Could trochanteric pelvic stabilization be removed from the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace? A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal deformity in children. There is a dose-response relationship between compliance and improvement in scoliosis. The literature revealed that esthetic considerations have negative consequences on the quality of life (QOL) of patients and consequently on wearing time of the brace. To minimize esthetic problems and then increase QOL and wearing time, we proposed a new relay brace named "corset Collerette" without a pelvic-trochanteric base. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the rehabilitation department of Bordeaux University Hospital. Patients consulting for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were registered in a prospective hospital database. The patients expressing unwillingness to wear the usual brace or who had decreased compliance were offered the corset Collerette and were included in a 3-month follow-up. Outcome measures assessed at baseline and at 3 months were Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Brace Questionnaire scales and wearing time. Cobb's angle evolution since the start of bracing was also collected. The primary end point was the QOL assed by the SRS-22 scale at 3 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The first 38 patients agreeing to wear the corset Collerette were included in the study. The QOL assessed by the SRS-22 was significantly improved with the corset Collerette ( p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in wearing time and thoracic Cobb's angles between baseline and follow-up ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The switch to the corset Collerette allowed an improvement in the QOL of the patients and avoid a decrease in compliance with wearing the brace and maintain the same in-brace Cobb's angles.

A Study on the Effect of Exercise Prescription on Scoliosis in Adolescents / Un estudio sobre el efecto de la prescripción de ejercicio en la escoliosis en adolescentes

In order to understand the efficacy of a scoliosis exercise prescription, it is essential to understand the risk factors associated with this malady. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether or not prescribed exercise would decrease the likelihood of developing scoliosis by influencing one or more sub-clinical risk factors involved with the condition. Before and after an adolescent participated in an exercise prescription for two months, nutritional intake and other health parameters were measured. Scoliosis incidence was determined in order to assess whether or not prescribed exercises reduce incidence. The study found that preprogramed exercises significantly reduced incidence by as much as 44% on average as compared to a non-prescribed condition (p < .001). Additionally, the longer the participant was involved in the regimen, the greater the reduction. The study also found that a non-prescribed condition (no exercise) did not yield any significant reduction level in incidence. The finding of this study supports previous research, which concluded that exercise prescription can be an effective scoliosis treatment option in adolescents with subclinical scoliosis.(AU)

The Addition of Daytime Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-specific Exercises to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Nighttime Bracing Reduces Curve Progression.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) in addition to nighttime bracing compared with nighttime bracing alone is unknown. The purpose of this prospective comparative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PSSE in skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with nighttime bracing (PSSE group) compared with the standard of care of nighttime bracing alone (control group). METHODS: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis thoracolumbar or lumbar primary curves <35 degrees at Risser stage 0 who wore a Providence brace were prospectively enrolled into the PSSE or control group. A temperature sensor recorded the number of hours of brace wear. The PSSE group was instructed in the Schroth-based physical therapy method and a home exercise program for at least 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 1 year. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (37 PSSE, 37 controls) were followed until the final visit of skeletal maturity or surgery. The PSSE and control groups had similar baseline Cobb angles (24 vs. 25 degrees) and average hours of brace wear (8.0 vs. 7.3 h). The PSSE group had no change in curve magnitude at the final visit compared with curve progression in the control group (1 vs. 7 degrees, P <0.01). Furthermore, the PSSE group had a lower rate of curve progression >5 degrees at the final visit (14% vs. 43%, P <0.01). The PSSE group also had less conversion to full-time bracing after 1 year (5% vs. 24%, P =0.046), but differences were no longer significant at the final visit (14% vs. 27%). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective series of patients in nighttime Providence braces, the addition of Schroth-based physical therapy reduced curve progression after 1 year and at skeletal maturity. These findings can educate motivated families interested in PSSE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

