the patient and surgical staff based on specific imaging settings used. Navigation options are continually improving and are expected to broaden efficiency, accuracy, and indications in the future.

Optimizing Expansion Clinic for Patients With Magnetic Controlled Growth Rods.

In 2017, members of the Pediatric Spine Study Group reported that 80% of new growth-friendly implants inserted were magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). MCGRs are usually expanded more often than every 6 months, as was general practice with traditional growth rods. The growing volume of expansion visits is managed variably at different centers. Although there is existing research comparing MCGRs with traditional systems for efficacy and complications, there is limited literature regarding how expansion clinics are managed. This article reviews current practices such as scheduling, expansion verification, billing, and other key parameters for running expansion clinics.

Mortality in Early-Onset Scoliosis During the Growth-friendly Surgery Era.

INTRODUCTION: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is a spinal deformity that occurs in patients 9 years of age or younger. Severe deformity may result in thoracic insufficiency, respiratory failure, and premature death. The purpose of this study is to describe the modern-day natural history of mortality in patients with EOS. METHODS: The multicenter Pediatric Spine Study Group database was queried for all patients with EOS who are deceased, without exclusion. Demographics, underlying diagnoses, EOS etiology, operative and nonoperative treatments or observation, complications, and date of death were retrieved. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves were performed. RESULTS: There were 130/8009 patients identified as deceased for a registry mortality rate of 16 per 1000 patients. The mean age at death was 10.6 years (range: 1.0 to 30.2 y) and the most common EOS etiology was neuromuscular (73/130, 56.2%; P<0.001). Deceased patients were more likely be treated operatively than nonoperatively or observed (P<0.001). The mean age of death for patients treated operatively (12.3 y) was older than those treated nonoperatively (7.0 y) or observed (6.3 y) (P<0.001) despite a larger deformity and similar index visit body mass index and ventilation requirements. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed an increased survival time in patients with a history of any spine operation compared with patients without a history of spine operation (P<0.0001). Operatively treated patients experienced a median of 3.0 complications from diagnosis to death. Overall, cardiopulmonary related complications were the most common (129/271, 47.6%; P<0.001), followed by implant-related (57/271, 21.0%) and wound-related (26/271, 9.6%). The primary cause of death was identified for 78/130 (60.0%) patients, of which 57/78 (73.1%) were cardiopulmonary related. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest collection of EOS mortality to date, providing surgeons with a modern-day examination of the effects of surgical intervention to better council patients and families. Both fatal and nonfatal complications in children with EOS are most likely to involve the cardiopulmonary system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic.

Uncorrected Pelvic Obliquity Is Associated With Worse Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Children and Their Caregivers at the End of Surgical Treatment for Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS).

BACKGROUND: While largely of concern in nonambulatory patients, pelvic obliquity (PO) can be found in many patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) and may remain following surgery. However, its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and their caregivers at the end of treatment is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between residual PO and HRQoL in children and their caregivers at the end of surgical treatment in ambulatory patients with EOS. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, a multicenter EOS registry was queried to identify ambulatory patients who underwent definitive posterior spinal fusion (PSF) from 2012 to 2019. Patients with fusions extending to the pelvis were excluded. PO was measured at least 1 year following PSF. HRQoL, Parental Burden, Financial Burden, and Satisfaction were assessed through the 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) also at a minimum of 1 year following PSF. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients (12.5±2.1 y, 73.5% female) were included. Etiology distribution was 30.3% congenital, 12.9% neuromuscular, 21.3% syndromic, and 35.5% idiopathic. In congenital patients, those with residual PO >8 degrees had worse Satisfaction by 23.2 points compared with those with PO ≤8 degrees. In neuromuscular patients, those with residual PO >7 degrees had worse HRQoL by 16.1 points and Parental Burden by 22.3 points compared with their counterparts. In syndromic patients, those with residual PO >8 degrees had worse HRQoL by 14.8 points, Parental Burden by 16.4 points, and Satisfaction by 21.2 points compared with their counterparts. In idiopathic patients, those with >9 degrees of residual PO had worse HRQoL by 15.0 points and Financial Burden by 26.8 points compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Remaining PO at the end of surgical treatment is associated with worse HRQoL in ambulatory children and their caregivers. These results suggest that correction of PO should remain a primary goal of treatment in patients with EOS undergoing surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-multicenter retrospective cohort study investigating prognosis.

Does ventilator use status correlate with quality of life in patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with rib-based growing system implantation?

PURPOSE: Pulmonary function and quality of life (QOL) are important outcome measures for patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) undergoing rib-based growing system (RBGS) implantation. The Assisted Ventilation Rating (AVR) measures ventilator requirements in this population. A higher, more severe, score implies negative changes in QOL. The EOS Questionnaire (EOSQ) is a validated outcome measure. Paired measurements for both ratings were compared to clarify correlation between ventilator status and QOL. Secondary analysis aimed at defining QOL between more broad subgroups defined by ventilator use. METHODS: AVR and EOSQ scores were extracted from the Pediatric Spine Study Group database for patients 10 years of age and under. Instances were excluded if the time between AVR and EOSQ assessment was greater than 6 months. Scores were compared using Spearman correlation coefficient. Subgroup analysis included control for age, gender, and etiology. Secondary analysis was performed for broad functional grouping using ranked analysis of variance for repeated measures using median scores. RESULTS: Two thousand five hundred and forty-two instances of paired EOSQ and AVR in 329 patients were analyzed. A statistically significant weak correlation between AVR and EOSQ was identified in Child's Health Related QOL and Family Impact sections, in nine subsets. Subgroup analysis showed little variation, except increased correlation in female patients to near moderate level. Analysis of variance for demonstrated decreased medians for all subdomains when comparing those mechanically ventilated to patients who did not require ventilation. CONCLUSION: Ventilator status tracks with QOL were measured by EOSQ. A more severe AVR is negatively correlated with most domains of the EOSQ for patients with EOS who have undergone RBGS implantation. The strength of this correlation is weak, and so AVR alone may be insufficient to precisely determine QOL in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-III, Retrospective.