Adult Congenital Lumbar Kyphosis Requiring Anteroposterior Correction and Fusion: A Case Report with 32-Year Follow-Up

Congenital pure kyphosis due to failure of vertebral body segmentation is a relatively rare entity, and surgical intervention is infrequent compared to that for failure of vertebral body formation [1] [2]. There are very few reports of long-term follow-up of surgical treatment in patients with congenital pure kyphosis, and all the reported cases were diagnosed as failure of formation and had an age at the time of surgery of less than 18 years. It is important for orthopedic surgeons to follow the postoperative course of rare cases over 30 years. Here, we present a surgically treated case with ultra-long term follow-up of a 50-year-old patient with congenital pure kyphosis of the lumbar spine. Imaging of the lumbar spine showed six vertebrae and an unsegmented bar at L3-4 causing a pure kyphosis of 54°. The wedge-shaped block vertebra had 4 pedicles with the neural foramen between the pedicles without concomitant disc space, with compensatory thoracic hypokyphosis and lower lumbar hyperlordosis. One-stage correction and fusion surgery using anterior opening and posterior closing osteotomy was successfully performed. Both clinical and radiographic results were excellent and have been maintained for over 30 years postoperatively. The basic principle in the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity is to achieve and maintain a good global sagittal balance over time. This case reaffirms the importance of spinopelvic harmony.

360° fusion for realignment of high grade cervical kyphosis by one step surgery: Case report

Surgical treatment for cervical kyphotic deformity is still controversial. Circumferential approach has been well described in the literature but long terms outcomes are not well reported. Important to decide the correct treatment option is the preoperative radiological exams to value the type of deformity(flexible or fixed). We report the case of a 67-year-old woman affected by a severe cervical kyphotic deformity who underwent combined anterior/posterior surgical approach, getting a good reduction of the deformity and an optimal stability in a long term follow up.

Anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion for cervical kyphosis in a girl with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Spinal deformities in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(EDS; type VI) are generally progressive and severe. Surgical treatment has been described for kyphoscoliosis in the thoracolumbar spine. However, there are few studies describing the consequences of an anterior approach in cervical kyphosis. An anterior approach may not be able to fully decompress the spinal canal and restore the normal curvature of the cervical spine. Therefore, the anterior approach for cervical kyphosis in young children is hard. We describe the first case in an EDS girl with cervical kyphosis who received satisfactory anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion.CASE SUMMARY The chief complaints of a 16-year-old girl with EDS were double upper limb weakness for 7 years and double lower limb walking instability for 2 years.Moreover, the imaging results revealed that the degree of kyphosis from cervical vertebra 2 to 4 accompanying with spinal cord compression was 30°. An anterior cervical corpectomy involving cervical vertebra 3 and a titanium mesh implant were performed with internal fixation. The results at 3 mo after surgery demonstrated that the anterior fusion was solid, and the kyphosis of the cervical spine was corrected. Additionally, the power of all four extremities was significantly improved.CONCLUSION The incidence rate of cervical kyphosis in EDS is rare. The surgical treatment for these patients, especially an anterior approach, is challenging. Therefore, to develop safer and more effective strategies to treat cervical kyphosis in EDS,there is still much work to do.

Clinical Application and Exploration on Steps Progressively Corrections and Gradual Shortening Combined with Total Spinal Osteotomy for Angular Kyphosis—Basic Research and Clinical Application

Introduction: This study is designed to explore the biomechanical principles of posterior bilateral pedicle screw on steps progressively and tight closure on every step for severe angular kyphosis and the indication conditions and clinical pathways of above new technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients have severe angular kyphosis, 37 males and 53 females, with an average age of 47 years. All patients were treated with posterior bilateral pedicle screw and step tight closure for gradual shortening and orthopedic technology. Results: Average intraoperative blood loss was 2089 ml. Average operation time was 326 minutes. Kyphotic angle changed from 90.1° averagely preoperatively to 41.6° averagely postoperatively with an improvement rate of 65%. The distance from C7 plumb line to posterior upper edge of the S1 vertebral body was averagely 5.2 mm postoperatively, with a correction rate of 73%. Neurological complications occurred in 2 cases, accounting for 6%. Non-neurological complications occurred in 2 cases, accounting for 6%. Anatomical parameters were significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). All patients were averagely followed up for 28 months. Segments undergoing osteotomy achieved bone fusion, without loss of orthopedic angle. Conclusions: The orthopedic technology of bilateral pedicle screw and step tight closure designed by human physiology and biomechanical principles can protect spinal cord cells from injury to the utmost. To choose an appropriate osteotomy plane during pre-surgical planning can make the repair results closer to the normal function of the spine. Intraoperative nerve root protection, full release and bone graft fusion are effective safeguards to ensure kyphosis correction and to avoid spine lateral offset.

