A Retrospective Study of Factors Associated with Restoration of Thoracic Kyphosis in 43 Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Lenke Type 1 Curvature.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors associated with successful surgical correction of thoracic kyphosis (TK) in 43 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with Lenke type 1 curvature, in which the major curve with the largest Cobb angle was mainly in the thoracic region. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected data from patients with Lenke 1 AIS. The following parameters were measured: Cobb angle, side-bending Cobb angle, cervical lordosis (CL), TK, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), the center of a C7 plumb line to the center sacral vertical line (C7-CSVL), correction rate, Ponte osteotomy, flexibility, and screw density. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Among the 43 cases analyzed, the mean postoperative Cobb angle at the last follow-up, C7-CSVL, SVA, CL, TK, LL, PI, SS, and PT were respectively 21.33±9.47°, 10.41±8.45 mm, 19.68±14.33 mm, 16.19±7.45°, 23.12±7.45°, 50.33±11.37°, 49.70±9.83°, 39.42±8.11°, and 10.16±6.63°. Univariate analysis suggested that preoperative TK, preoperative LL, and Ponte osteotomy were statistically significant (P<0.05), and multivariate analysis suggested that preoperative LL and Ponte osteotomy were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrated that preoperative TK, preoperative LL, and Ponte osteotomy were related factors for maintaining normal TK. Multivariate analysis suggested that preoperative LL and the use of Ponte osteotomy with full-thickness segmental resection of the spinal posterior column resulted in the successful surgical correction of TK in patients with AIS with Lenke type 1 curvature.

Prospective Comparison of Patient-selected Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Scheuermann Kyphosis.

BACKGROUND: Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) can be managed operatively or nonoperatively. Few studies compare the effect of operative versus nonoperative treatment on patient health-related quality of life. We compare 2-year radiographic and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22) results of patients who self-selected either conservative or surgical treatment. METHODS: Single institution review of prospectively collected data for patients presenting with SK from 2006 to 2014. Forty-five of 55 patients returned for 2-year follow-up. Patients were divided into operative (n=27) or nonoperative (n=18) groups based upon their self-selected method of treatment. Radiographic data and SRS-22 scores were collected at initial presentation and 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Operatively treated patients had larger initial sagittal Cobb angles and lower SRS-22 scores in the pain and appearance domains. Two years postoperatively, surgically treated patients had smaller Cobb angles and improved scores in these SRS-22 domains. Nonoperatively treated patients did not deteriorate over time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who elect to receive operative treatment for SK have improved radiographic and SRS-22 parameters at 2-year follow-up compared with patients who elect nonoperative treatment. Not surprisingly, patients selecting surgical treatment had greater sagittal Cobb angles and greater levels of pain and dissatisfaction with their appearance. However, at 2-year follow-up, surgical patients experience greater (and significant) change on all parameters; exhibiting smaller Cobb angles, less pain, and greater satisfaction with their outcomes. Nonoperatively treated patients do not deteriorate over 2 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic study.

Improvement of clinical and radiographical presentation of Scheuermann disease after Schroth therapy treatment.

BACKGROUND: Scheuermann's disease is the most common cause of hyperkyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine. Few case reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of Schroth therapy in improving the thoracic angle curve in Scheuermann's patients; however, additional verification is needed. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 14-year-old female patient presented with Scheuermann's disease. On X-ray, thoracic kyphosis was 55° and lumbar lordosis 55°. The self-rated cosmetic disturbance was graded 10/10 on a verbal numeric scale. The patient received a course of seven weekly Schroth therapy sessions, in addition to daily home exercises tailored specifically for the patient's posture. Five months later, follow-up X-rays revealed thoracic kyphosis of 27° and lumbar lordosis 35°. The patient graded the degree of her cosmetic disturbance as 3/10. CONCLUSIONS: Schroth therapy seems to be able to decrease the thoracic curve angle of Scheuermann's patients; however, efficacy and effectiveness of this method should be investigated in future prospective controlled clinical trials.

