Minimally invasive surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: correction of deformity and peri-operative morbidity in 70 consecutive patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to report a retrospective, consecutive series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with a mean follow-up of two years (sd 1.4; 0.9 to 0 3.7). Our objectives were to measure the correction of the deformity and record the peri-operative morbidity. Special attention was paid to the operating time (ORT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS) and further complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected the data of 70 consecutive patients with AIS treated with MIS using three incisions and a muscle-splitting approach by a single surgeon between June 2013 and February 2016 and these were retrospectively reviewed. There were eight male and 62 female patients with a mean age of 15 years (sd 4.5 ) with a mean body mass index of 19.8 kg/m2 (sd 5.4). The curves were classified according to Lenke; 40 curves were type 1, 15 were type 2, three were type 3, two were type 4, eight were type 5 and two were type 6. RESULTS: The mean primary Cobb angle was corrected from 58.9° (sd 12.6°) pre-operatively to 17.7° (sd 10.2°) post-operatively with a mean correction of 69% (sd 20%, p < 0.001). The mean kyphosis at T5 to T12 increased from 24.2° (sd 12.2°) pre-operatively to 30.1° (sd 9.6°, p < 0.001) post-operatively. Peri-operative (30 days) complications occurred in three patients(4.2%): one subcutaneous haematoma, one deep venous thrombosis and one pulmonary complication. Five additional complications occurred in five patients (7.1%): one superficial wound infection, one suture granuloma and three delayed deep surgical site infections. The mean ORT was 337.1 mins (sd 121.3); the mean EBL was 345.7 ml (sd 175.1) and the mean LOS was 4.6 days (sd 0.8). CONCLUSION: The use of MIS for patients with AIS results in a significant correction of spinal deformity in both the frontal and sagittal planes, with a low EBL and a short LOS. The rate of peri-operative complications compares well with that following a routine open technique. The longer term safety and benefit of MIS in these patients needs to be evaluated with further follow-up of a larger cohort of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1651-7.

Arthroscopic treatment of septic arthritis of the knee in children.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood septic arthritis of the knee is a serious disease that can impair growth and cause serious functional sequelae. There are few data on arthroscopic treatment in children, and series were always less than 20 cases. HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to assess clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic drainage combined with antibiotic therapy for the treatment of childhood septic arthritis of the knee. The hypothesis was that arthroscopic treatment is also effective in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, conducted between January 2003 and December 2012, included patients under 15 years of age with septic arthritis of the knee treated by arthroscopic drainage with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients, with a mean age at surgery of 3.4 years (range, 3 months to 12 years), were included. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism. Two patients (3.6%) had recurrence, successfully treated by repeat arthroscopic drainage. Mean Lysholm score was 96.9 (range, 70-100) and mean KOOS-Child pain, symptoms, daily life, sports and quality of life scores were respectively 97 (81-100), 95 (75-100), 98 (89-100), 93 (71-100) and 95 (70-100) at a mean 65 months' follow-up. Ranges of motion were normal. Radiology found no joint damage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic drainage combined with antibiotic treatment is a simple and effective treatment for childhood septic arthritis of the knee and is for our reference attitude. It can also be indicated in case of recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

The progression of lumbar curves in adolescent Lenke 1 scoliosis and the distal adding-on phenomenon.

INTRODUCTION: The postoperative deterioration of the curve below spinal fusion instrumentation resulting in a distal adding-on (AO) phenomenon in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (IAS) frequently requires surgical revision with disappointing secondary clinical results. HYPOTHESIS: Analysis of AP (coronal) range of motion (cROM) and lateral (sagittal) range of motion (sROM) on dynamic (side-bending, flexion, extension) X-rays to determine the choice of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) can help reduce distal adding-on. The goal of this study was to study the postoperative progression of the lumbar curve in Lenke 1 scoliosis operated on with a LIV based on dynamic X-ray results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right-sided Lenke 1 IAS that was treated surgically by posterior arthrodesis alone with a follow-up of at least 2 years was included in the study. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated: the Cobb angles of the curves, reducibility of the curves, the apex of the scoliosis, the central sacral vertical line, the stable vertebra (SV), the neutral vertebra (NV), the distances between the CSVL and the centroids of the LIV and of the first vertebra below instrumentation, as well as the tilt of the superior endplates. sROM and cROM were determined on dynamic X-rays. RESULTS: Fifty IAS were evaluated/185 files. Only three cases fulfilled the criteria for AO including two that were secondary to peri- or postoperative complications. The lumbar curve presented with a loss of correction of 0.9° at one year and 1.14° at the final follow-up. None of the parameters studied were correlated to the deterioration of the lumbar curve. DISCUSSION: The choice of the LIV has been shown to influence the deterioration of the lumbar curve and the development of AO. The choice of the LIV based on an analysis of AP (coronal) and lateral (sagittal) range of motion seems to prevent the development of AO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, retrospective study.

