Infección quirúrgica profunda en cirugía instrumentada de raquis toracolumbar. Diez años de experiencia / Deep surgical site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery. Ten years of experience

Objetivo: Describir las características y la evolución de la infección profunda en cirugía instrumentada de raquis toracolumbar (IPCITL) en nuestro centro en un periodo de 10años. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se analizan datos del paciente (epidemiológicos/salud), datos operatorios, presentación de la infección, gérmenes cultivados, limpiezas quirúrgicas requeridas, extracción de los implantes y complicaciones significativas derivadas de la infección. Resultados: Se revisan 110 pacientes (80mujeres). El seguimiento medio tras el diagnóstico de infección fue de 3,6años. Etiologías más frecuentes: escoliosis idiopática del adolescente, deformidad del adulto y estenosis lumbar degenerativa. El 62% de pacientes presentaban algún dato clínico que les hacía proclives a la infección. La aparición de la infección fue precoz (0-3meses de la cirugía primaria) en el 60,4% de los casos, retardada (3-24meses) en el 11,7% y tardía (más de 24meses) en el 27%. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados mediante limpieza quirúrgica. El 25% necesitaron más de una limpieza. Se extrajeron los implantes en el 46% de los pacientes (en el 71% de ellos en la primera limpieza). Los gérmenes aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativo, Propionibacterium acnes y Enterococcus. Hubo complicaciones significativas derivadas de la IPCITL en el 15% de casos. El 88% de ellas precisaron cirugías complejas para su tratamiento. Conclusiones: Las IPCITL tardías son más frecuentes de lo esperado según la literatura. En IPCITL globalmente predominan gérmenes cutáneos. Las IPCITL provocan una alta tasa de complicaciones, que habitualmente requieren tratamiento mediante cirugías complejas

Objective: To describe thee characteristics and evolution of deep surgical site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery (DSITIS) in our centre over a period of ten years. Material and method: Descriptive retrospective study. Patient data (epidemiological/health status), surgical data, infection characteristics/presentation, isolated microorganisms, required surgical debridements, implant removal and major complications linked to infection were evaluated. Results: We included 110 patients (80 females). Median follow-up after infection diagnosis was 3.6years. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult deformity and degenerative lumbar stenosis were the most frequent aetiologies. Sixty-two percent of the patients had at least one clinical feature that made them prone to infection. Infection presentation was early (0-3months from first surgery) in 60.4% of the cases, delayed (3-24months) in 11.7%, and late (more than 24months) in 27%. All patients were treated by surgical debridement. Twenty-five percent needed more than one surgical debridement. Implants were removed in 46% of the patients (71% in the first surgical debridement). The most frequent isolated microorganisms were coagulasa-negative Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium acnes and Enterococcus. Major complications appeared in 15% of the patients, and 88% of them required major surgeries. Conclusions: Late DSITIS is more frequent than previously reported. Skin microorganisms predominate among the DSITIS culprits. DSIITS produce a high rate of major complications that usually require major surgery for treatment

Deep surgical site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery. Ten years of experience. / Infección quirúrgica profunda en cirugía instrumentada de raquis toracolumbar. Diez años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and evolution of deep surgical site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery (DSITIS) in our centre over a period of ten years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive retrospective study. Patient data (epidemiological/health status), surgical data, infection characteristics/presentation, isolated microorganisms, required surgical debridements, implant removal and major complications linked to infection were evaluated. RESULTS: We included 110 patients (80 females). Median follow-up after infection diagnosis was 3.6years. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult deformity and degenerative lumbar stenosis were the most frequent aetiologies. Sixty-two percent of the patients had at least one clinical feature that made them prone to infection. Infection presentation was early (0-3months from first surgery) in 60.4% of the cases, delayed (3-24months) in 11.7%, and late (more than 24months) in 27%. All patients were treated by surgical debridement. Twenty-five percent needed more than one surgical debridement. Implants were removed in 46% of the patients (71% in the first surgical debridement). The most frequent isolated microorganisms were coagulasa-negative Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium acnes and Enterococcus. Major complications appeared in 15% of the patients, and 88% of them required major surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Late DSITIS is more frequent than previously reported. Skin microorganisms predominate among the DSITIS culprits. DSIITS produce a high rate of major complications that usually require major surgery for treatment.

