Application of back-forward Bending CT localization image in the prediction of proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery in adults / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of predicting proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in adults after spinal deformity surgery based on back-forward Bending CT localization images and related predictive indicators.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed for 31 adult patients with spinal deformity who underwent posterior osteotomy and long-segment fusion fixation between March 2017 and March 2020. There were 5 males and 26 females with an average age of 62.5 years (range, 30-77 years). The upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) located at T 5 in 1 case, T 6 in 1 case, T 9 in 13 cases, T 10 in 12 cases, and T 11 in 4 cases. The lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV) located at L 1 in 3 cases, L 2 in 3 cases, L 3 in 10 cases, L 4 in 7 cases, L 5 in 5 cases, and S 1 in 3 cases. Based on the full-length lateral X-ray film of the spine in the standing position before and after operation and back-forward Bending CT localization images before operation, the sagittal sequence of the spine was obtained, and the relevant indexes were measured, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA) [the difference between the different positions before operation (recovery value) was calculated], kyphosis flexibility, hyperextension sagittal vertical axis (hSVA), T 2-L 5 hyperextension C 7-vertebral sagittal offset (hC 7-VSO), and pre- and post-operative proximal junctional angle (PJA). At last follow-up, the patients were divided into PJK and non-PJK groups based on PJA to determine whether they had PJK. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), number of fusion segments, number of cases with coronal plane deformity, bone mineral density (T value), UIV position, LIV position, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, osteotomy grading, and related imaging indicators were compared between the two groups. The hC 7-VSO of the vertebral body with significant differences between groups was taken, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate its accuracy in predicting the occurrence of PJK.@*RESULTS@#All 31 patients were followed up 13-52 months, with an average of 30.0 months. The patient's PJA was 1.4°-29.0° at last follow-up, with an average of 10.4°; PJK occurred in 8 cases (25.8%). There was no significant difference in gender, age, BMI, number of fusion segments, number of cases with coronal plane deformity, bone mineral density (T value), UIV position, LIV position, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and osteotomy grading between the two groups ( P>0.05). Imaging measurements showed that the LL recovery value and T 8-L 3 vertebral hC 7-VSO in the PJK group were significantly higher than those in the non-PJK group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in hyperextension TK, hyperextension LL, hyperextension LKCA, TK recovery value, LL recovery value, kyphosis flexibility, hSVA, and T 2-T 7, L 4, L 5 vertebral hC 7-VSO ( P>0.05). T 8-L 3 vertebral hC 7-VSO was analyzed for ROC curve, and combined with the area under curve and the comprehensive evaluation of sensitivity and specificity, the best predictive index was hC 7-L 2, the cut-off value was 2.54 cm, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 60.9%.@*CONCLUSION@#Preoperative back-forward Bending CT localization image can be used to predict the occurrence of PJK after posterior osteotomy and long-segment fusion fixation in adult spinal deformity. If the patient's T 8-L 2 vertebral hC 7-VSO is too large, it indicates a higher risk of postoperative PJK. The best predictive index is hC 7-L 2, and the cut-off value is 2.54 cm.

Progress in the Research of the Spinal Deformity Related to Marfan Syndrome / 罕见病研究

Marfan syndrome(MFS) is an autosomal dominant systemic connective tissue disease. The incidence rate of MFS is about 2-3 per 10 000. Main cause of MFS is FBN1 gene mutation. About 2/3 of MFS patients have spinal deformities, showing symptoms of scoliosis, thoracic lordosis and lumbar kyphosis, severe spondylolisthesis, dural dilatation and pedicle dystrophy. MFS scoliosis develops with age and may continue even after bone maturation. Conservative treatments such as brace are usually ineffective. Surgical treatment of main curve > 40°-45 °is recommended, but due to the special anatomical structure of MFS patients, such surgical complications as dural leakage, failure of internal fixation and revision surgery are not uncommon.

