Pott’s paraplegia-satisfactory outcome in spite of poor prognostic factors, treated by a novel surgical technique of posterior spinal stabilization and anterolateral decompression with bone graft fusion: a case report

A case of Pott’s paraplegia of sudden onset and of more than two months duration in an aged female, treated by a novel surgical technique of anterior decompression and local kyphotic angle correction by spinal pedicular fixation is presented here. A 52 year female with Pott’s paraplegia, ASIA-A with sphincters involvement and with flexor spasm, was treated by surgical intervention, in a single operation of two stages, the first by provisional posterior pedicular fixation and the second stage by anterolateral decompression and correcting the local kyphotic angle by cyclic changing the rods in increments of 5 degrees in compressive mode. The paravertebral abscess of opposite side was sucked out and at the end a tricortical bone graft harvested from iliac crest was impacted in between the space created by pedicular fixation maneuver in course of correcting kyphosis. There was steady dramatic improvement of clinical and neurological status within three weeks. Kyphotic correction was maintained with anterior tricortical interbody bone graft impacted in position. The novel surgical technique that is adopted for decompression, drainage including paravertebral abscess of opposite side, debridement and local kyphotic angle correction along with interbody bone graft fusion, in this case, offered a satisfactory outcome in spite of poor prognostic factors.

Visualization analysis of magnetically controlled growing rod in treatment of spinal deformities / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:With the continuous improvement and progress of the magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the field of the treatment of spinal deformities,numerous studies have been put into this field,but the main research status,hot spots,and development trends are not clear enough. OBJECTIVE:Based on bibliometrics,this paper discusses the quality and quantity of articles in the field of using magnetically controlled growing rods to treat spinal deformities from different countries,aiming to clarify the global development trend of magnetically controlled growing rods and evaluate the research productivity,research trends,and research hotspots in the world. METHODS:The articles published from 1998 to 2023 were retrieved mainly based on the Web of Science database.CiteSpace 5.8 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software were used to analyze the data and generate a visual knowledge map.The following parameters were evaluated for all studies:the total number of published papers,centrality,h index,the contribution of countries,authors,and journals,and the trend and hot spots were explored through the analysis of co-citation,highly cited literature,and literature keyword explosion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Finally,138 articles were included.From 2009 to 2020,the number of published articles in this field gradually increased.The United States has the largest number of articles(53,37.32%),and the United States has the highest h index and centrality of articles.(2)The results of keyword analysis showed that:the top ten keywords,such as early-onset scoliosis,surgery,complications,and so on,objectively and truly reflected the current situation and hot spots of magnetically controlled growing rod in the field of spinal deformity treatment.In recent years,the research focus in this field is the treatment failure caused by risk factors such as the pull-out of the magnetically controlled growing rod,implantation failure,and rod fracture,the accurate use of the corresponding medical classification,the monitoring and treatment of complications such as quality of life and cerebral palsy.(3)The co-citation results showed that:combined with the innovative and effective research of the magnetically controlled growing rod technology,the classification application of spinal deformity and the monitoring and treatment of related complications may be the research trend in this field.(4)Many highly cited articles further emphasized the therapeutic effect of magnetically controlled growing rod technology,providing an effective new idea and technical support for the field of spinal deformity correction.(5)The results of literature keyword explosion analysis demonstrate that the risk factors,medical classification,quality of life,and cerebral palsy of the application of magnetically controlled growing rods may become the research frontier in this field.(6)It can be seen that the application of magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the classification of spinal deformities and the in-depth study of related complications are the development trend in this field,but to further understand the effectiveness and safety of magnetically controlled growing rod technology in the treatment of spinal deformities,we still need long-term follow-up evidence.The overall research level of this field has steadily improved in recent years,but there are also problems such as the small number of high-quality articles and the unbalanced development of research in various regions.

Biomechanical response of postural kyphosis under the action of bending moments / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Most of the biomechanical studies on kyphosis have focused on trunk muscle strength and sagittal plane balance,and little has been reported on the biomechanical response within the spine during kyphosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical response of the spine during postural kyphosis by simulating the process of postural kyphosis. METHODS:A three-dimensional finite element model of the normal thoracolumbar segment(T1-S1 segment)was established by using the finite element method.10 groups of pure bending loads from 1.15-11.52 N·m were applied using a three-point force system on T1,T6,and T12 vertebrae to simulate the process of postural kyphosis in normal humans.The relationship between the loads and Cobb angle and the biomechanical responses of vertebrae,ribs,and intervertebral discs were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During postural kyphosis,the Cobb angle size of T1-T12 segments was linearly related to the load size.(2)The maximum stresses on the vertebrae,ribs,and intervertebral discs increased with increasing load.(3)Under the action of 11.52 N·m moment,the maximum stresses on the vertebral body,ribs,and intervertebral disc were found in the front of the T6 vertebral body,the rib head of the 10th pair of ribs,and the right posterior side of the intervertebral disc of the T5-T6 segments.(4)The results of this study suggest that postural kyphosis leads to increased stress on the vertebrae,ribs,and discs,with the most significant increase in stress on the anterior side of the T6 vertebrae,at the rib head of the 10th pair of ribs,and on the anterior side of the disc at the T5-T6 segment,as well as on the posterior side,which may increase the risk of injury to the vertebrae,ribs,and discs,which provides a biomechanical basis for the design of kyphosis orthoses.

