Adult Degenerative Scoliosis / Escoliose degenerativa do adulto

Abstract Populational aging increases the incidence of musculoskeletal degenerative processes, such as adult scoliosis (AS). Adult scoliosis is defined as a spinal deformity in the coronal plane with a Cobb angle > 10º. Adult scoliosis may be iatrogenic or result from a degenerative process (scoliosis de novo) or a pre-existing scoliosis. Adult scoliosis is a potentially limiting condition that affects a heterogeneous group of patients. Clinical treatment proved to be ineffective and surgery is often indicated. The present paper reviews AS pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, in addition to surgical indications and the main techniques currently used.

Resumo O envelhecimento da população aumenta a incidência dos processos degenerativos osteomusculares, como a escoliose do adulto (EA). A EA é definida como uma deformidade da coluna no plano coronal com ângulo de Cobb > 10º e pode ocorrer devido a um processo degenerativo (escoliose de novo), evolução de uma escoliose pré-existente ou de forma iatrogênica. A EA é uma doença potencialmente limitante que acomete um grupo heterogêneo de pacientes. O tratamento clínico se mostrou pouco efetivo e a indicação cirúrgica é frequente. No presente artigo, é apresentada uma revisão sobre a fisiopatologia, a manifestação clínica e o diagnóstico da EA. Também são apresentadas as indicações cirúrgicas e as principais técnicas utilizadas atualmente.

Finite Element Analysis of a Controlled Dynamization Device for External Circular Fixation / Análise de elementos finitos de um dispositivo de dinamização controlada para fixação circular externa

Abstract Objective To virtually prototype a device for external circular fixation of long bone fractures with controlled dynamization made of two different materials and predict their mechanical behavior by using the finite element analysis (FEA) method. Method A software was used for 3D modeling two metal parts closely attached by a sliding dovetail joint and a high-density silicone damper. Distinctive FEAs were simulated by considering two different materials (stainless steel or titanium), modes (locked or dynamized) and loading conditions (static/point or dynamic/0.5 sec) with uniform 150 kg axial load on top of the device. Results The finite elements (FEs) model presented 81,872 nodes and 45,922 elements. Considering stainless steel, the maximum stress peak (140.98 MPa) was reached with the device locked under static loading, while the greatest displacement (2.415 × 10−3 mm) was observed with the device locked and under dynamic loading. Regarding titanium, the device presented the maximum stress peak (141.45 MPa) under static loading and with the device locked, while the greatest displacement (3.975 × 10−3 mm) was found with the device locked and under dynamic loading. Conclusion The prototyped device played the role of stress support with acceptable deformation in both locked and dynamized modes and may be fabricated with both stainless steel and titanium.

Resumo Objetivo Construir um protótipo virtual de um dispositivo de fixação circular externa para fraturas em ossos longos com dinamização controlada a partir de dois materiais diferentes e prever seu comportamento mecânico por meio da análise de elementos finitos AEF). Método Modelos tridimensionais compostos de duas peças metálicas unidas por uma junta deslizante em rabo de andorinha e um amortecedor de silicone de alta densidade foram criados em um software. Análises de elementos finitos distintas foram simuladas considerando dois materiais (aço inoxidável ou titânio), modos (bloqueado ou dinamizado) e condições de carregamento (estático/pontual ou dinâmico/0,5 segundo) diferentes com carga axial uniforme de 150 kg na porção superior do dispositivo. Resultados O modelo de elementos finitos (EFs) apresentou 81.872 nós e 45.922 elementos. Com aço inoxidável, o pico de tensão máxima (140,98 MPa) foi alcançado com o dispositivo bloqueado e sob carga estática, enquanto o maior deslocamento (2.415 × 10−3 mm) foi obtido com o dispositivo bloqueado e sob carga dinâmica. Com titânio, o pico de tensão máxima (141,45 MPa) ocorreu com o dispositivo bloqueado e sob carga estática, enquanto o maior deslocamento (3.975 × 10−3 mm) foi observado com o dispositivo bloqueado e sob carga dinâmica. Conclusão O protótipo do dispositivo desempenhou o papel de suporte de tensão com deformação aceitável nos dois modos, bloqueado ou dinamizado, e pode ser fabricado com aço inoxidável ou titânio.

