Implications of Pediatric Chest Wall Surgery on the Risk of Developing of Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, is commonly encountered in orthopedic and multidisciplinary settings, with idiopathic scoliosis being the most diagnosed form. Complications arising from thoracic chest wall surgeries, including thoracotomy and sternotomy, often include scoliosis among other complications. However, reported prevalence rates of scoliosis following chest wall surgery vary widely. This study aims to compare the prevalence of scoliosis in children who have undergone chest wall surgery to the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in the general population, as well as to observe gender ratios and curve direction in post-surgery scoliosis cases. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting scoliosis prevalence post chest wall surgery with follow-up times post-surgery. The search yielded 30 articles, all retrospective institutional cohort studies published between 1975 and 2024. Despite heterogeneity in study characteristics, the analysis revealed a 19% prevalence of acquired scoliosis among 5722 children who underwent chest wall surgery, higher than the reported 1% - 4% prevalence in the idiopathic population. Only three studies showed prevalence rates similar to the idiopathic population, possibly due to short follow-up periods. Further research with longer follow-up into skeletal maturity is warranted to better understand the implications of pediatric chest wall surgery on scoliosis development.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following scoliosis surgery: Its risk indicators and treatment strategy

AIM: To investigate the risk indicators, pattern of clinical presentation and treatment strategy of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after scoliosis surgery.METHODS: From July 1997 to October 2003, 640 patients with adolescent scoliosis who had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated prospectively, and among them seven patients suffered from SMAS after operation. Each patient was assigned a percentile for weight and a percentile for height. Values of the 5th、 10th、 25th、 50th、 75th、 and 95thpercentiles were selected to divide the observations. The sagittal Cobb angle was used to quantify thoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis. All the seven patients presented with nausea and intermittent vomiting about 5 d after operation.An upper gastrointestinal barium contrast study showed a straight-line cutoff at the third portion of the duodenum representing extrinsic compression by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).RESULTS: The value of height in the seven patients with SMAS was above the mean of sex- and age-matchednormal population, and the height percentile ranged from 5% to 50%. On the contrary, the value of weight was below the mean of normal population with the weight percentile ranging from 5% to 25%. Among the seven patients, four had a thoracic hyperkyphosis ranging from 55° to 88°(average 72°), two had a thoracolumbar kyphosis of 25° and 32° respectively. The seven patients were treated with fasting, antiemetic medication, and intravenous fluids infusion. Reduction or suspense of traction was adopted in three patients with SMAS during halo-femoral traction after anterior release of scoliosis. All the patients recovered completely with no sequelae. No one required operative intervention with a laparotomy.CONCLUSION: Height percentile＜50% , weight percentile ＜25%, sagittal kyphosis, heavy and quick halo-femoral traction after spinal anterior release are the potential risk indicators for SMAS in patients undergoing correction surgery for adolescent scoliosis.

Benefits of the use of blood conservation in scoliosis surgery

AIM To investigate whether autologous blood transfusion(ABT) drains and intra-operative cell salvage reduced donor blood transfusion requirements during scoliosis surgery.METHODS Retrospective data collection on transfusion requirements of patients undergoing scoliosis surgery is between January 2006 and March 2010. There were three distinct phases of transfusion practice over this time: Group A received "traditional treatment" with allogeneic red cell transfusion(ARCT) in response to an intra- or postoperative anaemia(Hb < 8 g/d L or a symptomatic anaemia); Group B received intra-operative cell salvage in addition to "traditional treatment". In group C,ABT wound drains were used together with both intra-operative cell salvage and "traditional treatment".RESULTS Data from 97 procedures on 77 patients,there was no difference in mean preoperative haemoglobin levels between the groups(A: 13.1 g/d L; B: 13.49 g/d L; C: 13.66 g/d L). Allogeneic red cell transfusion was required for 22 of the 37 procedures(59%) in group A,17 of 30(57%) in group B and 16 of 30(53%) in group C. There was an overall 6% reduction in the proportion of patients requiring an ARCT between groups A and C but this was not statistically significant(χ2 = 0.398). Patientsin group C received fewer units(mean 2.19) than group B(mean 2.94)(P = 0.984) and significantly fewer than those in group A(mean 3.82)(P = 0.0322). Mean length of inpatient stay was lower in group C(8.65 d) than in groups B(12.83) or A(12.62).CONCLUSION When used alongside measures to minimise blood loss during surgery,ABT drains and intra-operative cell salvage leads to a reduced need for donor blood transfusion in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.