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.

Hidden neuraxial pathology in idiopathic scoliosis: original research / Patologia neuroaxial oculta na escoliose idiopática: pesquisa original / Patología neuroaxial oculta en la escoliosis idiopática: investigación original

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hidden neuraxial pathology (NAP) revealed in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in neurologically normal patients. Methods: We selected 401 patients with IS who visited our clinic. We identified patterns of NAP and its frequency. In addition to the main part of the study, we assessed the reliability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measuring of the pedicles to plan screw width and trajectory. Results: Among the 401 patients, 53 (13%) presented NAP. The proportion of males in this group was higher (42% vs. 21%, p=0.004), the age of onset of the deformity was lower (8.9±3.77 vs. 9.9±3.93 years old, p=0.045), the left-sided thoracic curve was more frequent (21% vs. 8%, p=0.016), thoracic kyphosis was more pronounced (p=0.070), and the percentage of revision surgeries for deformity progression or non-fusion was higher (13% vs. 5%, p=0.147). Conclusions: The spine MRI should be performed in the early stages of IS, as in some cases of NAP (Chiari, tethered spinal cord), there is the possibility of an early neurosurgical operation that will prevent the development of scoliosis. The main signs of hidden NAP in IS are early-onset IS, IS with left-sided thoracic curve, male gender, and thoracic kyphosis > 40°Cobb. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência das patologias neuroaxiais ocultas (PNO) reveladas na escoliose idiopática (EI) em pacientes neurologicamente normais. Métodos: Foram selecionados 401 pacientes com EI que visitaram nossa clínica. Identificamos padrões de PNO e sua frequência. Além disso, avaliamos a confiabilidade da medição por ressonância magnética (RM) dos pedículos para planejar a largura e a trajetória do parafuso. Resultados: Entre os 401 pacientes, 53 (13%) apresentaram PNO. A proporção de homens neste grupo foi maior (42% contra 21%, p=0,004), a idade de início da deformidade foi menor (8,9±3,77 contra 9,9±3,93 anos, p=0,045), a curva torácica do lado esquerdo foi mais frequente (21% contra 8%, p=0,016), a cifose torácica foi mais pronunciada (p=0,070) e a porcentagem de cirurgias de revisão para progressão da deformidade ou não fusão foi maior (13% contra 5%, p=0,147). Conclusões: A ressonância magnética da coluna deve ser realizada nos estágios iniciais da EI, pois em alguns casos de PNO (Chiari, medula espinhal amarrada) existe a possibilidade de uma operação neurocirúrgica precoce que impedirá o desenvolvimento de escoliose. Os principais sinais de PNO oculta na EI são: EI de início precoce, EI com curvatura torácica à esquerda, sexo masculino e cifose torácica > 40°Cobb. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de las patologías neuroaxiales ocultas (PNO) reveladas en la escoliosis idiopática (EI) en pacientes neurológicamente normales. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 401 pacientes con EI que visitaron nuestra clínica. Se identificaron patrones de PNO y su frecuencia. Además, evaluamos la fiabilidad de la medición por resonancia magnética (RM) de los pedículos para planificar la anchura y la trayectoria del tornillo. Resultados: Entre los 401 pacientes, 53 (13%) presentaron PNO. La proporción de hombres en este grupo fue mayor (42% vs 21%, p=0,004), la edad de aparición de la deformidad fue menor (8,9±3,77 vs 9,9±3,93 años edad, p=0,045), la curva torácica del lado izquierdo se encontró con más frecuencia (21 % frente a 8 %, p=0,016), la cifosis torácica fue más pronunciada (p=0,070) y el porcentaje de cirugías de revisión por progresión de la deformidad o falta de fusión fue mayor (13% vs 5%, p=0,147). Conclusiones: La resonancia magnética de la columna debe realizarse en las primeras etapas de la EI, ya que en algunos casos de PNO (Chiari, médula anclada) existe la posibilidad de una operación neuroquirúrgica temprana que prevendrá el desarrollo de la escoliosis. Los principales signos de PNO oculta en EI son: EI de inicio temprano, EI con curvatura torácica izquierda, sexo masculino y cifosis torácica > 40°Cobb. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Inter-relationship between altered thoracic- kyphosis angle and core stability and its effect on quality of life among female subjects with hyper-kyphosis