The efficacy of 3D personalized insoles in moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bracing and exercise methods were used in scoliosis rehabilitation and proven effective. There was little evidence about the efficacy of insoles on scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 3D personalized insoles on curve magnitude, postural stability, and quality of life (QOL) in moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. METHODS: Thirty-six volunteers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, who had moderate curves (20°-45°), were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The control group received traditional rehabilitation with bracing and exercises, and the experimental group received the insole interventions in addition to traditional rehabilitation. The outcome measures were Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), postural stability, and quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire). Measurements were conducted at baseline examination, two months and six months. RESULTS: After two and six months of treatment, the Cobb angle and ATR in both groups were significantly decreased as compared with the baseline (p < 0.05), but no significant group difference in Cobb angle and ATR was found in the study (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the sagittal balance index at six months compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and a significant difference in the coronal balance index was observed at six months compared to baseline in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Quality of life did not change in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combining bracing with exercise in patients with moderate AIS is effective. 3D personalized insoles cannot reduce the Cobb angle and angle of trunk rotation of patients with moderate AIS but might have the potential to improve postural stability.

[Medical rehabilitation for children with scoliosis]. / Meditsinskaya reabilitatsiya detei so skoliozom.

The article presents a literature review on the prevalence, relevance, social significance, and principles of medical rehabilitation of children with different types of scoliosis in scoliotic disease. The current classification, diagnostics features, and clinical course of the disease are addressed. Current approaches to the choice of medical rehabilitation methods for scoliotic disease in children are described: therapeutic exercise, hydrokinesiotherapy, massage, physiotherapeutic treatment, kinesiotaping, and corseting. Special consideration is given to postoperative management and stages of medical rehabilitation of children with scoliosis, including resort treatment.

Study of Trunk Morphological Imbalance and Rehabilitation Outcome of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Intelligent Medicine.

In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in various medical fields to effectively assist physicians in patient treatment operations. In this paper, we design and implement a deep biblical network model-based orthotic design for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to quickly and effectively assist physicians in designing orthotics for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A fuzzy set is used to express the knowledge of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis orthosis design, and a fuzzy reasoning based on the confidence level is implemented. Finally, the efficiency of the design of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis orthoses was improved by 50% through two cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, and the deviation rate between the inference value and the actual operation value of the domain experts was less than 10%.

Conservative idiopathic scoliosis treatment with brace produced using 3d technology / Tratamento da escoliose idiopática com colete produzido com tecnologia 3d / Tratamiento de la escoliosis idiopática con corsé producido con tecnología 3d

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the immediate correction capacity of the Wood-Chêneau-Rigo brace (WCR), produced using digital technological resources and robotic engineering, in primary and secondary curves of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 138 patients with a diagnosis of AIS and who received a WCR brace from a laboratory that makes orthoses and orthopedic prostheses between 2019 and 2021. These individuals were submitted to an independent analysis of the radiographic parameters by a single researcher, the main outcome of which was the standardized measurement of the main and secondary curves using the Cobb method. The radiographs analyzed were performed in orthostasis before and immediately after the adaptation of the brace on the patient. The correction capacity was calculated as the ratio of the difference between the pre- and post-brace curves to the pre-brace curve. Results The mean correction with the WCR was 48.4% for the main curve and 41.0% for the secondary curve. The level of correction of the main curve was significantly higher in patients with a main curve with the apex of convexity in the thoracolumbar region (p = 0.004), especially in the left thoracolumbar region (p = 0.010); curves of magnitude between 10º and 24.9º (p <0.001); and curves classified as simple (p <0.001). Conclusion The use of the WCR, which is produced using modern technological resources, was effective in the immediate correction of AIS. Long-term studies on this new modality of conservative scoliosis treatment are necessary. Level of evidence III; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a capacidade de correção imediata do colete Wood-Chêneau-Rigo (WCR), produzido com recursos tecnológicos digitais e de engenharia robótica, em curvas primárias e secundárias de escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA). Métodos Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo com 138 pacientes com diagnóstico de EIA que adquiriram o colete WCR entre 2019 e 2021 em um laboratório de produção de órteses e próteses ortopédicas. Esses indivíduos foram submetidos à análise independente dos parâmetros radiográficos por um único pesquisador, tendo como desfecho principal a medida padronizada das curvas principal e secundária pelo método de Cobb. As radiografias analisadas foram realizadas em ortostase antes e imediatamente depois da adaptação do colete no paciente. A capacidade de correção foi calculada pela razão entre a diferença das curvas pré e pós-colete e a curva pré-colete. Resultados A média de correção da curva primária com o WCR foi de 48,4% e a da curva secundária foi de 41,0%. O nível de correção da curva primária foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com curva principal com ápice da convexidade na região toracolombar (p = 0,004), principalmente toracolombar à esquerda (p = 0,010); curvas com magnitude entre 10º e 24,9º (p < 0,001) e curvas do tipo simples (p < 0,001). Conclusões O colete WCR, produzido com modernos recursos tecnológicos, foi eficaz na correção imediata da EIA. São necessários estudos a longo prazo sobre essa nova modalidade de tratamento conservador da escoliose. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la capacidad de corrección inmediata del corsé de Wood-Chêneau-Rigo (WCR), producido con recursos tecnológicos digitales e ingeniería robótica, en curvas primarias y secundarias de la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA). Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 138 pacientes con diagnóstico de EIA que adquirieron el corsé WCR entre 2019 y 2021 en un laboratorio de producción de ortesis y prótesis ortopédicas. Estos individuos fueron sometidos a un análisis independiente de los parámetros radiográficos por un solo investigador, siendo el resultado principal la medición estandarizada de las curvas principal y secundaria por el método de Cobb. Las radiografías analizadas se tomaron en bipedestación antes e inmediatamente después de la adaptación del corsé al paciente. La capacidad de corrección se calculó por la razón entre la diferencia entre las curvas de antes y de después del uso del corsé y la curva de antes del corsé. Resultados La corrección promedio de la curva primaria con el WCR fue del 48,4% y de la curva secundaria fue del 41,0%. El nivel de corrección de la curva primaria fue significativamente más grande en pacientes con una curva principal con vértice de la convexidad en la región toracolumbar (p = 0,004), principalmente toracolumbar a la izquierda (p = 0,010); curvas con magnitud entre 10º y 24,9º (p < 0,001) y curvas simples (p < 0,001). Conclusiones El uso corsé WCR, producido con modernos recursos tecnológicos, fue efectivo en la corrección inmediata de la EIA. Se necesitan estudios a largo plazo sobre esta nueva modalidad de tratamiento conservador de la escoliosis. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo.

