Long-term reoperation rates following spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis in nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: To describe the incidence of reoperation and factors contributing to surgical revision within a minimum of 10 years after spinal fusion for scoliosis in patients with nonambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive nonambulatory patients with CP who underwent primary spinal fusion at a single specialty care center with a minimum of 10 years from their index surgery (surgery dates 2001-2011). Causes of reoperation were classified as implant failure/pseudoarthrosis, surgical site infection (SSI), proximal junctional kyphosis, prominent/symptomatic implants, and implant removal.

Safety and feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation stratified by corticospinal organization in children with hemiparesis.

Children with hemiparesis (CWH) due to stroke early in life face lifelong impairments in motor function. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be a safe and feasible adjuvant therapy to augment rehabilitation. Given the variability in outcomes following tDCS, tailored protocols of tDCS are required.

[Challenges in pain assessment and management among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities : German version].

Introduction: Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) include conditions associated with physical, learning, language, behavioural, and/or intellectual impairment. Pain is a common and debilitating secondary condition compromising functional abilities and quality of life.

Objectives: This article addresses scientific and clinical challenges in pain assessment and management in individuals with severe IDD.

Evidence of altered salivary cytokine concentrations in Rett syndrome and associations with clinical severity.

Background: Immune dysregulation may play a role in the development of Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations of the MECP2 gene. Abnormal cytokine concentrations have been documented in the serum of individuals with RTT. Measurement of salivary cytokines has been investigated as a potential alternative approach to measurement in blood and serum, but it is unclear whether salivary cytokine concentrations can provide valid information about systemic immune function in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Efficacy of Peristeen® transanal irrigation system for neurogenic bowel in the pediatric population.

This study demonstrates significantly improved bowel symptoms and satisfaction with Peristeen® use in pediatric patients with neurogenic bowel. The longer patients used Peristeen®, the greater the reduction in severity of their Neurogenic bowel and the greater the satisfaction with their bowel management.

Association of back pain and pelvic tilt during gait in individuals with cerebral palsy.

Background: Back pain prevalence may increase with lumbar lordosis during standing in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Multiple interventions undertaken in individuals with CP have been shown to increase anterior pelvic tilt.

Research Question: Are pelvic tilt and trunk tilt (proxy measurements for lumbar lordosis) during gait associated with back pain prevalence in ambulatory individuals with CP?

Methods: A retrospective investigation was performed among all patients with cerebral palsy visiting a single clinical motion analysis laboratory over a 3.

Microvascular decompression with partial occipital condylectomy in a case of pediatric spasmodic torticollis.

Spasmodic torticollis is a rare, neurologic disorder that is caused by abnormal nerve compression of the 11th cranial nerve by blood vessels or bony protrusions. It is typically treated pharmacologically and, if necessary, with surgical intervention. We report a unique case of spasmodic torticollis in a 15-year-old female that involved abnormal compression of the left 11th cranial nerve (CN) by the left vertebral artery, displaced by a hypertrophic left occipital condyle.

Selective Thoracic Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Long-Term Radiographic and Functional Outcomes.

Introduction: Selective thoracic fusions (STFs) were introduced by Moe to treat the structural thoracic curve when a more flexible lumbar component existed. It is unknown how the curves behave and how the patients function beyond 20 years after surgery.

Methods: Of the 152 eligible patients with STF, 67 were traced and contacted and 40 completed outcome questionnaires (Oswestry Disability index [ODI], Scoliosis Research Society-30 [SRS-30]) and had follow-up standing radiographs.

Synergistic effect of combined transcranial direct current stimulation/constraint-induced movement therapy in children and young adults with hemiparesis: study protocol.

Background: Perinatal stroke occurs in more than 1 in 2,500 live births and resultant congenital hemiparesis necessitates investigation into interventions which may improve long-term function and decreased burden of care beyond current therapies ( http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/data.

Spinal Deformity Associated with Chiari Malformation.

Despite the frequency of Chiari-associated spinal deformities, this disease process remains poorly understood. Syringomyelia is often present; however, this is not necessary and scoliosis has been described in the absence of a syrinx. Decompression of the hindbrain is often recommended.