Use of vertebroplasty to prevent proximal junctional fractures in adult deformity surgery: a biomechanical cadaveric study.

Background Context: Vertebral compression fractures at the proximal junction are common complications of long spinal fusion surgeries that can contribute to the development of proximal junctional kyphosis or proximal junctional failure. To our knowledge, no biomechanical studies have addressed the effect of vertebral augmentation at the proximal junction.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic vertebroplasty in reducing the incidence of vertebral compression fractures at the proximal junction after a long spinal fusion in a cadaveric spine model.

Scoliosis in adults aged forty years and older: prevalence and relationship to age, race, and gender.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of lumbar scoliosis in adults ≥ 40 years old; to investigate relationships between scoliosis prevalence and 3 parameters (age, race, gender); and to determine any effect of those parameters on curve severity.

Summary Of Background Data: As the population ages, the incidence of degenerative spine conditions increases.