A comparison of idiopathic scoliosis surgery between teenage years and adulthood.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic scoliosis is an evolutive deformity during patient's life. In case of moderate deformity in a well aligned adolescent, it's a big concern to decide when to do the surgery. Objective of this work was to evaluate and compare clinical, radiological and surgical data of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis operated in childhood (before 20 years) and those operated adults (after 35 years). METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, inclusion period extended from 2008 to 2018. Two groups were defined, those operated on before the age of 20 (YAIS), and those operated on after 35 years (OAIS). Demographic, radiographic and surgical data were collected. At follow-up, radiographic data and functional outcomes (VAS, SRS, SF12, Oswestry) were analyzed. Minimum FU was 5 years for young and 2 years for old patients. RESULTS: YAIS group included 364 patients, and OAIS group, 131 patients. In both groups, deformity was important (mean Cobb 63°). Vertebral osteotomies were significantly more frequent, fusions and length of stays were longer for old than young patients. Main Cobb correction was better in young than old (37 ± 10° vs 2 ± 13°, p = 0.03). Functional outcomes were better for young, operated patients than for operated groups after 35 years (SF12 PCS 50 ± 7 vs 39 ± 6, p = 0.02). The same trends were observed at longer follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis seems to offer a better quality of life and deformity correction when it is performed at adolescence. After 35 years, surgery remains an acceptable therapeutic option, despite higher complication rate.

Should the pelvis be included? An analysis of distal junctional failure risk factors in correcting adult spinal deformity in women with fusion to L5.

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors for distal junctional failure (DJF) in women treated for adult spine deformity with fusion to L5 and to highlight the significance of preoperative assessment, surgical decision-making, and postoperative care. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of data collected prospectively on the local institutional spine surgery registry (2016-2021). All patients, women older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of adult spine deformity who underwent long posterior instrumentation to L5 and had a minimum of 2-years follow-up were included in the study (two groups: with or without DJF). Demographic and radiographic data, corrective strategy, preoperative level of degeneration at L5/S1 and GAP score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (n = 48) satisfied eligibility criteria. At two-years follow-up, nine patients (18,7%) developed a DJF that required surgical revision. Thirty-nine patients did not present distal junctional complications. Patients with or without DJF showed significant differences in terms of preoperative spinopelvic parameters (PT: 28°± 6° vs. 23°± 9°, p-value 0.05; DJF group vs. not DJF) and degeneration of L5-S1 (Pfirmann grade L5-S1 disc 3.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.6 ± 0.8, p-value 0.001; DJF group vs. not DJF) (L5-S1 Facet joint Osteoarthritis 3.1 ± 0.8 vs.2.4 ± 0.8, p-value 0.023; DJF group vs. not DJF). CONCLUSION: DJF following spinal deformity correction surgery is influenced by a combination of patient-related, surgical and implant-related factors. Fusion construct length, preoperative and postoperative sagittal alignment and the grade of degeneration of the distal disc have been identified as significant risk factors. Surgeons should carefully evaluate these factors and employ appropriate strategies.

Assessing the predictive power of the GAP score on mechanical complications: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The prevention of mechanical complications (MC) is a major concern in adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction surgery; thus, the global alignment and proportion (GAP) score was developed to assess MC risk. Numerous studies have clarified the validity of the GAP score, but their contradictory results have prevented researchers from reaching compelling conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the predictive power of the GAP score on MC via a meta-analysis. METHODS: A total of 1,617 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Studies relevant to the GAP score and MC were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL and screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The GAP score categories of the patients and their MC/revision surgery status were collected. The data collected for the meta-analysis of odds ratios (OR) included the number of patients in the GAP score subgroups and their MC/revision surgery status. To calculate the OR, three GAP score subgroups were combined into two groups; hence, the analysis was conducted twice (gap proportioned [GAP-P] and higher groups, and gap severely disproportioned [GAP-SD] and lower groups). RESULTS: Eleven studies were collected; of them, revision surgery data were available for seven. The proportion of MC in the studies was 27.7-60.6%, while that of revision surgery was 11.7-34.9%. In the meta-analysis of the GAP-P and higher score groups, the difference in MC ratio was significant (OR = 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-6.67; P = 0.02), whereas that for revision surgery was not. For the GAP-SD and lower score groups, the GAP-SD group had significantly higher proportions of both MC (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.57-4.45; P < 0.001) and revision surgery (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.33-3.88; P = 0.003). Publication bias was significant only in the latter MC analysis. CONCLUSION: The GAP score offers predictive value for the risk of mechanical complications.