Tratamiento de la escoliosis juvenil: aumentar el tiempo entre alargamientos con la técnica de barras de crecimiento no debe comprometer necesariamente el crecimiento torácico / Treatment of juvenile scoliosis: increasing the lengthening interval with the growing rod technique should not necessarily compromise thoracic growth

Objetivo. Evaluar el crecimiento longitudinal del tórax y el control de la deformidad en una serie de pacientes con escoliosis juvenil tratados con barras de crecimiento aumentando los intervalos de tiempo entre alargamientos más de seis meses. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de ocho pacientes midiendo las siguientes variables: el ángulo de Cobb, la traslación vertebral apical, el balance coronal, la longitud torácica T1-L1, la cifosis torácica T5-T12, el ángulo de cifosis de unión proximal (CUP) y la lordosis lumbar. Se registraron las complicaciones. Resultados. Se evaluaron cinco escoliosis idiopáticas y tres casos de sindrómica (media de edad 9,4 ± 1,5 años). Se realizó una cirugía inicial y un promedio de dos retensados por paciente. El tiempo medio entre retensados fue de 15,7 meses. La corrección coronal final de la curva principal fue del 58%. La longitud torácica (T1-L1) preoperatoria fue de 20,8 cm, postoperatoria de 24,4 cm, y final de 26 cm. Al final del seguimiento el crecimiento medio del tórax fue de 5,2 cm. La cifosis preoperatoria (T5-T12) fue 33,5°, y final 32,1°. El cambio en el ángulo CUP fue de 2,5° en el seguimiento final. La mayoría de las complicaciones estuvieron relacionadas con la instrumentación. Se encontraron dos infecciones superficiales de la herida. Conclusión. En pacientes con escoliosis juvenil en formas «menos graves» tratados mediante barras de crecimiento, es posible espaciar los alargamientos más de un año y con ello disminuir el número de cirugías y al mismo tiempo controlar la deformidad y permitir el crecimiento longitudinal torácico (AU)

Objective. Serial lengthening with growing rods is recommended every six months for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal growth of the thorax and control of the deformity in a series of patients with juvenile scoliosis when time intervals were increased between lengthenings. Material and methods. Retrospective study of eight patients. The following variables were measured: the Cobb angle, the apical vertebral translation, the coronal balance, thoracic T1-L1 length, thoracic T5-T12 kyphosis, the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) angle, and the lumbar lordosis. Complications were recorded. Results. Five idiopathic and three syndromic scoliosis cases (mean age 9.4 ± 1.5 years) were evaluated. The initial surgery was followed by with an average of two distractions per patient. The mean time between distractions was 15.7 months. The final coronal main curve correction was 58%. Apical translation and coronal balance were improved and maintained after the surgeries. The thoracic (T1-L1) preoperative length was 20.8 cm, the postoperative length was 24.4 cm, and the final length was 26 cm. At the end of follow-up, the average growth of the thorax was 5.2 cm. The preoperative (T5-T12) kyphosis was 33.5°, and final 32.1°. The change in the PJK angle was 2.5° at the end of follow-up. Most complications were related to instrumentation. Two superficial wound infections were encountered. Conclusion. For less severe juvenile scoliosis patients treated with growing rods, spacing out lengthenings over more than a year can decrease the number of surgeries, while still controlling the deformity and allowing longitudinal thoracic growth (AU)

[Treatment of juvenile scoliosis: Increasing the lengthening interval with the growing rod technique should not necessarily compromise thoracic growth]. / Tratamiento de la escoliosis juvenil: aumentar el tiempo entre alargamientos con la técnica de barras de crecimiento no debe comprometer necesariamente el crecimiento torácico.

