European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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To review and summarize the current knowledge regarding the outcome measures used to evaluate scoliosis surgery. ⋯ Evaluation of scoliosis treatment should include the patient's perspective, which can be obtained with the use of patient-reported outcome measures.
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The association of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis is well documented in literature; the nature and modalities of the relationship of the two pathologies are variable and not always clear. Also, etiologic particulars of scoliosis associated with spondylolisthesis are not well defined, even in cases where scoliosis is called idiopathic. In this paper, we review previous literature and discuss the different aspects of the mutual relationship of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis in the adolescent age. ⋯ Scoliosis should be considered as an independent disease; only in the case of scoliosis curve progression over time, associated scoliosis must be treated, according to therapeutic principles of the care of any so-called idiopathic scoliosis of similar magnitude, and a similar approach must be applied in the case of spondylolisthesis progression or painful spondylolisthesis.
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Lumbar posterior ring apophysis fracture (PRAF) is an uncommon disorder frequently accompanied by lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Over the years, there have constantly been published studies concerning this disorder. Due to its rarity, there is lack of an agreed treatment strategy, and lots of different opinions exist, including the choice of decompressive modalities, whether removal of apophyseal fragments or/and disc material, and the necessity of additional spinal fusion. The purpose of this review is to provide a collective opinion on the treatment of PRAF with LDH. ⋯ The diverse features of apophyseal fracture lead to various modalities of classifications and operation options. Prior to operation, the surgeons should carefully make a plan to consider decompressive scope, removal of apophyseal fragment or/and disc and fusion or not. Because of methodological shortcomings in publications, it is not possible to definitively conclude what treatment modality is the best for the treatment of PRAF. More high-quality clinical studies are needed to draw more confirmable conclusions.
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This review summarizes the experience with the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) device, which enables five new procedures to treat complex spine and chest wall abnormalities in pediatric patients, which cause thoracic insufficiency syndrome, the inability of the thorax to support normal respiration or lung growth. ⋯ VEPTR and its principles of use have become an important first step toward improving the quality of life and longevity of children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, but much work remains to advance both its design and its use.
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Junctional spinal disorders have become one of the greatest challenges in spinal deformity surgery. They can occur at any age but are mostly seen in adult deformity surgery and are most often observed as the patient gets older. ⋯ Definitively the issue of junctional spinal disorder after deformity surgery will require further extensive research to minimize this problem especially in our aging population.