Background: The hyper-kyphotic posture may result in altered alignment of the shoulder and pelvic girdle which may develop compensatory changes in the spinal segments above and below. Thus, affecting the components which maintain the core stability. In this study two components namely strength and endurance were evaluated. The main objective was to determine if there was any correlation between the altered thoracic kyphosis and the core stability as well as to study the effect of hyper-kyphosis on quality of life in female subjects. Methods: The study included 84 female subjects from various areas of Surat aged between 20-60 years with thoracic-kyphosis angle more than 50º and were able to read and write Gujarati language. The Thoracic-kyphosis angle was measured using inclinometer and to assess the core stability (1) Static Endurance tests (2) Dynamic Endurance test and (3) Trunk MMT for strength testing was used. The quality of life was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF Gujarati version. Results: Statistically, moderate positive correlation was obtained between age and thoracic-kyphosis angle. There was strong positive correlation between thoracic-kyphosis angle and flexion: extension, thoracic-kyphosis angle and right-side bridge: left-side bridge, thoracic-kyphosis angle and right- side bridge: extension and thoracic-kyphosis angle and left-side bridge: extension. Out of four domains of WHOQOL-BREF the first two domains showed moderate negative correlation. Conclusions: The core stability was hampered more in subjects with more thoracic-kyphosis angle. While only the physical and psychological component of quality of life was affected by the altered thoracic-kyphosis angle.

Escala de discapacidad de Oswestry en la corrección de la cifosis toracolumbar por espondilitis anquilopoyética

Introducción: Cuando se valora la cifosis toracolumbar por espondilitis anquilopoyética, se debe medir la repercusión funcional para mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y solucionar los problemas de una atención adecuada. En consecuencia, se necesitan nuevos conocimientos que implementen una técnica quirúrgica y la escala de discapacidad de Oswestry, método innovador con cambios cualitativos en beneficio de los enfermos. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados funcionales con la escala de Oswestry en la corrección de la cifosis toracolumbar por espondilitis anquilopoyética. Método: Se realizó un estudio tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo, longitudinal a 16 pacientes con cifosis toracolumbar por espondilitis anquilopoyética, intervenidos con la técnica de osteotomía de sustracción pedicular, en el Servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras", durante el período de marzo de 2001 a marzo de 2021. Resultados: Se obtuvo un buen resultado funcional y mejoró la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Conclusiones: La escala de Oswestry resulta viable, fácil de administrar y puntuar; además, presenta características métricas adecuadas para la evaluación funcional en la corrección de la cifosis toracolumbar por espondilitis anquilopoyética.

Introduction: When evaluating thoracolumbar kyphosis due to ankylopoietic spondylitis, the functional impact should be measured to improve the patient's quality of life and solve the problems of adequate care. Consequently, knowledge is needed to implement a surgical technique and the Oswestry disability scale, an innovative method with qualitative changes for the benefit of patients. Objective: To evaluate the functional results with the Oswestry scale in the correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis by ankylopoietic spondylitis. Method: A descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study was performed on 16 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis due to ankylopoietic spondylitis, who underwent surgery using the technique of pediatric subtractive osteotomy, in the Orthopedic Service of "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Clinical Surgical Hospital during the period from March 2001 and March 2021. Results: A good functional result was obtained and the quality of life of the patients improved. Conclusions: The Oswestry scale is feasible, easy to administer and score; in addition, it has adequate metric characteristics for the functional evaluation in the correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis by ankylopoietic spondylitis.

Back-forward bending CT in simulated surgical position to evaluate the remaining real angle and flexibility of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To introduce a scout view scanning technique of back-forward bending CT (BFB-CT) in simulated surgical position for evaluating the remaining real angle and flexibility of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.@*METHODS@#A total of 28 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who met the selection criteria between June 2018 and December 2021 were included in the study. There were 6 males and 22 females with an average age of 69.5 years (range, 56-92 years). The injured vertebra were located at T 10-L 2, including 11 cases of single thoracic fracture, 11 cases of single lumbar fracture, and 6 cases of multiple thoracolumbar fractures. The disease duration ranged from 3 weeks to 36 months, with a median of 5 months. All patients received examinations of BFB-CT and standing lateral full-spine X-ray (SLFSX). The thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), local kyphosis of injured vertebra (LKIV), lumbar lordosis (LL), and the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. Referring to the calculation method of scoliosis flexibility, the kyphosis flexibility of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and injured vertebra were calculated respectively. The sagittal parameters measured by the two methods were compared, and the correlation of the parameters measured by the two methods was analyzed by Pearson correlation.@*RESULTS@#Except LL ( P>0.05), TK, TLK, LKIV, and SVA measured by BFB-CT were significantly lower than those measured by SLFSX ( P<0.05). The flexibilities of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and injured vertebra were 34.1%±18.8%, 36.2%±13.8%, and 39.3%±18.6%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the sagittal parameters measured by the two methods were positively correlated ( P<0.001), and the correlation coefficients of TK, TLK, LKIV, and SVA were 0.900, 0.730, 0.700, and 0.680, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture shows an excellent flexibility and BFB-CT in simulated surgical position can obtain the remaining real angle which need to be corrected surgically.

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.