Morphology and epidemiological study of idiopathic scoliosis among primary school students in Chaozhou, China

BACKGROUND@#Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) affects patients' quality of life, yet there have been few reports of its morphology and epidemiological study in the southeast region of China. The aim of this study is to access the curve characteristics, prevalence, and factors associated with IS in Chaozhou city.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was performed in 2018, in which scoliosis screening was conducted among 5497 primary school students in Chaozhou city. Then, a case-control study based on the screening involving 2547 children was followed for the exploration of the associated factors. The questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, postural habits, cognition and self-sensation of scoliosis, and physical conditions were addressed for the investigation. ORs with 95%CIs were calculated based on logistic regression analysis to evaluate the factors associated with scoliosis.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of IS among primary school students was 6.15% in Chaozhou city, with 4.04% for males and 8.71% for females. The average Cobb angle was 15° (range 8 to 37°). Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that female (OR=2.45), BMI (OR=0.67), having myopia (OR=1.49), self-sensation of scoliosis with symptoms (OR=5.52), insufficient sleep time (OR=2.65, 3.33), and less exercise time (OR=7.09, 7.29) were significantly associated with IS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The prevalence of IS among primary school students in Chaozhou was at an average level, and it was significantly higher in females than in males. Lower body mass, having myopia, insufficient sleep time, and lower physical activity were associated with IS.

Neurofibromatosis tipos 1 y 2 / Neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2

La neurofibromatosis (NF) comprende un grupo de enfermedades genéticas de herencia autosómica dominante, que se clasifican de la siguiente manera: neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis tipo 2 (NF2) y schwannomatosis (también conocida como neurofibromatosis tipo 3). Esta última es una enfermedad muy infrecuente, con una prevalencia aproximada de 1/126 000 personas, por lo que solo profundizaremos las dos primeras. La NF1, también conocida como la enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen, es la más frecuente de las tres y afecta principalmente la piel y el sistema nervioso periférico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas "café con leche", pecas axilares o inguinales, nódulos de Lisch (hamartomas en el iris) y neurofibromas (tumores de la vaina de nervios periféricos). Otras manifestaciones menos frecuentes, aunque de mayor gravedad, incluyen gliomas del nervio óptico, meningiomas, neurofibromas malignos, escoliosis y displasia de la tibia. Su diagnóstico se suele realizar al nacimiento o durante los primeros años de vida, y se estima que un 50% de quienes la padecen presenta dificultades cognitivas. No hay datos concluyentes sobre la mortalidad en los pacientes con NF1, aunque se sabe que la expectativa de vida es menor que en la población general. La NF2 tiene una prevalencia considerablemente menor que la NF1 y su inicio es más tardío, afectando principalmente a adultos jóvenes. La presentación clínica típica se caracteriza por acúfenos, hipoacusia y ataxia en contexto de la presencia de schwannomas vestibulares bilaterales. Otros hallazgos menos frecuentes incluyen schwannomas de nervios periféricos, meningiomas, ependimomas o astrocitomas. La esperanza de vida es de unos 36 años, con una supervivencia media desde el momento del diagnóstico de 15 años. (AU)

Neurofibromatosis (NF) includes a group of genetic diseases with an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern, and they are classified as follows: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and Schwannomatosis (also known as neurofibromatosis type 3). This last one is a very rare disease, with an approximate prevalence of 1/126000, so we will only deepen in the first two. NF1, also known as von Recklinghausen disease, is the most frequent, and mainly affects the skin and peripheral nervous system. Its typical manifestations are the presence of café-au-lait macules, axillary or inguinal freckles, Lisch nodules (hamartomas in the iris) and neurofibromas (peripheral nerve sheath tumors). Less frequent manifestations, although more serious, include optic nerve gliomas, meningiomas, malignant neurofibromas, scoliosis and tibial dysplasia. The diagnosis is usually made at birth or during the first years of life, and approximately 50% of patients present cognitive difficulties. There is no conclusive data on mortality in patients with NF1, although it is known that life expectancy is lower than in general population. NF2 has a considerably lower prevalence than NF1, and its onset is later in life, mainly affecting young adults. Its typical clinical presentation is characterized by tinnitus, hearing loss and ataxia in the context in the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Less frequent findings include peripheral nerve schwannomas, meningiomas, ependymomas or astrocytomas. Life expectancy is about 36 years old, with a median survival from the moment of diagnosis of 15 years. (AU)

Photogrammetry: a proposal of objective assessment of chest wall in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Fotogrametria: uma proposta de avaliação objetiva da caixa torácica na escoliose idiopática do adolescente

