Risk Factors for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Surgical Deformity Correction in Pediatric Neuromuscular Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with the development of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in pediatric neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PJK is a common cause of reoperation in adult deformity but has been less well reported in pediatric NMS. METHODS: Sixty consecutive pediatric patients underwent spinal fusion for NMS with a minimum 2-year follow-up. PJK was defined as >10° increase between the inferior end plate of the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and the superior end plate of the vertebra two segments above. Regression analyses as well as binary correlational models and Student t tests were employed for further statistical analysis assessing variables of primary and compensatory curve magnitudes, thoracic kyphosis, proximal kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic obliquity, shoulder imbalance, Risser classification, and sagittal profile. RESULTS: The present cohort consisted of 29 boys and 31 girls with a mean age at surgery of 14 ±â€Š2.7 years. The most prevalent diagnoses were spinal cord injury (23%) and cerebral palsy (20%). Analysis reflected an overall radiographic PJK rate of 27% (n = 16) and a proximal junctional failure rate of 7% (n = 4). No significant association was identified with previously suggested risk factors such as extent of rostral fixation (P = 0.750), rod metal type (P = 0.776), laminar hooks (P = 0.654), implant density (P = 0.386), nonambulatory functional status (P = 0.254), or pelvic fixation (P = 0.746). Significant risk factors for development of PJK included perioperative use of halo gravity traction (38%, P = 0.029), greater postoperative C2 sagittal translation (P = 0.030), decreased proximal kyphosis preoperatively (P = 0.002), and loss of correction of primary curve magnitude at follow-up (P = 0.047). Increase in lumbar lordosis from post-op to last follow-up trended toward significance (P = 0.055). CONCLUSION: Twenty-seven percent of patients with NMS developed PJK, and 7% had revision surgery. Those treated with halo gravity traction or with greater postoperative C2 sagittal translation, loss of primary curve correction, and smaller preoperative proximal kyphosis had the greatest risk of developing PJK.Level of Evidence: 4.

Proximal junction kyphosis after posterior spinal fusion for early-onset scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in our population of children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and to identify the predisposing factors for the development of PJK in the postoperative period after posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the incidence of proximal junction kyphosis (PJK) in children after early-onset scoliosis (EOS) after posterior spinal fusion (PSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 114 pediatric patients aged < 10 years who underwent surgery for scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis at a single center between 2013 and 2015 were evaluated. Forty-five patients submitted to PSF of five or more levels met the inclusion criteria. The sample included 12 female and 10 male patients. Mean age at surgery was 7 years and 8 months. RESULTS: PJK was observed in 22 patients (48.9%). Overall, the mean proximal junctional angle at 12 and 36 months was 17.1° and 22°, respectively. The uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) with the highest PJK rate was T6-T7. The lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) with the highest PJK rate was L2. Etiology was idiopathic in 4, neuromuscular in 11, congenital in 14, and syndromic in 16. According to underlying disorder, prevalence of PJK was 78% in those with a congenital, 50% in those with a syndromic, 12% in those with idiopathic, and 9% in those with a neuromuscular EOS. Surgical revision rate was 4% (one patient). Mean postoperative follow-up was of 3 years and 4 months (range 3-4 years and 1 month). CONCLUSION: Congenital and syndromic etiology, but not age at PJK onset or sex of the patient, significantly affected the incidence rate of PJK. The UIV with the highest PJK rate was T6-T7 and the LIV with the highest PJK rate was L2. The patients had a low surgical revision rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Effective Prevention of Proximal Junctional Failure in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Requires a Combination of Surgical Implant Prophylaxis and Avoidance of Sagittal Alignment Overcorrection.