Preoperative standing to prone spinal-pelvic sagittal parameter changes in old traumatic spinal fractures with kyphosis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the changes in spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters from preoperative standing to prone position in old traumatic spinal fractures with kyphosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 36 patients admitted between December 2016 and June 2021 for surgical treatment of old traumatic spinal fractures with kyphosis, including 7 males and 29 females, aged from 50 to 79 years (mean, 63.9 years), were retrospectively analyzed. Lesion segments included 2 cases of T 11, 12 cases of T 12, 2 cases of T 11, 12, 4 cases of T 12 and L 1, 12 cases of L 1, 2 cases of L 2, 1 case of L 2, 3, and 1 case of L 3. The disease duration ranged from 4 to 120 months, with an average of 19.6 months. Surgical procedures included Smith-Petersen osteotomy in 4 cases, Ponte osteotomy in 6 cases, pedicle subtraction osteotomy in 2 cases, and improved fourth level osteotomy in 18 cases; the remaining 6 cases were not osteotomized. The bone mineral density ranged from -3.0 to 0.5 T, with a mean of -1.62 T. The spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters from preoperative standing to prone positions were measured, including local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and PI and LL mismatch (PI-LL). The kyphotic flexibility=(preoperative standing LKCA-preoperative prone LKCA)/preoperative standing LKCA×100%. Spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters were compared between standing position and prone position before operation, and Pearson correlation was used to judge the correlation between the parameters of standing position and prone position before operation.@*RESULTS@#When the position changed from standing to prone, LKCA and TK decreased significantly ( P<0.05), while SS, LL, PT, and PI-LL had no significant difference ( P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that LL was significantly correlated with SS and PI-LL in both standing and prone positions ( P<0.05), and the correlation strength between LL and SS in prone position was higher than that in standing position. In the standing position, LKCA was significantly correlated with SS and PT ( P<0.05). However, when the position changed from standing to prone, the correlation between LKCA and SS and PT disappeared, while PT and PI-LL was positive correlation ( P<0.05). The kyphotic flexibility was 25.13%-78.79%, with an average of 33.85%.@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients of old traumatic spinal fractures with kyphosis, the preoperative LKCA and TK decrease significantly from standing position to prone position, and the correlation between spinal and pelvic parameters also changed, which should be taken into account in the formulation of preoperative surgical plan.

Effect of morphological changes in the sagittal plane of vertebrae and discs on degenerative kyphodeformity / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of morphological changes such as vertebral wedge deformation and disc degeneration (collapse) on adult thoracolumbar/lumbar degenerative kyphosis(TL/LDK) deformity.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 32 patients with spinal TL/LDK deformity admitted from August 2015 to December 2020, including 8 males and 24 females, aged 48 to 75(60.3±12.4) years old. On the long-cassette standing upright lateral radiographs, the coronal Cobb angle, sagittal thoracic lumbar/lumbar kyphosis angle(KA) of spine were measured, and the height and wedge parameters of apex vertebral(AV) and two vertebrae(AV-1, AV-2, AV+1, AV+2) above and below AV and the intervertebrae and the intervertebral disc(AV-1D, AV-2D, AV+1D, AV+2D) were evaluated, involving anterior vertebral body height(AVH), posterior vertebral body height(PVH), vertebral wedge angle(VWA), ratio of vertebral wedging(RVW), anterior disc height(ADH), posterior disc height(PDH), disc wedge angle(DWA), ratio of disc wedging(RDW), and DWA/KA.@*RESULTS@#The average angle of kyphosis was (44.2±19.1)°. A significant decrease in anterior height of vertebral was observed compared to the posterior height of vertebral(P<0.005). There was no significant difference in anterior and posterior height of discs. The vertebral wedging ratio/contribution ratio:AV-2(14.98±10.95)%/(14.21±8.08)%, AV-1(21.08±12.39)%/(18.09±7.38)%, AV(26.94±11.94)%/(25.52±8.64)%, AV+1(24.19±8.42)%/(20.82±8.69)%, AV+2(20.56±7.80)%/(15.60±9.71)%, total contribution(94.23±22.25)%, the disc wedging ratio/contribution ratio:AV-2D(2.88±2.57)%/(5.27±4.11)%, AV-1D(1.98±1.41)%/(2.29±2.16)%, AV+1D(-5.54±3.75)%/(-0.57±0.46)%, AV+2D(-8.27±4.62)%/(-1.22±1.11)%, total contribution (5.77±4.79)%. And the contribution rate of AV was significantly higher than that of adjacent vertebral(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The vertebral body and intervertebral disc shape both have influence on thoracolumbar kyphosis. However, the contribution of vertebral morphometry to the angle of TL/LDK deformity is relatively more important than the disc. The contribution of the wedge change of the AV to the TL/LDK deformity is particularly significant.

Spinal Stenosis and Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Achondroplasia / 罕见病研究

Achondroplasia (ACH) is a rare autosomal-dominant genetic disease resulting from a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) gene. It is characterized by asymmetric short stature. Spinal stenosis and thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) are common findings in ACH patients. Severe TLK can exacerbate spinal stenosis, leading to neurological complications. This paper provides a brief review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatments for spinal stenosis and TLK in ACH patients. Recently, three new drugs targeting FGFR3; vosoritide, recifercept, and infigratinib, have completed or are undergoing clinical trials. They have shown promising preliminary results in preventing spinal stenosis and TLK.

