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.

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.

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.

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.

Complications in growth-friendly spinal surgeries for early-onset scoliosis: Literature review

BACKGROUND The treatments for early-onset scoliosis(EOS),defined as curvature of the spine with onset before 10 years of age,continue to pose a great challenge for pediatric orthopedics.The treatment goals for EOS include minimizing spinal deformity while maximizing thoracic volume and pulmonary function.Different surgical techniques have different advantages and drawbacks;however,the two major concerns in the management of EOS are repeated surgeries and complications.AIM To review the current literature to assess the safety of EOS surgical treatment in terms of the rate of complications and unplanned surgeries.METHODS In January 2021 two independent reviewers systematically searched three electronic medical databases(PubMed,the Cochrane Library,and Embase)for relevant articles.Every step of the review was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Due to the heterogeneity of articles and topics after data analysis,a descriptive(synthetic)analysis was performed.RESULTS A total of 2136 articles were found.Forty articles were included in this systematic review,after applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria.EOS surgery has a varying but high rate of complications.The most frequent complications were categorized as implant(54%),general(17%),wound(15%)and alignment(12%).The rate of complications might have been even higher than reported,as some authors do not report all types of complications.About 54%of patients required unplanned surgeries due to complications,which comprised 15%of all surgeries.CONCLUSION The literature concerning the definitions,collection,and interpretation of data regarding EOS surgery complications is often difficult to interpret.This creates problems in the comparison,analysis,and improvement of spine surgery practice.Additionally,this observation indicates that data on the incidence of complications can be underestimated,and should be interpreted with caution.Awareness of the high rate of complications of EOS surgery is crucial,and an optimal strategy for prevention should become a priority.

WOUND INFECTION AFTER SCOLIOSIS SURGERY:AN ANALYSIS OF 15 CASES

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the causes and treatments of wound infections after scoliosis surgery. METHODS: Nine hundred and twenty-four caes of scoliosis were reviewed, and the clinical data of 15 cases of postoperative infection were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: All 15 cases underwent spinal posterior fusion with autologous bone graft using instrumentations. Seven were diagnosed as early infection, and 8 were delayed infection. Radical debridement was performed in all 15 cases. The duration of antibiotics administration was 10 to 34 days with continuous closed irrigation for 2 to approximately 4 weeks and primary closure for the wounds. All patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 years (2 to 7.5 years) with good outcomes and no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Wound infection following surgical correction of scoliosis primarily results from intraoperative seeding, although host-related and operation-related factors may contribute to its development. Once the infections are diagnosed, good results can be achieved by prompt surgical debridement, irrigation and reasonably administered antibiotics. Removal of hardware may be necessary in deep infections.

Bradycardia and hypotension during pediatric scoliosis surgery-hypovolemia or spinal shock?

We present the case of a 13-year-old boy undergoing scoliosis repair utilizing skull-femoral traction who developed sudden, sustained bradycardia and hypotension during scoliosis repair, associated with loss of somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials to all four limbs. A diagnosis of spinal shock and hypovolemia was made after ruling out primary cardiac causes, sepsis, anaphylaxis and intra-spinal pedicle screw placement. Acute complications of surgical scoliosis repair are reviewed along with anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system. In this case spinal shock may have been due to hypovolemia as well as spinal cord manipulation during T12 vertebral column resection that was needed to effect scoliosis correction. Treatment included volume expansion and inotropic support. Anesthesiologists caring for these patients should be mindful of the possibility of spinal shock during correction of severe scoliosis, particularly when vertebral column resection is undertaken.