Effect of core-based exercise in people with scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the effectiveness of core-based exercise for correcting a spinal deformity and improving quality of life in people with scoliosis. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science databases were searched from inception up to September 30, 2020. METHODS: Clinical controlled trials were eligible if they compared the effectiveness of core-based exercise to other nonsurgical interventions in people with scoliosis. The revised Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized trials and the methodological index for non-randomized studies scale were used to assess the risk of bias. The outcomes included the Cobb angle, the angle of trunk rotation and quality of life. RevMan 5.3 was used, and intergroup differences were determined by calculating mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: After screening 1348 studies, nine studies with 325 participants met the inclusion criteria. The exercise group had significantly lower Cobb angles (MD = -2.08, 95% CI: -3.89 to -0.28, P = 0.02) and significantly better quality of life as measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (MD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.49, P = 0.03) than the control groups. However, no significant difference was observed regarding the angle of trunk rotation between groups (MD = -0.69, 95% CI: -2.61 to 1.22, P = 0.48). Furthermore, no serious adverse events were reported. The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. CONCLUSION: Core-based exercise may have a beneficial role in reducing the Cobb angle and improving quality of life in people with scoliosis in the short term. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020160509 (Available at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).

Rehabilitación respiratoria para pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne en etapas de pérdida de la marcha / Respiratory rehabilitation for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in stages of loss of gait

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases. Its evolution with well-defined stages related to motor and functional alterations, allows easily establishing relationships with respiratory function through a simple laboratory assessment including vital capacity (VC) measurements as well as peak cough flows. Without any treatment with respiratory rehabilitation, the main cause of morbidity and mortality is ventilatory failure, secondary to respiratory pump muscles weakness and inefficient cough. The VC plateau is reached during the non-ambulatory stages, generally after 13 years old. Respiratory rehabilitation protocols, including air stacking techniques, manual and mechanical assisted coughing and non-invasive ventilatory support, can effectively addressed the VC decline as well as the decrease in peak cough flows, despite advancing to stages with practically non-existent lung capacity. Non-invasive ventilatory support may be applied after 19 years old, initially at night and then extending it during the day. In this way, survival is prolonged, with good quality of life, avoiding ventilatory failure, endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. This article proposes staggered interventions for respiratory rehabilitation based on the functional stages expected in the patient with DMD who has lost ambulation.