Spinal deformity in young athletes.

Young athletes may have a spinal deformity incidentally or potentially related to their sport. These athletes should be encouraged to continue sports participation in many instances. Brace wear is commonly used for kyphotic and scoliosis deformities. Many sports can be played in the brace. Even with sports that cannot practically be played in the brace, most bracing protocols have enough time out of brace during the day for the athlete to continue participation. However, good physical therapy for flexibility and strengthening of the spine should be continued. Even sports that potentially aggravate the deformity may be continued in these circumstances.

Parafusos pediculares no tratamento da cifose de Scheuermann: resultados e complicações / Pedicle screws in the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis: results and complications

O tratamento cirúrgico da cifose de Scheuermann permanece um tópico em debate. Tratamento tradicional tem incluído liberação anterior associada à fusão dos segmentos discais apicais, seguida por instrumentação posterior. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o uso do sistema de parafusos pedicular vertebral promove melhor estabilização e correção da deformidade, sem procedimento compressivo, diminuindo os risco de complicações. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 19 pacientes com cifose de Scheuermann, que foram submetidos à liberação e fusão anterior por toracotomia aberta, seguida por instrumentação posterior com sistema de parafuso pedicular vertebral posicionados pela técnica de mão livre. Pré-operatoriamente, os pacientes foram analisados pela escala analógica visual (EVA) de dor e radiografias. No pós-operatório, foi analisado o grau de correção da curva, complicações, EVA para dor e nível de satisfação com a cirurgia. A média de seguimento foi de 37,5 meses (12,6-61,7 meses). RESULTADOS: Cifose pré-operatória variou de 66° a 94°, com média de 77,6°, e média da EVA de 6,6 pontos. No pós-operatório a cifose média foi de 35,8° (variação de 23° a 50°), sendo obtida média de correção de 53,8 por cento. A EVA foi de 0,6 ponto, com todos os pacientes, exceto um, satisfeitos com o resultado da cirurgia. Dentre as complicações: soltura de dois parafusos em um paciente, com necessidade de reintrodução e extensão da instrumentação, um paciente com infecção superficial resolvida clinicamente, uma quebra assintomática de parafuso e um paciente com infecção tardia resolvida com a retirada do implante. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico da cifose de Scheuermann, usando liberação e fusão anterior por toracotomia aberta seguida por instrumentação posterior com sistema de parafuso pedicular vertebral por meio da técnica de mão livre, mostrou-se, nessa série de pacientes, segura e eficiente.

Surgical treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis is still subject to debate. Traditional treatment has included an anterior release associated to fusion of apical disk segments, followed by posterior instrumentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the vertebral pedicle screw system yields a better stabilization and correction of the deformity, without a compressive procedure, thus decreasing the risk of complications. METHODS: 19 patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis were evaluated after being submitted to anterior release and fusion by open thoracotomy followed by posterior instrumentation with a vertebral pedicle screw system with the screws positioned with the free-hand technique. Before surgery, the patients were analyzed according to the visual analogical pain scale (EVA) and using X-rays. After surgery, analysis was made of the extension of the curve correction, complications, EVA for pain, and level of satisfaction with the surgery. Mean follow-up was 37.5 months (12.6 61.7 months). RESULTS: Pre-op kyphosis varied from 66° to 94°, with a mean of 77.6° and the mean EVA was 6.6. After surgery, the mean kyphosis was 35.8° (ranging from 23° to 50°), a mean correction of 53.8 percent being obtained. EVA was 0.6, and all patients but one, were pleased with the result of the surgery. Complications: two screws were detached in one patient and had to be reintroduced and instrumentation had to be expanded, one patient had superficial infection that was clinically solved, a screw broke asymptomatically, and one patient had late infection that was cured with the removal of the implant. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis using anterior release and fusion by open thoracotomy followed by posterior instrumentation with a vertebral pedicle screw system using the free hand technique showed, in this series, to be safe and efficient.

