Long-term reoperation rates following spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis in nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: To describe the incidence of reoperation and factors contributing to surgical revision within a minimum of 10 years after spinal fusion for scoliosis in patients with nonambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive nonambulatory patients with CP who underwent primary spinal fusion at a single specialty care center with a minimum of 10 years from their index surgery (surgery dates 2001-2011). Causes of reoperation were classified as implant failure/pseudoarthrosis, surgical site infection (SSI), proximal junctional kyphosis, prominent/symptomatic implants, and implant removal.

Selective Thoracic Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Long-Term Radiographic and Functional Outcomes.

Introduction: Selective thoracic fusions (STFs) were introduced by Moe to treat the structural thoracic curve when a more flexible lumbar component existed. It is unknown how the curves behave and how the patients function beyond 20 years after surgery.

Methods: Of the 152 eligible patients with STF, 67 were traced and contacted and 40 completed outcome questionnaires (Oswestry Disability index [ODI], Scoliosis Research Society-30 [SRS-30]) and had follow-up standing radiographs.

Long-term Outcome of Early Fusions for Congenital Scoliosis.

Study Design: The current literature on outcomes of early fusions for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has a short follow-up of 7.7 to 12.5 years, with many patients not at the end of growth.

Results of Bracing for Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design: Retrospective comparative therapeutic clinical study evaluating the results of bracing for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS).

Objectives: To evaluate if bracing has a role in treatment of JIS and, if so, to report its success rate and factors associated with successful bracing.

Summary Of Background Data: Patients with JIS have higher mortality and morbidity in comparison to those with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) or general population.

Results and complications after spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis in cerebral palsy and static encephalopathy using luque galveston instrumentation: experience in 93 patients.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the results of spine fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis in cerebral palsy and static encephalopathy, using Luque-Galveston technique, with emphasis on the early and late complications, especially those increasing the hospital stay or requiring additional surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: There are numerous studies in the literature on the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis using Luque-Galveston instrumentation analyzing the results and complications.

Cancer mortality among women frequently exposed to radiographic examinations for spinal disorders.

We studied cancer mortality in a cohort of 5,573 women with scoliosis and other spine disorders who were diagnosed between 1912 and 1965 and were exposed to frequent diagnostic X-ray procedures. Patients were identified from medical records in 14 orthopedic medical centers in the United States and followed for vital status and address through December 31, 2004, using publicly available regional, state and nationwide databases. Causes of death were obtained from death certificates or through linkage with the National Death Index (NDI).

The Moe Maximal Correction Test to determine true curve flexibility: a historical note with current application.

This is not a prospective randomized clinical trial or a consecutive case series, but rather the description of a technique developed years ago, but still applicable. As spine surgeons, we wish to know the true correctability of a curvature before determining the best method of treatment. Do we need to do a posterior surgery only? Do we need to do a combined anterior and posterior surgery? Do we need to place the patient in preoperative skeletal traction? Although many different techniques have been described for the determination of true curve flexibility, the Moe Maximal Correction Test has never before been described.

Scoliosis secondary to a hemivertebra: seven patients with gradual improvement without treatment.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objective: To make clinicians aware of this unusual natural history.

Summary Of Background Data: Nonprogressive and progressive scolioses due to hemivertebrae have been abundantly documented in the literature.

Long-term follow-up of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who had Harrington instrumentation and fusion to the lower lumbar vertebrae: is low back pain a problem?

Study Design: Retrospective functional and radiographic analysis.

Objective: To analyze the back pain and disability in patients who had instrumentation and fusion to L2, L3, L4, or L5, at least 10 years previously, and to compare them with a control group of the same age, sex, weight, and height.

Summary Of Background Data: Considerable confusion exists as to the incidence and severity of low back problems in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fused to the lower lumbar spine.

Can c7 plumbline and gravity line predict health related quality of life in adult scoliosis?

Study Design: This study prospectively evaluated the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of 73 adults presenting with scoliosis at a single institution, as related to their spinal (C7 plumbline) and global (gravity line) balance.

Objective: To assess the influence of sagittal and coronal balance on HRQOL in adult scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Many surgeons believe that achieving adequate spinal balance is important in the management of adult spinal deformity, but the evidence supporting this concept remains limited.