Hip reduction surgery versus scoliosis correction in non-ambulant neuromuscular patients: which surgery is the first step?

PURPOSE: Children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders have a high incidence of both spine and hip deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of either primary scoliosis or hip surgery in children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all children and young adults with neuromuscular-related synchronous hip subluxation/dislocation and scoliosis undergoing hip or scoliosis surgery in our institution between 2012 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Demographic and operative data were collected; radiological parameters were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at final follow-up. RESULTS: Forty neuromuscular patients with synchronous hip displacement and scoliosis were included. Twenty patients with an average age of10.2 years had hip correction surgery performed primarily, with a mean follow-up of 54.9 (24-96) months. The other 20 patients with an average age of 12.4 years had scoliosis correction first, with a mean follow-up of 40 (24-60) months. In the "Hip first" group, pelvic obliquity, hip MP and Cobb angle were 16.8°, 71%, and 49°, respectively. At final follow-up, the mean pelvic obliquity and Cobb angles significantly progressed to 27.2° (p = 0.003) and 82.2° (p = 0.001), respectively. Eighteen patients (90%) required scoliosis correction after the hip surgery. In the "Scoliosis first" group, the mean pelvic obliquity, hip MP and Cobb angle were 21.2°, 49% and 65.5°, respectively. At final follow-up, both pelvic obliquity and Cobb angle significantly improved to 8.44° (p = 0.002) and 23.4° (p = 0.001), respectively. In 11/20 (55%) patients, the hip MP had significantly increased following the spinal surgery to 62% (p = 0.001), but only 5/20 (25%) patients underwent hip surgery after scoliosis correction. CONCLUSION: In neuromuscular patients presenting with synchronous hip displacement and scoliosis deformity, corrective scoliosis surgery is associated with a significant correction of pelvic obliquity and lower rates of secondary hip surgery. On the other hand, primary hip surgery does not reduce the risk of pelvic obliquity and scoliosis deformity progression.

Vertebral body tethering in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with more than 2 years of follow-up- systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Whilst spinal fusion remains the gold standard in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is gaining momentum with relatively few studies on its efficacy thus far. PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review reporting on the early results of AVBT for patients undergoing surgery for AIS. We aimed to systematically evaluate the relevant literature pertaining to the efficacy of AVBT with respect to degree of correction of the major curve Cobb angle, complications and revision rates. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Systematic review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Of a total of 259 articles, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Overall, 196 patients of (mean age 12.08 years) underwent an AVBT procedure for correction of AIS with a mean follow-up of 34 months. OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of Cobb angle correction, complications and revision rates were used as outcome measures. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on AVBT was performed for studies published between Jan 1999-March 2021 applying the PRISMA guidelines. Isolated case reports were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 196 patients of (mean age 12.08 years) underwent an AVBT procedure for correction of AIS with a mean follow-up of 34 months. There was a significant correction of the main thoracic curve of scoliosis (mean preoperative Cobb angle 48.5°, post-operative Cobb angle at final follow-up of 20.1°, P = 0.01). Overcorrection and mechanical complications were seen in 14.3% and 27.5% of cases, respectively. Pulmonary complications including atelectasis and pleural effusion were seen in 9.7% of patients. Tether revision was performed in 7.85%, and revision to a spinal fusion in 7.88%. CONCLUSION: This systematic review incorporated 9 studies of AVBT and 196 patients with AIS. The complication and revision to spinal fusion rates were 27.5% and 7.88%, respectively. The current literature on AVBT is restricted largely to retrospective studies with non-randomised data. We would recommend a prospective, multi-centre trial of AVBT with strict inclusion criteria and standardised outcome measures.

C2 stentoplasty: an alternative to conventional vertebroplasty in the treatment of axis metastatic lesions: a systematic review with meta-analysis and case series.

BACKGROUND: Vertebroplasty has been recently described in the literature as a potential treatment for C2 metastatic lesions. Stentoplasty may represent a safest and equally alternative to the latter. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel technique, stentoplasty, as an alternative for the treatment of metastatic involvement of C2 and to assess its efficacy and safety. To systematically evaluate the pertinent literature regarding the clinical outcomes and complications of C2 vertebroplasty in patients with metastatic disease. METHODS: A systematic review of C2 vertebroplasty, in the English language medical literature was conducted for the needs of this study. Additionally, a cohort of five patients, presenting with cervical instability (SINS > 6) and/or severe pain (VAS > 6) from metastatic involvement of C2 and treated with stentoplasty in our department is presented. Outcomes evaluated include, pain control, stability, and complications. RESULTS: Our systematic review yielded 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 73 patients that underwent C2 vertebroplasty for metastatic disease. There was a reduction in VAS scores following surgery from 7.6 to 2.1. Eleven patients had complications (15%), 3 (4%) required additional stabilization and decompression, 6 (8.2%) had odynophagia and the incidence of cement leak was 31.5% (23/73). With regard to our cohort, all 5 patients presented with severe neck pain (average VAS 6.2 (2-10)) with or without instability (average SINS 10 (6-14)) and underwent C2 stentoplasty. Mean duration of the procedures was 90 min (61-145) and 2.6 mls (2-3) of cement was injected. Postoperatively VAS improved from 6.2 to 1.6 (P = 0.033). No cement leak or other complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: A systematic review of the literature demonstrated that C2 vertebroplasty can offer significant pain improvement with a low complication rate. At the same time, this is the first study to describe stentoplasty in a small cohort of patients, as an alternative for the treatment of C2 metastatic lesions in selected cases, offering adequate pain control and improving segmental stability with a high safety profile.

