Rip hump correction and rotation of the lumbar spine after selective thoracic fusion

Selective versus nonselective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1C curves: a meta-analysis of baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes

OBJECT

Lenke 1C curves are challenging to manage surgically due to the structural thoracic deformity and nonstructural lumbar curve. Selective thoracic fusion (STF) is considered the standard of care because it preserves motion of the lumbar segment, yet nonselective STF (NSTF) remains prevalent. This study aims to identify baseline patient characteristics that drive treatment and to compare postoperative outcomes for both procedures.

METHODS

Studies that compared baseline and postoperative demographic data, health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires, and radiographic parameters of patients with Lenke 1C curves undergoing STF or NSTF were identified for meta-analysis. The effect measure is expressed as a mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. A positive MD signifies a greater STF value, or a mean increase within the group.

RESULTS

One prospective and 6 retrospective case-control studies with sample size of 488 patients (344 STF and 144 NSTF) were identified. Baseline age, sex, and HRQLs were equivalent, except for better scores in the STF group for the Scoliosis Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ): Unrelated to Deformity item (3.47 vs 3.88, p = 0.01) and the Spine Research Society questionnaire, Item 22: Pain (4.13 vs 3.92, p = 0.04). Radiographic findings were significantly worse in NSTF, as measured by the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) Cobb angle (MD: -4.29°, p < 0.01) and TL/L apical vertebral translation (AVT) (MD: -6.08, p < 0.01). Radiographic findings significantly improved in STF, as measured in the main thoracic (MT) Cobb angle (MD: -27.78°, p < 0.01), TL/L Cobb angle (MD: -16.24°, p < 0.01), MT:TL/L Cobb ratio (MD: -0.21, p < 0.01), coronal balance (MD: 0.47, p = 0.02), and thoracic kyphosis (MD: 7.87°, p < 0.01); and in NSTF in proximal thoracic (PT) Cobb angle (24° vs 14.1°, p < 0.01), MT Cobb angle (53.5° vs 20.5°, p < 0.01), and TL/L Cobb angle (41.6° vs 16.6°, p < 0.01). Postoperative TL/L Cobb angle (23.1° vs 16.6°, p < 0.01) was significantly higher in STF; but PT Cobb angle, MT Cobb angle, and MT:TL/L Cobb ratio are equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with larger lumbar compensatory curves displaying a larger degree of coronal translation, as measured by the TL/L AVT, are more likely to undergo an NSTF. Contrary to established guidelines, larger MT curve magnitudes and MT:TL/L Cobb angle ratios have not been found to influence the decision to pursue a selective thoracic fusion. Although overall both STF and NSTF groups are found to have effective postoperative coronal balance, the STF group has only modest improvements in the lumbar curve position as determined by a relatively unchanged TL/L AVT. Furthermore, surgeons may prefer NSTF in patients who may have a worse overall perception of their spinal deformity as measured by HRQL measures of pain and desire for appearance change.

Lenke 1C and 5C spinal deformities fused selectively: 5-year outcomes of the uninstrumented compensatory curves

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter review of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the natural history of uninstrumented compensatory curves prospectively during a 5-year postoperative period in patients with selectively fused Lenke type 1C and 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

After a selective fusion for 1C and 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve types, there is concern that uninstrumented compensatory curves will continue to progress over time. However, to date, there have been no studies using prospectively collected data beyond 2 years to determine the natural history of these uninstrumented compensatory curves.

METHODS

Lenke 1C and 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis cases, prospectively collected from a multicenter study were analyzed. All patients underwent a selective fusion (1C only thoracic curve fused; 5C only thoracolumbar/lumbar curve fused). Preoperative, first-erect, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year postoperative coronal, sagittal, and axial (Perdriolle) radiographical outcomes were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Twenty-four selectively fused Lenke 1C curves and 21 selectively fused Lenke 5C curves were reviewed. Preoperative compensatory curve Cobb angles were 40° ± 6° and 25° ± 9°, respectively. In Lenke 1C curves, the uninstrumented compensatory lumbar curves were corrected by 32% ± 16% at first erect, 44% ± 17% correction at 1 year, 38% ± 15% correction at 2 years, and 39% ± 19% at 5 years. In Lenke 5C curves, the uninstrumented compensatory thoracic curves were corrected by a mean of 37% ± 29% at first erect, 42% ± 29% at 1 year, 37% ± 29% at 2 years, and 30% ± 23% at 5 years. The sagittal and axial measures of the compensatory curves remained stable during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

In Lenke 1C and 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis deformity patterns fused selectively, the uninstrumented compensatory curves adjust to match the instrumented primary curve and do not seem to progress between 1 and 5 years postoperatively.