Perioperative allogenic blood transfusion for single disease in patients undergoing spinal deformity correction surgery:a longitudinal observational study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the profile of perioperative allogenic blood transfusion for single disease in patients who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery and risk factors of the blood transfusion, in order to provide reference for clinical decision making. 【Methods】 Clinical data from medical record homepage of 292 patients who underwent elective spinal deformity correction surgery at Chengdu Third People′s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis of the transfusion profile of allogeneic blood based on the type of single disease in patients undergoing correction surgery was performed. Multiple factor linear regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of perioperative allogenic blood transfusion in patients with spinal deformity correction surgery. Hospital length of stay and discharge status were compared between transfusion group and non-transfusion group using Mann Whitney U test and chi-square test respectively. 【Results】 The year prevalence of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion from 2015 to 2017 were 90.38%(47/52), 93.62%(44/47) and 81.35%(157/193), respectively. The prevalence of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients with kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis, kyphosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis were 89.08%(106/119)、79.49%(62/78)、95.24%(40/42)、84.38%(27/32) and 61.90%(13/21), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the regression coefficients for age and osteotomy were -0.060 (P<0.05) and 2.060 (P<0.05), respectively. Compared with non-transfusion group, the transfusion group had longer hospital length of stay (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients with spinal deformity correction surgery is closely related to the type of single disease. Age is a protective factor for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion, while osteotomy is a risk factor for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing the spinal deformity correction surgery. Perioperative blood transfusion can also prolong the hospital length of stay of the patients.

Accidental anterior longitudinal ligament rupture during lateral lumbar interbody fusion disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery resulting in local hyper-lordosis / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: To report a case of anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) injury that was not noticeable during lateral lumbar interbody fusion and was disclosed after posterior corrective fusion surgery.Case presentation: After performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior corrective fusion surgery, we observed an anterior longitudinal ligament rupture that required additional surgery. Postoperative pain in the left lower limb and muscle weakness due to nerve traction appeared, but this was improved by stabilization between the vertebral bodies.Conclusion: Unidentified anterior longitudinal ligament rupture can result in unexpected local lordosis during posterior surgery, possibly related to lower extremity palsy. Therefore, checking for possible rupture during and after anterior surgery is important. If the ALL damage is disclosed before posterior surgery, the proper surgical strategy for the posterior surgery must be considered.

Risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery: A meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Proximal junctional kyphosis is a common complication after spinal deformity surgery, which can lead to a variety of adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the risk factors that may lead to proximal junctional kyphosis after surgery, in order to expand our understanding of proximal junctional kyphosis and provide guidance for its prevention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery using meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane, CNKI and Wanfang Medical Database (up to May 2019). The quality of literatures was assessed and selected according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted. RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis and the data were dealt by meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) This study included 26 studies involving 4 498 patients of whom 921 with proximal junctional kyphosis. The incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal orthopedic surgery was 25%. (2) There were significant differences between the proximal junctional kyphosis and non-proximal junctional kyphosis groups in age, body mass index, osteoporosis, number of surgical vertebral bodies, the upper instrumented vertebra to the thoracolumbar segment (T10-L1), the lower instrumented vertebra to the sacrum/pelvis/ilium, postoperative proximal kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis, changes in proximal kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis (P 0.05). (4) Our meta-analysis showed that age, body mass index, osteoporosis, the number of operative vertebrae > 5 at fixation segment, the upper instrumented vertebra internal fixation to thoracolumbar segment (T10-L1), the lower instrumented vertebra fixation to sacrum/pelvis/ilium, postoperative proximal kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis, changes in proximal kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis were the main risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis. The incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis can be reduced by intervening the high-risk population and making the suitable surgical procedures. Proximal junctional kyphosis was due to a variety of non-surgical and surgical factors. More rigorous epidemiological studies are needed to provide reliable evidence for reducing the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis.