The influence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures on global sagittal alignment in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic kyphosis, or loss of lumbar lordosis, is often equated with osteoporosis because vertebral fractures are assumed to be a major causative factor, in addition to degeneration related to age. Despite the few studies aiming to measure the natural change in global sagittal alignment (GSA) that occurs with advancing age, the overall effect of conservatively managed osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) on the GSA in the elderly remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the relevant literature regarding the influence of OVCF on the GSA compared to patients of similar age without fractures using the following radiological parameters: Pelvic Incidence (PI), Pelvic Tilt (PT), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) and Spino-sacral Angle (SSA). METHODS: A systematic review of the English language literature dating up until October 2022, was undertaken utilizing the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of a total of 947 articles, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria (4 Level II, 4 level III and 2 level IV evidence) and were subsequently analyzed. Overall, 584 patients (8 studies) of mean age 73.7 years (69.3-77.1) had acute OVCF of one or more vertebra that were managed conservatively. The male to female ratio was 82:412. Five studies mentioned the number of fractured vertebrae, with a total of 393 in 269 patients (average of 1.4 fractured vertebrae per patient). Their pre-operative radiological parameters on standing X-rays showed a mean PI of 54.8°, PT 24°, LL 40.8°, TK 36.5°, PI-LL 14°, SVA 4.8 cm, and SSA 115°. In addition, 437 patients were used as a control group with osteoporosis without fractured vertebrae, (6 studies) with an average age of 72.4 years (67-77.8) and male to female ratio of 96:210 (5 studies). They all had upright X-rays to assess their global sagittal alignments. Radiological parameters showed an average PI of 54.3°, PT 17.3°, LL 43.4°, TK 31.25°, PI-LL 10.95°, SVA 1.27 cm and SSA 125°. A statistical analysis comparing the OVCF group with the control group (4 studies), showed a significant increase in PT of 5.97° (95%CI 2.63, 9.32; P < 0.0005), a significant increase in TK by 8.28° (95%CI 2.15, 14.4; P < 0.008), an increase in PI-LL by 6.72° (95%CI 3.39, 10.04; P < 0.0001), an increase in SVA by 1.35 cm (95%CI 0.88, 1.83; P < 0.00001), and a decrease in SSA by 10.2° (95%CI 10.3, 23.4; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures managed conservatively appear to be a significant causate factor of global sagittal imbalance.

Complications after early versus late mobilization after an incidental durotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: An incidental durotomy (IDT) is a frequent complication of spinal surgery. The conventional management involving a period of flat bed rest is highly debatable. Indeed, there are scanty data and no consensus regarding the need or ideal duration of post-operative bed rest following IDT. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the literature regarding the outcomes of mobilization within 24 h and after 24 h following IDT in open lumbar or thoracic surgery with respect to the length of hospital stay, minor and major complications. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane and dating up until September 2022 was undertaken following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Quality of evidence was assessed using a modified version of Sackett's Criteria of Evidence Support. RESULTS: Out of 532 articles, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria (1 Level-I, 4 level-III and 1 Level-IV evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 398 patients of mean age 59.9 years were mobilized within 24 h. The average length of stay (LOS) for this group was 5.7 days. Thirty-four patients (8.5%) required reoperation while the rate of minor complications was 25.4%. Additionally, 265 patients of mean age 63 years with IDT were mobilized after 24 h. The average LOS was 7.8 days. Twenty patients (7.54%) required reoperation while the rate of minor complications was 55%. Meta-analysis comparing early to late mobilization, showed a significant reduction in the risk of minor complications and shorter overall LOS due to early mobilization, but no significant difference in major complications and reoperation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Although early mobilization after repaired incidental dural tears in open lumbar and thoracic spinal surgery has a similar major complication/ reoperation rates compared to late mobilization, it significantly decreases the risk of minor complications and length of hospitalization.