OBJECTIVE: Serial lengthening with growing rods is recommended every six months for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal growth of the thorax and control of the deformity in a series of patients with juvenile scoliosis when time intervals were increased between lengthenings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of eight patients. The following variables were measured: the Cobb angle, the apical vertebral translation, the coronal balance, thoracic T1-L1 length, thoracic T5-T12 kyphosis, the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) angle, and the lumbar lordosis. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Five idiopathic and three syndromic scoliosis cases (mean age 9.4 ± 1.5 years) were evaluated. The initial surgery was followed by with an average of two distractions per patient. The mean time between distractions was 15.7 months. The final coronal main curve correction was 58%. Apical translation and coronal balance were improved and maintained after the surgeries. The thoracic (T1-L1) preoperative length was 20.8 cm, the postoperative length was 24.4 cm, and the final length was 26 cm. At the end of follow-up, the average growth of the thorax was 5.2 cm. The preoperative (T5-T12) kyphosis was 33.5°, and final 32.1°. The change in the PJK angle was 2.5° at the end of follow-up. Most complications were related to instrumentation. Two superficial wound infections were encountered. CONCLUSION: For less severe juvenile scoliosis patients treated with growing rods, spacing out lengthenings over more than a year can decrease the number of surgeries, while still controlling the deformity and allowing longitudinal thoracic growth.

¿Es el autoinjerto del campo quirúrgico suficiente para la obtención de una buena artrodesis en paciente con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente? / Is local bone graft sufficient to maintain the surgical correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves?

Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si los resultados clínicos y radiológicos obtenidos en cuanto a corrección a largo plazo se mantienen de forma similar usando injerto de cresta ilíaca ( CI ) o solo el hueso local (HL) en los pacientes intervenidos con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente. Pacientes y métodos. Se efectuó un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes homogéneas de 73 pacientes (CI n = 37 y HL n = 36) con escoliosis idiopática intervenidos mediante artrodesis por vía posterior con un seguimiento medio de 126 meses en el grupo CI y 66 meses en el grupo HL. Se compararon los resultados en cuanto a corrección quirúrgica y pérdida de la misma según las mediciones de los ángulos de Cobb en telerradiografías antero-posteriores y laterales preoperatorias, postoperatorias y finales, y se valoraron los resultados clínicos mediante el cuestionario SRS-22. Resultados. En el grupo HL la corrección postoperatoria resultó significativamente mayor 61 ± 15% vs. 51 ± 14% del grupo CI (p < 0,004). Durante la evolución el grupo CI presentó una pérdida de corrección media de 4,5 ± 7,3° respecto a los 8,5 ± 6,9° del grupo HL, (p = 0,02). La corrección final obtenida se iguala entre ambos grupos, 42 ± 18% vs. 46 ± 17% (p = 0,3). No se observa correlación clínica en la muestra respecto a los resultados del SRS-22. Conclusiones. Los pacientes intervenidos en los que se emplea injerto de CI tienen una pérdida de corrección inferior a los pacientes en los que se emplea injerto de HL aunque no parece existir correlación clínica de esta pérdida de corrección (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative clinical and radiological results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves treated by posterior arthrodesis using autogenous bone graft from iliac crest (CI) versus only local autograft bone (HL). Patients and methods: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted on 73 patients (CI n=37 and HL n=36) diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and treated surgically by posterior arthrodesis. The mean post-operative follow-up was 126 months in the CI group vs. 66 months in the HL group. The radiographic data collected consisted of preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up antero-posterior and lateral full-length radiographs. Loss of correction and quality of arthrodesis were evaluated by comparing the scores obtained from the Spanish version of the SRS-22 questionnaire. Results: There were significant differences in the post-operative results as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve (HL 61 ± 15% vs. CI 51 ± 14%, P<.004), however a greater loss of correction was found in the local bone group (CI 4.5 ± 7.3◦ vs. HL 8.5 ± 6.3◦, P=.02). There were no significant differences as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve at the end of follow-up. There were no clinical differences between the two groups in the SRS-22 scores. Conclusion: At 5 years of follow-up, there was a statistically significant greater loss of radiographic correction at the end of final follow-up in the local bone graft group. However clinical differences were not observed as regards the SRS-22 scores (AU)