[The particularities of the adult Scheuermann's disease: study about 45 patients]. / Les particularités de la maladie de Scheuermann de l'adulté: à propos de 45 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to find out which factors favor the occurrence of pain in adult patients with Scheuermann's disease--a juvenile manifestation of osteochondrosis of the spine, to study the clinical and radiological signs, the role of rehabilitation and the means to avoid the recurrence of pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study about 45 adults treated by rehabilitation. A data sheet listed the patient's occupation, current practice of sport, antecedents (violent sport, traumatism, pain), presence of a family form, motive of consultation, clinical and paraclinical examinations and immediate and long-term results of rehabilitation. RESULTS: Average age 35 years (18 to 65), male predominance (1.8:1), occupational risk factors: 16%; only 24% practiced sports currently. ANTECEDENTS: sports 49%, spinal column traumatism 13%, dorsal and lumbar pain during adolescence 16%. Consultation motive: abnormal posture 4% and pain 96%. According to the examination: abnormal spinal column in 80% of cases. According to radiography, our patients were divided into 49% who were carriers of growth vertebral dystrophy and 51% who were carriers of the real Scheuermann's disease. The immediate results of rehabilitation were satisfactory, 75% of the results were very good and good. Between six months and four years, 70% of the results were very satisfactory. Exercises were observed in only 11% of the cases, and stopped after two months on average. CONCLUSION: Scheuermann's disease in adults is a different entity from that of the teenager for the major manifestation is pain and not aesthetic quality. The patient's occupation is rather sedentary; sport is beneficial. The functional rehabilitation is the basic treatment and recourse to surgery or dorso-lumbar braces is rare.

The practical use of surface topography: following up patients with Scheuermann's disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to answer the question of whether a course of in-patient rehabilitation of 4-6 weeks results in a significant postural improvement in patients with a structural kyphosis. Since all clinical measuring parameters are liable to high margins of error and measuring the surface with the formetric system has shown high reliability in previous studies, this system has been used to evaluate the results of rehabilitation in patients with Scheuermann's disease. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A pre-/post-interventional study was undertaken including only patients (n = 136) with Scheuermann's kyphosis and a thoracic curve pattern. 62 female patients with an average age of 19 years and 74 male patients of average age 20 years were diagnosed with the Formetric system before an in-patient rehabilitation programme of 4-6 weeks. For this study, the maximal kyphotic angle was evaluated. RESULTS: The average kyphotic angle as measured by the surface topography system before inpatient rehabilitation was 60.7 degrees (SD 11.2) and after 54.9 degrees (SD 12.1) for the whole sample of 136 patients. The improvements where highly significant in the t-test. In the cases of the female patients, the maximal kyphotic angle decreased from 62 degrees to nearly 54 degrees; in the cases of the male patients it had decreased from 60 degrees to nearly 55 degrees by the end of the programme. DISCUSSION: After the in-patient treatment, the kyphotic angle decreased very significantly. The range of change was far greater than the margin of error and, thus, the following conclusion may be reached: In-patient rehabilitation with an intensive programme of treatment may result in a correction of structural kyphoses in which there are clear signs of Scheuermann's disease. Consequently in-patient rehabilitation is recommended for adolescents in cases of Scheuermann's kyphoses.

Study of vertebral morphology in Scheuermann's kyphosis before and after treatment.

Variation of vertebral morphology in Scheuermann's Kyphosis before and after orthopedic treatment is usually measured by the entity of the curve, using Cobb's method, and by vertebral wedging. But the lack of correlation between these parameters and the clinical evolution of the deformity, lead to the possibility of other alterations that can explain part of the kyphosis deformities before and after the treatment. In this group of alterations the inclination of anterior and posterior walls, that express the trapezoid deformity of vertebras, seem to be more reliable indicators of curve response to ortopedic treatment.

Outcome of in-patient rehabilitation in patients with M. Scheuermann evaluated by surface topography.