Respiratory failure after scoliosis correction surgery in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Sleep-disordered breathing,including hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnea,is often observed in Prader-Willi syndrome(PWS).Particularly in adolescence,scoliosis causes a progressive restrictive pulmonary pattern,leading to hypoventilation,so timely corrective surgery is required.However,the effect is controversial.In addition,since mental retardation of PWS,patient effort-based respiratory tests may be less reliable.So far,no studies have accurately reported on the comparison of respiratory function before and after corrective surgery,and appropriate respiratory function measurement method in PWS.CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of adolescent PWS with typical characteristics,including obesity,mental retardation,and scoliosis.Two boys,aged 12 and 13,diagnosed with PWS,both underwent scoliosis correction surgery.Before and immediately after surgery,arterial blood tests showed no abnormalities and no respiratory symptoms occurred.However,after 6-7 mo,both patients complained of daytime sleepiness,difficulty sleeping at night,dyspnea on exertion,and showed cyanosis.Hypercapnia and hypoxia were confirmed by polysomnography and transcutaneous CO2 monitoring during sleep and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and alveolar hypoventilation.It was corrected by nighttime noninvasive ventilation application and normal findings of arterial blood gas were maintained after 6-8 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Even after scoliosis surgery,“periodic”monitoring of respiratory failure with an“objective”test method is needed for timely respiratory support.

Research progress on the safety of nail placement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity with unknown etiology and high incidence,especially in adolescent females.If scoliosis patients do not get effective treatment in the early stage,the degree of scoliosis will continue to worsen with the growth of age or the rapid development of scoliosis in a short time,and the appearance deformities such as high and low shoulders and razor back will gradually appear,which can affect the cardiopulmonary function and even shorten life expectancy.It has a great impact on the physical and mental health of the patients.Mild scoliosis is often well controlled by bracing,and moderate to severe scoliosis deformity often requires scoliosis corrective surgery.In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction,pedicle screws offer better stability and firmness,stronger orthopedic force,and lower incidence of related complications caused by instruments than traditional hook and conical internal fixation instruments.At the same time,scoliosis patients have uneven development of the left and right sides of the vertebral body,narrow diameter of concave pedicle and varying degrees of rotation of parietal vertebra,resulting in changes in the position of important anatomical structures such as spinal cord and thoracic aorta in the spinal canal.It makes it difficult to place pedicle screws,resulting in a high misplacement rate.How to improve the safety of screw placement,reduce the misplacement rate and the risk of spinal cord,nerve root,blood vessels,viscera and so on,has always been the focus of spinal surgeons.This paper summarizes the related literature on the effects of new techniques such as pedicle anatomy,complications of nail placement and computer navigation,and 3D guided template on the accuracy of screw placement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,and the safety of nail placement.In order to provide reference for clinical practice.

Accuracy of screw placement in the apical region of Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery using a calibration technique for the intraoperative navigation error

Objective:To study the position and the grade of screw perforation in the apical region of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)surgery using a calibration technique for the intraoperative navigation error,and to analyze the related factors of navigation deviation and the clinical significance of the calibration technique.Methods:From 2017 to 2020,a total of 60 Lenke 1 AIS surgical cases were enrolled in this research.The 30 cases received surgery using the intraoperative navigation system(Navigation group)and another 30 cases were assisted with intraoperative navigation system with calibration technique(Calibration group)for the intraoperative navigation error.The basic information and radiological data of the both groups were all recorded.According to the Fu Chang-feng’s pedicle channel classification system,the pedicle on the apical region of the two groups was classified.And then the accuracy of screw placement of the two groups was evaluated according to the Rao’s classification.Results:A total of 600 screws were placed in the two groups.The 297 and 303 pedicle screws were implanted in the navigation group and the calibration group,respectively.In the apical region of the calibration group,the rates of the grade 0 screw placement in type A,B and C pedicle were 95.7%,86.7%and 68.9%respectively.It was a statistically significant difference from the 73.9%,66.9%and 30.0%in the navigation group respectively(P<0.05).In the calibration group,the rates of the medial cortical perforation in the type A,B,C and D pedicle were 0%,1.6%,1.6%and 0%,respectively.The corresponding rates were 16.3%,16.9%,30.0%and 47.6%in the navigation group,respectively.Moreover,in the concave side of the apical region of the calibration group,the rates of the medial cortical perforation in the type A,B,C and D pedicle were 0%,3.6%,2.6%and 0%,respectively.Compared with the calibration group,the corresponding rates were higher in the navigation group(34.4%,25.9%,37.2%and 60.0%,respectively).No serious complications such as spinal cord or neurovascular injury occurred for the two groups.Conclusion:Compared with the intraoperative navigation system,the calibration technique for the intraoperative navigation error could provide the higher accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the apical region of the major curve,the lower medial cortical perforation rate,the less screws misplacement rate on the concave side and the less complication rate of the severe Lenke 1 AIS patients.