STUDY DESIGN: Propensity score matched analysis of a multi-center prospective adult spinal deformity (ASD) database. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate if surgical implant prophylaxis combined with avoidance of sagittal overcorrection more effectively prevents proximal junctional failure (PJF) than use of surgical implants alone. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PJF is a severe form of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). Efforts to prevent PJF have focused on use of surgical implants. Less information exists on avoidance of overcorrection of age-adjusted sagittal alignment to prevent PJF. METHODS: Surgically treated ASD patients (age ≥18 yrs; ≥5 levels fused, ≥1 year follow-up) enrolled into a prospective multi-center ASD database were propensity score matched (PSM) to control for risk factors for PJF. Patients evaluated for use of surgical implants to prevent PJF (IMPLANT) versus no implant prophylaxis (NONE), and categorized by the type of implant used (CEMENT, HOOK, TETHER). Postoperative sagittal alignment was evaluated for overcorrection of age-adjusted sagittal alignment (OVER) versus within sagittal parameters (ALIGN). Incidence of PJF was evaluated at minimum 1 year postop. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty five of 834 eligible for study inclusion were evaluated. Following PSM to control for confounding variables, analysis demonstrated the incidence of PJF was lower for IMPLANT (n = 235; 10.6%) versus NONE (n = 390: 20.3%; P < 0.05). Use of transverse process hooks at the upper instrumented vertebra (HOOK; n = 115) had the lowest rate of PJF (7.0%) versus NONE (20.3%; P < 0.05). ALIGN (n = 246) had lower incidence of PJF than OVER (n = 379; 12.0% vs. 19.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). The combination of ALIGN-IMPLANT further reduced PJF rates (n = 81; 9.9%), while OVER-NONE had the highest rate of PJF (n = 225; 24.2%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Propensity score matched analysis of 625 ASD patients demonstrated use of surgical implants alone to prevent PJF was less effective than combining implants with avoidance of sagittal overcorrection. Patients that received no PJF implant prophylaxis and had sagittal overcorrection had the highest incidence of PJF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Scheuermann's disease in patients 15-40 years old: A study to determine its prevalence and its relationship with age and sex using chest radiographs as screening tool.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient knowledge of the epidemiology of Scheuermann's disease. The data available comes from estimations from young adults with obvious deformity, from studies evaluating children who may not have developed the deformity yet, or from older populations who can develop vertebral wedging secondary to other causes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Scheuermann's disease in patients 15-40 years old using plain chest radiographs as a screening tool. METHODS: We evaluated 454 patients aged 15-40 years old studied using standing plain chest radiographs. We measured thoracic kyphosis from T5 to T12; using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), we determined inter- and intra-observer agreement. To determine the prevalence of Scheuermann's disease we used the Sorensen criteria. We performed a correlation analysis of thoracic kyphosis and age, and a linear regression to determine the impact of age and sex on the kyphosis angle. RESULTS: The prevalence of Scheuermann's disease was 2.2% (0.9-3.5%). The prevalence was not different in females (1.4%) and males (2.8%), p = 0.36. Inter-and intra-observer agreements were excellent: ICC = 0.93 (0.84-0.97) and 0.97 (0.95-0.98). There was a small positive correlation of kyphosis angle with age (r = 0.110; p = 0.019). Linear regression revealed that age (ß = 0.138; p = 0.019) was an independent predictor of kyphosis angle, but sex was not (ß-coefficient = 0.007; p = 0.994). CONCLUSION: We found a prevalence of Scheuermann's disease of 2.2%, without significant differences between males and females. Age independently influenced the kyphosis angle; sex did not. This study allows a better understanding of the epidemiology of Scheuermann's disease.

Evaluación postural y prevalencia de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis en estudiantes de enseñanza básica / Postural evaluation and prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis in students of elementary school

El alineamiento incorrecto de la columna vertebral origina estrés y una tensión innecesaria que afecta el aparato locomotor. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y establecer la prevalencia de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis y su relación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) e índice cintura-talla (ICT) en estudiantes de 12 años de edad en Arica, Chile. Ochenta estudiantes de sexo masculino (n = 80) de tres tipos de subvención escolar fueron reclutados. Se les evaluó peso (kg), talla (m), IMC e ICT como indicador de riesgo metabólico. Para la evaluación postural de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis se utilizó el test de flechas sagitales. Para los análisis estadísticos fueron ocupadas las pruebas Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA de una vía y exacta de Fisher y Chi-cuadrado para las variables categóricas. Los resultados muestran una prevalencia total de alteración postural de un 57,5 %, un IMC de sobrepeso/obesidad de un 52,5 % y un 35 % de riesgo metabólico. No se observó una asociación entre IMC, ICT y alteraciones de columna, excepto en ICT e hipercifosis. Las alteraciones más frecuentes fueron hiperlordosis seguida de hipercifosis con un 38,8 % y 25,7 % respectivamente, donde las mayores prevalencias se registraron en el establecimiento municipal. En la muestra estudiada se reportan altas prevalencias de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis que no presentan asociación con los índices de sobrepeso y obesidad. Además, las mayores prevalencias de alteraciones posturales en el plano sagital se reportaron en el establecimiento municipal. La prevención de alteraciones posturales y el control del sobrepeso y obesidad deben realizarse precozmente en todo el sistema educativo.