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the chest wall shape in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in comparison to healthy subjects and the association between the chest wall shape with the spine deformity and lung function in patients with AIS. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 AIS patients and 20 healthy subjects aged 11-18 years old. The Cobb angle evaluation was performed in AIS patients. The chest wall shape was assessed by the photogrammetry method, using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS). We created thoracic markers shaped as angles (A) and distances (D), as follows: A2 (right acromion/xiphoid/left acromion), A4L (angle formed between the outer point of the smallest waist circumference and its upper and lower edges on the left side), A7 (angle formed by the intersection of the tangent segments of the upper and lower scapulae angles), D1R/D1L [distance between the xiphoid process and the last false rib on the right (R) and left (L) sides], and D3 (distance between xiphoid process and anterior superior iliac spine). Results: The thoracic markers A2 and A7 were significantly higher, while the A4L and D1R/D1L were significantly reduced in the AIS group compared to the control. Moderate correlations were found between: A2 and the main and proximal thoracic Cobb angles (r=0.50, r=0.47, respectively); D1R/D1L and the main thoracic Cobb angle (r=- 0.40); and the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and D3R (r=0.47). Conclusions: The photogrammetry method was able to detect chest wall changes in AIS patients, besides presenting correlation between Cobb angles and lung function.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o formato da caixa torácica em pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA), comparando-os com indivíduos saudáveis e analisar a associação do formato da caixa torácica com a deformidade da coluna vertebral e função pulmonar em pacientes com EIA. Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou 30 pacientes com EIA e 20 indivíduos saudáveis com idade entre 11 e 18 anos. O ângulo de Cobb foi avaliado em pacientes com EIA. O formato da caixa torácica foi analisado pelo método da fotogrametria, utilizando o Software para Avaliação Postural (SAPO). Foram criados marcadores torácicos descritos como ângulos (A)e distâncias (D): A2 (acrômio direito/processo xifoide/acrômio esquerdo), A4E (ângulo formado entre o ponto externo da menor circunferência da cintura e suas bordas superior e inferior do lado esquerdo), A7 (ângulo formado pela interseção das retas tangentes aos ângulos superior e inferior das escápulas), D1D/D1E [distância entre o processo xifoide e a última costela falsa nos lados direito (D) e esquerdo (E)] e D3 (distância entre o processo xifoide e a espinha ilíaca anterossuperior). Resultados: Os marcadores torácicos A2 e A7 foram significativamente maiores, enquanto o A4E e o D1D/D1E foram significativamente menores no grupo EIA em relação ao controle. Foram encontradas correlações moderadas entre: A2 e os ângulos de Cobb torácico principal e proximal (r=0,50 e r=0,47, respectivamente); D1D/D1E e o ângulo de Cobb torácico principal (r=-0,40); e o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e D3D (r=0,47). Conclusões: O método da fotogrametria detectou alterações na caixa torácica de pacientes com EIA, além de apresentar correlações significativas entre os ângulos de Cobb e a função pulmonar.

A Comparative Study of Sagittal Balance in Patients with Neuromuscular Scoliosis

OBJECTIVES: Spinopelvic alignment has been associated with improved quality of life in patients with vertebral deformities, and it helps to compensate for imbalances in gait. Although surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities promotes correction of coronal scoliotic deformities, it remains poorly established whether this results in large changes in sagittal balance parameters in this specific population. The objective of this study is to compare these parameters before and after the current procedure under the hypothesis is that there is no significant modification. METHODS: Sampling included all records of patients with neuromuscular scoliosis with adequate radiographic records treated at Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Clinics Hospital of University of São Paulo (IOT-HCFMUSP) from January 2009 to December 2013. Parameters analyzed were incidence, sacral inclination, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, spinosacral angle, spinal inclination and spinopelvic inclination obtained using the iSite-Philips digital display system with Surgimap and a validated method for digital measurements of scoliosis radiographs. Comparison between the pre- and post-operative conditions involved means and standard deviations and the t-test. RESULTS: Based on 101 medical records only, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, including 7 males and 9 females, with an age range of 9-20 and a mean age of 12.9±3.06; 14 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. No significant differences were found between pre and postoperative parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Despite correction of coronal scoliotic deformity in patients with neuromuscular deformities, there were no changes in spinopelvic alignment parameters in the group studied.