Comparison of application effect of whole-process seamless nursing and conventional nursing in the perioperative period of ankylosing spondylitis with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the application effect of whole-process seamless nursing and conventional nursing in the perioperative period of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 64 patients with AS with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture admitted to Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from April 2017 to December 2022, including 37 males and 27 females, aged 27-73 years [(49.8±14.6)years]. There were 43 patients with vertebral fractures and 21 with intervertebral space fractures. All patients underwent reduction and fixation or correction and fixation. Thirty-two patients admitted from April 2017 to August 2019 received conventional care (conventional nursing group), and 32 patients admitted from September 2019 to December 2022 received whole-process seamless care (seamless nursing group). The two groups were compared concerning the visual analog scale (VAS) before, at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score before surgery, at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, the health survey questionnaire (SF-36) score and patient satisfaction score before surgery and at the last follow-up, as well as the incidence of postoperative complications.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.8±3.2)months]. There was no statistical difference in preoperative VAS between the two groups ( P>0.05). The values of VAS in the seamless nursing group were (3.9±1.9)points, (4.2±0.7)points, (2.7±0.9)points, (2.6±0.6)points, and (1.7±0.8)points at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, respectively, lower than those of the conventional nursing group [(5.7±1.2)points, (5.8±1.1)points, (3.6±1.2)points, (3.2±1.1)points, and (2.4±1.0)points] ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The VAS of the seamless nursing group at 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than that before surgery (all P<0.05). The VAS at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than those before and at 12, 24 hours after surgery and the VAS at the last follow-up was lower than those at 1, 3 months after surgery (all P<0.05). The differences among VAS of the conventional nursing group before and at 12, 24 hours after surgery were statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). The VAS of the conventional nursing group at 1 and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up was lower than those before surgery and at 12, 24 hours after surgery and the VAS at the last follow-up was lower than those at 1, 3 months after surgery (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in VAS of the two groups between 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery, and between 1 month and 3 months after surgery (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the ASIA scores before surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were significant improvements in ASIA scores in the seamless nursing group at 1, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up compared with those of the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score between the two groups (all P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score of the seamless nursing group were (47.4±6.2)points and (99.5±1.2)points, respectively, which were higher than those of the conventional nursing group [(42.2±7.3)points and (98.1±1.6)points] (all P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the SF-36 score and patient satisfaction score of the seamless nursing group were higher than those before surgery (all P<0.01). The SF-36 score of the conventional nursing group was higher than that before surgery ( P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction score ( P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the seamless nursing group was 6.3% (2/32), lower than that of the conventional nursing group [25.0% (8/32)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For AS with kyphosis complicated by cervical spine fracture, whole-process seamless nursing is associated with alleviated postoperative pain, improved spinal nervous function, quality of life and degree of satisfaction, and reduced incidence of complications compared with the conventional nursing.

A novel spinal cord classification system: predict Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Event during correction of congenital kyphosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To propose a novel classification system based on the morphology and relative position of spinal cord in the spinal canal at sagittal T2-MRI, and to investigate the incidence and risk factors of the intraoperative neuromonitoring event (IONME) across these classifications.Methods:From January 2016 to December 2021, a consecutive cohort of 85 patients who underwent surgical correction of congenital kyphosis with pedicle screw/rod constructs were retrospectively reviewed, including 43 males and 42 females, aged 14.6±6.1 years old. According to the morphology and relative location of spinal cord at the apex of the curve on the sagittal-T2 MRI, patients were divided into three groups. Type A (5 cases) is characterized by the spinal cord centrally positioned within the spinal canal, surrounded by discernible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Type B (33 cases) depicts the spinal cord abutting the spinal canal's anterior wall, maintaining its intrinsic morphology. In Type C (47 patients), the spinal cord is contorted by the apical vertebral body, devoid of interposing CSF. The global kyphosis (GK) and sagittal deformity ratio (SDAR) of patients were measured before surgery. The incidence of IONME were recorded. All patients included in the study were further divided into the IONME group and the non-IONME group. Potential risk factors were identified using univariate testing. Binary Logistic Regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for IONM.Results:All of 85 patients were reviewed: 5 (5.9%) Type A; 33 (38.8%) Type B; and 47 (55.3%) Type C spinal cords. Intraoperatively, 27 (31.8%) instances presented with lost trans-cranial motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and/or somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). Of these, 2 (7.4%) were Type B, and 25 (92.6%) were Type C, reflecting a statistically significant variance in IONME occurrences across types (χ 2=27.15, P<0.001). Notable differences were observed between IONME and non-IONME groups concerning GK, SDAR, and apex location ( t=5.41, P<0.001; t=3.65, P<0.001; χ 2=7.71, P=0.005). Univariate analysis showed that potential risk factors of IONME included Type C spinal cord ( OR=20.46, P<0.001), higher GK ( OR=1.07, P<0.001), SDAR ( OR=1.15, P=0.002) and apical vertebrae located at middle thoracic( OR=4.30, P=0.008). Independent predictors identified on binary Logistics regression modeling included higher GK ( OR=1.05, P=0.015), Type C spinal cord ( OR=6.22, P=0.042) and apex located at middle thoracic ( OR=6.43, P=0.021). Specifically, within Type C, 79% of cases where the apical vertebra was mid-thoracic experienced IONME, contrasting the 42% incidence observed in those with a lower thoracic apex positioning, signifying a notably elevated IONME likelihood for the mid-thoracic region (χ 2=5.16, P=0.023). Conclusion:Risk factors of IONME included Type C spinal cord, higher GK and apex located at middle thoracic during correction of congenital kyphosis. Preoperative MRI spinal cord typing showed great predictive value for IONME.