The analysis of segmental lordosis restored by oblique lumbar interbody fusion and related factors: building up preoperative predicting model.

BACKGROUND: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedures have the potential to increase the segmental lordosis by inserting lordotic cages, however, the amount of segmental lordosis (SL) changes can vary and is likely influenced by several factors, such as patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, and surgical techniques. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of related factors on the amount of SL changes in OLIF procedures and to build up predictive model for SL changes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving prospectively enrolled patients. A total of 119 patients with 174 segments undergoing OLIF procedure were included and analyzed. The lordotic cages used in all cases had 6-degree angle. Radiographic parameters including preoperative and postoperative segmental disc angle (SDA, preSDA and postSDA), SDA changes on flexion-extension views (ΔSDA-FE), CageLocation and CageInclination were measured by two observers. Interobserver reliability of measurements were ensured by analysis of interclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.75). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and multivariate linear regression were employed to identify factors related to SDA changes and to build up predictive model for SDA changes. RESULTS: The average change of segmental disc angle (ΔSDA, postSDA-preSDA) was 3.9° ± 4.8° (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1°-4.6°) with preSDA 5.3° ± 5.0°. ΔSDA was 10.8° ± 3.2° with negative preSDA (kyphotic), 5.0° ± 3.7° with preSDA ranging from 0° to 6°, and 1.0° ± 4.1° with preSDA> 6°. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between ΔSDA and preSDA (r = - 0.713, P < 0.001), CageLocation (r = - 0.183, P = 0.016) and ΔSDA-FE (r = - 0.153, P = 0.044). In the multivariate linear regression, preSDA and CageLocation were included in the predictive model, resulting in minimal adjusted R2 change (0.017) by including CageLocation. Therefore, the recommended predictive model was ΔSDA = 7.9-0.8 × preSDA with acceptable fit. (adjusted R2 = 0.508, n = 174, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The restoration of segmental lordosis through OLIF largely depends on the preoperative segmental lordosis. The predictive model, which utilized preoperative segmental lordosis, facilitates preoperative planning for corrective surgery using the OLIF procedure.

Delayed presentation of Wilkie's syndrome after scoliotic curve correction surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare but serious complication following scoliosis correction surgery. It occurs as a result of mechanical compression of third part of duodenum between the SMA and aorta. This condition occurs most commonly in significantly underweight patients with deformities, and usually during the first week following spinal deformity corrective surgeries. The angle between the abdominal aorta and the SMA gets reduced following spinal lengthening during deformity correction surgery causing compression of third part of duodenum resulting in development of SMA syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 17-year-old male with congenital scoliosis with a 70-degree scoliotic curve who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery with posterior instrumented fusion. Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after suture removal on post-operative day 15. The patient presented after 21-days of symptom onset on post-operative-day 51, with a 3 week history of post-prandial vomiting, abdominal pain and distension which resulted in rapid weight loss of 11 kg. A CT-angiogram showed obstruction at third part of duodenum. After reviewing clinical and radiological profile of the patient, a diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Conservative management was tried, but due to rapid deterioration of patient condition and symptoms of complete intestinal obstruction, the patient was treated surgically by gastro-jejunostomy and side-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy, which improved his condition. CONCLUSION: SMA syndrome can occur much later than previously reported cases and with potentially life-threatening symptoms following scoliosis correction. Having a high index of suspicion, early recognition of condition and institution of appropriate treatment are essential to prevent occurrence of severe complications including risk of intestinal perforation and mortality. This case highlights management of delayed onset of SMA syndrome, with presentation further delayed after symptom onset, as is common in developing parts of the world, due to limited availability and accessibility of resources, and low socio-economic status of large segments of the population.

Is it possible to achieve multiplanar correction of complex deformities around the knee in children and adolescents using a monolateral external fixator?

PURPOSE: To present the technique of correction of multiplanar deformities around the knee in children and adolescents using the monolateral external fixator. Also, to evaluate the results of the technique regarding radiological correction, time to union, and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 29 patients (47 limbs) were prospectively included in the study (14 males and 15 females). Their median age was 13 years (range, 7-17). All patients had at least a 2-plane deformity around the knee which was corrected using a monolateral external fixator. The primary outcome measure was deformity correction (correction of mechanical axis deviation (MAD) in both the coronal and sagittal planes with correction of rotational deformities). The secondary outcome measures included bony union, radiographic, and functional results (assessed by using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score). RESULTS: The median pre-operative MAD improved from 6.3 to 0.4 cm post-operatively. According to the ASAMI scoring system, the radiographic scoring was excellent in all cases (100%), and the functional scoring was excellent in 22 cases (89.7%) and good in three cases (10.3%). CONCLUSION: The simple monolateral fixator can be an effective tool for multiplanar correction of complex deformities around the knee without limb length discrepancy.

Comparing Clinical Characteristics and Short-Term Outcomes Between Adult and Geriatric Patients Undergoing Charcot Reconstruction.

Maintaining an acceptable quality of life following a lifetime of chronic diseases and resulting physiologic effects poses a challenge when treating an aging population. In those with Charcot neuroarthropathy, wounds, and infection complicate decision making when considering limb preservation versus amputation. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of geriatric patients undergoing Charcot reconstruction. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent Charcot reconstruction from 2016 to 2022 was conducted. Demographics, medical history, deformity type, surgical intervention, discharge planning, and short-term complications were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared between the non-geriatric, adult (A) and geriatric (G) cohorts using Student's t-test or chi-squared test. Overall, 125 patients were reviewed for final analysis. Charcot deformity type, prevalence of wounds, osteomyelitis, and fixation construct did not significantly differ between groups. While the proportion of those experiencing a prolonged admission did not significantly differ between cohorts, the geriatric group showed age-related pathology including delirium and urinary tract infections. While discharge to nursing facilities did differ between groups (G 43% versus A 19%), baseline function did not. The 30-day unplanned readmission and mortality rates did differ between groups, though this difference was not statistically significant. Prior to geriatric Charcot reconstruction, consideration should be given to age-related comorbidities. Specifically, with a greater incidence of age-related complications unrelated to the surgery as well as mortality in the geriatric group, complications should be discussed at length.

Intraoperative Radiation Exposure During Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction.

While radiation exposure in foot and ankle surgery varies by procedure, attempts to minimize this hazard remain imperative to protect patients and surgeons. Hindfoot deformity correction employs significant radiation through intraoperative fluoroscopy, however, a paucity of data exists concerning Charcot reconstruction. This investigation describes and compares radiation exposure across varying Charcot pathology and fixation constructs. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing midfoot Charcot reconstruction under large C-arm assistance from 2016-2022 was conducted. Demographics, pathology-specific, and intervention-specific variables were recorded and compared among midfoot reconstructions. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Among 40 patients, the average midfoot radiation exposure and fluoroscopy times were 9.5 ± 5.39 mGy and 256.64 ± 130.67 seconds, respectively. There existed no statistically significant difference in radiation exposure (p = .32) or fluoroscopy times (p = .71) among the different midfoot constructs. There existed a statistically significant relationship between radiation exposure with weight (p = .01) body mass index (p = .03) and number of stages (p = .04). Similarly, a relationship existed between fluoroscopy time with weight (p = .02), body mass index (p = .03), and number of beams/screws (p = .003). Due to the complexity of Charcot reconstruction coupled with multiple robust types of fixation, surgeons must remain cognizant of fluoroscopy usage. Moreover, providers who routinely perform Charcot reconstruction should wear personal protective equipment to protect against radiation.