Clinical Analysis of Posterior V-osteotomy in the Treatment of Traumatic Kyphosis

Objective:To analyze the effect of posterior V-osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic kyphosis.Methods:From August 2018 to August 2020,40 patients with kyphosis were randomly divided into observation group and control group.Results:The postoperative Cobb angle of the observation group was(8.29±1.24)°better than that of the control group(15.68±2.73)°,P<0.05;The preoperative Cobb angle of the observation group was(49.78±4.15)°compared with that of the control group(50.11±4.23)°,P>0.05;The incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate in the observation group were 5.00%and 5.00%respectively,which were lower than 25.00%and 30.00%in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Posterior V-osteotomy for traumatic kyphosis can improve Cobb angle,reduce the risk of postoperative complications and recurrence,which is safe and feasible.

Radiological Analysis of Thoracolumbar Junctional Degenerative Kyphosis in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis

Background： Thoracolumbar junction （TLJ） is the transitional area between the lower thoracic spine and the upper lumbar spine. Vertebral compression fractures and proximal junctional kyphosis following spine surgery often occur in this area. Therefore, the study of development and mechanisms of thoracolumbar junctional degeneration is important for planning surgical management. This study aimed to review radiological parameters of thoracolumbar junctional degenerative kyphosis （TLJDK） in patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis and to analyze compensatory mechanisms of sagittal balance. Methods： From January 2016 to March 2017, patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis were enrolled in this radiographic study. Patients were divided into two groups according to thoracolumbar junctional angle （TLJA）： the non-TLJDK （NTLJDK） group （TLJA 〈10°） and the TLJDK group （TLJA≥10°）. Complete spinopelvic radiographic parameters were analyzed and compared between two groups. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients and independent two-sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used. Results： Atotal of 77 patients with symptomatic sagittal imbalance due to lumbar degenerative kyphosis were enrolled in this study. There were 34 patients in NTLJDK group （TLJA 〈10°） and 43 patients in TLJDK group （TLJA ≥10°）. The median angle of lumbar lordosis （LL） in the NTLJDK or TLJDK groups was 23.40° （18.50°, 29.48°） or 19.50° （13.30°, 24.55°）, respectively. The median TLJAs in all patients and both groups were -11.20° （-14.60°, -4.80°）, -3.70° （-7.53°, -1.73°）, and -14.30° （-17.45°, -13.00°）, respectively. In the NTLJDK group, LLwas correlated with thoracic kyphosis （TK; r = -0.400, P = 0.019）, sacral slope （SS; r = 0.681, P 〈 0.001）, and C7-sagittal vertical axis （r = -0.402, P = 0.018）. In the TLJDK group, LL was correlated with TK （r = -0.345, P = 0.024）, SS （r = 0.595, P 〈 0.001）, and pelvic tilt （r = -0.363, P = 0.017）. There were significant differences in LL, TLJA, TK, SS, and pelvic incidence （PI） between two groups. Conclusions：Although TLJDK is common in patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis, it might be generated by special characteristics of morphology and biomechanics of the TLJ. To maintain sagittal balance, pelvis back tilt might be more important in patients with TLJDK, whereas thoracic curve changes might be more important in patients without TLJDK.

Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy with a Cage Prevents Sagittal Translation in the Correction of Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background： Sagittal translation （ST） is an accidental event that surgeons commonly encounter during a spinal osteotomy in the correction of kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis （AS）. However, there is a paucity of effective techniques to prevent ST. The purpose of this study was to propose a pedicle subtraction osteotomy （PSO） with a cage as a method to prevent ST and to explore the efficacy and feasibility of this method in the treatment of kyphosis in AS. Methods： We retrospectively reviewed 89 consecutive patients with AS kyphosis who underwent a PSO （Group B, 46 patients） or a PSO with a cage （Group A, 43 patients） from February 2009 to December 2013. Pre- and post-operative radiographic results were reviewed. ST and complications were analyzed in both groups. Clinical assessment was performed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 （SRS-22） outcomes metric. The patients were followed up for at least 2 years. Results： Group A achieved the same re-alignment of the kyphotic spine as Group B. Two （4.7%） of the 43 patients in Group A and 14 （30.4%） of the 46 patients in Group B had intraoperative ST （2＂2 = 10.020, P = 0.002）. Significant differences were identified between the two groups in the height change of the osteotomized column. SRS-22 scores improved significantly in both groups. Seven patients experienced neurologic complications （1 in Group A and 6 in Group B）. Eight patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage （2 in Group A and 6 in Group B）. Conclusion： PSO with a cage significantly avoided ST during the osteotomy procedure and might represent a new, safe, and feasible choice tbr treating patients with AS kyphosis.

Correction of severe post-traumatic kyphosis by posterior vertebra column resection

Background Post-traumatic kyphosis is a common potential complication of spinal trauma and correct management of this problem is becoming ever more impcrtant.Although posterior vertebra column resection has been increasingly adopted to correct severe spinal deformity,no series of reports were found on severe post-traumatic kyphosis in the thoracolumbar region.Therefore,the present cohort retrospective study is presented to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of posterior vertebra column resection with instrument fusion performed in patients with severe post-traumatic kyphosis.Methods From May 2004 to May 2006,53 patients（38 male,1 5 female）at an average age of 37.6 years（range,24 to 66 years）,were surgically treated for symptomatic post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis with a posterior wedge closing osteotomy at our hospital.Among them,5 consecutive adult patients with severe post-traumatic kyphosis were included in this study.Operation time, blood lOSS and complications were noted in each case.Radiographic documentation was made on the basis of standing anterior-posterior（AP）and lateral views and three dimensional reconstruction images of computed tomography （CT） scans were used to further identify the apex region of a sharp angular deformity.Sagittal correction was assessed in terms of effective regional deformity（ERD）for the injury Ievel.Assessment of radiological fusion at follow-up was based on the presence of trabecular bone bridging at the osteotomy site according to Brantigan.Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments were performed by using Oswestw disability index（ODI）, back pain was rated in all patients by the visual analog scale （VAS） preoperatively,postoperatively and at the latest follow-up.Results The mean operating time was 265 minutes（220-408 minutes）,with an average blood loss of 1 362 ml （870-2570 m1）.Each patient finished at least two years of follow-up.The average ERD significantly decreased from 69°（58°-86°）,preoperatively to 4°（1°-8°） after surgery （P=0.01 7）;with a mean correction of 65°.ERD averaged 1 0.4°（7°-1 7°）at the latest follow-up with a mean loss of 6.4°.VAS and ODI scores improved from preoperative 7.4（6.0-9.0） and 55.2（48.0-60.0） to 2.3（1.0-4.0） and 1 2.2（7.0-18.0）at the latest follow-up.Full bone fusion was achieved in all patients.Complications occurred in two patients：one had a transient weakness of the Ieft side lower extremity and the symptom improved spontaneously without further treatment within one month;the other patient suffered a deep wound infection three weeks after the operation,and recovered well by additional debridement,continuous perfusion and drainage.Conclusions Posterior vertebra column resection can satisfactorily correct severe post-traumatic kyphosis in thoracolumbar region.Nevertheless,this challenging procedure should be performed by experienced spinal surgeon to minimize complications.

