RESUMO
PURPOSE: The insertion of ilio-sacral (IS) screws for distal anchoring in the instrumentation of pediatric neuromuscular scoliosis (NS) presents a significant challenge, often leading to elevated rates of complications. Utilizing computed tomography (CT) navigation and preoperative planning technology is proposed as a potential solution to mitigate these challenges. This study aims to assess the precision of IS screw placement through CT-graphic measurements, both with and without preoperative planning, followed by navigated IS screw insertion, in pediatric neuromuscular scoliosis. METHODS: Thirty-two treated patients were grouped based on surgical procedure: planned (P): 19 patients (n = 38 screws) and non-planned (NP): 13 patients (n = 26 screws). All screw placements (P and NP) took place under CT navigation. IS screw trajectories of P-group were drawn preoperatively on CT images with the cranial trajectory planning program and fused with the intraoperative CT images. There are several important anatomical structures that should be avoided when placing the IS screw (L5 root, spinal canal, L5S1 facet, SI joint, neurovascular structures anteriorly to the sacrum, S1 root in the S1 foramen and the intestines). Each trajectory was evaluated based on seven radiographical parameters whom we have enlisted partially based on the essentials of a good trajectory described by Miladi et al. (1: Ilium; 2: SI joint; 3: Promontorium; 4: Sacral plate; 5: Anterior sacral cortex; 6: S1 foramen; 7: Spinal canal). An independent sample T test was executed to compare both groups. RESULTS: The trajectories in the P group showed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher overall similarity and optimality (12.1 ± 2.1 vs 9.1 ± 2.2 points) compared to the non-planned trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative planning and navigated placement of IS screws on fusion images with intraoperative CT, results in a better trajectory of the ilio-sacral screws.
RESUMO
Different types of feedback are used during gait training in children with cerebral palsy (CP), including verbal (VB) and virtual reality (VR) feedback. Previous studies on VR feedback showed positive effects on the targeted gait parameter. However, both positive and negative side effects on other parameters were seen as well. The literature on the effect of VB feedback is lacking and, to our knowledge, both feedback methods have not yet been compared. In this monocentric study with a single-session intervention protocol, children with CP completed a training session on the Gait Real-Time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) and received both VB and VR feedback on hip extension, in randomized order. Outcome parameters were continuous gait curves of sagittal kinematics and hip kinetics, specific features of hip angle and moment, sagittal gait variable scores and gait profile scores. Improvement of the targeted gait parameter was seen both after VB and VR feedback, with a small advantage for VR over VB feedback. Furthermore, positive side effects on knee and ankle sagittal kinematics were seen. However, the overall gait profile score did not improve, most likely due to negative compensatory strategies. In conclusion, children with CP can adapt gait in response to both VB and VR feedback, with VR feedback producing a slightly better effect. Due to secondary effects on parameters other than the targeted parameter, the overall gait did not improve.