Soft Tissue Structures at Risk With a Percutaneous Focal Dome Osteotomy: A Cadaver Study.

The focal dome osteotomy allows deformity correction through frontal plane rotation, and if needed, anterior or posterior translation. This percutaneous technique allows extracapsular ankle realignment with minimal soft tissue dissection. While circumventing a standard anterior incision, this technique encounters soft tissue structures that must be considered. Focal dome osteotomies were simulated on 10 fresh-frozen below the knee cadavers. Centered proximal to the tibial plafond at the physeal scar, a radial arm using a 4-hole Rancho cube was used to map the dome. Medial, lateral, and central incisions were made to allow access for drilling and measured to nearby anatomic structures. Among 10 cadavers, the age and weight were 70 ± 7.96 years and 134.7 ± 30.8 pounds, respectively. In all cadavers, the hole below the most proximal posthole provided the ideal position for the creation of the osteotomy. The medial and central incisions were closest to the tibialis anterior tendon measuring 3.37 ± 2.48 mm and 0.43 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The lateral incision and half-pin used to create the distal axis of rotation were closest to the extensor hallucis longus tendon, measuring 1.97 ± 1.92 mm and 1.27 ± 1.5 mm, respectively. Drilling the second hole from the top on a 4-hole Rancho cube, forming a 2.50 cm radial arm, created the ideal osteotomy arc. Though neurovascular structures were further away from respective incision and half-pin sites compared to tendons, in several specimens, anatomic variations held them closer, warranting preoperative handheld Doppler and mapping. Care should be taken to protect anterior ankle anatomy during dissection, drilling, and completing the osteotomy.

Isolated Subtalar Repositional Arthrodesis Compared With Triple Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

The optimal extent of arthrodesis for severe and rigid progressive collapsing foot deformity is controversial. Traditionally, triple arthrodesis has been recommended; however, good results have been reported using subtalar arthrodesis only. We compared the results of triple arthrodesis and isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis. A total of 22 symptomatic feet were evaluated retrospectively. Isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis was performed in 13 cases (the subtalar group) and double or triple arthrodesis in 9 cases (the triple group). Various radiographic variables for assessing flatfoot and osteoarthritic changes in ankle and tarsal joints were measured and compared between the 2 groups at 3 time points: preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 4 y postoperatively. Additionally, we analyzed various factors that affect postoperative valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint, which has been associated with poor prognosis. There were no differences in preoperative demographic data and the severity of the disease between the 2 groups; both groups showed improvement in radiographic parameters postoperatively compared with preoperative results. With the numbers available, no significant differences could be detected in postoperative radiographic measurements between the 2 groups. Of all the variables analyzed, postoperative hindfoot alignment angle was associated with postoperative talar tilt development. Additionally, postoperative talar tilt was observed more in triple group than in subtalar group. In conclusion, isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis is an effective procedure to correct advanced progressive collapsing foot deformity. In addition, Chorpart joint arthrodesis with improper position can cause valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint.

Z-osteotomy for uniplanar femoral shaft deformity correction in an adolescent with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is commonly associated with fragility fractures. It is due to abnormality in the quantity and quality of collagen type 1 caused by mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes. Patients with OI would also have blue sclera, ligament hyperlaxity, dentinogenesis imperfecta, hearing abnormality, and short stature. Surgical management is preferred to conservative treatment in long bone fractures. For malunited fractures, Sofield-Millar or multiple osteotomies at different sites of deformities are performed with additional intramedullary device to stabilize the bone. This is a case of femur fracture with multilevel CORAs in an adolescent patient with post-trauma OI in which z-osteotomies were performed and stabilized with titanium elastic nails resulting in good outcomes clinically and radiologically.

Metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis for brachymetatarsia in paediatric patients: is it safe and effective?