[Is local bone graft sufficient to maintain the surgical correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves?]. / ¿Es el autoinjerto del campo quirúrgico suficiente para la obtención de una buena artrodesis en paciente con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative clinical and radiological results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves treated by posterior arthrodesis using autogenous bone graft from iliac crest (CI) versus only local autograft bone (HL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted on 73 patients (CI n=37 and HL n=36) diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and treated surgically by posterior arthrodesis. The mean post-operative follow-up was 126 months in the CI group vs. 66 months in the HL group. The radiographic data collected consisted of preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up antero-posterior and lateral full-length radiographs. Loss of correction and quality of arthrodesis were evaluated by comparing the scores obtained from the Spanish version of the SRS-22 questionnaire. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the post-operative results as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve (HL 61 ± 15% vs. CI 51 ± 14%, P<.004), however a greater loss of correction was found in the local bone group (CI 4.5 ± 7.3° vs. HL 8.5 ± 6.3°, P=.02). There were no significant differences as regards the correction of the Cobb angle of the main curve at the end of follow-up. There were no clinical differences between the two groups in the SRS-22 scores. CONCLUSION: At 5 years of follow-up, there was a statistically significant greater loss of radiographic correction at the end of final follow-up in the local bone graft group. However clinical differences were not observed as regards the SRS-22 scores.

[Prognostic factors of the crankshaft phenomenon in patients with scoliosis and open triradiate cartilage. Is the double approach the solution?]. / Factores pronósticos del fenómeno de crankshaft en los pacientes con escoliosis y cartílago trirradiado abierto. ¿Es el doble abordaje la solución?

OBJECTIVE: To study young patients after scoliosis surgery in order to determine risk and prevention factors for developing a crankshaft phenomenon (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of 26 skeletally immature patients. Six were excluded due to progression of various conditions. Crankshaft was defined as an increase in the Cobb angle >10°, or an increase in the Mehta angle (DAVC) >10°, or any decrease in the apex-rib thoracic distance, or increase in the apical vertebral translation (AVT). Patients with and without CP development were compared in order to analyse preoperative, surgical and postoperative risk factors, as well as the influence of different surgical techniques. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 83.9 months. Nine patients (45%) developed the crankshaft phenomenon. Only immaturity parameters were associated with development of CP. No preoperative or postoperative radiographic parameters appeared to influence its development. The amount of correction may be a protective factor (41.4 vs. 61.4%; P=.06). The double approach was able to prevent the development of CP (0%) compared with single posterior instrumentation (44%), P=.02. DISCUSSION: None of these preoperative factors seemed to predispose to CP: gender or aetiology, T5-T12 kyphosis or apical hypokyphosis, coronal Cobb, vertebral rotation, or DAVC. The residual postoperative Cobb, achieved kyphosis, or wired instrumentation versus hooks, also seemed to have no influence. CONCLUSION: In patients with open triradiate cartilage under 11 years of age, it seems advisable to correct by double approach to avoid the appearance of the crankshaft phenomenon.

Factores pronósticos del fenómeno de crankshaft en los pacientes con escoliosis y cartílago trirradiado abierto. ¿Es el doble abordaje la solución? / Prognostic factors of the crankshaft phenomenon in patients with scoliosis and open triradiate cartilage. Is the double approach the solution?

