Spine deformity
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Case report. ⋯ Late fracture through a long fusion mass is a rare long-term complication of spine fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. In this case report, we report successful treatment of a fracture with a long lever arm of a solid posterior fused spine with posterior instrumented fusion multiple levels above and below the fracture.
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In surgical correction of scoliosis in pediatric patients, gastrointestinal complications including postoperative ileus can result in extended hospital stays, poorer pain management, slower progression with physical therapy, and overall decreased patient satisfaction. In patients undergoing gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological surgery, gum chewing has been shown to reduce time to flatus and passage of feces. The authors hypothesized that chewing gum could also speed return to normal bowel function in pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. ⋯ Chewing gum after posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis is safe and may speed return of normal bowel function. Chewing gum after surgical correction of scoliosis facilitates an earlier return to normal bowel function, which may improve patient satisfaction in the early postoperative period.
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Biomechanical analysis of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) through numerical simulations. ⋯ Simulated posteriorly shifted sagittal alignment was associated with higher PJK risks, whereas extending instrumentation proximally allowed a lower mechanical risk of PJK. Preserving PJ intervertebral elements and using a more flexible anchorage at UIV help reduce the biomechanical risks of PJK.