Comparison of radiological changes after Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy versus simple posterior spinal osteotomy for severe rigid spinal deformity / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the changes of scoliosis and kyphosis angles after Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy versus simple posterior spinal osteotomy for severe rigid spinal deformity. Methods: A clinical data of 28 patients with severe rigid spinal deformity between January 2015 and November 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen patients were treated by Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy (group A) and 12 patients were treated with posterior spinal osteotomy only (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, body mass index, and preoperative pulmonary function, coronal and sagittal Cobb angles, and flexibility. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The coronal and sagittal Cobb angles were measured on X-ray films before operation (before traction in group A), at 10 days after operation, at last follow-up in the two groups and after traction in group A. The improvement rate of deformity after traction in group A, the correction rate of deformity after operation, and the loss rate of correction at last follow-up were calculated. Results: All patients were followed up 24-30 months (mean, 26.5 months). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less in group A than in group B ( t=7.629, P=0.000; t=8.773, P=0.000). In group A, 1 patient occurred transient numbness of both legs during continuous traction and 2 patients needed ventilator support for more than 12 hours. In group B, 7 patients needed ventilator support for more than 12 hours, including 1 patient with deep incision infection. The incidence of complications was 18.75% (3/16) in group A and 58.33% (7/12) in group B, and the difference between the two groups was significant ( χ2=4.680, P=0.031). The coronal and sagittal improvement rates of deformity after traction in group A were 40.47%±3.60% and 40.70%±4.20%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the coronal and sagittal Cobb angles at 10 days after operation and at last follow-up, in the correction rate of deformity after operation, and in the loss rate of correction at last follow-up. Conclusion: For the severe rigid spinal deformity, Halo-pelvic traction with posterior spinal osteotomy and simple posterior spinal osteotomy can obtain the same orthopedic effect and postoperative deformity correction. However, the Halo-pelvic traction can shorten operation time, reduce blood loss and incidence of perioperative complications.

A biomechanical study on proximal junctional kyphosis following long-segment posterior spinal fusion

Posterior long-segment spinal fusion may lead to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). The present study sought to identify the appropriate fusion levels required in order to prevent PJK using finite element analysis. A finite element model was constructed based on the whole-spine computed tomography findings of a healthy adult. Nine commonly used posterior spinal fusion methods were selected. Stress on the annulus fibrosis fibers, the posterior ligamentous complex, and the vertebrae after various spinal fusions in the upright position were compared. This study was divided into two groups: non-fusion and fusion. In the former, the stress between the T10 and the upper thoracic vertebrae was higher. Comparing thoracic and lumbar segments in the fusion group, the peak stress values of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) were mainly observed in T2 and L2 whilst those of the UIV+1 were observed in T10 and L2. After normalization, the peak stress values of the UIV and UIV+1 were located in T2 and L2. Similarly, the peak stress values of the annulus fibrosus at the upper adjacent level were on T10 and L2 after normalization. However, the peak stress values of the interspinal/supraspinal complex forces were concentrated on T11, T12, and L1 after normalization whilst the peak stress value of the pedicle screw was on T2. Controversy remains over the fusion of T10, and this study simulated testing conditions with gravitational loading only. However, further assessment is needed prior to reaching definitive conclusions.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Sagittal Alignment after Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity: Posterior Osteotomy, Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Rupture, and Endplate Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To identify factors that affect sagittal alignment correction in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) and to investigate the degree of correction in each condition. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: LIF is a useful procedure for ASD, but the degree of correction can be affected by posterior osteotomy, intraoperative endplate injury, or anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) rupture. METHODS: Radiographical data for 30 patients who underwent LIF for ASD were examined prospectively. All underwent two-stage surgery (LIF followed by posterior fixation). Radiographical parameters were measured preoperatively, after LIF, and after posterior fixation; these included the segmental lordotic angle, lumbar lordosis (LL), and other sagittal alignment factors. RESULTS: LL was corrected from 16.5°±16.7° preoperatively to 33.4°±13.8° after LIF (p<0.001) and then to 52.1°±7.9° following posterior fixation (p<0.001). At levels where Schwab grade 2 osteotomy was performed, the acquired segmental lordotic angles from the preoperative value to after posterior fixation and from after LIF to after posterior fixation were 19.5°±9.2° and 9.9°±3.9°, respectively. On average, 12.4° more was added than in cases without osteotomy. Endplate injury was identified at 21 levels (19.4%) after LIF, with a mean loss of 3.4° in the acquired segmental lordotic angle (5.3°±8.4° and 1.9°±5.9° without and with endplate injury, respectively). ALL rupture was identified at seven levels (6.5%), and on average 19.3° more was added in these cases between the preoperative and postoperative values than in cases without ALL rupture. CONCLUSIONS: LIF provides adequate sagittal alignment restoration for ASD, but the degree of correction is affected by grade 2 osteotomy, intraoperative endplate injury, and ALL rupture.