Objetivo. Estudiar los pacientes inmaduros con cartílago trirradiado abierto, operados de escoliosis, en busca de factores de riesgo y de prevención para desarrollar un fenómeno de crankshaft (CP). Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de 26 pacientes esqueléticamente inmaduros. Seis se excluyeron por progresión de distinta etiología. Se definió crankshaft como un aumento del Cobb mayor de 10°, o un incremento en la diferencia del ángulo de Mehta (diferencia ángulo vértebra-costilla, DAVC) mayor de 10°, o cualquier disminución de la distancia ápex-costilla torácica o aumento de la traslación vertebral apical lumbar (AVT, sigla del inglés apical vertebral translation). Se compararon los pacientes con y sin desarrollo de CP para analizar los factores de riesgo preoperatorios, quirúrgicos y postoperatorios. Se estudió la influencia de las distinta técnicas quirúrgicas. Resultados. El seguimiento medio fue de 83,9 meses. Nueve pacientes (45%) desarrollaron el CP. Solo los parámetros de inmadurez ósea se asociaron al desarrollo de CP. Ningún parámetro radiográfico preoperatorio o postoperatorio parece influir en su desarrollo. La cantidad de corrección podría ser un factor de protección (41,4 vs. 61,4%; p = 0,06). El doble abordaje fue capaz de evitar el desarrollo de CP (0%) en comparación con la instrumentación única posterior (44%), p = 0,02. Discusión. No se ha conseguido demostrar que los siguientes factores preoperatorios predispongan a la aparición de crankshaft: sexo o etiología, cifosis T5-T12, hipocifosis apical, Cobb coronal, rotación vertebral o DAVC. Tampoco parecen influir el Cobb postoperatorio residual, la cifosis conseguida, o la instrumentación con alambres frente a ganchos. Conclusión. En los pacientes con cartílago trirradiado abierto menores de 11 años parece aconsejable corregir la escoliosis mediante doble abordaje para evitar el fenómeno del cigüeñal o CP (progresión de la deformidad tras una artrodesis posterior por crecimiento anterior vertebral) (AU)

Objective. To study young patients after scoliosis surgery in order to determine risk and prevention factors for developing a crankshaft phenomenon (CP). Material and methods. Retrospective study of a cohort of 26 skeletally immature patients. Six were excluded due to progression of various conditions. Crankshaft was defined as an increase in the Cobb angle >10°, or an increase in the Mehta angle (DAVC) >10°, or any decrease in the apex-rib thoracic distance, or increase in the apical vertebral translation (AVT). Patients with and without CP development were compared in order to analyse preoperative, surgical and postoperative risk factors, as well as the influence of different surgical techniques. Results. The mean follow-up was 83.9 months. Nine patients (45%) developed the crankshaft phenomenon. Only immaturity parameters were associated with development of CP. No preoperative or postoperative radiographic parameters appeared to influence its development. The amount of correction may be a protective factor (41.4 vs. 61.4%; P=.06). The double approach was able to prevent the development of CP (0%) compared with single posterior instrumentation (44%), P=.02. Discussion. None of these preoperative factors seemed to predispose to CP: gender or aetiology, T5-T12 kyphosis or apical hypokyphosis, coronal Cobb, vertebral rotation, or DAVC. The residual postoperative Cobb, achieved kyphosis, or wired instrumentation versus hooks, also seemed to have no influence. Conclusion. In patients with open triradiate cartilage under 11 years of age, it seems advisable to correct by double approach to avoid the appearance of the crankshaft phenomenon (AU)

Correlación de resultados clínicos y perfil sagital en escoliosis del adulto. Valor del ángulo espinosacro y del ángulo de inclinación del raquis / Relationship between clinical results and sagittal profile in adult scoliosis. Value of the spinal-sacral angle and the spinal inclination angle

Objetivos. Evaluar la validez clínica en EA de 2 nuevos parámetros (ASS y ST) descritos recientemente para la evaluación del perfil sagital espinopélvicos, y cuyo papel en EA no está aún definido. Material y método. Análisis prospectivo (no concurrente) radiográfico y clínico de 59 cirugías primarias de EA (Cobb > 40°), mínimo 2 años de seguimiento. Para este trabajo dispusimos de radiografías y cuestionarios de salud de 49 pacientes. Se evaluó el cambio de los parámetros radiográficos tras cirugía (test Wilcoxon) y la correlación resultados clínicos-radiográficos-edad (test de Spearman y regresión lineal múltiple). Resultados. Mediana de seguimiento postoperatorio 8,5 años. Mediana edad 49,5 años. Hubo cambio estadísticamente significativo con la cirugía en ASS y ST (en ambos inferior a 5°), cifosis torácica (CT), lordosis lumbar (LL), rotación pélvica (RP), balance sagital (BS) y Cobb frontal. No hubo correlación entre dolor y ASS-ST. Hubo correlación significativa entre actividad y ASS, ST, LL, BS) y edad. Tras análisis multivariante solo la edad (ni ASS ni ST) persistió como posible predictor de menor actividad. Discusión. Cuando predomina la deformidad frontal, los parámetros radiográficos sagitales, incluidos los más novedosos ángulos, si bien sí influyen en la actividad del paciente cuando se analizan de forma aislada, pierden esta influencia cuando se analizan en conjunto y junto a otros parámetros clínicos. Conclusiones. Los valores de SSA y ST varían escasamente con la cirugía. Solo se correlacionan con la actividad pero no pueden considerarse predictores de la misma. No parecen pues medidas de utilidad en EA (AU)

