A hierarchical classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Identifying the distinguishing features in 3D spinal deformities.

This study aimed to identify the differentiating parameters of the spinal curves' 2D projections through a hierarchical classification of the 3D spinal curve in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total number of 103 right thoracic left lumbar pre-operative AIS patients were included retrospectively and consecutively. A total number of 20 non-scoliotic adolescents were included as the control group. All patients had biplanar X-rays and 3D reconstructions of the spine. The 3D spinal curve was calculated by interpolating the center of vertebrae and was isotropically normalized. A hierarchical classification of the normalized spinal curves was developed to group the patients based on the similarity of their 3D spinal curve. The spinal curves' 2D projections and clinical spinal measurements in the three anatomical planes were then statistically compared between these groups and between the scoliotic subtypes and the non-scoliotic controls. A total of 5 patient groups of right thoracic left lumbar AIS patients were identified. The characteristics of the posterior-anterior and sagittal views of the spines were: Type 1: Normal sagittal profile and S shape axial view. T1 is leveled or tilted to the right in the posterior view. Type 2: Hypokyphotic and a V shape axial view. T1 is tilted to the left in the posterior view. Type 3: Hypokyphotic (only T5-T10) and frontal imbalance, S shape axial view. T1 is leveled or tilted to the right, and 3 frontal curves. Type 4: Flat sagittal profile (T1-L2), slight frontal imbalance with a V shape axial view, T1 tilted to the left. Type 5: flat sagittal profile and forward trunk shift with a proximal kyphosis and S shape axial view. T1 is leveled or tilted to the right. In conclusion, a hierarchical classification of the 3D scoliotic spine allowed identifying various distinguishing features of the spinal curves in patients with a right thoracic curve in an orderly fashion. The subtypes' characteristics resulting from this 3D classification can be identified from the pairs of the frontal and sagittal spinal curves i.e. X-rays in right thoracic AIS patients.

Considerations in sagittal evaluation of the scoliotic spine.

PURPOSE: To predict the sagittal spinal parameters as measured in a 3D model of the spine using the 2D radiographic measurements. METHODS: Bi-planar low-dose stereoradiography images of 73 right thoracic AIS patients were processed to generate 3D models of the spine and pelvis. T1-T12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, and pelvic rotation were calculated using these 3D models. With the same X-rays, T1-T12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, thoracic and lumbar frontal curves, and pelvic rotation (calculated from the frontal and sagittal distances between the femoral heads) were manually measured on the X-rays by two independent observers. 3D sagittal parameters were predicted from only 2D sagittal parameters (simple regression) and from 2D sagittal parameters, 2D frontal parameters, and pelvic rotation (multiple regression). The simple and multiple regression models were compared for efficiency and accuracy of prediction. RESULTS: Comparing single and multiple regression models, multiple regression improved the prediction of the 3D sagittal parameters for kyphosis (R2 = 0.78-0.86) and lordosis (R2 = 0.88-0.92) measurements when compared to simple regression. The impact of pelvic rotation was significant when 2D kyphosis was higher than 40° and thoracic curve was less than 60° or 2D kyphosis was less than 40° and thoracic curve was higher than 60°, p < 0.05. Lordosis of 60° and higher were more prone to measurement error when pelvic rotation was present, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Both pelvic rotation and frontal deformity affect the accuracy of the 2D sagittal measurements of the scoliotic spine. We suggest the importance of the 3D considerations in sagittal evaluation of AIS.

CR/PACS for scoliosis: a turn for the better?

As radiology departments convert to digital imaging, the acquisition, reading,and management of scoliosis studies pose unique challenges. This case study assesses the actual impact on efficiency,file management, cost, and clinical acceptability after a conversion to see whether goals were accomplished. As digital imaging for scoliosis studies became the new standard of care in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia radiology department, it renewed interest and attention to these disorders and facilitated improved patient care.

Streamlining the evaluation of low back pain in children.

UNLABELLED: The workup of low back pain in children often results in overimaging so as not to miss organic back pain. The primary goal of this study was to identify which combination of imaging modalities provides the most sensitive and specific screening protocol for children with low back pain. Medical records from 100 consecutive patients between 2 and 18 years of age presenting with low back pain, without night pain or constitutional symptoms, were evaluated. A hyperextension test combined with a radiograph showed a negative predictive value of 0.81 and sensitivity of 0.90. The addition of a bone scan was highly effective in achieving good negative predictive value and sensitivity. Bone scans had perfect negative predictive value and sensitivity when symptom duration was less than 6 weeks. We identified a set of factors that is highly predictive for distinguishing organic back pain from mechanical back pain. Painless hyperextension combined with negative anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique lumbar radiographs and magnetic resonance images predicts mechanical back pain. For patients with nonneurologic back pain of less than 6 weeks duration, bone scan is the most useful screening test because it is accurate, accessible, inexpensive, and unlikely to require sedation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Comparison of Cobb angle measurement of scoliosis radiographs with preselected end vertebrae: traditional versus digital acquisition.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. OBJECTIVE: To compare variability in Cobb angle between digitally and traditionally acquired scoliosis radiographs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have shown that the 95% confidence interval for Cobb angle can vary from 2.6 degrees to 8.8 degrees. No study directly comparing Cobb angles measured from traditional and digitally acquired radiographs has been reported. METHODS: A spine model simulating 25 single right thoracic curves (range, 20 degrees-60 degrees) was imaged using traditional and digital techniques. Traditional films and miniaturized printed digital films were each measured twice manually. Digital films were also measured twice using computer imaging software. RESULTS: Overall mean angle and (95% confidence interval) were 41.7 degrees (39.1 degrees-44.3 degrees) for traditional, 40.6 degrees (37.4 degrees-43.8 degrees) for digital, and 39.7 degrees (36.3 degrees-43.1 degrees) for computer measurements. Overall correlation was 0.994 for traditional and digital, 0.987 for traditional and computer, and 0.993 for digital and computer. Fixed effect model analysis demonstrated that, although a statistically significant difference existed between the 3 methods of measuring the Cobb angle (P < 0.0001), the difference between methods was less than 2 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Any of the 3 evaluated methods of measurement can be used to measure Cobb angles. Additionally, the methods can be used interchangeably.