La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) es una de las enfermedades neuromusculares más frecuentes. Su curso evolutivo con etapas de declinación en la funcionalidad motora bien definidas, permite fácilmente establecer relaciones con la función respiratoria a través de un laboratorio de evaluación sencilla, básicamente de la capacidad vital (CV) y la capacidad tusígena. Sin intervenciones en rehabilitación respiratoria, la principal causa de morbimortalidad es la insuficiencia ventilatoria secundaria a debilidad de músculos de la bomba respiratoria e ineficiencia de la tos. En las etapas no ambulantes, se alcanza la meseta de la CV, generalmente después de los 13 años, su declinación junto con la disminución de la capacidad tusígena puede ser enfrentada efectivamente con la utilización de protocolos de rehabilitación respiratoria. Estos deben considerar la restitución de la CV con técnicas de insuflación activa o apilamiento de aire, tos asistida manual y mecánica, más soporte ventilatorio no invasivo, inicialmente nocturno después de los 19 años y luego diurno, pese a avanzar a etapas con capacidad pulmonar prácticamente inexistente. De esta manera, se prolonga la sobrevida, con buena calidad de vida, evitando el fallo ventilatorio, eventos de intubación endotraqueal y traqueostomía. Este artículo, hace propuestas escalonadas de intervención en rehabilitación respiratoria basadas en las etapas funcionales esperables en el paciente con DMD que ha perdido la capacidad de marcha.

The Impact of Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) on Coronal Balance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): A New Classification and Trends in the Postoperative Period.

INTRODUCTION: One of the primary goals of scoliosis surgery is to balance the head over the pelvis (or avoid creating imbalance). Historically, a normal coronal balance was defined as the C7 plumb line (C7PL) within 2 cm of the central sacral vertical line (CSVL); however, there is limited published information regarding the speed/magnitude and success/failure of balancing, rebalancing, or unbalancing in the postoperative period. The purpose of this study is to classify and quantify coronal plane balance postoperatively in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis when using pedicle screw instrumentation. METHODS: Evaluated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who had a posterior spinal fusion withstanding 2-view, posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the entire spine performed at first erect visit, 6, 12, and 24 months. To measure coronal balance, a C7PL was measured and compared with the CSVL. A negative value denotes the leftward deviation of the C7PL and a positive value a rightward deviation. The authors then created a novel coronal balance classification system. RESULTS: A total of 954 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a strong trend toward improving coronal balance, especially between first erect and 6 months; the proportion of out of balance patients declined throughout the 2-year period: preoperative 372 of 954 (39%), first erect 297 of 954 (31.1%), 6 months 167 of 954 (17.5%), 1 year 136 of 954 (14.3%), and 2 years 115 of 954 (12.0%). Analyzing the patients most out of balance immediately after posterior spinal fusion, 35 of 50 (70%) in group 3 regained balance by 2 years. Out of the remaining 15 patients, 12 corrected to group 1 (24%), 2 patients to group 2 (4%), and 1 patient remained in group 3 (2%). CONCLUSIONS: This large, longitudinal postoperative study of coronal balance documents a strong trend toward postoperative rebalancing, with the largest gains between first erect image and 6 months. The 31% of patients out of balance at first erect declined to only 12.1% at 2 years.