Effect of Indirect Neural Decompression with Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Was Influenced by Preoperative Lumbar Lordosis in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study on the indirect decompressive effect of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) for adult spinal deformity. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of interbody distraction by OLIF for the treatment of adult spinal deformity. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Adult spinal deformity with symptomatic stenosis has been addressed conventionally using a direct posterior decompression approach with fusion. However, stenotic symptoms can also be alleviated indirectly through restoration of intervertebral and foraminal heights and correction of spinal alignment. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with adult spinal deformity underwent OLIF combined with modified cortical bone trajectory screws at 94 lumbar levels with neuromonitoring. The patients were divided into three groups based on their preoperative lumbar lordosis: group A, 20°. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the thecal sac was measured preoperatively and postoperatively on axial magnetic resonance images. Differences in CSA were evaluated, and the relationship between the CSA extension ratio and preoperative CSA was assessed. Changes in disc height and segmental disc angle were measured from plain radiographs. RESULTS: OLIFs were performed successfully without neural complications. In group A, the mean CSA increased from 120.6 mm² preoperatively to 148.5 mm² postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean CSA for group B increased from 120.1 mm² preoperatively to 154.4 mm² postoperatively (p<0.001). Group C had an increase in mean CSA from 114.7 mm² preoperatively to 160.7 mm² postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean CSA enlargement ratio was 27.5%, 32.1%, and 60.4% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The mean CSA extension ratio was inversely correlated with preoperative CSA. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of indirect neural decompression in adult spinal deformity with OLIF varies with the degree of preoperative lumbar lordosis.

Precautions for Combined Anterior and Posterior Long-Level Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity: Perioperative Surgical Complications Related to the Anterior Procedure (Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the perioperative complications of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) as a first-stage procedure in combined anterior and posterior operation for adult spinal deformity (ASD) along with sagittal imbalance. Specifically, we aimed to identify the radiological and clinical types of perioperative surgical complications and the factors affecting these complications. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: OLIF has recently gained popularity, and there are several reports of good outcomes and only a few of complications with OLIF; however, a few studies have focused on the perioperative surgical complications of ASD along with sagittal imbalance. METHODS: The perioperative period was a 1-week interval between the anterior and posterior procedures. All patients underwent simple radiography and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and postoperatively. Cage placement was evaluated for displacement (i.e., subsidence and migration) and vertebral body fracture. Clinical patient complaints were evaluated perioperatively. Student t-test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included, totaling 138 fusion segments. A week after OLIF, 14 patients/33 segments (30.4%/23.9%) demonstrated endplate injury-associated cage placement change. Subsidence was the most common cage placement-related complication. As compared with patients without endplate injury, those with endplate injuries showed significantly larger correction angles and a higher proportion of them had larger height cages than the disk height in the full-extension lateral view. Although 32.6% of the patients experienced perioperative clinical complications, they were relatively minor and transient. The most common complication was severe postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale score of >7), and hip flexor weakness spontaneously resolved within 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: OLIF yielded more than expected endplate injuries from treatment modalities for ASD along with sagittal imbalance. Therefore, surgeons should be cautious about endplate injury during OLIF procedures. It is difficult to accomplish lordosis correction via OLIF alone; therefore, surgeons should not attempt this impractical correction goal and insert an immoderate cage.