Comparison of titanium elastic nails with traction and a spica cast to treat femoral fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: Titanium elastic nails are commonly used to stabilize femoral fractures in school-aged children, but there have been few studies assessing the risks and benefits of this procedure compared with those of traditional traction and application of a spica cast. This prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate these two methods of treatment, with a specific focus on the first year after injury, the period when the treatment method should have the greatest impact. METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive children, six to sixteen years of age, were studied prospectively. Factors that were analyzed included clinical and radiographic data, complications, hospital charges, and outcome data. Outcome and recovery were assessed both with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Pediatric Outcomes Data Collections Instrument, version 2.0, and according to a series of important recovery milestones including the time to walking with aids, time to independent walking, time absent from school, and time until full activity was allowed. RESULTS: Thirty-five children (thirty-five fractures), with a mean age of 8.7 years, were treated with traction and application of a spica cast, and forty-eight children (forty-nine fractures), with a mean age of 10.2 years, were treated with titanium elastic nails. All fractures healed, and no child sustained a complication that was expected to cause permanent disability. At one year after the fracture, eighty of the children had acceptable alignment and no inequality between the lengths of the lower extremities. The remaining three children, who had an unsatisfactory result, had been treated with traction and a spica cast. Twelve patients (34%) treated with traction and a cast had a complication compared with ten patients (21%) treated with titanium elastic nails. Compared with the children treated with traction and a cast, those treated with titanium elastic nails had shorter hospitalization, walked with support sooner, walked independently sooner, and returned to school earlier. These differences were significant (p < 0.0001). We could detect no difference in total hospital charges between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this prospective study support the recent empiric observations and published results of retrospective series indicating that a child in whom a femoral fracture is treated with titanium elastic nails achieves recovery milestones significantly faster than a child treated with traction and a spica cast. Hospital charges for the two treatment methods are similar. The complication rate associated with nailing compares favorably with that associated with traction and application of a spica cast.

Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients with scoliosis and an Arnold Chiari I malformation requiring operative management. OBJECTIVES: Determine the factors that could predict whether a particular spinal deformity might progress despite neurosurgical management of Arnold Chiari I malformation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have documented the relationship between diagnosis and treatment of Arnold Chiari I malformation and associated spinal deformities. Most studies mix neural axis abnormalities and contain limited information about the spinal deformity. METHODS: Medical records, radiographs, and magnetic resonance images of patients were evaluated focusing on age and findings at presentation, characteristics of presenting and follow-up spinal deformities, and the specifics of neurosurgical and orthopedic management. Patients were divided into two groups: those whose curves progressed >10 degrees or to surgical range (largest curve >45 degrees ) after neurosurgical intervention (progressors) and those whose curves stabilized or decreased (nonprogressors). RESULTS: Eight progressors presented at an average age of 11.4 years (range 2-19) and were followed for 6.3 years (range 2-15). Seven nonprogressors presented at 6.5 years of age (range 5-10) and were followed for 6.6 years (range 3.5-14). Neurosurgical procedures were equivalent in both groups; however, surgical revisions were required in 3 out of 8 progressors and 1 out of 7 nonprogressors. All progressors had a double scoliosis curve; but only one nonprogressor had a double curve. Six out of 8 progressors and 0 out of 7 nonprogressors had a rotation >or=2+ and 50% of progressors had a thoracic kyphosis >50 degrees compared to 1 out of 7 nonprogressors. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, progression of spinal deformity after neurosurgical management of Arnold Chiari I malformation was associated with later age at neurosurgical decompressions and initial neurologic symptoms, double scoliosis curve patterns, kyphosis, rotation, and larger curve at presentation.

The use of postoperative subcutaneous closed suction drainage after posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the impact of closed suction drainage on transfusion requirements, frequency of dressing changes, and wound healing following posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS Thirty patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: drain or no drain. Although the group with drains received more postoperative autologous blood transfusions than the group with no drains (0.88 vs 0.5 unit), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.2131). In the undrained group, 58% of the patients had moderate to completely saturated dressings on the second postoperative day compared with only 17% of patients in the drained group. Three of 12 patients in the undrained group demonstrated a wound complication rate compared with no complications in the drained group. CONCLUSION In conclusion, subcutaneous closed suction drainage can improve immediate postoperative wound care without significantly increasing blood loss and transfusion requirements for patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis.