Reliability analysis of Cobb angle measurements of congenital scoliosis using X-ray and 3D-CT images.

Purpose: Therapeutic decisions for congenital scoliosis rely on Cobb angle measurements on consecutive radiographs. There have been no studies documenting the variability of measuring the Cobb angle using 3D-CT images in children with congenital scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and measurement errors using X-ray images and those utilizing 3D-CT images.

Expansion Thoracoplasty for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome Associated with Jarcho-Levin Syndrome.

Introduction: Although surgical treatment of spondylothoracic dysplasia (STD) is controversial, we have found that an expansion thoracoplasty using a Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR; DePuy Synthes) results in favorable outcomes, including 100% survivability (at an average follow-up of 6.2 years), increased thoracic spinal length, and decreased requirements for ventilation support.

Step 1 Preoperative Preparation: Make anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the spine.

Management of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome in Patients With Jeune Syndrome Using the 70 mm Radius Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib.

Background: Jeune syndrome (JS) often results in lethal thoracic insufficiency syndrome. Since 1991, vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib Dynamic PosteroLateral Expansion Thoracoplasty was used at our institution for treatment of JS. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Management of thoracic insufficiency syndrome in patients with Jarcho-Levin syndrome using VEPTRs (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs).

Background: Jarcho-Levin syndrome represents a spectrum of clinical and radiographic irregularities including abnormal vertebral segmentation or formation defects, rib deformities, and short-trunk dwarfism. These abnormalities cause reduced thoracic capacity for lung development, resulting in thoracic insufficiency syndrome. In the present study, we reviewed outcome measures related to scoliotic curve correction, thoracic growth, and respiratory function following VEPTR treatment in patients with Jarcho-Levin syndrome.

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib as treatment of thoracic insufficiency syndrome in spondylocostal dysplasia.

Background: Spondylocostal dysplasia (SCD) constitutes a heterogeneous patient group with multiple vertebral formations and segmentation defects of the entire spine, with asymmetric rib malformations. Respiratory failure has been reported in spondylocostal dysplasia secondary to thoracic insufficiency syndrome. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) reconstructs the chest wall to address the thoracic insufficiency seen in this patient population.