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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Observational Study
Spine slenderness and wedging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and in asymptomatic population: an observational retrospective study.
The origin of the deformity due to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is not known, but mechanical instability of the spine could be involved in its progression. Spine slenderness (the ratio of vertebral height to transversal size) could facilitate this instability, thus playing a role in scoliosis progression. The purpose of this work was to investigate slenderness and wedging of vertebrae and intervertebral discs in AIS patients, relative to their curve topology and to the morphology of control subjects. ⋯ AIS patients showed more slender spines than the asymptomatic population. Analysis of wedging suggests that lower junctional discs and apex vertebra could be locations of mechanical instability. Numerical simulation and longitudinal clinical follow-up of patients could clarify the impact of wedging, slenderness and growth on the biomechanics of scoliosis progression. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after low- and no-energy trauma leads to an improved diagnosis and, as a result, to a change in the therapeutic strategy. ⋯ Considering the high percentage of our patient population with occult fractures, we recommend supplementing the basic diagnostic procedures with an MRI of the entire spinal column in patients with painful spinal column findings after minor trauma and for those with persistent pain without trauma. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate a prospective series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) technique with a minimum follow-up more than 1 year. ⋯ MISS used for AIS provides adequate correction in both planes and acceptable rate of perioperative complications, with a low estimated blood loss and short length of stay. Considering all the positives, the application of MISS technique for AIS seems meaningful and can become a valid alternative to posterior approach in the routine use. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Three-column osteotomies at L5 or the sacrum (LS3COs) are technically challenging, yet they may be needed to treat lumbosacral kyphotic deformities. We investigated radiographic and clinical outcomes after LS3CO. ⋯ LS3CO produced radiographic and clinical improvements. However, patients who remained sagittally imbalanced had less improvement in SRS-22r satisfaction score than those whose sagittal imbalance was corrected, and patients who maintained kyphotic deformity in the lumbosacral spine had lower SRS-22r activity scores than those whose lumbosacral kyphosis was corrected. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Animal models are frequently used to elucidate pathomechanism and pathophysiology of various disorders of the human intervertebral disc (IVD) and also to develop therapeutic approaches. Here we report morphological characteristics of the kangaroo lumbar IVDs and compare them with other animal models used in spine research. ⋯ We conclude that morphological similarities exist between a kangaroo and human lumbar IVD, especially with the lima bean shape in the axial plane, wedge shape in the sagittal plane, convexity at the cephalad endplates, and percentage volume occupied by the NP in the IVD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.