The Association Between the Utilization of Traction and Postoperative Complications Following Growing Rod Instrumentation for Early-onset Scoliosis.

Background: Preoperative and/or intraoperative traction have been proposed as adjunctive methods to limit complications associated with growth-friendly instrumentation for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). By gradually correcting the deformity before instrumentation, traction can, theoretically, allow for better overall correction without the complications associated with the immediate intraoperative correction. The purpose of this multicenter study was to investigate the association between preoperative/intraoperative traction and complications following growth-friendly instrumentation for EOS.

Serial Casting in Neuromuscular and Syndromic Early-onset Scoliosis (EOS) Can Delay Surgery Over 2 Years.

Background: The primary goal in managing early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is delaying/preventing surgical intervention while allowing improved spinal growth and chest wall and lung development to improve life expectancy. The effectiveness of serial casting for patients with neuromuscular and syndromic EOS is unclear.

Methods: Patients from 2 multicenter registries who underwent serial casting for nonidiopathic scoliosis (NIS) were reviewed retrospectively.

Effects of Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis on Lower Body Kinematics During Gait.

Study Design: Prospective.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare gait among patients with scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSFI) to typically developing subjects and determine if the location of the lowest instrumented vertebra impacted results.

Summary Of Background Data: PSFI is the standard of care for correcting spine deformities, allowing the preservation of body equilibrium while maintaining as many mobile spinal segments as possible.

Paper #13: Early Onset Scoliosis: Results of Cotrel Mehta Casting from a Single Institution.

Early onset scoliosis can lead to significant chest wall deformity resulting in severe restrictive pulmonary disease and premature demise. Treatment of the spinal deformity should control the curvature but allow for continued growth of the spine and thorax. Serial derotational casting can potentially preserve and redirect spinal growth to achieve curve correction.

Effect of Surgical Fusion on Volitional Weight-Shifting in Individuals With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design: Prospective.

Objectives: The goals of this study were to (1) evaluate the differences in weightbearing symmetry between individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and typically developing controls; (2) observe the effect of posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSFI) on volitional weight-shifting at 1 and 2 years postoperatively; and (3) evaluate whether lowest instrumented fusion level (ie, lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV]) in PSFI has an effect on volitional weight-shifting.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies have conflicting findings with regard to the effect of scoliosis on postural control tasks as well as the effect of surgery.