Surgical treatment algorithm for thoracic and lumbar hyperkyphosis in pediatric population.

Purpose: There is no standardized and universally accepted surgical treatment for thoracic and lumbar hyperkyphosis in children. A surgical treatment algorithm was developed to aid in the choice of the appropriate corrective technique.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients younger than 18 years who underwent primary correction surgery and posterior fusion for thoracic and lumbar hyperkyphosis.

Is Intraoperative Muscle Motor Evoked Potential Variability due to Fluctuating Lower Motor Neuron Background Excitability?

Purpose: This pilot study tests the contribution of fluctuating lower motor neuron excitability to motor evoked potential (MEP) variability.

Methods: In six pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis and normal neurologic examination, cascades of 30 intraoperative H-reflexes (HRs) and MEPs were evoked in the soleus muscle using constant-current stimulators and recorded through surface electrodes with a 20-second interstimulus interval. First, HRs were obtained with an intensity capable of evoking the maximum response.

Evolution of antibiotic susceptibility profiles of staphylococci from osteoarticular infections: A 10-year retrospective study.

Background: Knowledge of the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the bacteria responsible for osteoarticular infections is crucial for choosing the appropriate empirical antibiotic regimen. Wide use of broad spectrum antibiotics in these infections may have lead to selection of resistant bacteria. The aim of our study was to answer to these questions: (1) Did the bacterial pathogens isolated from osteoarticular infections (OAIs) and their antibiotic susceptibility profile change over the 10-year period in our University Hospital, particularly for Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative staphylococci? (2) Are the antibiotics used for post-operative antibiotic therapy still effective against staphylococci involved in OAIs? (3) Are the antibiotics used for documented therapy still effective against staphylococci involved in OAIs?

Hypothesis: We hypothetise that bacterial epidemiology and antibiotic resistance rates have changed little thanks to a reasoned prescription of antibiotics in our Center.

Evaluation of outpatient halo-gravity traction in patients with severe scoliosis: development of a monitoring device.

Introduction: Patients with severe spinal deformities represent a major clinical and surgical challenge. Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is a traditional method to correct the deformity prior to surgery. Typically, children undergoing HGT remain in the hospital until surgery.

Hemivertebra Resection in Small Children. A Literature Review.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the lowest possible age to resect an HV in very young patients with a congenital deformity.

Methods: We sought to retrieve all studies reporting age at HV excision in patients with congenital scoliosis.