Cluneal nerve release: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite the heterogeneity of chronic lower back pain aetiologies, cluneal nerve entrapment remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood with few studies discussing the efficacy of its surgical release. OBJECTIVE: The current study opts to conduct a systematic review reporting on the efficacy of cluneal nerve surgical decompression in patients with an established diagnosis who fail conservative treatment. We aimed to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the clinical outcomes, recurrence of symptoms and revision rates of surgical intervention. METHODS: A systematic review of the English language literature dating up until May 2022 was undertaken according to the PRISMA guidelines. Isolated case reports were excluded. RESULTS: Of a total of 54 articles, 4 studies met the inclusion criteria (three were level IV evidence and one level III evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 98 patients of mean age 61 years, (range 17-86) underwent cluneal nerve release with a mean follow-up of 25.5 months (6-58 months). There was significant improvement in symptoms post operatively in the 4 studies. No systemic or local complications were encountered during the surgeries. Four articles reported on revision surgery for recurrent symptoms in 8 patients out of 98 with a rate of 8.2%. Of the reoperated patients, 7/8 had new branches released that were not addressed initially and 1 had neurectomy for an adhered pre-released branch. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated that cluneal nerve decompression has been performed in a total of 98 patients with significant clinical improvement, zero systemic and local complications and revision rates of 8.2% of the cases.

Does kyphoplasty affect the global sagittal alignment in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are common in elderly patients and may cause local kyphosis due to the vertebral collapse and wedging. Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) with polymethyl methacrylate is widely used to relieve back pain and restore the height and kyphosis of the destroyed vertebra Johnell (Osteoporos Int 17(12):1726-33, 2006); Wasnich (Bone 18: 179S-183S, 1996); Finnern (Osteoporos Int 14:429-436, 2003). However, the influence of BKP on global sagittal alignment (GSA) in patients with OVCF remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the relevant literature regarding the influence of BKP on the global spinal sagittal alignment using the following radiological parameters: Pelvic Incidence (PI), Pelvic Tilt (PT), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), Thoracic Kyphosis (TK), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) and Spinosacral Angle (SSA). Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was also recorded. METHODS: A systematic review of the English language literature dating up until August 2022, was undertaken utilising the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of a total of 548 articles, 4 studies met the inclusion criteria (4 level III evidence) and were analyzed. Overall, 201 patients of mean age 73.8 years (69-77) had acute OVCF of one or more vertebra. The male to female ratio was 51:128. The number of fractured vertebrae was 235 (average of 1.17 fractured vertebrae per patient). Their pre-operative radiological parameters on standing x-rays showed a mean PI of 56°, PT 24.1°, LL 44.4°, TK 42.3°, PI-LL 11.7°, SVA 4.9 cm, LL/TK 1 and SSA 114.8°. The average VAS was 7.6 (2.6-10). All the patients underwent BKP and their radiological parameters on standing x-rays post operatively showed a mean PI of 55.3°, PT 23.1°, LL 45.1°, TK 41.4°, PI-LL 10.3°, SVA 4.29 cm, LL/TK 1.07 and SSA 116.8°. Their average VAS post BPK was 2.36 (0-4.8).A statistical analysis comparing the pre/post-operative GSA (111 patients, 3 studies with standard deviations) showed no statistical difference in PT (24.1° vs. 23.5°, P = 0.93), TK (42.3° vs. 42.4°, P = 0.57), PI-LL (14.4° vs.12.4°, P = 0.4), SVA (6.1 cm vs. 5.5 cm, P = 0.19) SSA (114.8° vs. 116.7° P = 0.36). VAS was significantly reduced post BKP (7.1 vs. 2.5 P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Performing BKP procedures does not significantly affect the global sagittal alignment in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. There was however, a significant improvement in pain scores in patients undergoing BKP at 1 or more levels.

Pulmonary function after thoracoplasty for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Thoracoplasty is a procedure which involves rib resection from the costovertebral junction to the apex of the rib hump deformity to address the cosmetic concerns of patients of scoliosis. There is conflicting literature on its effect on pulmonary function. The present meta-analysis was conducted to review and analyze the available literature and ascertain the effect of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function. METHODS: Search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines on three databases. After analysis of all the search results by title, abstracts and full texts-10 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. We included studies which had analyzed preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after thoracoplasty. Pooled estimates were calculated for pulmonary function, and effect of other factors was analyzed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS: The included studies were published between 1998 and 2019. A total of 385 patients were included in these studies, with a mean age of 15.01 years, with a female preponderance. Apprehension over appearance of rib hump was the most common indication for thoracoplasty. Percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV-1) were significantly decreased on follow-up. Anterior approach to corrective surgery and lower age were found to be associated with worse pulmonary function. Preoperative Cobb's angle was found to have significant impact on decrease in FEV-1 only, but not on other PFT parameters. CONCLUSION: Overall decrease in pulmonary function after thoracoplasty necessitates the need of adequate preoperative pulmonary function to mitigate its effect on patient well-being. Use of a posterior approach for corrective surgery when thoracoplasty is planned might lead to better outcomes. More research is needed to study effect of preoperative Cobb's angle on pulmonary function.