Posterior Selective Thoracic Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients:a Comparison of All Pedicle Screws versus Hybrid Instrumentation

Objective To analyze the influence of segmental pedicle screws versus hybrid instrumentation on the correction results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior selective thoracic fusion. Methods By reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent selective thoracic fusion from February 2000 to January 2007 in our hospital, the patients were divided into 2 groups according to different instrumentation fashions： Group A was hook-screw-rod （hybrid） internal fixation type, Group B was screw-rod （all pedicle screws） internal fixation type, and the screws were used in every segment on the concave side of the thoracic curve. The parameters of the scoliosis were measured and the correction results were analyzed. Results Totally, 48 patients （7 males, 41 females） were included, with an average age of 14.4 years old and a mean follow-up time of 12.3 months. Thirty and 18 patients were assigned to group A and group B, respectively. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the thoracic curve were 48.8° and 47.4°, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 13.7° and 6.8°, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 17.0° and 9.5°, with an average correction rate of 64.6% and 79.0%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A （P=0.003）. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the lumbar curve were 32.6° and 35.2°, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 8.6° and 8.3°, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 10.3° and 11.1°, with an average correction rate of 66.8% and 69.9%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A （P=0.003）. The correction loss of the thoracic curve and lumbar curve in the 2 groups were 3.1° and 1.8°, 2.4° and 2.4°, respectively. No significant difference was noted （both P〉0.05）. The decompensation rate at final follow-up in these 2 groups were 4% （1/25） and 7.1% （1/14） respectively, with no significant difference （P〉0.05）.

Reliability and concurrent validity of postural asymmetry measurement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

AIM To investigate the reliability and concurrent validity of the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis postural assessment in three anatomical planes.METHODS This is an observational reliability and concurrent validity study of adolescent referrals to the Orthopaedic department for scoliosis screening at KarolinskaUniversity Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden between MarchMay 2012. A total of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis(13.6 ± 0.6 years old) of mild-moderate curvatures(25°± 12°) were consecutively recruited. Measurement of cervical, thoracic and lumbar curvatures, pelvic and shoulder tilt, and axial thoracic rotation(ATR) were performed by two trained physiotherapists in one day. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) was used to determine the inter-examiner reliability(ICC2,1) and the intra-rater reliability(ICC3,3) of the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter. Spearman's correlation analyses were used to estimate concurrent validity between the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter and Gold Standard Cobb angles from radiographs and the Orthopaedic Systems Inc. Scoliometer.RESULTS There was excellent reliability between examiners for thoracic kyphosis(ICC2,1 = 0.94), ATR(ICC2,1 = 0.92) and lumbar lordosis(ICC2,1 = 0.79). There was adequate reliability between examiners for cervical lordosis(ICC2,1 = 0.51), however poor reliability for pelvic and shoulder tilt. Both devices were reproducible in the measurement of ATR when repeated by one examiner(ICC3,3 0.98-1.00). The device had a good correlation with the Scoliometer(rho = 0.78). When compared with Cobb angle from radiographs, there was a moderate correlation for ATR(rho = 0.627).CONCLUSION The Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter provides reliable transverse and sagittal cervical, thoracic and lumbar measurements and valid transverse plan measurements of mild-moderate scoliosis deformity.

Surgical advances in the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis

Neuromuscular disorders are a group of diseases affecting the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Children with neuromuscular disorders frequently develop progressive spinal deformities with cardio-respiratory compromise in the most severe cases. The incidence of neuromuscular scoliosis is variable, inversely correlated with ambulatory abilities and with a reported risk ranging from 80% to 100% in non-ambulatory patients. As surgical and peri-operative techniques have improved, more severely affected children with complex neuromuscular deformities and considerable co-morbidities are now believed to be candidates for extensive surgery for spinal deformity. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of how neuromuscular spinal deformities can affect normal spine balance and how these deformities can be treated with segmental instrumentation and sub-laminar devices. Older concepts have been integrated with newer scientific data to provide the reader with a basis for better understanding of how treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis has evolvedover the past few decades. Recent advances, as well as challenges that remain to be overcome, in the surgical treatment of neuromuscular curves with sub-laminar devices and in the management of post-operative infections are outlined.

