Sagittal Balance, Pulmonary Function, and Spinopelvic Parameters in Severe Post-Tubercular Thoracic Kyphosis

Methods@#Twenty patients (age, 14–60 years) with healed spinal tuberculosis with thoracic kyphosis >50° were included. Lateral-view radiography of the whole spine, including both hips, was performed for assessment of kyphotic angle (K angle), sagittal balance, lumbar lordosis, and spinopelvic parameters. Pulmonary function was assessed by measuring the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and their ratio (FEV1/FVC) by spirometry. @*Results@#A positive correlation between severity of kyphosis and sagittal imbalance was noted, with compensatory mechanisms maintaining the sagittal balance in only up to 80° of dorsal kyphosis. In >80° of kyphosis, FVC was found to be markedly decreased (mean FVC=50.6%). The mean K angle was lower in subjects with lower thoracic kyphosis. In lower thoracic kyphosis, due to short lordotic and long kyphotic curves, both lumbar lordosis and pelvic retroversion worked at compensation, whereas, in middle thoracic kyphosis, due to long lordotic curve, only lumbar lordosis was required. Normal pulmonary function (mean FVC, 83.0%) and lesser kyphotic deformity (mean K angle in adolescents, 69.8°; in adults, 94.4°) were found in adolescents. @*Conclusions@#In >80° of thoracic kyphosis, there is sagittal imbalance and a markedly affected pulmonary function. Such patients should be offered corrective surgery if they are symptomatic and medically fit to undergo the procedure. However, whether the surgical procedure would result in improved pulmonary function and sagittal balance needs to be evaluated by a follow-up study.

Management of neglected femoral neck fracture in above knee amputated limb: A case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

The treatment of an above knee amputee who has sustained a fracture of the femoral neck is a chal- lenging situation for both the orthopedic surgeon and the rehabilitation team. These fractures may be managed acutely either by reduction and internal fixation or by endoprosthetic replacement based on the same criteria as in any other patient with otherwise intact limbs.We present a neglected case treated successfully with valgus osteotomy. We conclude that these fractures should be treated with the same urgency and expertise as similar fractures in non-amputees as long-term survival and good quality of life can be expected.