Double major curvature treated with vertebral body tethering of both curves: how do outcomes compare to posterior spinal fusion?

PURPOSE: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion alternative to posterior spinal fusion (PSF). There have been few reports on VBT of two curvatures. We aim to compare the radiographic outcomes between VBT and PSF in patients with double curvatures in which both curves were instrumented. METHODS: 29 AIS patients matched by Lenke, age (± 2 years), triradiate cartilage closure status, major Cobb angle (± 8°), and T5-T12 kyphosis (± 10°). Variables were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Student's t tests, and chi-Square. Clinical success was defined as major curve < 35°. RESULTS: Group baseline demographics were similar. Major thoracic (T) curve types had significantly better major (VBT 51.5 ± 7.9° to 31.6 ± 12.0° [40%] vs. PSF 54.3 ± 7.4° to 17.4 ± 6.5° [68%]; p = 0.0002) and secondary curve correction in the PSF group. 71% of major T VBT patients were clinically successful versus 100% of PSF. Major thoracolumbar (TL) curve types experienced comparable major (VBT 52.3 ± 7.0° to 18.3 ± 11.4° (65%) vs. PSF 53.0 ± 5.2° to 23.8 ± 10.9° (56%); p = 0.2397) and secondary curve correction. 92% of major TL VBT patients were clinically successful versus 75% in the PSF group. There was no difference in T5-12 kyphosis or lumbar lordosis between groups for any curve type. There were 4 patients (13.8%) with major complications in the VBT group compared to 0 (0%) in the PSF. CONCLUSION: Patients with double major AIS who underwent VBT with major T curve types had less correction than PSF; however, those with major TL curves experienced similar radiographic outcomes regardless of procedure. Complications were greater for VBT.

Scurvy: Rare Orthopaedic Complications Associated with Multinutritional Deficiencies.

Suboptimal nutrition can lead to deficiencies in micronutrients such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can present with catastrophic neurological sequelae. Deficiencies of vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin) and zinc levels contribute to reduced bone density. Vitamin C associated vertebral fractures, although rare in adults, are still treatable if diagnosed early with a thorough clinical and nutritional history, and early supplementation. Radiological clues suggestive of scurvy-induced vertebral fractures can be diagnosed on plain X-ray and MRI spine imaging. LEARNING POINTS: Although nutritional deficits like scurvy, pellagra and zinc deficiency are rare, early recognition and prompt treatment can prevent critical neurological sequelae.Clinical history including nutritional intake and associated patient symptoms are vital to diagnose scurvy-related vertebral fractures, which are treatable.It is important to note that scurvy can also present in an adult population.