Imaging study on thoracic and lumbar physiological curvature in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the alteration of thoracic and lumbar physiological curvature in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) and the difference of physiological curvature between different types of scoliosis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on 305 adolescent patients taken full spine X-ray in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. The patients were divided into normal group and scoliosis group. The normal group was composed of 179 patients, 79 males and 100 females, aged 10 to 18 years old with an average of (12.84±2.10) years old, with cobb agle less than 10 degrees. The scoliosis group was composed of 126 patients, 33 males and 93 females, aged 10 to 18 years old with an average of (13.92±2.20) years old. The gender, age, Risser sign, thoracic kyphosis(TK) and lumbar lordosis(LL) in 2 groups were compared, and the TK and LL were also compared between different genders, different degrees of scoliosis and different segments of scoliosis.@*RESULTS@#The female ratio(P=0.001) and age (P<0.001) in scoliosis group were higher than them in normal group; the ratio of low-grade ossification was higher in normal group than in scoliosis group(P=0.038). TK was significantly smaller in scoliosis group than in normal group(P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in LL between the 2 groups(P=0.147). There were no significant difference in TK and LL between male and female. The TK was significantly bigger in mild AIS patients than in moderate AIS patients(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in LL between mild and moderate patients(P>0.05). The TK and LL in different segments scoliosis were not found significant difference.@*CONCLUSION@#The physiological curvature of thoracic and lumbar spine is independent of gender. The thoracic physiological curvature becomes smaller in AIS patients, but lumbar curvature remains unchanged. The thoracic physiological curvature in mild AIS patients is greater than that in moderate AIS patients, but the lumbar curvature is almost unchanged between mild and moderate scoliosis and is similar with that in normal adolescent. The alteration of thoracic and lumbar physiological curvature in AIS patients may be related to relative anterior spinal overgrowth, and the specific detailed mechanism needs to be further studied.

Correlation analysis of Cobb angle and linear spinous process angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the correlation between Cobb angle and spinous process angle (SPA) on X-ray film and body surface in patients with mild to moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS). To explore the possibility of linear SPA to assess scoliosis.@*METHODS@#Retrospective study for correlation of Cobb angle and linear SPA on X-ray film. AIS patients treated and taken full spine anteroposterior X-ray from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed correlation of Cobb angle and linear SPA on X-ray film. Prospective study for correlation of Cobb angle and body linear SPA. AIS patients treated and taken full spine anteroposterior X-ray from December 1 to December 9 this year were analyzed correlation of Cobb angle and body linear SPA.@*RESULTS@#A total of 113 AIS patients with age an average of (14.02±2.16) years old(ranged from 10 to 18 years old) were recruited in retrospective study, involving 26 males and 87 females;there were 71 patients with mild AIS and 42 patients with moderate AIS. Cobb angle in AIS patients was significantly inversely associated with SPA(r=-0.564, P<0.001), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=169.444-0.878×SPA. Cobb angles in patients with mild scoliosis were significantly and inversely associated with SPA(r=-0.269, P=0.012), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=46.832-0.185×SPA. Cobb angles in patients with moderate scoliosis were also clearly correlated with SPA(r=-0.417, P=0.003), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=113.889-0.516×SPA. Thirty-eight patients were recruited in prospective study. The mean Cobb angle and body linear SPA were(18.70±6.98)°, ranged from 11.3° to 36.0° and (170.34±4.57)°, ranged from 162.1° to 177.7° respectively. There was significantly negative correlation(r=-0.651, P<0.001), the linear regression equation is:Cobb angle=187.91-0.99×SPA.@*CONCLUSION@#Linear SPA on X-ray film or on the body was significantly negatively correlated with Cobb angles, but the regression equation fits poorly, so it's not suitable for diagnosis of scoliosis;however, linear SPA is appropriate for self-controlled assessment of scoliotic therapy or for dynamic assessment of spinal flexibility.

Validity Of Mobile Application Scoscreen for Early Screening of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

@#Introduction: Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature that may occur during a child’s growth period. Early detection and intervention are needed to prevent the progression of abnormal curvatures. While the gold standard for diagnosing idiopathic scoliosis is x-ray imaging, there is a quick and easy way to perform screening, i.e., using a smartphone. A mobile application with a built-in inclinometer and simple scoliosis tests may help detect scoliosis. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the ScoScreen mobile application’s content for early screening of AIS. Methods: We recruited five physiotherapists with more than five years of experience in paediatric and musculoskeletal and one spinal surgeon. The validity of this study was assessed using a content validity form. Content validity was assessed by calculating the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI), Scale-level Content Validity Index (S-CVI), and modified kappa. Results: The results show that the content validity of ScoScreen has an excellent level of content validity (I-CVI=0.83 – 1.00). The average approach’s overall content validity index was high (S-CVI/Ave=0.94). All items in this study were excellent, with the kappa scores greater than 0.74 (kappa= 0.816 – 1). Conclusion: The development of ScoScreen for early screening of AIS was proven to have excellent content validity in this study. As a result, the Scoscreen mobile application is appropriate for early detection of AIS in terms of its content.

Research progress of perioperative surgical home model in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / 中国实用护理杂志

In recent years, the perioperative surgical home model has been gradually applied to the posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This review summarizes the application of perioperative surgical home model in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery, including the concept, connotation and elements, hoping to provide reference and reference for complex and high-risk surgical procedures.

Spine curvature and the cardiopulmonary exercise endurance of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To quantify any correlation between the severity of spinal curvature of an adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis and their cardiopulmonary exercise endurance.Methods:The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) results and the full-length spinal X-rays in a standing position of 64 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed retrospectively. Independent t-tests were used to compare the two datasets obtained from those with left or right thoracic scoliosis. The correlation between the Cobb angle and cardiopulmonary exercise endurance was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple factor linear regression and two-stage linear regression.Results:After adjusting for gender, age, height and weight, the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the Cobb angle was significantly negatively correlated with maximum tidal volume (β=-0.013) and significantly positively correlated with the rate of respiration (β=0.421). The relationship between the Cobb angle and cardiopulmonary exercise endurance was non-linear. With a Cobb angle > 34°, a 1° increase reduces cardiopulmonary exercise endurance by a factor of 1.4 on average. At smaller Cobb angles the corresponding increase is about 0.87 times.Conclusions:The Cobb angle is a negative predictor of ventilation during exercise among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The more severe a patient′s spinal curvature, the lower the cardiopulmonary exercise endurance is likely to be.

The reliability of the original smartphone scoliosis screening APP for measuring the Cobb angle of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To explore the accuracy and repeatability of the smartphone scoliosis screening APP developed by our team in the measurement of the Cobb angle of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with AIS admitted to Department of Spine and Spinal Surgery, Henan Province People′s Hospital from August 2020 to February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.Three surveyors measured the coronal main curvature Cobb angle, sagittal thoracic kyphosis (TK) angle, thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) angle and lumbar kyphosis (LL) angle on whole-spine lateral X-ray films of 60 patients with AIS by means of the protractor, scoliosis screening APP and computerized Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The time and results of each measurement were recorded.The measurement was repeated once after 2 weeks.Paired t-test was used to compare the measurement time of the APP method and the protractor method.Taking the Cobb angle measurement results of the PACS system as the reference standard, the accuracy of Cobb angle measurement by the APP method was analyzed by paired t-test.The repeatability of the surveyor and the consistency between the surveyors was compared by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results:Among the 60 patients with AIS, there were 17 males and 43 females, aged from 10 to 16 years [(12.2±2.4) years]. The main bends were thoracic curvature (Lenke Ⅰ) in 23 cases, Lenke Ⅱ in 18 cases and thoracolumbar curvature/lumbar curvature (Lenke V) in 19 cases.The APP method took significantly less time to measure the Cobb angle than the protractor method ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle measured by the APP method and PACS method ( P>0.05). The results of the coronal main curvature Cobb angle, TK angle, TLK angle and LL angle measured by 3 surveyors through the APP method were all in good agreement (ICC=0.990, 0.988, 0.986, 0.987). The repeatability (ICC 0.973-0.982) of the coronal main curvature Cobb angle, TK, TLK and LL measured twice before and after the APP method were both better that of the protractor method (ICC 0.933-0.954). Conclusions:Compared with the traditional protractor, the smartphone scoliosis screening APP has the advantages of short measurement time, high efficiency, excellent accuracy and good repeatability in measuring the Cobb angle of AIS.