Incorrect alignment of the spinal column causes stress and unnecessary stress affecting the locomotor system. The objective of this study was to identify and establish the prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHR) in 12- year-old students from Arica, Chile. Eighty male students (n = 80) from three types of school: public, private subsidized, and private nonsubsidized schools were recruited. They were assessed weight (kg), height (m), BMI and WHR as an indicator of metabolic risk. The sagittal arrow test was used for postural evaluation of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis. Kruskal-Wallis tests, one-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used for the categorical variables. The results show a total prevalence of postural alteration of 57.5 %, a BMI of overweight / obesity of 52.5 % and a 35 % of metabolic risk. There was no association between BMI, WHR and spinal alterations, except for WHR and hyperkyphosis. The most frequent alterations were hyperlordosis followed by hyperkyphosis with 38.8 % and 25.7 % respectively, where the highest prevalences were recorded in the public school. In the sample studied we report the high prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis that there were not association with the indexes of overweight and obesity. In addition, the higher prevalences of postural alterations in the sagittal plane were reported in the public school. The prevention of postural alterations and the control of overweight and obesity should be carried out early in the whole elementary education system.

Evaluación postural y prevalencia de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis en estudiantes de enseñanza básica / Postural evaluation and prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis in students of elementary school

RESUMEN: El alineamiento incorrecto de la columna vertebral origina estrés y una tensión innecesaria que afecta el aparato locomotor. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y establecer la prevalencia de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis y su relación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) e índice cintura-talla (ICT) en estudiantes de 12 años de edad en Arica, Chile. Ochenta estudiantes de sexo masculino (n = 80) de tres tipos de subvención escolar fueron reclutados. Se les evaluó peso (kg), talla (m), IMC e ICT como indicador de riesgo metabólico. Para la evaluación postural de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis se utilizó el test de flechas sagitales. Para los análisis estadísticos fueron ocupadas las pruebas Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA de una vía y exacta de Fisher y Chi-cuadrado para las variables categóricas. Los resultados muestran una prevalencia total de alteración postural de un 57,5 %, un IMC de sobrepeso/obesidad de un 52,5 % y un 35 % de riesgo metabólico. No se observó una asociación entre IMC, ICT y alteraciones de columna, excepto en ICT e hipercifosis. Las alteraciones más frecuentes fueron hiperlordosis seguida de hipercifosis con un 38,8 % y 25,7 % respectivamente, donde las mayores prevalencias se registraron en el establecimiento municipal. En la muestra estudiada se reportan altas prevalencias de hipercifosis e hiperlordosis que no presentan asociación con los índices de sobrepeso y obesidad. Además, las mayores prevalencias de alteraciones posturales en el plano sagital se reportaron en el establecimiento municipal. La prevención de alteraciones posturales y el control del sobrepeso y obesidad deben realizarse precozmente en todo el sistema educativo.

SUMMARY: Incorrect alignment of the spinal column causes stress and unnecessary stress affecting the locomotor system. The objective of this study was to identify and establish the prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHR) in 12- year-old students from Arica, Chile. Eighty male students (n = 80) from three types of school: public, private subsidized, and private nonsubsidized schools were recruited. They were assessed weight (kg), height (m), BMI and WHR as an indicator of metabolic risk. The sagittal arrow test was used for postural evaluation of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis. Kruskal-Wallis tests, one-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used for the categorical variables. The results show a total prevalence of postural alteration of 57.5 %, a BMI of overweight / obesity of 52.5 % and a 35 % of metabolic risk. There was no association between BMI, WHR and spinal alterations, except for WHR and hyperkyphosis. The most frequent alterations were hyperlordosis followed by hyperkyphosis with 38.8 % and 25.7 % respectively, where the highest prevalences were recorded in the public school. In the sample studied we report the high prevalence of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis that there were not association with the indexes of overweight and obesity. In addition, the higher prevalences of postural alterations in the sagittal plane were reported in the public school. The prevention of postural alterations and the control of overweight and obesity should be carried out early in the whole elementary education system.