PURPOSE: The primary aim is to assess the efficacy of the surgical callus distraction technique of the metatarsus in paediatric patients. Secondary objectives are to assess complications and treatment duration. We have also described the details of our surgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series review of paediatric patients who had metatarsal lengthening at our unit between 2014 and 2022. Patient demographics, duration of time in frame, complications and metatarsal length achieved were recorded. The AOFAS Midfoot and the MOXFQ were taken pre-operatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen metatarsals in 8 patients (14 feet) underwent lengthening between 2014 and 2022 using the MiniRail OrthoFix 100 (Orthofix Medical Inc, Lewisville, TX, USA). The mean age was 13.3 (12-17) years. The average duration between surgery and implant removal was 5.2 months. According to Paley's classification, there was one obstacle encountered in a patient who required a revision of their osteotomy and one problem in another patient who had an infected metatarsophalangeal joint stabilising k-wire treated with oral antibiotics. The Mean AOFAS Midfoot score improved from 53.10 to 86.40 (p < 0.0001) and the Mean MOXFQ improved from 32.5000 to 12.1250 (p < 0.05); these were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Gradual metatarsal lengthening using the MiniRail external fixator is a safe and effective method to treat brachymetatarsia in paediatric patients. This preliminary report describes and supports metatarsal lengthening in appropriate patients. Holistic care in terms of a pre-operative assessment, psychological support and preparation for the extended rehabilitation period are vital.

Radiological outcomes following open versus percutaneous fixation versus arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation of calcaneal fractures: a ten-year retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are often major injuries associated with considerable morbidity. The optimal surgical management of displaced calcaneal fractures remains contentious with open, percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted percutaneous approaches all offering potential benefits for patients. The aim of this study was to assess which of these three separate surgical approaches to the management of displaced calcaneal fractures provides the best radiographic deformity correction. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of all calcaneal fractures undergoing operative fixation at a single major trauma centre in the UK. The primary outcome was pre- and post-operative assessment of the deformity correction using radiographic parameters (angle of Gissane and Bohler's angle). Secondary outcomes included fracture configuration, complications and re-operation rate. RESULTS: Between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2019, 152 calcaneal fractures in 134 patients underwent operative management via either an open or percutaneous approach. One-way ANOVA testing of the pre- and post-operative radiographic parameters demonstrated that an open approach offered superior post-operative correction of Bohler's angle when compared to percutaneous alone (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in post-operative angle of Gissane (p > 0.05). The mean follow-up for complication and re-operation data was 3.5 years (range 0.1-12.4). Overall complication rate following all surgical fixation was 7.2% with a further 32.2% requiring further long-term surgical intervention for subtalar arthritis or removal of metalwork. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation does not offer superior radiographic deformity correction compared to percutaneous technique alone. Open fixation yielded improved correction of Bohler's angle when compared to percutaneous alone; however, there was no difference in post-operative angle of Gissane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparative effectiveness of different pedicle screw density patterns in spinal deformity correction of small and flexible operative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis.

PURPOSES: An optimal pedicle screw density for spinal deformity correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains poorly defined. We compared radiographic correction, operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost among different screw density patterns in operatively treated AIS patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using all-pedicle screw instrumentation was conducted from January 2012 to December 2018. All patients were categorized into three different pedicle screw density groups: the very low density (VLD), the low density (LD), and the high density (HD) group. The comparative effectiveness between each pairwise comparison was performed under the inverse probability of the treatment weighting method to minimize the possible confounders imbalance among treatment groups. The primary endpoints in this study were the degrees of correction and deformity progression at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 174 AIS patients were included in this study. The adjusted treatment effects demonstrated similar degrees of deformity correction after 2 years in the three treatment groups. However, the VLD and LD group slightly increased the curve progression at 2 years compared to the HD group by 3.9° (p = 0.005) and 3.2° (p = 0.044), respectively. Nevertheless, the limited screw density patterns (VLD and LD) significantly reduced the operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost per operated level. CONCLUSION: The limited pedicle screw pattern (VLD and LD) in relatively flexible AIS spinal deformity correction results in similar coronal and sagittal radiological outcomes while reducing operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost compared to the high-density pedicle screw instrumentation.