Preliminary Results of Instantaneous Centre of Rotation Change after Thoracic Instrumentation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

@#Introduction: The instantaneous centre of rotation (ICR) is the centre of motion with zero velocity where a rigid body moves in a particular plane. ICR, as a dynamic measurement, gives more accurate results in terms of quality and quantity of the vertebral motions compared to range of motion (ROM). We aimed to determine the effect of thoracic instrumentation on cervical movement of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who had undergone thoracic level instrumentation by measuring pre-operative and post-operative ICR change in a pilot study Materials and methods: A total of 25 AIS patients were included in this study. C4-C5 and C6-C7 segmental ICR were determined by pre-operative and post-operative cervical flexion-extension radiographs. In addition, cervical sagittal parameters and global sagittal parameters were investigated. Results: There was no statistically significant change in ICR location post-operatively in both x and y coordinates at C4- C5 segment (p: 0.326 and p: 0.946, respectively) and C6-C7 segment (p: 0.209, p: 0.086, respectively). There was a positive correlation between LCL and C4-C5 ICR y coordinate (r: 0.481), but not with C6-C7 ICR y coordinate (r: -0.2, p: 0.398). T5-T12 kyphosis decreased (p: 0.002) and T1 pelvic angle (0.003), SVA (0.02) and sacral slope (0.049) increased significantly post-operatively. T1S was correlated with LCL (r: 0.595, p: 0.002), T5-T12 kyphosis (r: 0.423, p: 0.035), SVA (r: 0.658, p<0.001) and C2-C7 SVA (r: 0.416, p: 0.039). Conclusion: The ICR for cervical region was not changed post-operatively in AIS patients with thoracic instrumentation. There was no relationship found between the development of post-operative cervical kyphosis or lordosis and ICR, which represents the quality and quantity of intervertebral motion. The T1 vertebra plays a key role for cervical, thoracic, and global parameters interaction.

Finite Element Analysis on Treatment Effect of Additive Manufacturing Scoliosis Orthosis / 医用生物力学

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of additive manufacturing scoliosis orthosis, by simulation on interaction of the bone, trunk and orthosis using finite element method. Methods Combined with CT data of the patients, three-dimensional (3D) scanning model of the trunk and full length X-ray of the spine, the bone-trunk-orthosis finite element model was established and proved to be effective. The change and development trend of Cobb angle of the main thoracic scoliosis was calculated under different boundary and load conditions. Results The treatment effect of the additive manufacturing scoliosis orthosis was good. With the increase of orthotic preload, the improvement of Cobb angle and pelvic tilt was more obvious. The Cobb angle was expected to decrease by 6.18° after application of 70 N preload to the orthosis for 6 months. In the case of increasing system stiffness, Cobb angle improvement was not obvious and became even worse. Conclusions Additive manufacturing scoliosis orthosis is effective for treating adolescents with immature bones, while for patients with mature or degenerative bones, its treatment effect is poor.

Associated Factors of Growth With the Prevalence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Among Female Primary School Children in Kuala Langat

@#Introduction: Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that presents with a ‘S’ or ‘C’ curve with the most common type called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The deformity begins unnoticed and can rapidly progress into severe deformation during the adolescent’s growth spurt. Factors such as onset of puberty, dietary intake, physical activity and ethnicity contributes to the development of AIS. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association of these factors with the prevalence of AIS among female school children in Kuala Langat. Methods: A total of 374 students between age 10 and 12 from six different primary schools in Kuala Langat were recruited according to the inclusion criteria. Consent form and questionnaire was distributed to the student’s parents/guardian prior conducting the research. Adam’s Forward Bend Test was performed to measure the rotation of the trunk using a smartphone Scoliometer Application. Results:Out of 374 students, 21 students from schools in Kuala Langat were found positive for AIS with a prevalence rate of 5.6%. However, no association was seen between the student’s age of menarche, dairy intake, frequency in physical activity and ethnicity with the prevalence of AIS. Conclusion: The factors measured in this study showed no association with the prevalence of AIS among school children in Kuala Langat.

