Comparison of Anteroposterior to Posterior-Only Correction of Scheuermann's Kyphosis: A Matched-Pair Radiographic Analysis of 92 Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographic benchmark study.

Objective: To evaluate the amount of instrumented correction obtained from a combined anterior/posterior (A/P) versus posterior-only (post-only) approach for Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Summary Of Background Data: An A/P approach was thought to optimize correction; however, instrumentation advances using pedicle screws allow treatment through an all-posterior approach.

Analysis of postoperative pain at the anterior iliac crest harvest site: a prospective study of the intraoperative local administration of ropivacaine.

Study Design: This was a prospective randomized comparative study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to objectify donor site-related pain following anterior iliac crest graft harvesting, in patients who have undergone multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating (ACDFP); and to assess the effect of an intraoperative local single injection of ropivacaine on postoperative pain.

Overview Of Literature: Multilevel ACDFP can be associated with a high non-union rate.

Construct stability of an instrumented 2-level cervical corpectomy model following fatigue testing: biomechanical comparison of circumferential antero-posterior instrumentation versus a novel anterior-only transpedicular screw-plate fixation technique.

Introduction: A high rate of complications in multilevel cervical surgery with corpectomies and anterior-only screw-and-plate stabilization is reported. A 360°-instrumentation improves construct stiffness and fusion rates, but adds the morbidity of a second approach. A novel ATS-technique (technique that used anterior transpedicular screw placement) was recently described, yet no study to date has analyzed its performance after fatigue loading.

Scoliosis and chest cage deformity measures predicting impairments in pulmonary function: a cross-sectional study of 492 patients with scoliosis to improve the early identification of patients at risk.

Study Design: This study examines the correlations between pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and radiographical measures of spinal deformities in patients with scoliosis.

Objective: To define the parameters that enable more accurate predictions of restricted pulmonary function (PF) in patients with scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: The early identification of patients with scoliosis who are at risk of developing severe curve progression and restricted PF is critical to improving patient care.

Impact of constrained dual-screw anchorage on holding strength and the resistance to cyclic loading in anterior spinal deformity surgery: a comparative biomechanical study.

Study Design: Biomechanical in vitro laboratory study.

Objective: To compare the biomechanical performance of 3 fixation concepts used for anterior instrumented scoliosis correction and fusion (AISF).

Summary Of Background Data: AISF is an ideal estimate for selective fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The impact of a distal expansion mechanism added to a standard pedicle screw on pullout resistance. A biomechanical study.

Background Context: Spinal deformity surgery in elderly patients is associated with an increased risk of implant loosening due to failure at the screw-bone interface. Several techniques can be used to increase the screw anchorage characteristics. Cement-augmented screw fixation was shown to be the most efficient method; however, this technique is associated with a risk of complications related to vertebral cement deposition and leakage.

In vivo analysis of cervical kinematics after implantation of a minimally constrained cervical artificial disc replacement.

Introduction: To better understand cervical kinematics following cervical disc replacement (CDR), the in vivo behavior of a minimally constrained CDR was assessed.

Methods: Radiographic analysis of 19 patients undergoing a 1-level CDR from C4-5 to C6-7 (DISCOVER, Depuy-Spine, USA) was performed. Neutral-lateral and flexion-extension radiographs obtained at preop, postop and late follow-up were analyzed for segmental angle and global angle (GA C2-7).

The impact of halo-gravity traction on curve rigidity and pulmonary function in the treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis: a clinical study and narrative review of the literature.

Introduction: The treatment of rigid and severe scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis is a surgical challenge. Presurgical halo-gravity traction (HGT) achieves an increase in curve flexibility, a reduction in neurologic risks through gradual traction on a chronically tethered cord and an improvement in preoperative pulmonary function. However, little is known with respect to the ideal indications for HGT, its appropriate duration, or its efficacy in the treatment of rigid deformities.

Individualized antibiotic prophylaxis reduces surgical site infections by gram-negative bacteria in instrumented spinal surgery.

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) can be a challenging complication after posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSFI). An increasing rate of SSI by gram-negative bacteria (GNB) has been observed. Current guideline recommendations have not been effective for preventing infection by these microorganisms.

Spinal surgery in patients with Parkinson's disease: experiences with the challenges posed by sagittal imbalance and the Parkinson's spine.

Only a few reports exist concerning biomechanical challenges spine surgeons face when treating Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with spinal deformity. We recognized patients suffering from spinal deformity aggravated by the burden of PD to stress the principles of sagittal balance in surgical treatment. Treatment of sagittal imbalance in PD is difficult due to brittle bone and (the neuromuscular disorder) with postural dysfunction.