Botulinum toxin type A for lower limb lengthening and deformity correction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is the most popular therapeutic agent for muscle relaxation and pain control. Lately, BTX-A injection received great interest as a part of multimodal pain management for lower limb lengthening and deformity correction. This systematic review aimed to determine the role of BTX-A injection in pain management for during lower limb lengthening and/or deformity correction. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the BTX-A injection to placebo for individuals undergoing lower limb lengthening and/or deformity correction. We sought to evaluate the following outcomes: pain on visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion parameters, average opioid consumption, and adverse events. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes while risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4 RCTs that enrolled 257 participants (337 limbs) deemed eligible. Adjuvant BTX-A injection showed a significant reduction in post-operative pain compared to placebo (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.04). No difference was found between BTX-A injection and placebo in terms of range of motion parameters, average opioid consumption, or adverse events after surgical limb lengthening and/or deformity correction (RR = 0.77, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.03). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant BTX-A injection conferred a discernible reduction in post-operative pain during surgical limb lengthening and/or deformity without increasing the risk of adverse events. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021271580.

Complex rigid foot deformity correction with hexapod external fixator system.

PURPOSE: Complex rigid foot deformities include three-plane deformities and usually presents with poor soft tissue coverage. In the last decades, gradual correction with computer-assisted fixator became an appropriate option for the treatment rigid foot deformities. This study aims to report our experience about treatment of complex foot deformities using Smart Correction fixator system®. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 13 complex rigid foot deformities of ten consecutive patients treated with Smart Correction fixator system® from 2016 to 2020. Primary outcomes were classified as good, fair, and poor according to previously determined criteria. The outcomes were also assessed with The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Non-parametric analysis (Wilcoxon test) for continuous variables and the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables were used. RESULTS: Plantigrade foot was achieved in all patients after correction program. Supramalleolar osteotomy was applied in nine feet, midfoot osteotomy was applied in two feet, hindfoot osteotomy was required in one foot, and only soft tissue distraction performed in two feet. Two patients had recurrent deformity managed by further acute corrections. The mean MOXFQ scores improved from 72.7 preoperatively to 24.8 at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Present study shows that SCF the reliable option for the treatment of complex foot deformities, which also facilitates three-plane correction and concomitant lengthening with gradual soft tissue balance.

Mechanical Axis Method to Determine First Intermetatarsal Angle and Tibial Sesamoid Position.

Utilizing the mechanical axis can decrease load on the joint and be beneficial when analyzing bony deformities and planning surgical correction with osteotomies. The aim of this study was to identify the normal mechanical axes of the first and second metatarsals and use them to obtain the first/second mechanical intermetatarsal angle (mIMA). The mechanical axis of the first metatarsal was used to obtain the mechanical tibial sesamoid position (mTSP), which provides a mechanical relationship with the sesamoid apparatus. The angular difference between the anatomic and mechanical axis lines (anatomic-mechanical angle [AMA]) was determined for the first metatarsal and for the second metatarsal. The commonly used first/second anatomic intermetatarsal angle (aIMA) and anatomic tibial sesamoid position (aTSP) were also obtained and compared with the first/second mIMA and mTSP. In this retrospective analysis, radiographs of 50 normal feet (40 patients) were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to measure reliability between obtained measurements. Mean first/second aIMA was 8.6 ± 3.0 degrees, and first/second mIMA was 8.6 ± 2.6 degrees. First metatarsal AMA was 1.1 ± 1.0 degrees; second metatarsal AMA was 2.0 ± 1.6 degrees. The mTSP was 2.8 ± 1.1, and aTSP was 2.9 ± 1.0. The TSP median was 3 (range, 1-5). Using the mechanical axis method to obtain the first/second mIMA and the mTSP is reproducible and not affected by anatomic changes to the shape of the metatarsal. Unlike the anatomical axis, the mechanical axis does not change, therefore we recommend using the mechanical axis during surgical planning and when obtaining preoperative and postoperative measurements for the long bones of the foot, particularly for forefoot conditions such as hallux valgus.

