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
-
Cervical pedicle screw (CPS) instrumentation offers significant biomechanical advantages compared to lateral mass or transarticular fixation. Nonetheless, malpositioning complications constitute a relevant concern. Customized patient-specific 3D-printed templates have been developed to improve CPS placement accuracy and safety. The aim of this study is to present our experience with this surgical technique and its accuracy and safety in a clinical setting. ⋯ Cervical pedicle screw placement using patient-specific guides is safe and accurate, supporting the feasibility of this technique in posterior cervical spine fusion surgery.
-
To determine the association of the ultrasound reflection coefficient index and other clinical parameters to predict curve progression in children with AIS. ⋯ This pilot study showed that curve progression is associated with the Risser sign, KA, and RC index. Other parameters and a more extensive clinical study should be combined to develop a higher-accuracy prediction model.
-
Both thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) and thoracic disc herniation (TDH) may cause thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) resulting in thoracic myelopathy. Surgical decompression is the only effective treatment for symptomatic TSS. 360° Circumferential decompression, also called the "cave-in" technique, can safely and effectively treat T-OPLL; however, this procedure has not yet been performed endoscopically. Herein, we report the first case of massive T-OPLL combined with TDH that was treated endoscopically using the "cave-in" technique, with 36 months of follow-up. Further, we review the literature on this subject. ⋯ The endoscopic "cave-in" technique can effectively treat T-OPLL with satisfactory clinical results, and is associated with less trauma and fewer complications than conventional posterior circumferential decompression. The endoscopic "cave-in" technique can be a good surgical option for patients with T-OPLL.
-
After posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), there is alteration in trunk range of motion (ROM) in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes. Previous studies have shown that ROM decreases with increased number of levels fused, which may affect the ROM between patients who undergo non-selective thoracic fusion (NSF) and selective thoracic fusion (STF) patient groups. This study sought to longitudinally evaluate the ROM of the trunk in patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion, using surface topography, comparing STF and NSF patient motion at multiple time points postoperatively. ⋯ The coronal, sagittal, and axial ROM as measured by ST demonstrated significant decreases from preoperative to postoperative following PSF; however, this deficit trends towards improvement over time. Our data demonstrates that at two years, NSF has poorer motion than STF patients in all three planes.
-
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common deformity, requiring regular screening and monitoring. While radiological measurements are considered the gold standard, X-ray exposure poses significant risks. A noninvasive spinal device offers a radiation-free alternative for measuring spinal curvature. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of its measurements and explores factors associated with measurement discrepancy. ⋯ This device measurement demonstrated good reliability and validity compared with radiological measurement, highlighting its safety and feasibility for screening and monitoring AIS progression. However, high BMI, great scoliosis magnitude, and large MVR were associated with measurement inaccuracy.