Objectives. To assess the clinical validity of two new recently described parameters (spinal-sacral angle (SSA) and spinal inclination angle (SIA) in adult scoliosis (AS) for evaluating the spinal-pelvic sagittal profile, as well as their still undefined role in AS. Material and method. A non-concurrent prospective radiographic and clinical study was conducted on 59 primary surgeries of AS (Cobb>40°), with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. The available X-rays and health questionnaires of 49 patients were used in the study. The changes in X-ray parameters after surgery were evaluated (Wilcoxon test), as well as the correlations as regards the clinical-radiography-age parameters (Spearman test and multiple linear regression). Results. The median post-surgical follow-up was 8.5 years, and the median age of the patients was 49.5 years. There was a statistically significant change with the surgery in the SSA and SIA (less than 5° in both), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic rotation, sagittal balance (SB) and frontal Cobb. There was no correlation between pain and SSA-ST. There was a significant relationship between activity and SSA, ST, LL, SB, and age. After the multivariate analysis only age (not SSA or SIA) remained as a possible predictor of lower activity. Discussion. When frontal deformity predominates, the sagittal radiographic parameters, including the newest angles, although they have an influence patient activity when analysed individually, they lose this influence when they are analysed together and with other clinical parameters. Conclusions. The SSA and SIA hardly change with surgery. They only correlate with activity, but cannot be considered predictors of this. Thus they do seem to be useful measurements in AS (AU)

[Relationship between clinical results and sagittal profile in adult scoliosis. Value of the spinal-sacral angle and the spinal inclination angle]. / Correlación de resultados clínicos y perfil sagital en escoliosis del adulto. Valor del ángulo espinosacro y del ángulo de inclinación del raquis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical validity of two new recently described parameters (spinal-sacral angle (SSA) and spinal inclination angle (SIA) in adult scoliosis (AS) for evaluating the spinal-pelvic sagittal profile, as well as their still undefined role in AS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A non-concurrent prospective radiographic and clinical study was conducted on 59 primary surgeries of AS (Cobb>40°), with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. The available X-rays and health questionnaires of 49 patients were used in the study. The changes in X-ray parameters after surgery were evaluated (Wilcoxon test), as well as the correlations as regards the clinical-radiography-age parameters (Spearman test and multiple linear regression). RESULTS: The median post-surgical follow-up was 8.5 years, and the median age of the patients was 49.5 years. There was a statistically significant change with the surgery in the SSA and SIA (less than 5° in both), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic rotation, sagittal balance (SB) and frontal Cobb. There was no correlation between pain and SSA-ST. There was a significant relationship between activity and SSA, ST, LL, SB, and age. After the multivariate analysis only age (not SSA or SIA) remained as a possible predictor of lower activity. DISCUSSION: When frontal deformity predominates, the sagittal radiographic parameters, including the newest angles, although they have an influence patient activity when analysed individually, they lose this influence when they are analysed together and with other clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The SSA and SIA hardly change with surgery. They only correlate with activity, but cannot be considered predictors of this. Thus they do seem to be useful measurements in AS.