Multi-Rod Constructs Can Increase the Incidence of Iliac Screw Loosening after Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of iliac screw loosening with a two-rod vs. multi-rod construct and the effect on clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Multi-rod construct is useful for preventing rod fracture in ASD surgery. However, limited information is available regarding the incidence of iliac screw loosening after corrective fusion surgery using a multi-rod construct. METHODS: Total 106 patients with ASD (24 men and 82 women; mean age, 68 years) who underwent corrective fusion surgery using bilateral iliac screws and were followed up for at least 1 year were reviewed. The following variables were compared between patients who underwent surgery with a two-rod and multi-rod construct: age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), fusion level, high-grade osteotomy, L5/S interbody fusion, screw loosening (upper instrumented vertebra [UIV], S1, and iliac), rod fracture, proximal junctional kyphosis, spinopelvic parameters, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. We also compared patients with and without iliac screw loosening in the multi-rod construct group. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients, 55 underwent surgery with a conventional two-rod construct and 51 with a multi-rod construct (three rods in 16, four rods in 35). Iliac and UIV screw loosening was observed in 24 patients (21%) and 35 patients (33%), respectively. The multi-rod group showed significantly higher incidence of iliac and UIV screw loosening and lower incidence of rod fracture. Patients with iliac screw loosening had a lower BMD than those without screw loosening; however, no significant differences were observed in the spinopelvic parameters or the ODI score. CONCLUSIONS: The use of multi-rod constructs led to a higher incidence of junctional screw loosening than the use of conventional two-rod constructs, especially in patients with osteoporosis. Iliac screw loosening did not affect sagittal alignment or clinical outcome in the short term.

Hypertension Is Related to Positive Global Sagittal Alignment: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study.PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension and spino-pelvic sagittal alignment in middle-aged and elderly individuals.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Positive global sagittal alignment is associated with poor health-related quality of life. Hypertension is associated with tissue microcirculation disorders of the skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that hypertension may be involved in positive global sagittal alignment.METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved study, 655 participants (262 men and 393 women; mean age, 72.9 years; range, 50–92 years) who underwent musculoskeletal screening in Toei town, Aichi, Japan were included. Whole spine and pelvic radiographs were taken, and radiographic parameters (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, and sagittal vertical axis [SVA]) were measured using an image-analysis software. Hypertension was assessed using the standard criteria. The study participants were divided into three subgroups as per age (50–64 years, 65–74 years, and ≥75 years). We examined the differences in the radiographic parameters of those with and without hypertension in each age subgroup.RESULTS: In each age subgroup, there was no significant difference in the age and sex of those with and without hypertension. SVA was significantly shifted forward in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group in those aged 50–64 years old (32.4 mm vs. 16.0 mm, p=0.018) and in those aged 65–74 years old (42.7 mm vs. 30.6 mm, p=0.012). There was no significant difference between the hypertension and non-hypertension groups in terms of the alignment of the lumbar and thoracic spine in all the subgroups. In multivariate analysis, hypertension was a significant independent factor of forward-shifted SVA (standardized beta 0.093, p=0.015).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that hypertension was associated with forward-shifted global sagittal alignment.

Objective Monitoring of Brace Wearing Time in Adolescents with Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study.PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential differences between the objective and subjective bracing compliances of adolescents with Scheuermann’s kyphosis.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Bracing is a well-documented intervention for managing adolescents with progressive thoracic Scheuermann’s kyphosis, and the brace should be worn 23 hours every day. Most research studies that have investigated the efficacy of bracing have assumed that the patients wore the braces as advised or that the bracing time was measured subjectively. This may be one of the reasons for the conflicting reports regarding the efficacy of bracing.METHODS: Nineteen volunteers (11 girls and 7 boys, 12.89±1.77 years) who were prescribed Milwaukee braces for Scheuermann’s kyphosis were enrolled. Each brace was equipped with a miniature temperature logger to record the actual brace wearing time over a period of 3 weeks. The patients and their families were unaware of the mounted sensor. Each participants and/or parent was provided with a questionnaire to record the number of hours for which the brace was worn each day. In addition, the therapist asked each patient and/or his/her parent about the average number of hours that the brace was worn.RESULTS: The compliance rates measured using the temperature logger (16.00±4.90 hours daily) were significantly lower than those reported in the questionnaires (19.52±6.04 hours daily, p<0.001) and the verbal responses (20.21±6.05 hours daily, p<0.001). Moreover, there was no correlation of age, sex, and body mass index with brace compliance.CONCLUSIONS: The braces were worn less often than reported by the patients and/or their parents. Therefore, objective compliance assessments of adolescents with Scheuermann’s kyphosis in a brace are recommended for future studies.

Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity with Sagittal Imbalance Using Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Can We Predict How Much Lordosis Correction Is Possible?

