Accuracy Analysis of Iliac Screw Using Freehand Technique in Spinal Surgery : Relation between Screw Breach and Revision Surgery.

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of iliac screws using freehand technique performed by the same surgeon. We also analyzed how the breach of iliac screws was related to the clinical symptoms resulting in revision surgery.

Methods: From January 2009 to November 2015, 100 patients (193 iliac screws) were analyzed using postoperative computed tomography scans.

A distal start point facilitates safer insertion of S2-alar-iliac screws fixation.

This study aimed to show that a more distal insertion of S2-alar-iliac screws (S2AI) towards the S2 foramen facilitates a more natural trajectory and results in fewer breaches of the iliac wing due to the anteroposterior relationship of the sacrum and pelvis. Thirty-six consecutive patients who had received S2AI and postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging were retrospectively reviewed. A freehand technique was used to insert all screws.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Coronal Balance in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Study Design: A retrospective case-control study.

Objectives: To determine factors influencing the ability to achieve coronal balance following spinal deformity surgery.

Methods: Following institutional ethics approval, the radiographs of 47 patients treated for spinal deformity surgery with long fusions to the pelvis, were retrospectively reviewed.

Posterior column reconstruction improves fusion rates at the level of osteotomy in three-column posterior-based osteotomies.

Purpose: To determine the incidence of pseudarthrosis at the osteotomy site after three-column spinal osteotomies (3-COs) with posterior column reconstruction.

Methods: 82 consecutive adult 3-COs (66 patients) with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. All cases underwent posterior 3-COs with two-rod constructs.

Posterior Versus Three-Column Osteotomy for Late Correction of Residual Coronal Deformity in Patients With Previous Fusions for Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objective: To compare the early results of posterior column (PCO) and three-column (3CO) osteotomies performed in patients with previously fused idiopathic scoliosis and review their abilities to achieve coronal correction of residual deformities.

Summary Of Background Data: Residual deformity of previously fused AIS can accelerate adjacent segment degeneration secondary to lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt and rotation.

T12 Sagittal Tilt Predicts Thoracic Kyphosis.

Study Design: Retrospective review and analysis of lateral long cassette radiographs.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to assess whether certain radiographic features routinely seen on lumbar radiographs can predict a structural thoracic deformity.

Summary Of Background Data: Obtaining proper sagittal alignment is an essential factor contributing to favorable clinical outcomes following spinal deformity surgery.

The Deformity Angular Ratio: Does It Correlate With High-Risk Cases for Potential Spinal Cord Monitoring Alerts in Pediatric 3-Column Thoracic Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery?

Study Design: A retrospective analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the deformity angular ratio (DAR) can reliably assess the neurological risks of patients undergoing deformity correction.

Summary Of Background Data: Identifying high-risk patients and procedures can help ensure that appropriate measures are taken to minimize neurological complications during spinal deformity corrections.

Tension Pneumothorax as a Complication of Inadvertent Pleural Tears During Posterior Spinal Surgery.

Objective: To review and expose the occurrences of tension pneumothorax as a result of pleural tear during posterior spinal surgery.

Methods: Intraoperative reports were retrospectively reviewed for 2 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and experienced pleural tear and subsequent tension pneumothorax. Surgical decisions for recognition and treatment were also reviewed.

Comparison of pedicle subtraction and Smith-Petersen osteotomies in correcting thoracic kyphosis when closed with a central hook-rod construct.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis.

Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of hook-rod constructs in closing thoracic osteotomies safely and effectively.

Summary Of Background Data: The outcomes of hook-rod instrumentation in osteotomies for the correction of kyphosis at the lumbar region of the spine have been described.

Modified T4 hemivertebrectomy for persistent high left shoulder after surgery for double thoracic scoliosis.

Study Design: Case report.

Objective: To surgically regain shoulder balance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after loss of alignment after posterior fusion for Lenke II deformity correction.

Summary Of Background Data: Shoulder balance is known to have a large effect on patient satisfaction after deformity correction.