The height of the osteotomy and the correction of the kyphotic angle in thoracolumbar kyphosis

Background This study investigated the relationship between the height of osteotomy and the correction of the kyphotic angle during posterior closing wedge osteotmy with instrumentation and the spinal osteotomy with cage inserting into the intervertebral gap and closing posteriorly by a single posterior approach in thoracolumbar kyphosis, and using this relationship as the basis of the preoperative design. Methods From April 1996 to June 2007, 30 thoracolumbar kyphosis patients with complete medical records and clear X-ray photograms have undergone operation. Of these 30 cases, 16 cases underwent posterior closing wedge osteotmy with instrumentation while the height of the osteotomy and the correction of the angle have been measured; 14 cases underwent spinal osteotomy with cage inserting into the intervertebral gap and closing posteriorly by a single posterior approach while the height of the osteotomy, the height and the place of the cage and the correction of the angle were also measured. A simple geometrical model was simulated to calculate the relationship between the height of the oeteotomy and the correction of the angle and these results are finally compared with the data coming from the actual measuring by the Wilcoxon statistic method. Results The distribution of data from the 16 cases by posterior closing wedge osteotomy with instrumentation was as such： 9 male and 7 female, the mean age was 49.2 years （range 38--70）, the kyphosis improved from an average of 30° （range 15°--45°） preoperatively to 4° （range -26°--30°） postoperatively, the kyphosis was corrected on average 2.5-0 per 1 mm in the height of the osteotomy. The results from the simple geometrical model were that the mean of the correction of the angle per 1 mm was 2.2°. As a result, there was no significant difference （P 〉0.05） when comparing the measurement collected with the result simulated from the geometric model. The distribution of data from the 14 cases by spinal osteotomy with cage inserting into the intervertebral gap and closing posteriorly by a single posterior approach was as such： 5 male and 9 female, the mean age was 35.3 years old （range 15--57）, the kyphosis improved from an average of 64°- （range 34°--95°） preoperatively to 8.70 （range -10°--22°） postoperatively. The kyphosis was corrected on average of 6.2°- per 1 mm in the height of the psteotomy. The results from the simple geometrical model is that the mean of the correction of the angle per 1 mm was 6.6°. There was also no significant difference （P 〉0.05） when comparing the measurement collected with the result simulated from the geometric model. Conclusions The therapeutic effect is significant for both posterior closing wedge osteotomy with instrumentation and spinal osteotomy with cage inserting into the intervertebral gap and closing posteriorly by a single posterior approach. The posterior closing wedge osteotomy with instrumentation is an easier approach with the mean angle of the correction per 1 mm of 2.5°- and the maximum angle of correction of 45°. The spinal osteotomy with cage inserting into the intervertebral gap and closing posteriorly by a single posterior approach is more efficient with the mean angle of correction per I mm of 6.2°. It should be reserved for the severe cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis. We can also use the formula to held us constructing Preoperative desiqn.

A modified posterior wedge osteotomy with interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis with Andersson lesions in ankylosing spondylitis:a 5-year follow-up study

Background:Andersson lesions(ALs),also known as spondylodiscities,destructive vertebral lesions and spinal pseudarthrosis,usually occur in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Inflammatory and traumatic causes have been proposed to define this lesion.Different surgical approaches including anterior,posterior,and combined anterior and posterior procedure have been used to address the complications,consisting of mechanical pain,kyphotic deformity,and neurologic deficits.However,the preferred surgical procedure remains controversial.The aim of this study was to illustrate the safety,efficacy,and feasibility of a modified posterior wedge osteotomy for the ALs with kyphotic deformity in AS.Methods:From June 2008 to January 2013,23 patients(18 males,5 females)at an average age of 44.8 years(range 25–69 years)were surgically treated for thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS via a modified posterior wedge osteotomy in our department.All sagittal balance parameters were assessed by standing lateral radiography of the whole spine before surgery and during the followup period.Assessment of radiologic fusion at follow-up was based on the Bridwell interbody fusion grading system.Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life(ASQoL)and visual analog scale(VAS)scores were performed to evaluate improvements in daily life function and back pain pre-operatively and post-operatively.Paired t tests were used to compare clinical data change in parametric values before and after surgery and the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for non-parametric comparisons.The radiographic data change was evaluated by repeated measure analysis of variance.Results:The mean operative duration was 205.4 min(range 115–375 min),with an average blood loss of 488.5 mL(range 215–880 mL).Radiographical and clinical outcomes were assessed after a mean of 61.4 months of follow-up.The VAS back pain and ASQoL scores improved significantly in all patients(7.52±1.31 vs.1.70±0.70,t=18.30,P<0.001;13.87±1.89 vs.7.22±1.24,t=18.53,P<0.001,respectively).The thoracolumbar kyphosis(TLK)changed from 40.03±17.61°pre-operatively to 13.86±6.65°post-operatively,and 28.45±6.63°at final follow-up(F=57.54,P<0.001),the thoracic kyphosis(TK)changed from 52.30±17.62°pre-operatively to 27.76±6.50°post-operatively,and 28.45±6.63°at final follow-up(F=57.29,P<0.001),and lumbar lordosis(LL)changed from29.56±9.73°pre-operatively to20.58±9.71°post-operatively,and20.73±10.27°at final follow-up(F=42.50,P<0.001).Mean sagittal vertical axis(SVA)was improved from 11.82±4.55 cm pre-operatively to 5.12±2.42 cm post-operatively,and 5.03±2.29 cm at final follow-up(F=79.36,P<0.001).No obvious loss of correction occurred,according to the lack of significant differences in the sagittal balance parameters between post-operatively and the final follow-up in all patients(TK:27.76±6.50°vs.28.45±6.63°,TLK:13.86±6.65°vs.14.42±6.7°,LL:20.58±9.71°vs.20.73±10.27°,and SVA:5.12±2.42 cm vs.5.03±2.29 cm,all P>0.05,respectively).Conclusions:The modified posterior wedge osteotomy is an accepted surgical procedure for treating thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS and results in satisfactory local kyphosis correction,solid fusion,and good clinical outcomes.