Escoliosis degenerativa del adulto / Degenerative adult scoliosis

La escoliosis del adulto es una deformidad rotacional compleja tridimensional de la columna, resultado de la degeneración progresiva de los elementos vertebrales en la edad madura, en una columna previamente recta; con un ángulo de Cobb mayor de 10º en el plano coronal, que además altera los planos sagital y axial. Se origina de una enfermedad degenerativa, asimétrica del disco y las facetas articulares, creando cargas asimétricas y posteriormente deformidad. El síntoma principal es dolor axial, radicular y déficit neurológico. El tratamiento conservador incluye fármacos y terapia física. Las infiltraciones epidurales y facetarias para bloqueo selectivo de raíces nerviosas mejora el dolor a corto plazo. El tratamiento quirúrgico se reserva para pacientes con dolor intratable, radiculopatía y/o déficit neurológico. No existe un consenso para las indicaciones quirúrgicas, sin embargo, se debe tener un entendimiento claro de los síntomas y signos clínicos. La meta de la cirugía es la descompresión de elementos neurales con restauración, modificación de la deformidad en forma tridimensional y estabilización del balance coronal y sagital.

Adult scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional rotational deformity of the spine, resulting from the progressive degeneration of the vertebral elements in middle age, in a previously straight spine; a Cobb angle greater than 10º in the coronal plane, which also alters the sagittal and axial planes. It originates an asymmetrical degenerative disc and facet joint, creating asymmetrical loads and subsequently deformity. The main symptom is axial, radicular pain and neurological deficit. Conservative treatment includes drugs and physical therapy. The epidural injections and facet for selectively blocking nerve roots improves short-term pain. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients with intractable pain, radiculopathy and / or neurological deficits. There is no consensus for surgical indications, however, it must have a clear understanding of the symptoms and clinical signs. The goal of surgery is to decompress neural elements with restoration, modification of the three-dimensional shape deformity and stabilize the coronal and sagittal balance.

Escoliosis en niños y adolescentes / Scoliosis in children and adolescents

La escoliosis es una deformidad de la columna que se presenta como una curva estructural que determina un grado variable de deformidad del tronco. La forma más común es la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente, que se desarrolla en la columna, en la fase de crecimiento y puede tener importantes efectos cosméticos y funcionales, pero es siempre un diagnóstico de exclusión. La escoliosis puede ser tratada con observación seriada, uso de ortesis o cirugía, según su magnitud y potencial evolución de severidad. Sin embargo, el comportamiento de la curva es frecuentemente difícil de predecir durante el desarrollo, por lo que el seguimiento clínico y radiológico seriado es clave en la decisión de tratamiento. Aparte de la cirugía, sólo el tratamiento con corset puede frenar la progresión de una curva, si bien no corregirla. Las curvas severas o que progresen dentro del corset tienen indicación de corrección y fusión quirúrgica. Las curvas noidiopáticas se comportan en forma diferente y su manejo es también distinto. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los aspectos clave de la evaluación inicial de un paciente con escoliosis y entregar una visión actualizada del tratamiento de las distintas formas de presentación de esta afección.

Scoliosis is a structural deformity of the spine that can determine a varying degree of trunk deformity. It's most common presentation is that of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. This is a diagnosis of exclusion presenting itself in the growing spine and may result in significant cosmetic and functional effects. Depending on its severity, treatment may consist in serial observation, use of an orthosis or corrective surgery. Curve behaviour is however sometimes difficult to predict and clinical follow-up and serial radiographic review are fundamental during the developmental period. Aside from surgery, only brace treatment has demonstrated a capacity of containing curve progression for some cases. Severe curves or those that exhibit progression in spite of adequate brace treatment should be treated by surgical correction. Nonidiopathic forms of scoliosis present a different behaviour and require specific management. This article is to provides key aspects of the initial evaluation of a patient with scoliosis and offers an update on the management of it's most frequent forms of presentation.

Análisis morfométrico de pedículos torácicos en escoliosis idiopática del adolescente / Morphometric analysis of thoracic pedicles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Existen pocos estudios relacionados con la morfometría del pedículo en la población latinoamericana con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA). El objetivo del trabajo es destacar las características morfométricas del pedículo en pacientes venezolanos con EIA; por lo que se realizó un estudio prospectivo. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a rastreo tomográfico computarizado (TC). El pedículo de la concavidad es ligeramente de mayor diámetro y con mayor angulación medial que el lado convexo, especialmente en la región apical de la curva escoliótica; la profundidad de inclusión al cuerpo vertebral era menor del lado convexo en comparación con el cóncavo. La anatomía del pedículo en pacientes con escoliosis muestra altas variaciones individuales y un estudio cuidadoso de la TC preoperatoria es esencial para la planificación de instrumentación transpedicular. Tornillos ligeramente más largos pueden ser introducidos en el lado de la concavidad en comparación con el lado convexo(AU)

