In vivo distraction force and length measurements of growing rods: which factors influence the ability to lengthen?

Study Design: Prospective, intraoperative force measurement in consecutive lengthening procedures in a series of growing-rod patients undergoing lengthening.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the forces and amount of distraction over time in early onset scoliosis patients treated with growing rods.

Summary Of Background Data: Growing rods are one of the current techniques used in the treatment of early onset scoliosis, and the goal of the growing-rod technique is to achieve deformity correction, maintaining spinal growth at the same time.

Minimizing complications with single submuscular growing rods: a review of technique and results on 88 patients with minimum two-year follow-up.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical and radiologic review of consecutive series of patients treated with single submuscular growing rods from a single center with a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

Objectives: To describe the surgical technique and methods used to minimize complications and to report on the outcomes of a large consecutive series of patients treated with single submuscular growing rods for scoliosis in the immature spine from a single center.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of single and dual growing-rod constructs; however, these studies have been of small patient numbers with varying results.

Can vertebroplasty restore normal load-bearing to fractured vertebrae?

Study Design: Cadaver motion segments were used to evaluate the effects of vertebroplasty on spinal loading following vertebral fracture.

Objectives: To determine if vertebroplasty reverses fracture-induced changes in the distribution of compressive stress in cadaver motion segments.

Summary Of Background Data: Vertebroplasty involves reinforcement of vertebrae by injection of cement and is now being used increasingly to treat osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

"Does size matter?"A comparison of balloon-assisted less-invasive vs conventional retroperitoneal approach for anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

This is a case-series comparison of two approaches to anterior lumbar interbody fusion. A conventional open approach (COA) was compared with a balloon-assisted minimally invasive approach (BMI). Outcome measures included operating time, blood loss and complications.