Surgical staged treatment for moderate to severe adolescent cervical kyphosis

Adolescent cervical kyphosis refers to manifestation characterized by loss of physiological cervical lordosis with involvement of multiple cervical vertebrae. There is no standard treatment strategy for this disease, especially in those patients who need surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical staged treatment for moderate to severe adolescents cervical kyphosis. Methods A total of 26 adolescent with cervical kyphosis were retrospectively assigned into following two groups according to the magnitude of kyphosis： moderate group （n=17）, the Cobb angle was 46.6°±4.8°. The surgical procedure was that skull traction was first carried out for 5-7 days and then the anterior fusion and instrumentation were performed. Severe group （n=-9）, the Cobb angle was 61.6°±4.8°. The treatment strategy was that the anterior release were first performed, followed by skull traction for 7-10 days, and then anterior fusion were performed. Radiographic evaluation was performed postoperatively. Results Three days after surgery, the X-ray examination showed that the Cobb angle was -8.9°±6.8° in the moderate group and -6.0°±6.3° in the severe group. The deformed appearance was obviously corrected, with neck pain and neurologic function improved significantly. Further magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） indicated the physiology curvature of the cervical spine had been reconstructed. Conclusion Surgical staged treatment may be an ideal therapeutic intervention for cervical kyphosis patients with a Cobb angle exceeding 35° in adolescents.

Tuberculosis of the spine

Pott’s spine,commonly known as spinal tuberculosis(TB),is an extrapulmonary form of TB caused by Mycobacterium TB.Pott’s paraplegia occurs when the spine is involved.Spinal TB is usually caused by the hematogenous spread of infection from a central focus,which can be in the lungs or another location.Spinal TB is distinguished by intervertebral disc involvement caused by the same segmental arterial supply,which can result in severe morbidity even after years of approved therapy.Neurological impairments and spine deformities are caused by progressive damage to the anterior vertebral body.The clinical,radiographic,microbiological,and histological data are used to make the diagnosis of spinal TB.In Pott’s spine,combination multidrug antitubercular therapy is the basis of treatment.The recent appearance of multidrug-resistant/extremely drug-resistant TB and the growth of human immunodeficiency virus infection have presented significant challenges in the battle against TB infection.Patients who come with significant kyphosis or neurological impairments are the only ones who require surgical care.Debride-ment,fusion stabilization,and correction of spinal deformity are the cornerstones of surgical treatment.Clinical results for the treatment of spinal TB are generally quite good with adequate and prompt care.