Application and progress of pedicle subtraction osteotomy and its modification for rigid spinal kyphosis deformity / 中华骨科杂志

Rigid spinal kyphosis deformity is typically characterized by a large kyphotic Cobb angle (≥70°) and a significant decrease of intervertebral flexibility (bending flexibility<30°), due to primary spinal disease, spinal trauma or other diseases. Severe kyphotic deformity leads to a poor posture and spinal cord or neurological impairment. Three-column osteotomy, including pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and its modified methods, is the only effective treatment for such patients. For example, asymmetrical PSO (APSO) could not only achieve successful realignment of spinal biplanar balance, but also realize complete closure of osteotomy gap, which is conducive to realize solid bony fusion and provide better stability. In partial pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PPSO), the remaining cortical shell of pedicle could decrease the risk of neural injury without significant loss of correction amount, so PPSO could be a viable surgical option for spinal deformity. Besides, modified partial pedicle subtraction osteotomy (MPPSO) is commonly used for post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis with an injured disc. The potential superiorities of MPPSO are that it not only increases regional stability by reserving the integrity of the lower facet joint, but also promotes direct interbody fusion in the upper disc space. For closing-opening wedge osteotomy (COWO), it could obtain more kyphotic corrections by closing posterior column and opening anterior column simultaneously. Modified closing-opening wedge osteotomy (MCOWO) is an ideal option in treating cases of thoracolumbar posttraumatic kyphosis with flat discs or wedge-shape vertebra, because great correction results were observed at follow-up with postero-superior triangular corner primarily resected. Although technically difficult and demanding, bone-disc-bone osteotomy (BDBO) is still a good option for achieving "bone-to-bone" closure of the osteotomy site to yield higher fusion rates and decrease the risk of pseudoarthrosis. A full understanding of the osteotomy range, correction effects and advantages for each type of modified PSO is essential for preoperative plans, optimal spinal sagittal reconstructions and excellent prognosis.

Efficacy comparison of robot-assisted and free-hand long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy in the treatment of type IV chronic symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacies of robot-assisted and free-hand long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy in the treatment of type IV chronic symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (CSOVCFs).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 72 patients with type IV CSOVCFs who were admitted to Honghui Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from May 2019 to December 2021, including 22 males and 46 females; aged 61-82 years [(71.2±12.3)years]. Fracture segments were located at T 11-T 12 in 37 patients and at L 1-L 2 in 31. A total of 32 patients were treated with robot-assisted long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy (robot group) and 36 with free-hand long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy (free-hand group). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, dosage of radiation exposure, intraoperative needle adjustment, time of single pedicle screw placement and accuracy of pedicle screw placement were compared between the two groups. The kyphotic Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar kyphosis (LL), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were measured preoperatively, at 3 days postoperatively and at the last follow-up. The incidences of facet joint violation, deviation in guide needle placement, cerebrospinal leak and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) were observed. Results:All patients were followed up for 12-26 months [(18.2±5.1)months]. The operation time and time of single pedicle screw placement showed no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). The intraoperative bleeding volume was (502.5±58.3)ml in the robot group, less than that in the free-hand group [(690.2±45.9)ml]. The dosage of radiation exposure was (32.6±10.8)μSv in the robot group, lower than that in the free-hand group [(48.6±15.2)μSv]. The intraoperative needle adjustment was (2.1±0.3)times in the robot group, higher than that in the free-hand group [(20.7±5.8)times], and the accuracy of pedicle screw placement was 99.7% in the robot group, less than that in the free-hand group (91.8%) (all P<0.01). Compared with pre-operation, the kyphotic Cobb angle, SVA, TK and LL were significantly improved in both groups at postoperative 3 days and at the last follow-up (all P<0.05). Compared with postoperative 3 days, the kyphotic Cobb angle, SVA and TK were increased at the last follow-up within the two groups, but with no significant differences (all P>0.05). Compared with postoperative 3 days, the LL was decreased within the two groups at the last follow-up, but with no significant differences (all P>0.05). The VAS and ODI in the two groups were significantly lower at postoperative 3 days and at the last follow-up when compared with those before operation (all P<0.05), and both values were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at postoperative 3 days (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS or ODI at all time points between the two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of facet joint violation in the robot group was 1.6%, markedly lower than that in the free-hand group (9.6%) ( P<0.01). The incidences of deviation in guide needle placement, cerebrospinal leak and PJK showed no differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:For type IV CSOVCFs, the robot-assisted long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy can better reduce intraoperative blood loss, decrease radiation exposure, improve accuracy of pedicle screw placement, and reduce facet joint violation when compared with free-hand long segment screw fixation combined with wedge osteotomy.