Postural characterization of adolescent federation basketball players.

BACKGROUND: The adolescent players federated to basketball have a high-level of endurance demand, often overloading the biological tissues and causing biomechanical compensations. Due to the immaturity of their musculoskeletal structures those consequences may influence the growing process and lead to the development of various postural patterns. We aimed to evaluate the postural alignment of the trunk in players. METHODS: Participants, 74 healthy adolescents: 36 basketball players (BG) and 38 adolescents in control group (CG). First, adolescents were marked with spheres over specific anatomical landmarks. Postural photographs were taken in the sagittal and frontal planes, and analyzed using the free internet Postural Analysis Software to obtain quantitative measures of the head, shoulders, and trunk. RESULTS: ANCOVA has revealed significant group effects: players demonstrated greater lateral spinal inclination (P < .008). In the right sagittal plane, the BG had lower angular values of forward head position (P < .02), pelvic ante version (P < .02), vertical alignment of the trunk (P < .02), and thoracic kyphosis (P < .005). The covariate analysis has indicated that age influences the alignments of both the shoulders and the left scapula; and height influences the scapular alignment. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that basketball training within federations influences the musculoskeletal system of adolescents and reflects a process of postural adaptations.

Thoracic scoliosis prevalence in patients 50 years or older and its relationship with age, sex, and thoracic kyphosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of thoracic scoliosis in patients aged 50 years or older and to investigate the association of adult thoracic scoliosis with age, sex, and thoracic sagittal curve. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The prevalence of adult thoracic scoliosis has not been clearly determined. In addition, limited data are available on the correlation of adult thoracic scoliosis to age, sex, and thoracic kyphosis. METHODS: We studied 760 patients aged 50 years or older (380 males and 380 females) who were evaluated using standing chest plain radiographs. The thoracic curvatures in the coronal and sagittal planes were measured using the Cobb method. Scoliosis was defined by the presence of a coronal curvature 10° or more. We performed a correlation analysis of the coronal curve with age and sagittal curve; in addition, a linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate age, sex, and sagittal curve as independent predictors of the coronal Cobb angle of the thoracic spine. RESULTS: The prevalence of thoracic scoliosis was 24.2% (184 cases); 160 patients (21.1%) had curves 10° or more but less than 20°; 20 patients (2.6%) had curves 20° or more but less than 30°; and 4 patients (0.5%) had curves 30° or more. Females exhibited a higher prevalence of scoliosis (28.9%) than did males (19.4%), P < 0.01. The older patients exhibited increased scoliosis, but no differences were observed in thoracic kyphosis with increasing scoliosis. Age and sex were independent predictors of the coronal Cobb angle; however, the sagittal angle was not. CONCLUSION: We found a 24.2% prevalence of thoracic scoliosis in patients 50 years or older; most curves were less than 20°. Thoracic scoliosis was more common in females and in older patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Congenital cervical vertebral dysmorphism. Syndromatic integration through radiological clinical correlation]. / Dismorfismo vertebral cervical congénito. Integración sindromática mediante correlación clínica-radiológica.

Cervical spine dysmorphisms (CSD) occurs in an heterogeneous group of patients unified by the presence of congenital defects result from malalignment, formation or segmentation of the cervical spine; generating disability. This problem requires comprehensive evaluation of patients with scoliosis diagnosis, correlating clinical and radiological findings and the presence of numerous abnormalities of other systems in order to give an opportunely syndrome diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of this patients with the aim to give them an integral rehabilitation treatment increasing their quality of life. In this study we described clinical and radiological findings in children with CSD diagnosis. We studied 47 consecutive outpatients of Pediatric Rehabilitation Division in Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitaci6n (INR) with scoliosis diagnosis. Sixteen patients (34%) had CSD diagnosis. Most frequently syndromes (Sx) were: Klippel-Feil Sx (19%), Wildervanck (4.3%), neurofibromatosis (4.3%), Morquio (2.1%), Stickler (2.1%) and Williams (2.1%). We found CSD diagnosis in 34% of group studied, greater than medical literature.