Radiological imaging findings of scheuermann disease

AIM To find accompanying anomalies of typical and atypical Scheuermann's disease(SD) is reported in the present study. METHODS Study included 20 patients(16 men and 4 women) who had radiological imaging radiography, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and computed tomography, if available, due to back pain, curved back and low back pain in November 2011-February 2016 period. Patients were categorized into typical and atypical patterns based on the region involved. Thoracic kyphosis values were measured using real Cobb angle. Accompanying disc degeneration, herniations and spinal cord pathologies were studied using MRI.RESULTS Age of the patients ranged from 11.0 to 23.0(mean 17.2 ± 3.0). Typical pattern of SD were detected in 15 patients while atypical pattern were detected in 5 patients. Cobb angle range was 40.2-67.2(mean 55.5 ± 8.7) in typical Scheuermann's patients and 24.7-49.9(mean 36.7 ± 10.8) in atypical ones. Intervertebral level was affected and had the measures of 3-8(mean 5.3 ± 1.6) and 7-9(mean 8.2 ± 0.8) in typical and atypical Scheuermann's patients, respectively. Level of degenerative disc disease in MRI was 1-7 discs(mean 4.1 ± 1.7) in typical patients and 5-10 discs(mean 7.6 ± 1.9) in atypical patients.CONCLUSION SD can be seen in typical and atypical patterns, typical being more frequent. Because degenerative disc diseases,herniations and cord pathologies such as syringomyelia can accompany SD(albeit more common in atypical pattern), it is necessary to evaluate these patients with plain radiography and MRI together.

One-stage Surgical Treatment for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis by Transpedicular Fixation, Debridement, and Combined Interbody and Posterior Fusion via a Posterior-only Approach

This study examined the clinical outcomes of one-stage surgical treatment for patients with spinal tuberculosis via a posterior-only approach. Twenty-four patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to adjacent segments were admitted to our hospital and treated. The American Spinal Injury Association（ASIA） impairment scale was used to assess the neurological function. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment via a posterior-only approach. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association（JOA） scores and oswestry disability index（ODI） of nerve function. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by measurement of spinal deformity using Cobb angle and radiological examination. All the patients were followed up for 13 to 27 months. They had significantly postoperative improvement in JOA score, ODI and ASIA classification scores. The kyphotic angles were significantly corrected and maintained at the final follow-up. Bone fusion was achieved within 4–12 months. It was concluded that one-stage surgical treatment via a posterior-only approach is effective and feasible for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.

Laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy enables enteral nutrition even in patients with distorted anatomy

AIM:To analyzed whether laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)could be a valuable option for patients with complicated anatomy.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of twelve patients(seven females,five males;six children,six young adults;mean age 19.2 years)with cerebral palsy,spastic quadriparesis,severe kyphoscoliosis and interposed organs and who required enteral nutrition(EN)due to starvation was performed.For all patients,standard PEG placement was impossible due to distorted anatomy.All the patients qualified for the laparoscopyassisted PEG procedure.RESULTS:In all twelve patients,the laparoscopy-assisted PEG was successful,and EN was introduced four to six hours after the PEG placement.There were no complications in the perioperative period,either technical or metabolic.All the patients were discharged from the hospital and were then effectively fed using bolus methods.CONCLUSION:Laparoscopy-assisted PEG should become the method of choice for gastrostomy tube placement and subsequent EN if PEG placement cannot be performed safely.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with anesthetic problems

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard operation for benign gallbladder disease. As experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy has increased, the procedure has become possible in patients with anesthetic problems. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis or severe kyphosis represent a challenging group to anesthesiologists and laparoscopic surgeons since these diseases are associated with difficult intubation, restrictive ventilatory defects, and cardiac problems. The relatively new approach of awake fiberoptic intubation is considered to be the safest option for patients with anticipated airway difficulties. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia but considerable difficulties in anesthetic management are encountered during laparoscopic surgery; for example, hemodynamic instability may develop in patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction due to pneumoperitoneum and position changes during the operation. Nonetheless, regional anesthesia can be considered as a valid option for patients with gallbladder disease who are poor candidates for general anesthesia due to cardiopulmonary problems. We report three cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy successfully performed in patients with anesthetic problems that included cardiopulmonary disease, severe kyphosis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

The impact of endplate fracture on postoperative vertebral height loss and kyphotic deformity during treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with balloon kyphoplasty