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-center study.PURPOSE: The current trend of operative treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD) is combined anterior-posterior staged surgery. When anterior surgery was first performed, oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) was employed; this method became increasing popular. This study aimed to determine the lordosis correction that can be achieved using OLIF and assess whether we can preoperatively predict the lordosis correction angle achieved using OLIF.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Many previous studies on OLIF have shown improved clinical and radiologic outcomes. With the increase in the popularity of OLIF, several surgeons have started using larger cages to attain greater lordosis correction. Moreover, some studies have reported complications of OLIF because of immoderate cage insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study that attempted to determine whether it is possible to predict the lordosis correction angle achieved with OLIF preoperatively, using fullextension lateral view (FELV).METHODS: Forty-six patients with ASD were enrolled. All the operations were performed by a single surgeon in two stages (first, anterior and second, posterior) with a 1-week interval. Radiological evaluation was performed by comparing the Cobb’s angle of the segmental and regional lordosis obtained using preoperative and postoperative simple radiography (including the FELV) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).RESULTS: Regional lordosis (L1–S1) in the whole-spine standing lateral radiograph was −3.03°; however, in the supine lateral MRI, it was 20.92°. The regional lordosis of whole-spine standing lateral and supine lateral (MRI) was significantly different. In the FELV, regional lordosis was 25.72° and that in the postoperative supine lateral (MRI) was 25.02°; these values were not significantly different.CONCLUSIONS: Although OLIF offers many advantages, it alone plays a limited role in ASD treatment. Lordosis correction using OLIF as well as lordosis determined in the FELV was possible. Hence, our results suggest that FELV can help predict the lordosis correction angle preoperatively and thus aid the selection of the appropriate technique in the second staged operation.

Progress in perioperative pain management of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity corrective surgery / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To review the advances in perioperative pain management of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity corrective surgery. Methods: Regular analgesics, drug administrations, and analgesic regimens were reviewed and summarized by consulting domestic and overseas related literatures about perioperative pain management of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity corrective surgery in recent years. Results: As for perioperative analgesis regimens of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity corrective surgery, regular analgesics include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, antiepileptic drugs, adrenergic agonists, and local anesthetic, etc. Besides drug administration by mouth, intravenous injection, and intramuscular injection, the administration also includes patient controlled analgesia, epidural injection, and intrathecal injection. Multimodal analgesia is the most important regimen currently. Conclusion: Heretofore, a number of perioperative pain managements of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity corrective surgery have been applied clinically, but the ideal regimen has not been developed. To design a safe and effective analgesic regimen needs further investigations.

Spinal Deformity Surgery : It Becomes an Essential Part of Neurosurgery

Among the spinal disorders, the treatment approach for spinal deformities has been discussed least among department of neurosurgery. But nowadays, more and more neurosurgeons are interested in spinal deformities as well as complex spinal disorders and are doing not a few surgeries for these kinds of disease. Nevertheless, it is mandatory to understand the course of spinal deformity, principles of treatment, and surgical outcomes and complications. Understanding of the biology, biomechanics and metallurgy of the spine and instrumentation are also required for successful spinal deformity surgery. We need senior mentors and good surgical and neurophysiologic monitoring team. Knowledge of spinal deformity may be augmented with spine fellowships and surgical experience. Step by step training such as basic knowledge, orthopedic as well as neurosurgical disciplines and surgical skills would be mandatory. Neurosurgeons can have several advantages for spinal deformity surgeries. By high-level technical ability of the spinal cord handling to preserve neurological function and familiarity with microscopic surgery, better synergistic effect could be expected. A fundamental understanding of pediatric spinal deformity and growing spine should be needed for spinal deformity surgery.