For the follow-up of patients with sagittal spinal deformities and postural disorders, we do not have well validated measuring systems at our disposal. All clinical measuring parameters are liable to a high margin of error. With a growing number of patients suffering from postural disorders and kyphoses, we have to look for other possibilities to monitor changes of the back, as well as in the short term, without the support of X-rays. As the measuring of the surface with the Formetric system showed a high measurement reliability in previous studies, we used this system to demonstrate the rehabilitation results of our patients with Scheuermann's disease. An intervention study (pre-/post-design) was undertaken including the following material.: 62 female patients with Scheuermann's disease and an average age of 19 years old and 74 male patients with Scheuermann's disease and an average age of 20 years old were measured with the Formetric system before an in-patient rehabilitation of four to six weeks. For this study, we evaluated the maximal kyphotic angle as shown by the system. In the case of female patients, the maximal kyphotic angle decreased highly significantly from sixty two to nearly fifty four degrees. In the case of the male patients, it decreased from sixty to nearly fifty five degrees at the end. It showed that the surface measuring system with the Formetric System is a reliable instrument for the follow-up of sagittal postural disorders and kyphoses for the present study, especially in the case of Scheuermann's disease. In praxis, the use of this measurement is very easy, we obtain the measurement results very quickly, so that the evaluation of data is not very time consuming. After the in patient treatment, the kyphotic angle decreased highly significantly. The changes range far above the margin of error, thus the following conclusions are justified. Firstly, the Formetric System is the appropriated instrument for the follow-up of postural disorder and kyphoses. Secondly, the in-patient rehabilitation with an intensive treatment program may result in a correction of also structural kyphoses with sure signs of Scheuermann's disease. Thus we recommend an in-patient rehabilitation in adolescent age in case of Scheuermann kyphoses with large curvatures and in case of Scheuermann kyphoses in adults suffering from pain.

Effect of intensive rehabilitation on pain in patients with Scheuermann's disease.

In our rehabilitation centre, the treatment of Scheuermann's disease consists of a daily postural education, lasting several hours. As for pain therapy, we mainly apply physiotherapeutic methods with osteopathy, manual therapy, Mc Kenzie and Brügger. In addition, we offer psychological help for pain relief. In case of severe chronic pain, we additionally treat it with acupuncture. Pain therapy with medication is only performed in rare cases. The aim of the present study was to find out if such an intensive rehabilitation programme had any effect on pain level in patients with Scheuermann's disease. An Intervention study (pre-/post-design) was undertaken including the following material: 351 patients suffering from Scheuermann's disease reported their pain level before and after an inpatient treatment. For this aim, we used a visual analog scale (VAS), a numerical scale (NS), a standardised adjective scale (VRS) and a pain frequency scale. In our group, there were 61 female patients with a thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease, 121 female patients with a thoracic Scheuermann's disease, 92 male patients with a thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease and 77 male patients with a thoracic Scheuermann's disease. The average age was 17 to 21 years old with an average kyphotic angle varying in the individual groups between 53 and 64 degrees. In the case of the numerical pain severity scale, pain severity was for example 2,9 in female patients with thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease. In female patients with thoracic Scheuermann's disease, pain severity was also at 2.9. In male patients with thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease, it was at 2.0 and in male patients with thoracic Scheuermann's disease, it was at 1.9. This numerical pain scale showed highly significant changes in pain severity: 2.1 in female patients with thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease, 1.9 in female patients with thoracic Scheuermann's disease, 1.4 in male patients with thoracolumbar Scheuermann's disease and 1.8 in male patients with thoracic Scheuermann's disease. There was also a significant decrease in pain frequency. Seen as a whole, each scale showed a pain reduction between 16 and 32%, which is significant in all the cases and even highly significant in some cases. The in patient rehabilitation seems to have a positive effect on pain level in patients with Scheuermann's disease. In case of Scheuermann's disease in adult age, treatment is only indicated when patients suffer from pain. For those reasons, an in-patient intensive program of rehabilitation in a clinic with adequate quality structure should be considered.