Reliability of a Novel Cobb Protractor for Measuring the Cobb Angle of Radiograph in Scoliosis

Objective To introduce a novel Cobb protractor and assess its reliability and rapidity for measuring Cobb angle in scoliosis patients. Methods The novel Cobb protractor had two endplate markers. A measurement was performed just to align the two markers to each endplate of the curve. The Cobb angle on the posteroanterior radiographs of 24 patients clinically diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was measured by three orthopedic surgeons with both standard Cobb method and the new technique, and the time of measurement was recorded. Intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs) were calculated to assess the reliability of the new method. Results The time for a measurement with the new tool was approximately 10 seconds less than the time that used to finish a measurement with the standard method(P<0.05). The overall mean Cobb angle for the major curve of the 24 patients was 47.8°. The mean overall intraobserver and interobserver ICC was 0.971 and 0.971 for the Cobb method group, while the overall intraobserver ICC and the interobserver was 0.985 and 0.979 for the new tool group. Conclusions The novel Cobb protractor could perform quick measurement and measure almost all forms of radiographs. The Cobb protractor might be an ideal instrument to measure the Cobb angle.

Measurement of forces generated during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis

AIM: To measure the forces applied during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis(EOS), aimed at developing a motorized elongation device.METHODS: A consecutive series of measurements were carried out to analyze the forces applied by the surgeon during distraction of single growing-rods in 10 patients affected by EOS(mean age 8.3 years; range 6 to 10 years) undergoing the first distraction 6 months following implantation of the rods. For each measurement, output from the transducer of a dedicated pair of distraction calipers was recorded at zero load status and at every 1 mm of distraction, up to a maximum of 12 mm for each of the two connected rods.RESULTS: Twenty measurements were obtained showing a linear increase of the load with increasing distraction, with a mean peak force of 485 N at 12 mm distraction and a single reading over 500 N. We did not observe bone fractures or ligament disruptions during or after rod elongations. There was one case of superficial wound infection in the cohort.CONCLUSION: The safe peak force carrying capacity of a motorized device for distraction of growing-rods is 500 N.

Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Development, effectivity, safety and functional outcome

BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of Kümmell disease in lumbar scoliosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Due to mechanical imbalance in the spine,elderly scoliosis patients tend to develop vertebral fracture nonunion,i.e.,Kümmell disease,when osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures occur.However,accompanying vertebral rotational deformities make surgical procedures challenging risky.Such patients are usually compelled to undergo conservative treatment and there are very few reports on minimally invasive surgeries for them.We first-time report a patient with Kümmell disease and lumbar scoliosis treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)under O-arm guidance.CASE SUMMARY An 89-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to delayed low back pain after a fall.She was diagnosed with Kümmell disease based on physical and radiologic examinations.The patient experienced severe scoliosis and subsequently underwent O-arm-guided kyphoplasty,resulting in a significant alleviation of low back pain.CONCLUSION PKP has good efficacy in treating Kümmell disease.However,surgical risks are elevated in scoliosis patients with Kümmell disease due to the abnormal anatomical structure of the spine.O-arm assisted operations play a crucial role in decreasing surgical risks.

Radiographic, Pain, and Functional Outcomes in an Adult Post-Fusion Patient Using a Scoliosis Activity Suit: Comparative Results after 8 Months

There are few conservative treatment options for adult patients with idiopathic scoliosis who are status post-fusion surgery. These typically include pharmacologic pain management, epidural injections, and generalized CAM treatments such as massage and chiropractic manipulation in the non-fused areas of the spine. The purpose of this study was to compare the post-treatment results in an adult post-fusion patient who wore a scoliosis activity suit for 8 months. Pain was evaluated using a quadruple visual analog scale (QVAS), while function was measured using an SRS-22r questionnaire. After 8 months of wearing the scoliosis activity suit, her pain scores improved, here SRS-22r improved, and a significant correction in radiographic Cobb angle was observed. This case report is the first to document a Cobb angle change in an adult patient wearing a scoliosis activity suit who is status post-fusion. Given that pain and dysfunction are primary reasons for scoliosis treatment in the adult population, more studies need to address the disparity between available treatments for adult scoliosis and the incidence of adult scoliosis, especially in the post-meno-pausal population. Future prospective studies should consider evaluating treatment effects of this suit using intent-to-treat methodology.