Effects of Specific Exercise Therapy on Adolescent Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Controlled Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the interventional effect of exercise therapy on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and identify an optimal intervention window. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Early conservative treatment is helpful for IS. In addition to bracing, current evidence suggests that exercise can play an important role. METHODS: We included 99 patients with IS who were treated at the Guangdong Xinmiao Scoliosis Center from August 2013 to September 2017. The inclusion criteria were: new IS diagnosis, Cobb angle 10° to 25°, Risser 0 to 3 grade, only treated with the Xinmiao treatment system (XTS; >3 days/week, >1 h/day), and follow-up >1 year. Patients were divided into three age groups: A, <10 years (n = 29); B, 10 to 12 years (n = 24); and C, 13 to 15 years (n = 46). The percentages of curve improvement (Cobb angle decrease ≥5°), stability (Cobb angle change × ±5°), and progression (Cobb angle increase ≥5°) were compared. RESULTS: The groups showed significant differences for major curve correction, Risser sign, first referral, and final follow-up of the main curve (all P < 0.05). The major curve in group A decreased significantly by 6.8° (44% correction), compared to 3.1° (18% correction) and 1.5° (9% correction) in groups B and C, respectively. In group A, 69.0% (20/29) had curve improvement, 27.6% (8/29) stabilized and 3.4% (1/29) progressed. In group B, 45.8% (11/24) improved, 50% (12/24) stabilized, and 4.2% (1/24) progressed. In group C, 26.1% (12/46) improved, 63.0% (29/46) stabilized, and 10.9% (5/46) progressed. There was also a significant difference in final Risser grade among the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For IS patients with Cobb angles between 10° and 25°, our exercise protocol can effectively control or improve curve progression. Younger patients with a lower Risser grade are most likely to respond. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Effect of elastic scapular taping on shoulder and spine kinematics in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of scapular repositioning using an elastic taping technique on the three-dimensional (3-D) shoulder and thoracic kinematics during various activities of daily living (ADLs) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: Shoulder and spine kinematics during five ADL movement tasks were assessed in 24 adolescents with IS (3 males and 21 females; mean age: 15.8 years; age range: 14-17 years) before and 15 min after elastic scapular taping. All the participants had a moderate curve magnitude (Cobb angle: 20°-45°), with a primary thoracic curve. A 3-D electromagnetic tracking system (Ascension Technology Corporation, Shelburne, VT, USA) was used to record 3-D shoulder and thoracic kinematics. ADL movement tasks included touching the mouth/drinking, touching the back, touching the contralateral shoulder, reaching upward, and bilateral 4-kg weight lifting. Two separate strips of elastic tape were applied using the same correction technique for each shoulder and scapular region to control scapular alterations in the resting position. RESULTS: Elastic scapular taping significantly improved scapular external rotation and scapular upward rotation. Similarly, humeral horizontal adduction, external rotation, thoracic flexion, and lateral bending significantly increased in the taped condition depending on the specific task (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Elastic scapular taping can change scapular orientations on the convex and concave sides, thereby affecting upper extremity and trunk kinematics. Thus, the dynamic stability of the scapula increases to produce larger movements during functional activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Impact of demonstration in a realistic simulation environment as a postoperative education in patients' experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of training in the Practical Life Room on patients experience during hospitalization. METHODS: Subjects submitted to orthopedic surgeries were randomized to two groups (Control and Intervention) in the postoperative period. The Control Group received only the printed guidelines regarding the postoperative period, and the Intervention Group received the printed guidelines and a demonstration and training session with a physical therapist, in an environment created to simulate a house and its rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom). The participants of both groups answered the questionnaire Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems on the day of discharge. RESULTS: Sixty-eight subjects were included in the study, 30 (44.1%) in the Control Group and 38 (55.9%) in the Intervention Group. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire score showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.496). CONCLUSION: There was no influence of the proposed intervention on the results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire, perhaps because of the limitation of the instrument or due to the fact it was employed when patients were still hospitalized. However, by reports from patients in the Intervention Group about felling better prepared and safer for performing daily activities, it is believed that patient education approaches through demonstration should be included as part of the process to prepare for discharge, whenever possible.

The Effects of Active Self-correction on Postural Control in Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Role of an Additional Mental Task.

Due to balance deficits that accompany adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the potential interaction between activities of daily living and active self-correction movements (ASC) on postural control deserves particular attention. Our purpose was to assess the effects of ASC movements with or without a secondary mental task on postural control in twenty-five girls with AIS. It is a quasi-experimental within-subject design with repeated measures ANOVA. They were measured in four 20-s quiet standing trials on a force plate: no task, ASC, Stroop test, and both. Based on the center-of-pressure (COP) recordings, the COP parameters were computed. The ASC alone had no effect on any of the postural sway measures. Stroop test alone decreased COP speed and increased COP entropy. Performing the ASC movements and Stroop test together increased the COP speed and decreased COP entropy as compared to the baseline data. In conclusion, our results indicate that AIS did not interfere with postural control. The effects of the Stroop test accounted for good capacity of subjects with AIS to take advantage of distracting attentional resources from the posture. However, performing both tasks together exhibited some deficits in postural control, which may suggest the need for therapeutic consultation while engaging in more demanding activities.