Accuracy of pedicle screw placement in Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery using intraoperative navigation with a simple calibration technique

Objective:To compare the position and the grade of screw perforation in Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)surgery using intraoperative navigation system with and without calibration technique,and to explore the related factors of navigation deviation and the clinical significance of calibration technique.Methods:From 2014 to 2017,a total of 45 Lenke 1 AIS surgical cases were enrolled in this study.The 23 surgical cases were assisted with intraoperative navigation system(Navigation group)and another 22 cases received surgery using intraoperative navigation system with calibration technique(Calibration group).In two groups,the basic information and radiological data were all recorded.Postoperative CT scan with 3D reconstruction was used to analyze the accuracy of pedicle screw placement,as well as the length and position of cortical perforation.Results:There was no statistical difference between two groups in gender,age,Risser sign,both preoperative Cobb angles and flexibility of the major curve,as well as numbers of pedicle screws.477 and 469 pedicle screws were implanted in the navigation group and the calibration group respectively.The rate for major pedicle perforations 2 mm(grades 2,3)was 7.8%in navigation group.It was statistically significant difference from the 4.3%screw misplacement in calibration group(P=0.014).In navigation group,the rates of major pedicle perforations 2 mm were medial:3.4%,lateral:3.6%and anterior:0.6%respectively.The corresponding rates were 1.1%,2.6%and 0.4%in calibration group respectively.The rates of the medial cortical perforation 2 mm showed statistical difference between two groups(P=0.016).No serious complications,such as nerve or vascular injury,were found in all patients.Conclusion:Intraoperative navigation system with calibration technique provides the real-time monitoring of navigation deviation,the higher accuracy of pedicle screw insertion,the lower medial cortical perforation rate and the less complication rate,as well as a simple calibration technique with higher accuracy of screw placement in comparison to intraoperative navigation system for Lenke 1AIS surgery.

Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery:Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery.Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates,it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome.Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7%of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years.It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia,diabetes mellitus,obesity,smoking,hypertension,and a history of malignancy.PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT).However,in rare cases,the source of the thrombi cannot be determined.Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate,and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis.Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin,low-molecular-weight heparin,and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients,long-lasting operations,or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath,but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia.Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity.The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable,respectively.Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit,and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events.An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay.Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

Predictors of spine deformity progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate published data on the predictors of progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) in order to evaluate their efficacy and level of evidence. METHODS: Selection criteria:(1) study design: randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies and case series, retrospective comparative and none comparative studies;(2) participants: adolescents with AIS aged from 10 to 20 years; and(3) treatment: observation, bracing, and other. Search method: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Pub Medand patent data bases. All years through August 2014 were included. Data were collected that showed an association between the studied characteristics and the progression of AIS or the severity of the spine deformity. Odds ratio(OR), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were also collected. A metaanalysis was performed to evaluate the pooled OR and predictive values, if more than 1 study presented a result. The GRADE approach was applied to evaluate the level of evidence.RESULTS: The review included 25 studies. All studies showed statistically significant or borderline association between severity or progression of AIS with the following characteristics:(1) An increase of the Cobb angle or axial rotation during brace treatment;(2) decrease of the rib-vertebral angle at the apical level of the convex side during brace treatment;(3) initial Cobb angle severity(> 25o);(4) osteopenia;(5) patient age < 13 years at diagnosis;(6) premenarche status;(7) skeletal immaturity;(8) thoracic deformity;(9) brain stem vestibular dysfunction; and(10) multiple indices combining radiographic, demographic, and physiologic characteristics. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the following genes:(1) calmodulin 1;(2) estrogen receptor 1;(3) tryptophan hydroxylase 1;(3) insulin-like growth factor 1;(5) neurotrophin 3;(6) interleukin-17 receptor C;(7) melatonin receptor 1B, and(8) Scoli Score test. Other predictors included:(1) impairment of melatonin signaling in osteoblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC);(2) G-protein signaling dysfunction in PBMC; and(3) the level of platelet calmodulin. However, predictive values of all these findings were limited, and the levels of evidence were low. The pooled result of brace treatment outcomes demonstrated that around 27% of patents with AIS experienced exacerbation of the spine deformity during or after brace treatment, and 15% required surgical correction. However, the level of evidence is also low due to the limitations of the included studies.CONCLUSION: This review did not reveal any methods for the prediction of progression in AIS that could be recommended for clinical use as diagnostic criteria.