This retrospective study investigated the impact of endplate fracture on postoperative vertebral height loss and kyphotic deformity in 144 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture （OVCF）, who received balloon kyphoplasty. Patients were divided into four groups： Group 1 had no superior endplate fracture, Group 2 had fractures on the anterior portion of the superior endplate, Group 3 had fractures on the posterior portion of the superior endplate, and Group 4 had complete superior endplate fractures. Anterior and middle vertebral body height, vertebral compression ratio, vertebral height loss rate, and kyphosis Cobb angle of each patient were measured and visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） scores were recorded. The anterior vertebral height and kyphosis deformity of all groups significantly improved after the surgery, whereas substantial anterior vertebral height loss and increased Cobb angle were observed in all patients at the last follow-up. Although the vertebral height loss rate and the Cobb angle in Group 2, 3 and 4 were larger compared with Group 1 at the last follow-up, only the vertebral height loss rate in Group 4 and the increase in the Cobb angle in Group 2 and 4 were statistically different from those in Group 1. The VAS and ODI scores in all groups measured after the surgery and at the last follow-up were significantly lower compared with preoperative scores, but there was no significant difference among these groups. Balloon kyphoplasty significantly improved vertebral fracture height and kyphosis. Vertebral height loss and increased kyphotic deformity were observed in OVCF patients with endplate fractures after the surgery. Postoperative aggravation of kyphosis was observed in Group 2. Furthermore, severe vertebral height loss and increased kyphotic deformity were confirmed in Group 4 after the surgery. Our results suggested that postoperative vertebral height loss and aggravation of kyphosis may be associated with biomechanical changes in the vertebral body caused by endplate fracture. Therefore, surgery should not only restore compressed vertebral body height and correct kyphosis, but also correct the deformity of endplate to achieve an effective treatment of OVCF patients with endplate fracture.

Effects of obesity on breast size,thoracic spine structure and function,upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women

Purpose:This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size,thoracic spine structure and function,upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community.Methods:A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups(Not Overweight:body mass index(BMI)=22.5±0.2 kg/m^2(mean±SE);Overweight:BMI=27.4±0.3 kg/m^2;Obese:BMI=35.4±0.3 kg/m^2).Outcome variables of breast volume(mL),thoracic flexion torque(N·m),thoracic kyphosis(degrees),upper torso musculoskeletal pain(score) and time spent in physical activity(min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups,adjusting for between-group differences in age.Results:There was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables.Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts,had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight.Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight.Conclusion:This study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine,as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community.We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity.

Spinal alignment evolution with age:A prospective gait analysis study

AIM To describe,using gait analysis,the development of spinal motion in the growing child.METHODS Thirty-six healthy children aged from 3 to 16 years old were included in this study for a gait analysis(9m-walk).Various kinematic parameters were recorded and analyzed such as thoracic angle(TA),lumbar angle(LA)and sagittal vertical axis(SVA).The kinetic parameters were the net reaction moments(N.m/kg)at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions.RESULTS TA and LA curves were not statistically correlated to the age(respectively,P=0.32 and P=0.41).SVA increased significantly with age(P<0.001).Moments in sagittal plane at the lumbosacral junction were statistically correlated to the age(P=0.003),underlining the fact that sagittal mechanical constraints at the lumbosacral junction increase with age.Moments in transversal plane at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions were statistically correlated to the age(P=0.0002and P=0.0006),revealing that transversal mechanical constraints decrease with age.CONCLUSION The kinetic analysis showed that during growth,a decrease of torsional constraint occurs while an increase of sagittal constraint is observed.These changes in spine biomechanics are related to the crucial role of the trunk for bipedalism acquisition,allowing stabilization despite lower limbs immaturity.With the acquisition of mature gait,the spine will mainly undergo constraints in the sagittal plane.

Spinal pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed sagittal imbalance patients

In addressing spinal sagittal imbalance through a posterior approach, the surgeon now may choose from among a variety of osteotomy techniques. Posterior column osteotomies such as the facetectomy or Ponte or Smith-Petersen osteotomy provide the least correction, but can be used at multiple levels with minimal blood loss and a lower operative risk. Pedicle subtraction osteotomies provide nearly 3 times the per-level correction of Ponte/Smith-Petersen osteotomies; however, they carry increased technical demands, longer operative time, and greater blood loss and associated significant morbidity, including neurological injury. The literature focusing on pedicle subtraction osteotomy for fixed sagittal imbalance patients is reviewed. The longterm overall outcomes, surgical tips to reduce the complications and suggestions for their proper application are also provided.