Development of a scoliosis rehabilitation robot and a preliminary study of its effectiveness in treating coronal deformity / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the appropriate use of a self-developed scoliosis rehabilitation robot in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and also its safety and effectiveness.Methods:The scoliosis rehabilitation robot consists of a closed-loop pneumatic control system and multi-segment torso, pelvis and upper extremity fixation devices. It provides three-dimensional synchronous correction. Eighteen AIS subjects first received 30min of robot-assisted treatment using the maximum tolerable orthotic force. The angles of their spinal processes were evaluated using ultrasound before the treatment and after 30 seconds, 5 minutes and 30 minutes of treatment, then 5min later. In a second 30sec course of treatment the transverse orthotic force was 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of the patient′s body weight. Any adverse effects were observed and recorded.Results:The robot ran smoothly and could apply intelligent and precise correction. No severe adverse effects were reported. The mean correction of the spinal process angles showed a significant cumulative effect with treatment time, reaching 104% at 30min. The mean process angle correction increased with the applied force. Force at 25% of the patient′s weight produced an average correction of 104% in patients with mild AIS and 65% in those whose AIS was moderate.Conclusion:The scoliosis rehabilitation robot is safe and immediately effective. Setting the transverse force at 25% of a patient′s weight gives the best corrective effect with mild AIS. Moderate AIS requires more force.

Effect of Insoles on Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of braces combined with insoles on scoliosis and walking performance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods:From September, 2019 to September, 2020, 42 subjects with AIS were selected and randomly divided into brace group (n = 21) and brace combined with insole group (n = 21). Both groups received two-month routine rehabilitation, including braces for 22 to 23 hours a day and gymnastics for 30 minutes a day. The brace combined with insole group additionally wore insoles, at least eight hours a day for two months. Meanwhile, 32 even-aged adolescents were recruited as healthy controls. Firstly, gait and plantar pressure of 42 patients and 32 healthy adolescents were compared to find out abnormal indicators. Secondly, the scoliosis and above abnormal indicators were compared between the brace group and the brace combined with insole group Results:The center of pressure excursion index (CPEI) was higher in AIS group than in the healthy group (F = 3.120, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in walking speed, gait cycle and phase between two groups (P>0.05). An obvious imbalanced pressure was observed between the medial and lateral heel of the single foot and the bilateral foot in AIS patients (P < 0.05). After treatment, the Cobb's angle decreased in AIS patients (t > 7.552, P < 0.001), however, no difference was found between the brace group and the brace combined with insole group (t = 0.459, P > 0.05); the CPEI decreased (t = 2.209, P < 0.05), and the pressure in medial and lateral heel as well as the left and right foot tended to be balanced (t > 2.306, P < 0.05) in the brace combined with insole group, and were better than that of the brace group (|t| > 2.319, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Plantar pressure distribution shows obvious local and global asymmetric changes in AIS patients. The efficacy of insoles on the scoliosis is limited, but the insole can effectively improve the abnormal biomechanics and balance the force.

Radiographical analysis of flexibility of idiopatic scoliosis in prono and supino / Análise radiográfica da flexibilidade da escoliose idiopática em prono e supino / Análisis radiográfico de la flexibilidad de la escoliosis idiopática en prono y supino

ABSTRACT Objective To determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the flexibility of the curves in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by using lateral inclination radiographs in supine or prone decubitus. Methods We evaluated 19 patients with AIS, waiting for surgery. Radiographs of the patients were performed in orthostatic anteroposterior incidences and right and left lateral inclinations in prone and supine decubitus. The comparison between prone and supine decubitus was performed through the flexibility rates of the curves measured in each position. Results The mean flexibility rates measured in lateral inclination radiographs with the patient in the supine position were 54.4% ± 38.8% in the proximal thoracic curve, 45.8% ± 15.6% in the main thoracic curve, and 80.5% ± 20.7% in the thoracolumbar / lumbar curve. When the lateral inclination radiographs were performed with the patient in the prone position, we observed mean flexibility rates of 66.4% ± 34.3% in the proximal thoracic curve, 50.1% ± 12.8% in the main thoracic curve, and 80.6% ± 19.0% in the thoracolumbar / lumbar curve. Conclusion This present study did not find a statistically significant difference between the flexibility rates of the curves in the prone and supine positions, suggesting that the two radiographic methods analyzed are similar in the evaluation of the flexibility of the curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Level of evidence II; Development of diagnostic criteria in consecutive patients (with "gold" reference standard applied).