Lumbo-sacral motion conserved after isthmic reconstruction: long-term results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results of repair of the interarticularis pars defect by a modified Buck's repair technique in patients with symptomatic spondylolysis with grade 1 spondylolisthesis. These patients with painful spondylolisthesis are the most eligible for direct repair of the defect rather than lumbo-sacral fusion in an attempt to save motion segments. METHODS: Forty-six patients with symptomatic spondylolysis with grade 1 spondylolisthesis and normal L4-L5 and L5-S1 disks, following the failure of conservative treatment, underwent surgery between 1988 and 2010. All interventions involved direct pars repair by a modified Buck's repair technique with internal fixation of the defect using screws and cancellous bone grafting. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Healing of the pars defect was assessed by plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Motion of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments was measured with dynamic radiographs in flexion and extension. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 10 years. Functional outcome was excellent in 22 patients (ODI ≤ 10) and good for 8 patients (10 < ODI ≤ 20); five patients continued to have pain (ODI >20). Isthmus bone union occurred in 32 of 35 patients (91.4 %). L4-L5 motion was conserved with a mean angle of 11.8° (0-22); the mean lumbo-sacral angle was 9.9° (0-21). CONCLUSION: Direct repair of spondylolisthesis was described to avoid fusion in young patients with slight slipping and painful symptoms. A modified Buck's repair technique allows the conservation of L4-L5 motion with a rate of consolidation comparable to other series. The anatomy and stability of the spine were normalized by restoring the continuity of the loose posterior elements using this modified Buck's technique.

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.

The arthritic wrist. II--the degenerative wrist: indications for different surgical treatments.

For the patient (and the surgeon) the ideal wrist is one that has good mobility, however very often the optimal surgical treatment is one that provides effective pain relief. The patient must be informed of the potential complications and limitations of each procedure. The patient's psychological profile and functional requirements will determine how well he/she adapts to the changes. Also, each surgeon has beliefs and personal experiences that influence the treatment decision and final result. Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and the Watson procedure are two reference operations for osteoarthritis secondary to scapholunate instability and scaphoid non-union (SLAC and SNAC). Beyond the early complications and drawbacks specific to each, they provide good results that are maintained over time. PRC, which can be performed up to Stage II, is mainly indicated in patients with moderate functional demands, while the Watson procedure is more often done on a patient who performs manual labour, as long as the radiolunate joint space is maintained. Complete denervation is effective in three out of four cases and preserves the remaining mobility. Because of its low morbidity, the procedure can be suggested in patients with a mobile wrist and low functional demands or in older patients, independent of their wrist mobility. Total wrist fusion is not only a rescue procedure. For a young patient who performs heavy manual labour with extensive osteoarthritis and progressive forms of Kienböck's disease, this procedure provides the greatest chance of returning to work and not being socially outcast. The role of osteochondral autografts, implants and wrist prostheses in the treatment arsenal need to be better defined.

The arthritic wrist. I--the degenerative wrist: surgical treatment approaches.

UNLABELLED: The primary goal in treating a degenerative wrist is to provide pain relief, while maintaining strength and mobility if possible. After failure of the recommended conservative treatment, the choice of approaches can be made from a large collection of techniques, some which are well validated. Partial wrist fusion, particularly the Watson procedure, results in a pain-free wrist in 80% of cases, with 50% of the mobility preserved, good grasping strength and stable results for at least 10 years. Proximal row carpectomy provides similar results if the cartilage on the head of the capitate is preserved and the patient is not involved in heavy manual labour. Complete denervation provides pain relief in almost 80% of cases while preserving motion and strength. This is a safe and effective option, with no age limit, that still allows other procedures to be performed in the future. Total wrist fusion also has its place in revision, and even as first-line treatment, because of the reliable outcome in terms of pain and strength, high satisfaction rates, little to no repercussions linked to the loss of mobility and fewer complications. Other techniques are now available. The partial or complete resection of a carpal bone and placement of an implant is back in vogue because of the availability of pyrocarbon. Such implants are an option in the future for localized osteoarthritis or even diffuse affections, and a useful alternative to more invasive procedures. The use of a rib cartilage graft to partially or completely replace a carpal bone or resurface the radius has promising results in terms of pain reduction and fusion. The role of total joint replacement must be defined relative to the classic, reliable techniques that have long-term outcome data. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV.

[Priapism: a severe paediatric complication of Fabry disease]. / Le priapisme: une complication pédiatrique grave de la maladie de Fabry.

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency. Although the disease presents in childhood, diagnosis is often delayed to adulthood or missed, presumably due to the lack of specificity of the symptoms and to the absence of major complication during the paediatric years. We report a 9-year-old boy known to have a Fabry disease who presented an episode of priapism. Successful treatment was achieved by repeated corporeal aspiration under general anaesthesia. This case is the fifth report of priapism in children with Fabry disease, suggesting that priapism may be a severe vascular complication of the disease during infancy. This report emphasizes the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment of Fabry disease, including enzyme replacement therapy, to prevent major disease-associated morbidity and to optimize patient outcomes.