There are few studies related to pedicle´s morphometry in Latin American population and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objective was to highlight Venezuelan´s AIS morphometric characteristics in this prospective study. Computer Tomographic (CT) Scan was performed to patients. The pedicle of the concavity has a slightly larger diameter and greater angle than the convexity, particularly in the apical region of the scoliosis curve; vertebral body inclusion depth was lower on the convex side as compared with the concave side. Pedicle´s anatomy in patients with scoliosis shows high individual variations and a careful study of preoperative CT planning is essential for transpedicular instrumentation. Slightly longer screws can be introduced into the side of the concavity compared with the convex side, despite the difference in the depth of inclusion in the vertebral body is not statistically significant in most of the levels(AU)

Reacciones laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical y escoliosis en la parálisis cerebral / Labyrinthine righting reaction of head and scoliosis in cerebral palsy

Objetivos: Analizar la asociación entre desviaciones del raquis, reflejos vestibulocervicales, tono muscular y nivel de independencia en individuos con parálisis cerebral. Método: Se realizó un trabajo descriptivo de corte transversal en 24 individuos de 4 a 18 años del Centro de Educación Especial Purísima Concepción de Granada que presentaban parálisis cerebral. Se llevaron a cabo las correspondientes exploraciones físicas para valorar las reacciones laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical, desviaciones del raquis y distribución del tono muscular. El nivel de independencia motor se evaluó a través de la capacidad de sedestación y deambulación. Resultados: No se ha confirmado una asociación significativa entre las reacciones alteradas y la escoliosis. Sin embargo el 100 por ciento de los sujetos con déficit en dichas respuestas presentaban escoliosis o tendencia escoliótica y además no deambulaban mientras que, en los que aparecían de forma adecuada, mantenían la sedestación autónoma. Asimismo la totalidad de los individuos sin desviación del raquis mantenían la sedestación autónoma y la deambulación independiente o con ayudas técnicas. Conclusión: Las respuestas laberínticas de enderezamiento cervical alteradas van ligadas a desviaciones de columna o actitudes asimétricas del raquis. Del mismo modo el alineamiento vertebral óptimo se relaciona en nuestra población con altos niveles de independencia funcional.

Aim: To analyse the relationship between rachis deviations and labyrinthine righting reaction of head, muscle tone and independence level in individuals with cerebral palsy. Method: Descriptive and transverse study was carried out with 24 individuals aged 4 to 18 at the special education centre of Purísima Concepción in Granada that presented cerebral palsy. It was done appropriate physical explorations to value the righting reactions of head, rachis deviations and muscle tone distribution. Independence motor level was measured through sitting and gait. Results: There wasn’t any significant association between scoliosis and disordered reactions. However 100 percent individuals with deficit in these responses presented scoliosis or tendency and didn´t walk while individuals with correct reactions were supporting/keeping autonomous sitting. All of them without rachis deviation kept sitting and autonomous gait or with technical aids. Interpretation: Disordered labyrinthine righting reaction of head is linked to spine deviations or asymmetrical rachis attitudes, the optimum vertebral alignment is connected in our population with high levels of functional independence.

Recomendaciones para la evaluación quirúrgica de la escoliosis en niños con enfermedad neuromuscular / Surgical evaluation of scoliosis in children with neuromuscular disease

El compromiso respiratorio de los pacientes con enfermedad neuromuscular (ENM) incide en la historia natural de la enfermedad y en la calidad de vida del niño y su familia. La falla respiratoria es responsable de un número significativo de muertes prevenibles con una intervención precoz. Frecuentemente estos pacientes tienen escoliosis, que al progresar sin un tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno, aumenta la morbimortalidad por causa respiratoria, aumenta el compromiso cardiovascular e impide lograr posicionamiento sin dolor al perder la marcha y bipedoestación. En este artículo se abordan recomendaciones para la evaluación quirúrgica en niños con ENM, haciendo especial consideración de aspectos respiratorios, como la evaluación funcional y los coadyuvantes terapéuticos perioperatorios incluyendo la asistencia ventilatoria no invasiva y el entrenamiento respiratorio.