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar se há diferença estatisticamente significativa na flexibilidade das curvas na escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA), ao utilizar radiografias em inclinação lateral em decúbito supino ou prono. Métodos Foram avaliados 19 pacientes com EIA, em espera de cirurgia. Os pacientes realizaram radiografias em incidências anteroposterior em ortostase, inclinações laterais direita e esquerda em decúbito prono e supino. Realizou-se a comparação entre o decúbito prono e supino através das taxas de flexibilidade das curvas aferidas em cada posição. Resultados A taxa de flexibilidade média aferida, quando realizadas as inclinações laterais com o paciente em posição supino, foi de 54,4% ± 38,8% na curva torácica proximal, 45,8% ± 15,6% na curva torácica principal e 80,5% ± 20,7% na curva toracolombar/lombar. Quando realizadas as inclinações laterais com o paciente em posição prono, observou-se taxa de flexibilidade média de 66,4% ± 34,3% na curva torácica proximal, 50,1% ± 12,8% na curva torácica principal e 80,6% ± 19,0% na curva toracolombar/lombar. Conclusão O presente estudo não encontrou diferença com significância estatística nas taxas de flexibilidade das curvas nas posições prono e supino, sugerindo que os dois métodos radiográficos analisados são semelhantes na avaliação da flexibilidade das curvas na escoliose idiopática do adolescente. Nível de evidência II; Desenvolvimento de critérios diagnósticos em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar si hay diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la flexibilidad de las curvas en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA), al utilizar radiografías en inclinación lateral en decúbito supino o prono. Métodos Se evaluaron 19 pacientes con EIA, en espera de cirugía. Los pacientes realizaron radiografías en incidencias anteroposterior en ortostasis, inclinaciones laterales derecha e izquierda en decúbito prono y supino. Se realizó la comparación entre el decúbito prono y supino a través de las tasas de flexibilidad de las curvas medidas en cada posición. Resultados La tasa de flexibilidad promedio medida, cuando se realizaron las inclinaciones laterales con el paciente en posición supino, fue de 54,4% ± 38,8% en la curva torácica proximal, 45,8% ± 15,6% en la curva torácica principal, y 80,5% ± 20,7% en la curva toracolumbar/lumbar. Cuando se realizaron las inclinaciones laterales con el paciente en posición prono, se observó tasa de flexibilidad promedio de 66,4% ± 34,3% en la curva torácica proximal, 50,1% ± 12,8% en la curva torácica principal, y 80,6% ± 19,0% en la curva toracolumbar/lumbar. Conclusión El presente estudio no encontró diferencia con significancia estadística en las tasas de flexibilidad de las curvas en las posiciones prono y supino, sugiriendo que los dos métodos radiográficos analizados son semejantes en la evaluación de la flexibilidad de las curvas en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente. Nivel de evidencia II; Desarrollo de criterios diagnósticos en pacientes consecutivos (con el estándar de referencia "oro" aplicado).

The anatomical locations of postoperative pain and their recovery trajectories following Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients

@#Introduction: This study looked into the different anatomical locations of pain and their trajectories within the first two weeks after Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Methods: We prospectively recruited patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) scheduled for PSF surgery. The anatomical locations of pain were divided into four: (1) surgical wound pain; (2) shoulder pain; (3) neck pain; and (4) low back pain. The anatomical locations of pain were charted using the visual analogue pain score at intervals of 12, 24, 36, 48 hours; and from day-3 to -14. Patient-controlled analgesia (morphine), use of celecoxib capsules, acetaminophen tablets and oxycodone hydrochloride capsule consumption were recorded. Results: A total of 40 patients were recruited. Patients complained of surgical wound pain score of 6.2±2.1 after surgery. This subsequently reduced to 4.2±2.0 by day-4, and to 2.4±1.3 by day-7. Shoulder pain scores of symptomatic patients peaked to 4.2±2.7 at 24 hours and 36 hours which then reduced to 1.8±1.1 by day-8. Neck pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 4.2±1.9 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day-4. Low back pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 5.3±2.3 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day12. Conclusions: Despite the presence of different anatomical locations of pain after surgery, surgical wound was the most significant pain and other anatomical locations of pain were generally mild. Surgical wound pain reduced to a tolerable level by day-4 when patients can then be comfortably discharged. This finding provides useful information for clinicians, patients and their caregivers.

