Safety and efficacy of waterproof casting for early onset scoliosis.

Purpose: The efficacy of traditional Mehta casting in the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) is well-established. However, waterproof casting has not been previously described. Inherent advantages of waterproof casting include clearance for bathing/swimming, avoiding cast holidays, and improved family satisfaction.

Waterproof Hip Spica Casts for Pediatric Femur Fractures.

Background: Hip spica casting is the treatment of choice for femur fractures in children ages 6 months to 5 years. Traditional spica (TS) casting utilizes cotton padding that precludes patient bathing. Waterproof (WP) casting has inherent advantages, including clearance for bathing and improved family satisfaction.

Concave rod first vs. convex rod first in AIS instrumentation with differential rod contouring: computer modeling and simulations based on ten AIS surgical cases.

Purpose: To assess biomechanical differences between AIS instrumentations using concave vs. convex rod first.

Methods: Instrumentations of ten AIS patients were simulated first with major correction maneuvers using the concave rod then with convex rod.

Biomechanical analysis of rod contouring in posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for 3D correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Purpose: To biomechanically evaluate 3D corrective forces and deformity correction attributable to key parameters of rod contouring in posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods: Computerised patient-specific biomechanical models of six AIS cases were used to simulate PSF and evaluate the effects of 5.5-mm cobalt-chrome rod contouring angle (concave-convex angles: 30°-15°, 45°-15° and 60°-15°), length (spanning 4 and 7 vertebrae), and apex location (T7, T9).