Surgical strategy of one stage surgery of anterior release combined with posterior correction in treatment of severe scoliosis

Objective: Severe scoliosis refers to scoliosis with serious and stiff curve. It always combins with trunk imbalance in coronal and sagittal contour. Besides complex pathological changes, cardiopulmonary deficits and other concomitant diseases increase treatmental difficulties. So the treatment of severe scoliosis is always a great challenge to spine surgeon.Methods:Thirty-six patients with severe scoliosis received one stage posterior correction followed by anterior release during July 1997 to January 2003, including 9 males and 27 females. Mean age was 17.2 years. Of them, 33 was idiopathic scoliosis and 3 was neurofibromatosis scoliosis( Cobb angle: 85-116 degree); 20 cases were abnormal in sagital plane. Three-dimensional devised instrumentation were applied such as CD, CD-Horizon, TSRH or Isola in posterior procedure followed by anterior release during the same anesthesia. 31 cases of this group received thoracic plasty.Results: The correction in the frontal plane achieved an average of 48.5%. In the sagittal plane, the pathological shape of the spine was reduced and distinctly ameliorated. 80.6% of the patients maintained or achieved balance of sagittal plane. There were no complications of severe neurological deficit, hook displacement, rod broken, and deep infection at follow-up. One case occurred traumatic pleurisy after operation and another appeared pseudarthrosis 2 years later. One case demonstrated imbalance 11 months after operation. One patient was presented loss of correction more than 10 degree at one year follow-up and 5.2 degree in average.Conclusion:The study indicates that the one stage posterior correction combined with anterior release in treatment of severe scoliosis can achieve satisfactory correction. Appropriate choice of cases, preoperational detailed assessment and application of SEP and wake-up test during operation can possibly reduce severe complication. The long-term outcomes still need further observation.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF SCOLIOSIS CAUSED BY NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1

Objective To retrospectively analyze the relationship between curve types and clinical results in surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Methods Forty-five patients with scoliosis resulting from NF-1 were treated surgically from 1984 to 2002. Mean age at operation was 14.2 years. There were 6 nondystrophic curves and 39 dystrophic curves depended on their radiographic featu- res. According to their apical vertebrae location, the dystrophic curves were divided into three subgroups: thoracic curve (apical vertebra at T8 or above), thoracolumbar curve (apical vertebra below T8 and above L1), and lumber curve (apical vertebra at L1 and below). Posterior spine fusion, combined anterior and posterior spine fusion were administrated based on the type and location of the curves. Mean follow-up was 6.8 years. Clinical and radiological manifestations were investigated and results were assessed. Results Three patients with muscle weakness of low extremities recovered entirely. Two patients with dystrophic lum- bar curve maintained their low back pain the same as preoperatively. The mean coronal and sagittal Cobb’s angle in nondy- strophic curves was 80.3o and 61.7o before operation, 30.7o and 36.9o after operation, and 32.9o and 42.1o at follow-up, respectively. In dystrophic thoracic curves, preoperative Cobb’s angle in coronal and sagittal plane was 96.5o and 79.8o, postoperative 49.3o and 41.7o, follow-up 54.1o and 45.3o, respectively. In thoracolumbar curves, preoperative Cobb’s angle in coronal and sagittal plane was 75.0o and 47.5o, postoperative 31.2o and 22.8o, follow-up 37.5o and 27.8o, respectively. In lumbar curves preoperative Cobb’s angle in coronal plane was 55.3o, postoperative 19.3o, and follow-up 32.1o. Six patients with dystrophic curves had his or her curve deteriorated more than 10 degrees at follow-up. Three of them were in the thoracic subgroup and their kyphosis was larger than 95 degrees, and three in lumbar subgroup. Hardware failure occurred in 3 cases. Six patients had 7 revision procedures totally. Conclusions Posterior spinal fusion is effective for most dystrophic thoracic curves in patients whose kyphosis is less than 95 degrees. Combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion is stronger recommended for patients whose kyphosis is larger than 95 degrees and those whose apical vertebra is located below T8. Patients should be informed that repeated spine fusion might be necessary even after combined anterior and posterior spine fusion.

