Methods to determine response factors for infrared gas imagers used as quantitative measurement devices.

Unlabelled: Response factors (RF) can be used to characterize relative sensitivity of one compound vs. another compound for the same measurement instrument. Use of RF allows the analysts/operators to calibrate the instrument with one compound and make measurement for a large number of compounds.

Selective anterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in adolescents: when can the associated thoracic curve be left unfused?

Study Design: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted to investigate patients with a major thoracolumbar/lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and an associated minor thoracic curve treated with an anterior instrumentation and fusion of the lower curve.

Objective: To establish criteria for determining when such curves can be successfully treated by an anterior only procedure of the lower curve with acceptable spinal balance and residual thoracic curve.

Summary Of Background Data: Anterior spinal instrumentation techniques have been proved effective for the management of isolated thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis with small compensatory thoracic curves.