¿Mejora la liberación posterior ampliada a múltiples niveles la corrección de la curva en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente? / Can multiple-level posterior release improve curve correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la corrección por vía posterior con una construcción híbrida mediante el empleo de una liberación posterior clásica y la liberación posterior ampliada (LPA). Material y métodos: Efectuamos un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo con 46 pacientes diagnosticados de escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA). Se realizó una corrección por vía posterior mediante el empleo de una instrumentación híbrida. En el primer grupo se realizó una liberación posterior estándar (LPE) y en el segundo se realizó una LPA, y se resecaron todos los ligamentos posteriores y se realizó una facetectomía amplia bilateral. Se compararon los resultados de las mediciones en telerradiografías anteroposteriores y laterales preoperatorias, postoperatorias y a los 2 años. Se valoraron los resultados clínicos mediante el cuestionario SRS 22. Resultados: No hubo diferencias en cuanto al sexo, edad, tipo de curva, niveles instrumentados, tiempo quirúrgico o Cobb preoperatorio (LPE: 60°±10°; LPA: 59°±8°) de la curva principal. En el grupo de LPA la corrección obtenida fue significativamente mayor en el postoperatorio (p<0,001) y a los 2 años (p<0,05). La corrección de la curva proximal y lumbar resultó similar en ambos grupos y no se encontraron diferencias significativas. Las complicaciones menores fueron similares en ambos grupos y no existieron complicaciones graves. Conclusión: La LPA a múltiples niveles mejora la corrección de la curva principal en el plano coronal en los pacientes con EIA, sin aumento de la incidencia de complicaciones, además de aumentar la superficie de artrodesis y facilitar la introducción del alambrado (AU)

Purpose: To compare the results of posterior correction using hybrid instrumentation and classical posterior release with those obtained with an extended posterior release. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 46 patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A posterior correction was carried out using hybrid instrumentation. In the first group, a standard posterior release (SPR) was performed, whereas in the second an extended release (EPR) was carried out, resecting all posterior ligaments and performing an extended bilateral facetectomy. The results of the measurements were compared using pre-op, post-op and 2-year-follow-up anteroposterior and lateral teleradiographs. Clinical results were evaluated using the SRS 22 questionnaire. Results: There were no differences as regards gender, age, curve type, instrumented levels, OR time or pre-op Cobb's angle (SPR: 60°±10°; EPR: 59°±8°) of the principal curve. In the extended release group the correction obtained was significantly greater at post-op (p<0.001) and at 2 years (p<0.05). Correction of the proximal and lumbar curve was similar in both groups, with no significant differences. Minor complications were similar in both groups, with no serious complications. Conclusion: Multiple-level posterior release improves correction of the principal curve on the coronal plane in patients with AIS, without an increase in the complications rate. The procedure also extends the arthrodesed area and facilitates introduction of the wires (AU)

Estudio comparativo radiológico y funcional de TLIF frente a PLIF en el dolor lumbar / Comparative radiologic and functional study of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) for low back pain

Objetivo. Comparar los resultados radiológicos y funcionales de las técnicas de fusión circunferencial PLIF frente a TLIF en casos de dolor lumbar crónico. Pacientes y método. Se realizaron 20 PLIF y 20 TLIF (2 y 4 a doble nivel respectivamente). Se compararon valores de: lordosis total y local, inclinación sacra, altura del espacio discal y listesis pre y postoperatorias, así como pérdida de sangre, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria. Se evaluaron la Escala analógica visual para el dolor lumbar y en miembros inferiores, el test de Oswestry, el SF-36, la situación laboral y el grado de satisfacción. Resultados. El tiempo de seguimiento medio fue de 2,5 años. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a pérdida de sangre, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria, valores radiológicos ni funcionales. La lordosis total y local aumentó (PLIF 4,3° y 2,3° y TLIF 2,1° y 0,8°) respectivamente. El espacio discal aumentó en ambas técnicas un 40 por ciento (p < 0,01). La listesis disminuyó 0,7 mm en PLIF y 0,5 mm en TLIF. Los resultados funcionales mejoraron en ambos grupos (p < 0,01). Hubo dos complicaciones en PLIF (una rotura de dura intraoperatoria y un caso de íleo paralítico), y otras dos en TLIF (un caso de compresión radicular por un osteofito marginal y un caso de migración de una de las cajas). Conclusiones. En este estudio no se objetivaron diferencias significativas entre ambas técnicas, a pesar de la tendencia actual del empleo de TLIF por ser menos agresiva en el sentido de que preserva el ligamento interespinoso y la lámina contralateral, evitando la exposición amplia de la dura (AU)