The Outcome of Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis without Wound Suction Drainage

Background: In spine surgery postoperative closed suction drainage is used to decrease the potential risks of wound hematoma formation, and reduces the risk of infection, cord compression and neurologic deficit. However, the efficacy of drains used for this purpose in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of patients after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without wound suction drainage. Methods: A total of 66 Patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for the correction of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without the use of drain from January 2012 to January 2021 were included. Wound dehiscence, wound hematoma, infection, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels and need for transfusion were described as frequency and mean values. Results: The average age was 15.06 years. Hospital stay was 2.2 days. Patients were followed-up over 50.21 months. There was no deep infection, wound hematoma. The difference between just postoperative and three days after operation hemoglobin levels was not significant and no need for transfusion. Only 3 (4.5%) cases with superficial skin infection and 4 (6%) cases with skin and Wound dehiscence were treated with dressing and antibiotics with full recovery. Conclusion: Without using drain for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, no increase in blood loss, transfusion requirements, wound infection, skin dehiscence, and wound hematoma was observed.

Surgical treatment of atlantoaxial dysplasia and scoliosis in spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita:A case report

BACKGROUND Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita(SEDC)is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disease caused by COL2A1 mutations.SEDC primarily involves the skeletal system,with typical clinical manifestations,including short stature,hip dysplasia,and spinal deformity.Due to the low incidence of SEDC,there are only a few case reports regarding the surgical treatment of SEDC complicated with spinal deformities.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 16-year-old male patient with SEDC.He presented with typical short stature,atlantoaxial dysplasia,scoliosis,and hip dysplasia.Cervical magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal canal stenosis at the atlas level and cervical spinal cord compression with myelopathy.The scoliosis was a right thoracic curve with a Cobb angle of 65°.He underwent atlantoaxial reduction,decompression,and internal fixation from C1–C2 to relieve cervical myelopathy.Three months after cervical surgery,posterior correction surgery for scoliosis was performed from T3 to L4.Scoliosis was corrected from 66°to 8°and remained stable at 2-year follow-up.CONCLUSION This is the first case report of a patient with SEDC who successfully underwent surgery for atlantoaxial dysplasia and scoliosis.The study provides an important reference for the surgical treatment of SEDC complicated with spinal deformities.

THE APPLICATION OF CORTICAL SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED POTENTIAL MONITORING IN CHILD SCOLIOSIS SURGERY

Objective To study the application value of cortical somatosensory evoked potential (CSEP) monitoring in child scoliosis surgery. Methods In surgeries of fifty one children with scoliosis, the CSEP changes were continuously recorded by evoked potential instrument. The operations were performed under the guidance of CSEP monitoring. Results Before propping and reshaping, the latencies and amplitudes in all cases had no change. During propping and reshaping, the latencies of all cases were slowly elongated, but all less than 10 percent. The amplitudes in 15 cases dropped to 55 percent, but returned to 80 percent 3-8 minutes after stopping the operations or partially loosening the propped rods at once. The amplitude in one case suddenly dropped to 37 percent and returned to 54 percent half an hour after loosening the propped rods at once and recovered to the normal range one day after operation. All cases got ideal orthopedic results and no one had neurological complications post operation. Conclusion CSEP can accurately monitor the spinal injury and has a great value in preventing the spinal injury in child scoliosis surgery.

CORRECTIVE SURGERY OF CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS WITH TYPE II SPLIT SPINAL CORD MALFORMATION

Objective To investigate the corrective results of congenital scoliosis with type II split spinal cord malformation.Methods By reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of congenital scoliosis patients with type II split spinal cord malformation that underwent corrective surgery, septum location and length, curve type, coronal and sagittal Cobb’s angles, apical vertebral rotation and translation, and trunk shift were measured and analyzed.Results A total of 23 congenital scoliosis patients with type II split spinal cord malformation were studied, 6 cases were due to failure of segmentation, 8 cases due to failure of formation, and the remaining 9 cases due to mixed defects.The fibrous septums were located in the thoracic spine in 8 patients, lumbar spine in 4 patients, thoracic and lumbar spine in 10 patients, and from cervical to lumbar spine in 1 patient.The septum extended an average of 4.9 segments.Corrective surgeries included anterior correction with instrumentation in 2 patients, posterior correction with instrumentation in 11 patients, anterior release and posterior correction with instrumentation in 6 patients, anterior and posterior resection of the hemivertebra and posterior correction with instrumentation in 4 patients.The pre- and postoperative coronal Cobb’s angles, apical vertebral translations, apical vertebral rotations, trunk shifts were 61.9° and 32.5°(P<0.001), 48.9 mm and 31.5 mm (P<0.001), 1.2 and 1.1, 12.7 mm and 8.2 mm, respectively.The average correction rate of coronal Cobbs angle was 47.5%.The sagittal balance was also well improved.The fibrous septums were all left in situ. There was no neurological complication.Conclusion For congenital scoliosis with type II split spinal cord malformation, positive correction results with no neurological complication may be obtained without resection of the fibrous septum.