Relación entre actitud postural y disgnacias maxilares en adolescentes de la ciudad de Corrientes / Relationship between postural attitude and maxillary malocclusions in adolescents from Corrientes city

Estudios epidemiológicos demuestran la alta prevalencia de disgnacias maxilares en adolescentes interviniendo en su etiología, elementos que dan características especiales al aspecto general, funcional y estético. Las fuerzas musculares actúan y modifican maxilares, cara, cuello, nuca y hombros. Duarante el crecimiento, una actitud postural alterada compromete el equilibrio cefálico y mandibular, adoptando ésta diferentes posiciones y relaciones maxilares anómalas. POr lo tanto, una actitud postural incorrecta es un factor etiológico de disgnacia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y correlacionar actitudes posturales y maloclusiones en 70 adolescentes. Se observó que el 77 por ciento de los mismos presentó anomalías posturales, predominando la cifo-escoliosis. El 80 por ciento presentó anomalías de oclusión, predominando la distorrelación mandibular y observándose una estrecha relación entre actitud postural alterada y maloclusiones, siendo la relación más frecuente la cifosis-distorrelación. Esta situación determina un desequilibrio morfofuncional que afecta la calidad de vida. Se considera al binomio postura/relación de maxilares muy importante en el diagnóstico de las disgnacias maxilares, para tratarlas adecuadamente en la niñez temprana y prevenir anomalías posturales y disgnacias severas en la dolescencia, ratificando el concepto de integridad. La modificación de funciones y actitudes musculares es el medio más poderoso que pone en nuestras manos la naturaleza para corregir la forma.(AU)

Relación entre actitud postural y disgnacias maxilares en adolescentes de la ciudad de Corrientes / Relationship between postural attitude and maxillary malocclusions in adolescents from Corrientes city

Estudios epidemiológicos demuestran la alta prevalencia de disgnacias maxilares en adolescentes interviniendo en su etiología, elementos que dan características especiales al aspecto general, funcional y estético. Las fuerzas musculares actúan y modifican maxilares, cara, cuello, nuca y hombros. Duarante el crecimiento, una actitud postural alterada compromete el equilibrio cefálico y mandibular, adoptando ésta diferentes posiciones y relaciones maxilares anómalas. POr lo tanto, una actitud postural incorrecta es un factor etiológico de disgnacia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y correlacionar actitudes posturales y maloclusiones en 70 adolescentes. Se observó que el 77 por ciento de los mismos presentó anomalías posturales, predominando la cifo-escoliosis. El 80 por ciento presentó anomalías de oclusión, predominando la distorrelación mandibular y observándose una estrecha relación entre actitud postural alterada y maloclusiones, siendo la relación más frecuente la cifosis-distorrelación. Esta situación determina un desequilibrio morfofuncional que afecta la calidad de vida. Se considera al binomio postura/relación de maxilares muy importante en el diagnóstico de las disgnacias maxilares, para tratarlas adecuadamente en la niñez temprana y prevenir anomalías posturales y disgnacias severas en la dolescencia, ratificando el concepto de integridad. La modificación de funciones y actitudes musculares es el medio más poderoso que pone en nuestras manos la naturaleza para corregir la forma.

Kyphosis and fractures in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis.

The purpose of this study was to examine children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis for an increased frequency of fracture and excessive thoracic kyphosis, which may result from inadequate skeletal mineralization. In a survey of 143 patients (ages 4.7 to 21.9 years; mean, 11.3 years), the fracture rate for male patients from birth to 5 years of age was higher than for female patients and both rates were comparable with those for normal children. In contrast, female patients 6 to 16 years of age with cystic fibrosis had a higher-than-normal fracture rate and a higher rate than their male counterparts. Review of the chest radiographs showed that thoracic kyphosis correlated with age and with disease severity as judged by Brasfield scoring. In the > 15-year-old age group, kyphosis exceeding 40 degrees, the upper limit of normal, was found in 77% of the female patients and 36% of the male patients. The cause of these findings is uncertain and perhaps multifactorial, but osteopenia is likely a contributing factor. As the life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis continues to increase, the skeletal consequences, particularly in female patients, may become increasingly significant.