[Sports and physical load bearing capacity after spondylodesis in patients with Scheuermann kyphosis]. / Sport und körperliche Belastbarkeit nach Aufrichtungsspondylodese bei Patienten mit Scheuermann-Kyphose.

In this investigation it was examined which is the effect of an extensive spondylodesis by patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis on their sport activity and their physical load capacity. Between 1983 and 1990, 10 patients with severe kyphosis secondary to Scheuermann's disease underwent surgical correction and spinal fusion. In 1997 all 10 patients were clinically and radiologically examined and interviewed at an average follow-up of 9.6 years. At the time of follow-up one patient was active in top sports, seven patients in normal sport, two patients were members in a sports-club and one patient was not interested in sport. Eight patients went in for sports regulary. Mostly the patients were active in gymnastics, cycling and swimming. At follow-up almost all patients found that their physical load capacity and the behaviour in relation to back pain were better than before operation. Half of the patients were exposed to a middle physical load in the daily life. The presented study shows that patients after extensive spondylodesis for Scheuermann's kyphosis and clear reduction of pain are not automatically limited in the daily life, both for sport and professional activity. However, generalized recommendations for the physical load capacity of the operated patient cannot be given, and an individualized decision must be taken for each case.

Cifose de Scheuermann: resultado tardios após uso do colete de Milwaukee / Scheuermann's kyphosis: long term results of the Milwaukee brace treatment

Foram avaliados os resultados a longo prazo em 20 pacientes com cifose de Scheuermann submetidos a tratamento com colete de Milwaukee. O tempo de acompanhamento após o término do tratamento variou de 30 a 58 meses, com média de 42 meses. Os valores angulares inciais das curvas estavam situados entre 45 e 62 graus, com média de 51 graus. Logo após a retirada do colete, os valores variaram de 29 a 42 graus, com média de 33 graus. Na última revisäo, os valores angulares estavam situados entre 31 e 49 graus, com média de 39 graus. Baseados em nossa revisäo, verificamos que os pacientes tratados com colete de Milwaukee, com seguimento superior a 30 meses, apresentaram perda média de 20 por cento em relaçäo aos valores inciais obtidos.

Cifose de Scheuermann: resultados precoses com uso de colete de Milwaukee / Scheurmann's kyphosis: early results with use of Milwaukee's brace

Foram avaliados 23 pacientes que apresentavam cifose de Scheuermann, submetidos a tratamento conservador com colete de Milwaukee. A rotina de uso do colete consistiu em: uso integral (23 horas/dia) durante os seis primeiros meses e uso parcial (12 horas/dia) no período subseqüente de tratamento. O tempo total de uso do colete variou de 10 a 23 meses, com média de 14 meses. Quinze pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 8 do sexo feminino, cujas idades variaram de 9,3 a 14,6 anos. Os valores angulares iniciais das curvas estavam compreendidos entre 45 e 62 graus, com média de 51 graus. Após a descontinuaçäo do uso do colete de Milwaukee, os valores iniciais ao tratamento, variando de 29 a 42 graus, com média de 33 graus. O tempo de acompanhamento pós-colete variou de 2 a 27 meses. Baseados em nossos resultados, concluímos que o colete de Milwaukee proporcionou, a curto prazo excelentes resultados no tratamento da cifose de Scheuermann

Dorsolumbar kyphosis or Scheuermann's disease.

Confusion over dorsolumbar kyphosis and Sheuermann's disease has existed in the literature since the first recorded episodes in 1921. The present article delineates an etiology of back pain that is frequently seen in the adolescent population and is not to be confused with the painless fixed kyphotic deformity so frequently mentioned in the scoliosis literature. These patients with a painful dorsolumbar Sheuermann's disease may well have a traumatic herniation of the disk into the bony vertebral body. This type of x-ray and clinical finding should become familiar to all clinicians dealing with an adolescent population.