Early‐onset scoliosis in children aged 4–7 years in Nanjing,China:A cross‐sectional study

Background:This study aimed to investigate the potential variance in the prevalence of early‐onset scoliosis among children aged 4–7 years and analyze the influencing factors.The goal was to establish a crucial reference point for monitoring and evaluating spinal curvature development in preschoolers,ultimately to reduce the occurrence of adverse health outcomes.Methods:Children aged 4–7 years within the main urban area of Nanjing were selected using a stratified random sampling method.A team of four senior therapists conducted screenings for spinal curvature among children using visual inspection,the Adams forward bending test,and an electronic scoliometer to measure the angle of trunk rotation(ATR)and identify children displaying signs of scoliosis.Children with suspected scoliosis in the initial screening underwent X‐ray Cobb angle assessment for confirmation.The prevalence of early‐onset scoliosis was then determined from the screening results.R version 4.2.0 software was used to analyze the factors associated with scoliosis among children using partial least squares structural equation modeling.Results:A total of 2281 children were included in this study,consisting of 1211 boys and 1070 girls,with a mean age of 5.44±0.81 years(ranging from 4 to 7 years).Among them,7.58%exhibited positive signs of scoliosis,5.87%had early‐onset scoliosis,and the positive predictive value was 77.5%.Significant differences in ATR were observed among children in different age groups(Kruskal–Wallis=15,p=0.0104)and by sex(t=3.17,p=0.00153).Significant variations in ATR were noted in children with scoliosis(t=−22.7,p<0.001),with a cutoff at ATR=4.5°,and auxiliary values of 0.947 and 0.990.Children diagnosed with early‐onset scoliosis generally exhibited lower body mass index values,with a statistically significant difference(t=2.99,p=0.003).Conclusions:Using visual inspection,the Adams test,and an electronic scoliometer to measure the ATR,the present triad method is more sensitive for early scoliosis screening in children with abnormal posture aged 4–7 years.A full spine X‐ray is advised in children with an ATR over 4.5°and poor posture.

Chiropractic Rehabilitation of a Scoliosis Family: Results from a 9-Year Follow-Up

Scoliosis bracing is typically prescribed when the curvature reaches to between 30° - 50°. Although there has been a vast amount of bracing literature published, the results remain equivocal. Many patients face issues of compliance, comfort, and decreased self-esteem due to social stigmas with bracing. This has caused many patients to seek non-bracing options. Although these treatments are plausible, they lack the research background that bracing has. Therefore, many physicians are reluctant to prescribe exercise-based rehabilitation for their scoliosis patients. This study reports on 3 patients who sought non-bracing, exercise-based chiropractic rehabilitation for their scoliosis. Their results before, after, and at long term follow up are included.

Resolution of Amenorrhea and Chronic Constipation in an Adult Patient with Idiopathic Scoliosis Wearing a Scoliosis Activity Suit for 6 Months: A Case Report

Objective: To report the symptomatic and radiographic changes in an adult scoliosis patient with a history of amenorrhea and chronic constipation. Clinical Features: Patient presented for treatment with an 8-year history of amenorrhea and chronic constipation. Radiographic study showed a right thoracic/left lumbar double major scoliosis. Intervention and Outcome: Patient was fitted for a scoliosis activity suit and given instructions for continued home use, building up to 3 - 4 hours total daily. After 6 months of use, her amenorrhea and chronic constipation had resolved, and both scoliosis Cobb angles also improved. Scores on before and after SRS-22r questionnaires, as well as a quadruple numerical pain rating scale, also improved. Conclusion: A patient wearing a scoliosis activity suit for 6 months reported symptomatic changes as well as radiographic, pain, and quality of life improvements. The results of this case cannot be generalized. More investigation into the association of scoliosis and other organic symptoms is warranted.