Serial elongation-derotation-flexion casting for children with early-onset scoliosis

Various early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scoliosis(JS), still pose challenges to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment of these deformities has yet to emerge, as both clinicians and surgeons still face multiple challenges including preservation of thoracic motion, spine and cage, and protection of cardiac and lung growth and function. Elongation-derotation-flexion(EDF) casting is a technique that uses a custom-made thoracolumbar cast based on a three-dimensional correction concept. EDF can control progression of the deformity and- in some cases-coax the initially-curved spine to grow straighter by acting simultaneously in the frontal, sagittal and coronal planes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of how infantile and JS can affect normal spine and thorax and how serial EDF casting can be used to manage these spinal deformities. A fresh review of the literature helps fully understand the principles of the serial EDF casting technique and the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with early-onset spinal deformities, particularly infantile and juvenile scolisois.

The cartilage matrisome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The human spinal column is a dynamic,segmented,bony,and cartilaginous structure that protects the neurologic system and simultaneously provides balance and flexibility.Children with developmental disorders that affect the patterning or shape of the spine can be at risk of neurologic and other physiologic dysfunctions.The most common developmental disorder of the spine is scoliosis,a lateral deformity in the shape of the spinal column.Scoliosis may be part of the clinical spectrum that is observed in many developmental disorders,but typically presents as an isolated symptom in otherwise healthy adolescent children.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)has defied understanding in part due to its genetic complexity.Breakthroughs have come from recent genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and next generation sequencing(NGS)of human AIS cohorts,as well as investigations of animal models.These studies have identified genetic associations with determinants of cartilage biogenesis and development of the intervertebral disc(IVD).Current evidence suggests that a fraction of AIS cases may arise from variation in factors involved in the structural integrity and homeostasis of the cartilaginous extracellular matrix(ECM).Here,we review the development of the spine and spinal cartilages,the composition of the cartilage ECM,the so-called"matrisome"and its functions,and the players involved in the genetic architecture of AIS.We also propose a molecular model by which the cartilage matrisome of the IVD contributes to AIS susceptibility.

Increased Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand in Osteoblasts from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Low Bone Mineral Density

Persistent generalized low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).However,the exact mechanisms and causes of the low BMD in AIS patients are largely unknown.The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in osteoblasts (OBs) from AIS patients with low BMD and with comparison made between the patients and controls.Twenty AIS patients and eight age-matched controls were included in the present study.The BMD of lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured in all subjects.OBs from the cancellous bone of each subject was harvested and primarily cultured.The mRNA and protein expression of RANKL and OPG in OBs was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The results showed BMD was lower in AIS patients than in controls.A significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of RANKL was observed in OBs from AIS patients,while no significant difference was found in the expression of OPG between AIS patients and controls.As a result,RANKL/OPG ratio in patients with AIS was remarkably higher than controls.Our study preliminarily demonstrated expression of RANKL was higher in OBs from AIS patients with low BMD as compared with controls,suggesting the unbalanced RANKL/OPG ratio caused by an over-expression of RANKL in OBs may be responsible for the low BMD in AIS patients.