Efficacy of satellite rod revision surgery via a combined anterior and posterior approach for rod fracture after posterior vertebral column resection in patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of satellite rod revision surgery via a combined anterior and posterior approach for rod fracture after posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on the clinical data of 11 patients with rod fracture after PVCR for severe thoracolumbar kyphosis, who were treated in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2013 to January 2021. There were 6 males and 5 females, with the age range of 21-62 years [(35.4±13.0)years]. Among them, 4 patients had traumatic kyphosis, 4 presented congenital kyphosis and 3 showed tuberculous kyphosis. All the patients had obvious low back pain. According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, 2 patients were found with grade C, 2 with grade D and 7 with grade E. All the patients underwent revision surgery for internal fixation using satellite rod via a combined anterior and posterior approach. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The imaging parameters such as kyphosis Cobb angle, scoliosis Cobb angle, distance between C 7 plumb line and central sacral vertical line (C 7-CSVL), and distance between C 7 plumb line and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured preoperatively, at 1 week postoperatively and at latest follow-up. At the same time, the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), and simplified Chinese version of the scoliosis research society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. At the latest follow-up, the osteotomy fusion was evaluated by Suk criterion and ASIA score was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological function. The complications were also recorded for the patients. Results:All the patients were followed up for 24-84 months [(47.5±16.2)months]. The operation time was 100-220 minutes [(149.4±37.6)minutes], with the intraoperative blood loss of 150-350 ml [(246.3±64.6)ml] and the postoperative hospital stay of 5-8 days [(6.1±1.1)days]. The kyphosis Cobb angles [(18.5±3.2)° and (19.3±2.9)°] and the scoliosis Cobb angles [(11.8±2.2)°, (11.1±2.2)°] at 1 week post-operation and at the latest follow-up were all improved significantly compared with the preoperative ones [(60.4±6.3)°, (21.7±5.5)°] (all P<0.01), with the average correction rates being 69.4% and 45.6%, respectively, with no significant differences between 1 week post-operation and latest follow-up (all P>0.05). The C 7-CSVL was reduced from preoperative (21.2±4.3)mm to (15.7±2.4)mm at 1 week post-operation, and to (15.9±2.2)mm at the latest follow-up (all P<0.01). The SVA was improved from preoperative (51.0±6.8)mm to (16.6±3.6)mm at 1 week post-operation, and to (15.3±3.9)mm at the latest follow-up (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in C 7-CSVL or SVA at 1 week post-operation or at the latest follow-up (all P>0.05). The VAS [(2.5±0.9)points, (1.9±0.9)points], ODI (20.1±5.4, 18.4±5.2) and SRS-22 [(83.4±5.8)points, (85.0±4.1)points] at 1 week post-operation and at the latest follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative ones [(6.0±1.4)points, 57.2±8.7, (62.0±9.1)points] (all P<0.01), but no significant differences were found between 1 week post-operation and latest follow-up (all P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, the bone grafts achieved osseous fusion in all the patients, and the ASIA grade was improved from grade C to grade D in 2 patients and from grade D to grade E in 2 patients. No complications such as serious neurological or vascular injury occurred during perioperative period. No pseudoarthrosis formation, internal fixation loosening or fracture occurred during follow-up. Conclusion:Satellite rod revision surgery via a combined anterior and posterior approach for rod fracture after PVCR in patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis has the advantages of less trauma and faster convalescence, excellent results of deformity correction, significant pain relief, functional improvement, and fewer complications.