Osteoid Osteoma of the Distal Phalanx: A Rare Condition.

Osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanges in the hand is rare and difficult to diagnose. We report a case of a 37-year-old Caucasian female patient who presented with a mass on the distal phalanx of the index finger. The patient was suffering from intermittent nocturnal pain for more than 18 months along with thickening, localized swelling, and clubbing of the distal phalanx of the right index finger. Radiographs revealed a lytic lesion of the distal phalanx of the right index finger with surrounding sclerosis. An MRI showed an intramedullary lesion with infiltration of the bone marrow, cortex, and surrounding tissue with focal sclerosis and elements of enhancements. A presumptive diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was made and surgical removal of the lesion by curettage and bone grafting was the treatment of choice. The curetted specimen was sent to pathology and the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was confirmed. The patient was asymptomatic at six months postoperatively. Osteoid osteoma should be included in every differential diagnosis for patients presenting with atypical features of the distal phalanx of the hand.

Mortality Rate and Mid-Term Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Dual Mobility Cups for the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures in a Middle Eastern Population.

BACKGROUND: The dual mobility cups (DMCs) were shown to reduce dislocation rate following total hip arthroplasty for any etiology, including femoral neck fractures. No reported studies evaluating DMC results for femoral neck fracture in a Middle Eastern population were found in the literature. METHODS: This study aims to look for mortality rate, clinical, and functional outcomes in a population having specific rituals involving extreme hip positions as part of their daily activities. RESULTS: Of an initial sample of 174 patients (177 operated hips), 18 (10.3%) patients (20 hips) died after a mean of 39.6 ± 13.8 months (ranging from 2 to 49 months) with only 3 (1.7%) during the first post-operative year. Twelve patients (13 hips) were lost to follow-up and 19 patients (19 hips) had their radiological data incomplete. In the final sample of 125 patients (125 hips), no dislocation, aseptic loosening, or infection was encountered. The mean modified Hip Harris Score was of 94.8 ± 8.4. The mean modified Hip Harris Score of 40 patients who used to practice regularly oriental sitting position or prayers was 94.1 ± 3.1. After surgery, 36 of these 40 patients (90%) described their hip as "a forgotten hip." Multivariate analyses found correlation only between mortality and cardiovascular co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: DMC implants showed excellent clinical and functional results. The majority of patients having rituals and customs involving extreme hip positions were able to resume their daily activities. The observed low mortality rate should incite future research to investigate its correlation with the use of DMCs.

Outcomes of dual mobility cups in a young Middle Eastern population and its influence on life style.

Dual mobility cups (DMC) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are becoming popular among orthopaedic surgeons. Substantial benefit of their use has been reported among high risk patients, particularly in reducing post-operative hip instability (dislocation). Many reports stated some concern when implanted in young and active people where complications such as polyethylene wear and mechanical loosening could potentially be higher. This Middle Eastern study analyses a retrospective series of THA for any aetiology other than infection, using DMC for the acetabular component in 75 patients (85 implants) less than 70 years old. No instability, intra-prosthetic dislocation or mechanical failure was reported during a mean follow-up of five years. The only major complication was a post-operative infection. The mean post- operative modified Harris hip score was 97.1 out of 100. All patients resumed their daily activities and all religious practicing patients were able to accomplish their prayer positions without pain. DMC is found to be an interesting option in reducing dislocation events in young patients. Those excellent short-term results would encourage surgeons to use DMC in an active and highly demanding population. Further research is necessary to confirm maintenance of such results at long term follow-up.

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Lebanese surficial sediments: A focus on the regions of Tripoli, Jounieh, Dora, and Tyre.

This paper aims to identify the concentrations of PAHs in the sediments of four coastal zones in Lebanon and determine their possible sources and effects. For each region (Tripoli, Jounieh, Dora, and Tyre), sampling, lyophilization, Soxhlet extraction, rotary evaporation, and gas chromatography were performed on 11, 10, 7, and 11 samples, respectively. The total PAHs concentrations ranged from 1.22 to 731.93µg/kg dry weight. The lowest concentrations were found in Tyre and the highest in Dora and Jounieh. The level of PAHs was classified as low to moderate and their source was mainly pyrogenic.