Lumbosacral arthrodesis for neuromuscular scoliosis using a simplified Jackson technique.

UNLABELLED: Treating patients with severe neuromuscular scoliosis by long spinal fusion improves their quality of life and provides significant comfort for the patient and caregivers. But lumbosacral (L5-S1) fusion is challenging in these patients because of the significant deformities that result in poor bone anchoring quality and a risk of impingement between the skin and implants. In 1993, Jackson described a L5-S1 fusion technique using S1 pedicle screws and intrasacral rods (implanted under X-ray guidance) that are linked to the construct above with connectors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results and the postoperative complications of a simplified version of this technique, which does not require connectors or X-ray guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 4years (average 82months). Frontal balance, sagittal balance, Cobb angle, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis and lateral pelvic tilt in the frontal plane were assessed on preoperative, postoperative and follow-up X-rays. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Complete fusion was obtained in 32 patients. The average Cobb angle was 62° initially and was reduced to 20° after surgery and 24° at the final follow-up. The average lateral pelvic tilt was 10.3° (0 to 26°) initially; it was surgically corrected to an average of 7.5° (0 to 24°); the average secondary loss of correction was 1.2° (0 to 9°). The sacral slope was corrected to an average of 11.2°; an average of 0.2° had been lost at the last follow-up (0 to 18°). Although the average for lumbar lordosis was unchanged, the standard deviation went from 29° to 16° after the corrective surgery and 17° at the last follow-up, with large cluster of measurements around the average value of 40°. The deformity correction was comparable to the results with other techniques (Galveston, sacroiliac screws); the complication rate was similar but the non-union rate was lower. This simplified Jackson technique appears to be an effective, simple method for L5-S1 fusion to correct neuromuscular scoliosis as it provides stable results over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.

Total ankle arthroplasty - three-component total ankle arthroplasty in western France: a radiographic study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the literature has confirmed the short and intermediate term efficacy of three-component mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), the development of progressive periprosthetic bone abnormalities threatens the intermediate and long term survival of these implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TAA quality requirements were met and analyze radiological changes in arthroplasties performed by members of the French Western Orthopedics Society. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included 173 patients who underwent three-component mobile-bearing arthroplasty between 1997 and 2010 in eight centers in western France. The etiology was osteoarthritis (OA) in 78% of cases and rheumatoid arthropathy in 13% of cases. The radiographic assessment included preoperative and final postoperative standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view radiographs. Radiographs were reviewed for ankle alignment, improper implant positions, and periprosthetic bone anomalies. Intraprosthetic range of motion was evaluated in 111 cases on dynamic radiographs. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 34 months (± 5). Fifteen percent of the cases presented implant malposition. Alignment was normal in 76% of cases. Intraprosthetic range of motion was 20.5° (± 3) in the cases that were evaluated. Bone cysts were observed in 33% of cases, radioluncencies in 72%, ossifications in 39%, migration of the tibial component in 5% and migration of the talar component in 27%. The latter were correlated to a range of motion of less than 15°. Additional surgery was necessary in 8% of cases to revise implants and/or for conversion to arthrodesis. DISCUSSION: The high rate of radiolucencies and bone cysts at a mean follow-up of 2.8 years is of concern and these arthroplasties should be closely monitored. Stiff ankles seemed to be at a higher risk for subsidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - Retrospective study.