Posterior Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with High-Density Pedicle Screw-Only Constructs: 5 Years of Follow-Up

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze radiological outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior correction with high-density pedicle screw-only constructs. We hypothesized that high-density pedicle screw-only constructs in AIS would provide a high correction rate and would facilitate the maintenance of the correction or obviate the loss thereof.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed radiological outcomes over a minimum follow-up period of 5 years in patients with AIS who underwent posterior correction with high-density pedicle screw-only constructs. A total of 124 consecutive patients were included. Demographic data, including age, sex, operated fusion level, numbers of screw, Lenke curve type, Risser stage, and follow-up period were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and radiological measurements including serial follow-up.RESULTS: The average number of pedicle screws was 1.96/vertebra. The average curve correction was 48.3% for the proximal thoracic (PT) curve, 83.1% for the main thoracic (MT) curve, and 80.2% for the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve at final follow-up. Use of high-density pedicle screw-only constructs helped achieve excellent correction rates, with no significant loss of correction at final follow-up.CONCLUSION: We obtained excellent correction rates of 48.3% for PT, 83.1% for MT, and 80.2% for TL/L curves using high-density pedicle screw-only constructs in AIS, with no significant loss of correction at final follow-up.

Severe scoliosis in an adolescent, benefits of early detection: a case report

Presentations of scoliosis to primary health care physicians are not rare. Challenges may arise when it comes to screening and who require treatment once diagnosed. Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spine and trunk deformity that is considered the most common form of scoliosis in children. It commonly does not cause symptoms and may be overlooked. However, if there was progressive deformity and it remained untreated, it may cause serious complications. Apart from medical concerns, emotional and cosmetic worries due to visible deformity may lead to psychological and social effects. Despite advances in understanding scoliosis, there are still controversies when it comes to optimal screening and treatment of this condition. This case is about a thirteen years old female who presented with intermittent back symptoms and was found to have a severe form of idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis. Through this case, author will be discussing different aspects of scoliosis (prevalence, screening, diagnosis, and treatment options) with emphasis on psychological support and guidance to the physician on how to overcome this challenge.

Comparison of implant density in the management of lenke 1b and 1c adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Comparação da densidade do implante no tratamento da escoliose idiopática do adolescente lenke 1b e 1c

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare radiographic and surgical outcomes of Lenke 1B and 1C patterns. Methods: One hundred twenty patients with Lenke 1B and 1C scoliosis were grouped according to implant density as follows: low density (LD) of ≤1.4 and high density (HD) of >1.4. Matched subgroups (30 patients each) based on age, curve magnitude, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. Radiographic parameters were evaluated before operation, immediately after operation (ipo), and at 2 years' follow-up. SRS-30 was administered before operation and at 2 years' follow-up. Results: The major curves of the LD (n = 82) and HD groups (n=38) were respectively 59.1° and 65.6° before operation (p <.001), 26.3° and 22.9° ipo (p =.05), and 29.9° and 19.8° at 2 years' follow-up (p <.001). No significant differences in postoperative trunk shift and coronal balance were found (p =.69 and p =.74, respectively). The HD group had higher blood loss (p =.02), number of implants (p <.001), levels fused (p =.002), and surgical time (p <.001). The HD group had a higher prevalence of hypokyphosis from before operation to follow-up (p <.001). No significant differences were observed in the SRS-30 scores before operation and at 2 years' follow-up. The matched groups had similar preoperative major curves (p =.56), ages (p =.75), and BMIs (p =.61). Significantly longer surgical time (p =.009), higher density (p <.001), and better correction (p =.0001) were found in the HD group at 2 years' follow-up. No significant differences were found in the SRS-30 scores before operation and at 2 years' follow-up. Conclusion: LD constructs included fewer segments fused, lower intraoperative estimated surgical blood loss, and shorter operation time, and potentially decreasing complication risks due to fewer implants. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os desfechos radiográficos e cirúrgicos da escoliose Lenke 1B e 1C. Métodos: Cento e vinte pacientes com escoliose Lenke 1B e 1C foram agrupados de acordo com a densidade do implante, como segue: baixa densidade (BD) de ≤ 1,4 e alta densidade (AD) de > 1,4. Foram analisados os grupos pareados (30 pacientes cada) com base na idade, magnitude da curva e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Os parâmetros radiográficos foram avaliados antes da cirurgia, no pós-operatório imediato (POI) e no acompanhamento de dois anos. O questionário SRS-30 foi administrado antes da cirurgia e no acompanhamento de dois anos. Resultados: As principais curvas dos grupos BD (n = 82) e AD (n = 38) foram respectivamente 59,1° e 65,6° antes da operação (p < 0,001), 26,3° e 22,9° no POI (p = 0,05) e 29,9° e 19,8° aos 2 anos de acompanhamento (p < 0,001). Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes no desvio do tronco e no balanço coronal no pós-operatório (p = 0,69 e p = 0,74, respectivamente). O grupo AD teve mais perda sanguínea (p = 0,02), número de implantes (p < 0,001), níveis de fusão (p = 0,002) e tempo de cirurgia (p < 0,001). O grupo AD teve maior prevalência de hipocifose do período anterior à cirurgia até o acompanhamento (p < 0,001). Não houve diferenças significantes nas pontuações do SRS-30 antes da operação e aos 2 anos de acompanhamento. No pré-operatório, os grupos pareados tinham curvas principais (p = 0,56), idade (p = 0,75) e IMC (p = 0,61) semelhantes. Constatou-se tempo cirúrgico expressivamente maior (p = 0,009), maior densidade (p < 0,001) e melhor correção (p = 0,0001) no grupo AD aos 2 anos de acompanhamento. Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes nas pontuações do SRS-30 antes da cirurgia e no acompanhamento de 2 anos. Conclusão: As estruturas de BD incluíram menos segmentos fundidos, menor perda de sangue intraoperatória estimada, menor tempo de cirurgia e menos risco de complicações, com possibilidade de redução, por causa do menor número de implantes. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo de coorte.

Método não ionizante de rastreamento da escoliose idiopática do adolescente em escolares / Non-ionizing method of screening adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in schoolchildren

Resumo Escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA) atinge de 2% a 4% de jovens no Brasil. Repetidas exposições aos exames radiológicos, no acompanhamento desta deformidade, podem ser danosos à saúde. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar um protocolo de fotogrametria, como método não ionizante para quantificação da escoliose, e relacioná-lo ao método radiológico de Cobb. Dezesseis indivíduos portadores de escoliose idiopática (21,4 ± 6,1 anos de idade e 19,8±0,2 de índice de massa corporal) foram submetidos à radiografia posteroanterior do tronco, de pé e, posteriormente, fotografia do tronco posterior, após receberem marcadores anatômicos nos processos espinhosos das vértebras C7 até L5. As imagens foram encaminhadas para análise independente de dois examinadores treinados na quantificação da escoliose para o tipo de imagem recebida. A média angular torácica de Cobb e de fotogrametria foram 36,14° e 36,43°, respectivamente. A diferença média entre os métodos foi de 4,1°. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p-valor < 5%) entre eles. A fotogrametria, por ser não ionizante, ter baixo custo e ser portátil, poderá representar uma alternativa ao método radiológico. Novos estudos são necessários no aprimoramento das técnicas não ionizantes no rastreamento da EIA.

Abstract Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 2% to 4% of young people in Brazil. Repeated exposures to radiation used in the monitoring of the deformity can be harmful to the health. This study aimed to present a photogrammetry protocol as a non-ionizing method to quantify scoliosis and relate it to the Cobb radiological method. Sixteen individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (age: 21.4 ± 6.1 years, body mass index: 19.8 ± 0.2 kg/m2) underwent standing posteroanterior X-ray examination of the trunk. Additionally, markers were placed on the spinal processes of the C7 to L5 vertebrae, and posterior trunk photographs were taken. All images were sent for independent analysis by two examiners who were trained in the quantification of scoliosis. The average of the thoracic curvature evaluated through the photogrammetry and Cobb methods were 36.43° and 36.14°, respectively. With an average difference of 4.1°, the methods were not statistically different (p < 0.05). As a non-ionizing method that is low cost and portable, photogrammetry may represent a suitable alternative to the radiological method. Further studies are needed for the improvement of non-ionizing techniques in AIS screening.

Post-implantation Deformation of Titanium Rod and Cobalt Chrome Rod in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

@#Introduction: Post-implantation rod deformation is anticipated in scoliosis surgery but the difference in rod deformation between titanium and cobalt chrome rod has not been elucidated. This study aims to compare the difference in rod deformation between two groups. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients were recruited from a single center. The over-contoured concave rods were traced prior to insertion. Post-operative sagittal rod shape was determined from lateral radiographs. Rod deformation was determined using maximal rod deflection and angle of the tangents to rod end points. The differences between pre- and post-operative rod contour were analysed statistically. Rod deformation and thoracic kyphosis between two types of implants were analysed. Results:Both rods exhibited significant change of rod angle and deflection post-operatively. Curvature of the titanium rod and cobalt chrome rod decreased from 60.5° to 37°, and 51° to 28° respectively. Deflection of titanium rod and cobalt chrome rod reduced from 28mm to 23.5mm and 30mm to 17mm respectively. There was no significant difference between titanium and cobalt chrome groups with regard to rod angle (p=0.173) and deflection (p=0.654). Thoracic kyphosis was increased from 20° to 26° in titanium group but a reduction from 25° to 23° was noticed in cobalt chrome group, but these findings were not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was no statistical difference in rod deformation between the two groups. Thus, the use of titanium rod in correction of sagittal profile is not inferior in outcome compared with cobalt chrome but with lower cost.

Hooks at the Upper Instrumented Vertebra Can Adjust Postoperative Shoulder Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: 5 Years or More of Follow-up

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) ≥5 years postoperatively in patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using hooks at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) for Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Studies have reported PSI due to excessive correction of the main thoracic curve. METHODS: We examined 56 patients with AIS who underwent a posterior spinal fusion with hooks at the UIV from 2004 to 2010. Of these, we enrolled 14 patients who underwent surgery, at least, 5 years ago. X-rays and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire were administered. To evaluate the shoulder balance, T1 vertebral tilt angle (T1 tilt), clavicle angle, and radiographic shoulder height (RSH) were measured. PSI was considered as the absolute value of the postoperative RSH being ≥20 mm. Based on radiographs obtained immediately postoperatively, we divided patients into two groups as follows: the balanced group (absolute value of RSH <20 mm) and imbalanced group (absolute value of RSH ≥20 mm). RESULTS: The frequency of PSI was 28.6% immediately postoperatively, 0% 2 years postoperatively, and 7.1% at the last follow-up. In the balanced group, PSI did not occur even at 2 years postoperatively or at the last follow-up. In the imbalanced group, PSI was improved in all patients 2 years postoperatively and all patients, except one patient, at the last follow-up. No significant differences were noted in the frequency of distal adding-on at 2 years postoperatively or the last follow-up between the balanced group and the imbalanced group. We observed moderate negative correlations between the absolute value of T1 tilt and the SRS-22 pain and satisfaction at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hooks at the UIV could adjust the shoulder balance to avoid long-term PSI in patients with AIS.

Etiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Literature Review

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the peripubertal development of spinal curvature of a minimum of 10°. AIS is thought to be attributable to genetic factors, nutrition, early exposure to toxins, and hormonal dysregulation. Recent literature suggests these factors may compound to determine both disease onset and severity. Currently, treatment is limited to observation, bracing, and surgical intervention. Intervention is presently determined by severity and risk of curve progression. As they emerge, new therapies may target specific etiologies of AIS.