Restoration of Sagittal Balance in Spinal Deformity Surgery

The prevalence of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) has been reported as high as 68%. ASD often leads to significant pain and disability. Recent emphasis has been placed on sagittal plane balance and restoring normal sagittal alignment with regards to the three dimensional deformity of ASD. Optimal sagittal alignment has been known to increase spinal biomechanical efficiency, reduce energy expenditure by maintaining a stable posture with improved load absorption, influence better bony union, and help to decelerate adjacent segment deterioration. Increasingly positive sagittal imbalance has been shown to correlate with poor functional outcome and poor self-image along with poor psychological function. Compensatory mechanisms attempt to maintain sagittal balance through pelvic rotation, alterations in lumbar lordosis as well as knee and ankle flexion at the cost of increased energy expenditure. Restoring normal spinopelvic alignment is paramount to the treatment of complex spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance. Posterior osteotomies including posterior column osteotomies, pedicle subtraction osteotomies, and posterior vertebral column resection, as well anterior column support are well known to improve sagittal alignment. Understanding of whole spinal alignment and dynamics of spinopelvic alignment is essential to restore sagittal balance while minimizing the risk of developing sagittal decompensation after surgical intervention.

Spinal Deformity Surgery : It Becomes an Essential Part of Neurosurgery

Among the spinal disorders, the treatment approach for spinal deformities has been discussed least among department of neurosurgery. But nowadays, more and more neurosurgeons are interested in spinal deformities as well as complex spinal disorders and are doing not a few surgeries for these kinds of disease. Nevertheless, it is mandatory to understand the course of spinal deformity, principles of treatment, and surgical outcomes and complications. Understanding of the biology, biomechanics and metallurgy of the spine and instrumentation are also required for successful spinal deformity surgery. We need senior mentors and good surgical and neurophysiologic monitoring team. Knowledge of spinal deformity may be augmented with spine fellowships and surgical experience. Step by step training such as basic knowledge, orthopedic as well as neurosurgical disciplines and surgical skills would be mandatory. Neurosurgeons can have several advantages for spinal deformity surgeries. By high-level technical ability of the spinal cord handling to preserve neurological function and familiarity with microscopic surgery, better synergistic effect could be expected. A fundamental understanding of pediatric spinal deformity and growing spine should be needed for spinal deformity surgery.

Restoration of Sagittal Balance in Spinal Deformity Surgery

The prevalence of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) has been reported as high as 68%. ASD often leads to significant pain and disability. Recent emphasis has been placed on sagittal plane balance and restoring normal sagittal alignment with regards to the three dimensional deformity of ASD. Optimal sagittal alignment has been known to increase spinal biomechanical efficiency, reduce energy expenditure by maintaining a stable posture with improved load absorption, influence better bony union, and help to decelerate adjacent segment deterioration. Increasingly positive sagittal imbalance has been shown to correlate with poor functional outcome and poor self-image along with poor psychological function. Compensatory mechanisms attempt to maintain sagittal balance through pelvic rotation, alterations in lumbar lordosis as well as knee and ankle flexion at the cost of increased energy expenditure. Restoring normal spinopelvic alignment is paramount to the treatment of complex spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance. Posterior osteotomies including posterior column osteotomies, pedicle subtraction osteotomies, and posterior vertebral column resection, as well anterior column support are well known to improve sagittal alignment. Understanding of whole spinal alignment and dynamics of spinopelvic alignment is essential to restore sagittal balance while minimizing the risk of developing sagittal decompensation after surgical intervention.

Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Critical Review of Alignment and Balance

Correction of the overall coronal and/or sagittal plane deformities is one of the main predictors of successful spinal surgery. In routine clinical practice, spinal alignment is assessed using several spinal and pelvic parameters, such as pelvic incidence and tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal vertical axis. Standard values have been defined for all these parameters, and the formulas of correction have been set for determining the surgical strategy. However, several factors can potentially bias these formulas. First, all standard values are measured using conventional plain radiographs and are, therefore, prone to bias. The radiologist, measuring surgeon, and patient are possible confounding influencing factors. Second, spino-pelvic compensatory effects and biomechanically relevant structures for the patient’s posture, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles, have received minimal consideration in the literature. Therefore, even in cases of appropriately planned deformity correction surgeries, complications, revision rates, and surgical outcomes significantly vary. This study aimed to illustrate the current clinical weaknesses of the assessment of spinal alignment and the importance of holistically approaching the musculoskeletal system for any spinal deformity surgery. We believe that our detailed insights regarding spinal, sagittal, and coronal alignments as well as the considerations of an individual's spinal balance will contribute toward improvement in routine patient care.