Thoracic mobility and its relation to pulmonary function and rib-cage deformity in patients with early onset idiopathic scoliosis: a long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: A group of adult patients with idiopathic scoliosis, diagnosed before the age of ten, at a mean of 26.5 years after treatment with either brace or surgery during childhood and adolescence attended a clinical follow-up. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between thoracic mobility, rib-cage deformity, and pulmonary function. Long-term studies of pulmonary function in relation to thoracic mobility after treatment in this patient group have not been published. METHODS: A total of 106 patients, 57 braced and 49 operated patients, attended the follow-up. We examined thoracic mobility (range of motion of the thoracic spine, thorax expansion, and breathing movements) and rib-cage deformity (curve size and trunk deformity) as well as pulmonary function, especially total lung capacity (TLC). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated in a subgroup. RESULTS: Thoracic range of motion was significantly less among the surgically treated patients compared with both the brace-treated and comparison group. Thorax expansion and breathing movements during maximal breathing were significantly reduced in the scoliotic patients compared with the reference values, with no significant differences between the treatment groups. The brace-treated group had better pulmonary function than the operated group, as measured by the TLC, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (percentage of predicted values). The respiratory muscle strength was significantly lower only in the surgically treated patients when compared with reference values. The results of a multivariate analysis revealed that the strongest factors explaining TLC percentage of predicted were gender, brace model, and smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic mobility was significantly reduced at mean 26.5 years after completed treatment in both brace-treated and surgically treated patients with early onset scoliosis, compared with the reference values, which did not influence TLC as strongly as gender, brace model, and smoking habits. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Construct validity of the Trunk Aesthetic Clinical Evaluation (TRACE) in young people with idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetics is recognized as a main outcome in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) treatment, but to date, there is no criterion standard for physicians' evaluation. Trunk Aesthetic Clinical Evaluation (TRACE) is a simple 12-point ordinal scale to quantify symmetry as a proxy of aesthetics. TRACE is already diffused worldwide and has been used in clinical research. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to validate TRACE and improve it with Rasch analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study involved an observational Rasch analysis validation of an evaluation tool in outpatient rehabilitation centres. From a clinical database, we randomly selected patients who had IS, were age 10 to 18, had brace prescription at first evaluation, and had at least 2 consultations. Rasch analysis (partial credit model) was used. Differential item functioning (DIF) was assessed for age, sex, disease severity, bracing and treatment. The median was chosen to dichotomize disease severity and bracing. We removed 64 outlier participants (4%). RESULTS: We included 1553 participants (1334 females; mean [SD] age 13 [1.7] years old). TRACE items showed ordered thresholds and proper fit to the Rasch model. The score-to-measure conversion table showed proper length (range -4.55 to 4.79 logit) with a mean (SE) measure of -0.52 (0.04) logit. The principal component analysis supported the TRACE unidimensionality. The TRACE was free from DIF for age, sex and bracing. CONCLUSIONS: The TRACE ordinal scale has been converted into a Rasch-consistent, interval-level measure of trunk aesthetics in IS patients and can be used to compare different populations. Its main flaw is low reliability, likely because of the small number of items. TRACE can be used as an outcome measure and in everyday clinical evaluation of IS, even if new developments of the scale are advised.