A comparative analysis of clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of patients with and without fusion between the first and second metatarsals after the lapidus procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent the original Lapidus procedure (OLP) with fusion and undesired non-fusion between the first (M1) and second (M2) metatarsals. METHODS: A retrospective and comparative analysis of 29 patients (38 feet) who underwent the OLP was performed. They were divided in two groups: (1) 23 feet in which fusion occurred and (2) 15 with undesired non-fusion. Clinical and functional data were assessed with the VAS for pain, AOFAS, LEFS and SF-12. SF-12 comprises physical and mental health scales (PCS-12 and MCS-12). Radiographic parameters assessed were bony and soft tissue forefoot widths (BSFW), intermetatarsal-angle (IMA) and HV-angle (HVA). RESULTS: Separately, the groups presented significant improvements in all questionnaires (p < 0.001), except on MCS-12 (fusion p = 0.08 and non-fusion p = 0.27). When comparing both groups, patients with fusion had higher AOFAS scores (p < 0.05). Both groups presented the same improvements on BSFW, IMA and HVA (p = 0.09, p = 0.16, p = 0.52 and p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Excellent results were observed, even when without fusion between M1 and M2. Patients who evolved with fusion between the M1 and M2 showed greater improvements in the AOFAS score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Accelerated anterior vertebral growth resulting in kyphosis correction following posterior spinal instrumented fusion.

PURPOSE: To discuss the effect of posterior instrumented deformity correction and fusion on the progressive endochondral ossification of anterior vertebral body in a patient with congenital kyphosis secondary to type 1 vertebral anomaly. METHODS: A 15-year-old male patient presented with a progressively worsening congenital TL kyphosis of 52° magnitude secondary to a posterior hemivertebra. His pre-operative antero-posterior vertebral height ratio (APVHR) and anterior vertebral body defect ratio (AVBDR) on CT were 38% and 49%, respectively. He underwent posterior instrumented deformity correction with multilevel type 1 Schwab osteotomies and fusion. RESULTS: Over the next 3 years, his serial imaging revealed progressive endochondral ossification and gradual increase in the dimensions of the vertebral body. At the final follow-up, there was a significant restoration of the deficient anterior vertebral body, and the final APVHR and AVBDR were 81% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Restitution of posterior column integrity through stabilization can mitigate the compressive stresses across anterior column. Over a period of time, forces restraining the growth of anterior vertebral apophysis are alleviated, and the vertebra can potentially re-grow to near-normal dimensions in pediatric population. This phenomenon could be well-demonstrated in our patient during follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in distraction osteogenesis of the lower extremities: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To explore the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in patients who received distraction osteogenesis of the lower extremities. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials that administered botulinum toxin to individuals who underwent distraction osteogenesis of the lower limbs. The final search was conducted on July 6, 2021. Quality assessments were conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad scale. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of the pooled effect sizes, and subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed for potential moderators. RESULTS: Our analysis of four randomized controlled trials, which enrolled a total of 257 participants, revealed that the difference in pain during the distraction phase was not statistically significant between groups (SMD, - 0.165; 95% CI, - 0.379 to 0.050, p = 0.133, I2 = 0.0%). The meta-regression analyses did not find any influence on the effect size, considering age (ß = - 0.0092; p = 0.61) and the amount of lengthening (ß = 0.0023; p = 0.99). Subgroup analysis did not reveal difference between different doses of botulinum toxin and single or multi-site study design. An analysis of two randomized controlled trials enrolling a total of 177 individuals demonstrated a limited effect of botulinum toxin in reducing postoperative pain (SMD, - 0.239; 95% CI, - 0.641 to 0.162, p = 0.24, I2 = 37.6%), total adverse events (SMD, - 0.207; 95% CI, - 0.505 to 0.090, p = 0.17, I2 = 0.0%), and infection of pin site (SMD, - 0.131; 95% CI, - 0.428 to 0.165, p = 0.39, I2 = 0.0%). No botulinum toxin-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence does not support the administration of botulinum toxin in patients who receive distraction osteogenesis of the lower limbs. However, we were unable to draw decisive conclusions because of the limitations of our meta-analysis. Future well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm our conclusions.