Operative results of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Lerdsin Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the results of the posterior instrumentation for the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Lerdsin Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in Lerdsin Hospital. The pre-operative, immediate post operative, and the most recent follow-up (minimum 2 years) x-ray of 17 patients were evaluated for curve correction and spinal balance. RESULT: The present study found that the curvatures in thoracic King type II and III were corrected by about 58% post operatively. The curve progressed 3 degrees (5%) at the end of 2 years. For lumbar curve in King types I and II, there was the correction of 51% and 59%. After 2 years, the curve progressed around 6 degrees (7%) and 8 degrees (14%). Trunk balance was corrected by 60% in King type III. Degrees of thoracic kyphosis was decreased about 4 degrees. CONCLUSION: Frontal and sagittal thoracic and lumbar curve correction can be satisfactorily obtained by posterior spinal correction with instrumentation.

efficacy of schroth's 3-dimensional exercise therapy in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Turkey

To determine the effectiveness of 3-dimensional therapy in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We carried out this study with 50 patients whose average age was 14.15 +/- 1.69 years at the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation School, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, from 1999 to 2004. We treated them as outpatients, 5 days a week, in a 4-hour program for the first 6 weeks. After that, they continued with the same program at home. We evaluated the Cobb angle, vital capacity and muscle strength of the patients before treatment, and after 6 weeks, 6 months and one year, and compared all the results. The average Cobb angle, which was 26.1 degrees on average before treatment, was 23.45 degrees after 6 weeks, 19.25 degrees after 6 months and 17.85 degrees after one year [p<0.01]. The vital capacities, which were on average 2795 ml before treatment, reached 2956 ml after 6 weeks, 3125 ml after 6 months and 3215 ml after one year [p<0.01]. Similarly, according to the results of evaluations after 6 weeks, 6 months and one year, we observed an increase in muscle strength and recovery of the postural defects in all patients [p<0.01]. Schroth s technique positively influenced the Cobb angle, vital capacity, strength and postural defects in outpatient adolescents

Treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using Cotrel-Dubousset spinal instrumentation.

Eighteen patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal correction and fusion using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation between 1991 and 1996, were evaluated for curve correction and complications. Age at surgery averaged 14.7 years. Follow-up averaged 3.7 years. Thoracic curve correction averaged 65 per cent in those with King type III/IV curves and 51 per cent in those with King type II curves. At the recent follow-up, correction loss averaged 12 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. Lumbar curve correction averaged 31 per cent after instrumentation in type II curves, with a loss of approximately 3 per cent correction at follow-up. Thoracic sagittal contour improved 14 degrees for hypokyphotic patients. Apical vertebral rotation improved an average of 37 per cent after derotation maneuver of the left side rod. No neurologic complications or deep infection occurred. In conclusion, frontal and sagittal thoracic curve correction can be satisfactorily achieved using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation.

Achados otoneurológicos na escoliose idiopática / Otoneurological findings in idiopathic scoliosis

Dez pacientes do sexo feminino, de 11 a 19 anos de idade, com escoliose idiopática nas vértebras torácicas e lombar foram submetidas à avaliaçäo otoneurológica realizada com vecto-eletronistagmografia, verificando-se que este distúrbio ostopédico näo afeta o funcionamento do sistema vestibular.

Achados otoneurológicos na escoliose idiopática / Otoneurological findings in idiopathic scoliosis

Dez pacientes do sexo feminino de 11 a 19 anos de idade com escoliose idiopática nas vértebras torácica e lombar foram submetidas à avaliaçäo realizada com vectoelectronistagmografia sugerindo que näo há correlaçäo entre esta patologia e o funcionamento do sistema vestibular

Alteraciones cardiopulmonares en la xifoescoliosis / Cardiopulmonary alterations in xiphoscoliosis

La falla respiratoria crónica y la hipertensión pulmonar, son las complicaciones más frecuentes en pacientes con xifoescoliosis severa con ángulos mayores de 100 grados. La capacidad vital (CV), la capacidad funcional total (CFT), la distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio (CL,dyn Dpd), la distensibilidad de la caja torácica(cl, st Dpd), la presión arterial de oxígeno(PaO2)y el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo(VEF1), son inversamente proporcionales al ángulo de la escoliosis y a la edad del paciente. Asimismo, la presión arterial de dióxido de carbono (PCO2) es directamente proporcional al ángulo de la escoliosis. La hiperplasia de la íntima y la hipertrofia de la media como parte de los cambios a nivel cardiovascular, incrementan las resistencias vasculares, disminuyen la distensibilidad pulmonar y son la causa de hipertensión pulmonar, con pulmonale y falla cardiaca congestiva. Las manifestaciones clínicas ocurrirán dependiendo del grado de severidad de la escoliosis