Impact of demonstration in a realistic simulation environment as a postoperative education in patients' experience / Impacto do uso de técnicas de demonstração em ambiente de simulação realística como forma de educação pós-operatória na experiência do paciente internado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of training in the Practical Life Room on patients experience during hospitalization. Methods Subjects submitted to orthopedic surgeries were randomized to two groups (Control and Intervention) in the postoperative period. The Control Group received only the printed guidelines regarding the postoperative period, and the Intervention Group received the printed guidelines and a demonstration and training session with a physical therapist, in an environment created to simulate a house and its rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom). The participants of both groups answered the questionnaire Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems on the day of discharge. Results Sixty-eight subjects were included in the study, 30 (44.1%) in the Control Group and 38 (55.9%) in the Intervention Group. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire score showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.496). Conclusion There was no influence of the proposed intervention on the results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire, perhaps because of the limitation of the instrument or due to the fact it was employed when patients were still hospitalized. However, by reports from patients in the Intervention Group about felling better prepared and safer for performing daily activities, it is believed that patient education approaches through demonstration should be included as part of the process to prepare for discharge, whenever possible.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o impacto do treinamento no Ambiente Vida Prática na experiência do paciente durante a internação. Métodos Pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgias ortopédicas foram randomizados em dois grupos (Controle e Intervenção). O Grupo Controle recebeu orientações por escrito quanto ao pós-operatório, e o Grupo Intervenção recebeu adicionalmente uma sessão de demonstração e treinamento em um ambiente criado para simular uma casa e seus cômodos (sala, quarto, cozinha, lavanderia e banheiro) com profissional fisioterapeuta. Os participantes de ambos os grupos responderam o Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde no dia da alta hospitalar. Resultados Foram analisados 68 indivíduos, sendo 30 (44,1%) do Grupo Controle e 38 (55,9%) do Grupo Intervenção. O escore do Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde foi semelhante entre os dois grupos (p=0,496). Conclusão Não houve influência da intervenção proposta nos resultados do Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde, talvez por limitação do instrumento ou por sua aplicação com o paciente ainda internado. Entretanto, por relatos dos pacientes do Grupo Intervenção sobre maior preparo e segurança para a execução das atividades do cotidiano, acredita-se que abordagens de educação do paciente por meio de demonstração devam ser inseridas como parte do processo de preparação para a alta, sempre que possível.

Physical Therapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises May Reduce Curve Progression in Mild Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the curve magnitude in participants with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at high risk of progression who received outpatient physical therapy scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs). METHODS: Participants with AIS curves 12° to 20° and Risser grade 0 chose either the PSSE or the control group. The PSSE group was instructed in the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School. The control group was observed. Cobb angles were measured by one observer masked to group type at baseline, 6-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants were enrolled (26 exercise vs 23 controls). Thirty-three participants (19 exercise vs 14 controls) were seen at 1-year follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, the exercise group had smaller curves than controls (16.3° vs 21.6°, P = .04) and less curve progression (0° vs 5.6°, P = .02). Bracing was performed similarly between groups at 1-year follow-up (37% vs 43%). CONCLUSIONS: In this small prospective series, PSSE resulted in significantly less curve progression compared with controls.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Multilevel Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospective data. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and complication-related outcomes through ≥1-year of 27 patients who underwent lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with posterior instrumentation to treat ≥3 contiguous levels of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Multilevel disease has traditionally been treated with open posterior fusion. Literature on multilevel LLIF is limited. We present our experience with utilizing LLIF to treat multilevel degenerative scoliosis. METHODS: Clinical outcomes were evaluated using VAS, SF-12, and ODI. Radiographic outcomes included pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch, Cobb angle, and cage subsidence. Perioperative and long-term complications through the ≥1-year final-postoperative visit were reviewed; transient neurological disturbances were assessed independently. Demographic, comorbidity, operative, and recovery variables, including opioid use, were explored for association with primary outcomes. RESULTS: Mean time to final-postoperative visit was 22.5 months; levels treated with LLIF per patient, 3.7; age, 66 years; and lateral operative time, 203 minutes. EBL was ≤100 mL in 74% of cases. Clinical outcomes remained significantly improved at ≥1-year. Cobb angle was corrected from 21.1 to 7.9 degrees (P<0.001), lordosis from 47.3 to 52.6 degrees (P<0.001), and mismatch from 11.4 to 6.4 degrees (P=0.003). High-grade subsidence occurred in 3 patients. Subsidence did not significantly impact primary outcomes. In total, 11.1% returned to the operating room for complication-related intervention over nearly 2-years; 37% experienced complications. Experiencing a complication was associated with having an open-posterior portion (P=0.048), but not with number of LLIF levels treated, or with clinical or radiographic outcomes. No patients experienced protracted neurological deficits; psoas weakness was associated with increased lateral operative time (P=0.049) and decreased surgeon experience (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent multilevel LLIF with adjunctive posterior surgery had significant clinical and radiographic improvements. Complication rates were similar compared to literature on single-level LLIF. LLIF is a viable treatment for multilevel degenerative scoliosis.