Percutaneous vertebral-disc plasty for very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebral-disc plasty (PVDP) in the treatment of very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (vsOVCF).Methods:A total of 26 patients with vsOVCF were treated by PVDP at Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University from November 2019 to August 2021. They were 8 males and 18 females with an age of (77.9±5.2) years. Fracture sites: T11 in 9 cases, T12 in 13 cases, L1 in 7 cases, and L2 in 2 cases. The loss of vertebral height exceeded 2/3 of its original height. The curative effects were evaluated by comparing the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and local kyphosis angle (LKA) at preoperation, 1 day postoperation and the last follow-up.Results:This cohort was followed up for 12(10, 15) months. No obvious neurological damage or other serious complications occurred. The VAS scores [(2.9±0.7) and (2.2±0.7) points] and ODIs [28.0%±4.8% and 16.9%±4.0%] at 1 day postoperation and the final follow-up were significantly lower than the preoperative values respectively [(6.7±0.8) points and 66.7%±6.0%], and the values at the last follow-up were significantly lower than those at 1 day postoperation ( P<0.05). The LKAs at 1 day postoperation and the last follow-up (18.1°±4.1° and 19.5°±4.4°) were significantly smaller than that before operation (32.0°±5.2°) ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 day postoperation and the last follow-up in LKA ( P>0.05). Conclusion:PVDP is an effective surgical treatment of vsOVCF, because it can relieve pain and improve local kyphosis with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Posterior vertebral column resection combined with polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation and shortening of spinal column for stage Ⅲ Kümmell's disease with very severe collapse of fractured vertebra / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) combined with polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation and shortening of spinal column for stage Ⅲ Kümmell's disease with very severe collapse of fractured vertebra.Methods:From January 2017 to September 2021, 9 patients with stage Ⅲ Kümmell's disease with very severe collapse of fractured vertebra underwent PVCR combined with polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation and shortening of spinal column. Their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1 male and 8 females, aged (66.9±5.8) years. The injured vertebra was located at T 11 in 2 patients, at T 12 in 4, at L 1 in 2 and at L 2 in 1. X-ray, CT and MRI were performed before operation. The posterior intervertebral heights of adjacent vertebral bodies of the fractured vertebra in the median sagittal position were measured on CT or MRI to evaluate the shortening of the spinal column before PVCR. Recorded were intraoperative bleeding volume, operation time, complications, bone graft fusion, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading at preoperation and the last follow-up. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and kyphotic cobb angles at preoperation, 1 week and 3 months postoperation, and the last follow-up were compared to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PVCR. Results:All patients underwent surgery successfully, with tight closure of adjacent vertebrae after resection of the injured vertebra and bone grafting. Operation time was (240.6±23.2) min and intraoperative bleeding (505.6±95.0) mL. The 9 patients were followed up for (17.3±5.6) months. No worsening symptoms of nerve injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or other serious complications were found after operation, nor such complications as loosening or breakage of internal fixation or adjacent vertebral fractures. Bone fusion was achieved at the bone graft sites in all patients by the last follow-up. The VAS and ODI scores and cobb angles at 1 week and 3 months postoperation and at the last follow-up were significantly decreased compared with preoperation ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS scores or cobb angles among postoperative 1 week and 3 months and the last follow-up ( P>0.05), but pairwise comparisons between different time points after operation showed significant differences in ODI, with postoperative 1 week > postoperative 3 months > the last follow-up ( P<0.05). The ASIA grading at the last follow-up was improved from preoperative grade C to grade D in 2 cases, from preoperative grade C to grade E in 1 case and from preoperative grade D to grade E in 5 cases. Conclusion:PVCR combined with polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation and shortening of spinal column is a feasible and effective surgical treatment for stage Ⅲ Kümmell's disease with very severe collapse of fractured vertebra, leading to good clinical efficacy.

Severe kyphoscoliosis patients with type III spinal cord on preoperative apex MRI: preoperative traction does improve the safety of correction surgery / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To analyze the radiographic improvements after Halo-gravity traction in severe kyphoscoliosis patientswith type III spinal cord on preoperative apex MRI, and to assess the clinical outcomes and surgical safety of Halo-gravity traction in this cohort.Methods:A total of 47 severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis patients with type III spinal cord on preoperative apex MRI who underwent preoperative Halo-gravity traction followed by one-stage posterior spinal fusion from February 2019 to June 2021 in the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 29 females with an average age of 22.5±12.8 years (range, 9-60 years). The average duration of traction was 7.4±3.9 weeks (range, 4-16 weeks). Radiographic parameters were measured including the coronal Cobb angle, distance between C 7 plumb line and center sacral vertical line (C 7PL-CSVL), sagittalglobal kyphosis (GK) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) atpre-traction, post-traction and post-operation, respectively. The traction correction rate was measured as "traction degree before traction-traction degree after traction)/traction degree before traction" and the surgical correction rate was represented as "traction degree before traction-postoperative degree)/ traction degree before traction". The Frankel scoring system was used for the evaluation of neurological status at pre-traction, post-traction and post-operation. Results:All of 47 patients underwent the Halo-gravity traction and posterior spinal correction surgery. The C 7PL-CSVL was 35.7±16.9 mm at initial visit. At post-operation, C 7PL-CSVL was improved to 22.0±13.7 mm ( t=13.75, P<0.001), and the improvement rate was 39.9%±15.5%. The GK was 110.9°±22.1° at initial visit, which was improved to 84.1°±19.9° ( t=8.84, P<0.001) after Halo-gravity traction with an average correction of 23.7%±8.9%. At post-operation, GK was improved to 65.3°±19.3° ( t=10.63, P<0.001), and the improvement rate were 40.1%±20.7%. The SVA was 43.8±19.5 mm at initial visit. At post-operation, SVA was improved to 21.1±14.9 mm ( t=10.32, P<0.001), and the improvement rate were 53.1%±27.0%. A total of 14 patients showed neurological deficits of lower limbs at pre-traction, of which 8 patients had significant neurological improvement after Halo gravity traction; 3 patients had significant neurological improvement after surgery, and the remaining 3 patients had no significant neurological improvement during treatment. No new neurological deficits were observed after Halo-gravity traction or surgery. Conclusion:For severe kyphoscoliosis patients with type III spinal cord on preoperative apex MRI, the Halo-gravity traction could effectively correct the deformity, improve neurological function, enhance the tolerance of spinal cord to surgery and reduce the risk of intraoperative iatrogenic neurological deficit.