A century of spine surgery: what can patients expect?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the hypothesis that spinal fusion surgery is an effective method to address spinal deformity-associated clinical problems, including magnitude of curvature (Cobb angle), pulmonary dysfunction, and pain.

METHOD

A systematic review was carried out using Science Citation Index (SCI) Expanded (1900 - present), Social Sciences Citation Index (1956 - present), Arts and Humanities Citation Index (1965 - present), Medline (1950 - present) and PubMed Central databases (1887 - present) to access information regarding efficacy of spine surgery in preventing or improving the health and function of patients diagnosed with scoliosis in adolescence.

RESULTS

Since 1950, more than 12,600 articles on scoliosis have been published, and nearly 50% (5721) focus on methods, rationale, outcome, and complications of surgical intervention. Among these, 82 articles have documented outcome for groups of > or =10 patients, treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and followed for at least 2 years after treatment. These data provide an overview of the impact of spine surgery on scoliosis for 5780 patients as surgery methods and approaches have evolved.

CONCLUSIONS

For most patients, a reduced magnitude of spinal curvature can be achieved through one or more spinal fusion surgeries. There is no evidence to support the premise that this result is correlated with improved pulmonary function or reduced pain.

Analysis of the sagittal plane after surgical management for Scheuermann's disease: a view on overcorrection and the use of an anterior release

STUDY DESIGN

A historic cohort study was conducted to investigate surgical correction and sagittal alignment in 33 patients with thoracic Scheuermann's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate kyphosis correction, correction loss, sagittal balance, and the effect of an anterior release.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Currently, both posterior and anteroposterior techniques seem to produce impressive corrections for Scheuermann's disease. However, few reports have been made on sagittal malalignment after surgery.

METHODS

A cohort of 33 patients who had undergone surgery for their Scheuermann's kyphosis were reviewed: Group A: posterior technique (n = 16), Group B: anteroposterior technique (n = 17). Pre- and postoperative curve morphometry (Cobb, Ferguson, Voutsinas), balance (C7 plumb line), and Oswestry score were compared.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 4.5 +/- 2 years (range, 2-8.2 years). The mean preoperative kyphosis (Cobb) was 78.7 degrees +/- 8.9 degrees, and the mean postoperative kyphosis was 51.7 degrees +/- 10.3 degrees. At follow-up evaluation, the correction loss was 1,4 degrees +/- 3.9 degrees. There was no difference in curve morphometry, correction, sagittal balance, average age, and follow-up period between Groups A and B. One junctional kyphosis, in Group B, was noted. After surgery, all the patients were satisfied, and the Oswestry score showed significant improvement. No neurologic complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Good follow-up results included a 100% follow-up rate, adequate corrections, little correction loss, lower Oswestry scores, and a high satisfaction rate in both groups. The anteroposterior treatment did not influence the curve morphometry more than posterior fusion only. In reducing postoperative sagittal malalignment, the authors believe that surgical management should aim at a correction within the high normal kyphosis range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees, consequently providing good results and, particularly in flexible adolescents and young adults, minimizing the necessity for an anterior release.

Changes in surface and radiographic deformity after Universal Spine System for right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: is rib-hump reassertion a mechanical problem of the thoracic cage rather than an effect of relative anterior spinal overgrowth?

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of preoperative, 8-week, 1-year, and 2-year data from patients with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior Universal Spine System (Stratec Medical, Oberdorf, Switzerland).

OBJECTIVE

Report 2-year results and the association between back surface and radiographic assessments.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Few longitudinal studies have related surface and radiographic data in the follow-up of surgical patients.

METHODS

Of 34 patients with right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis having posterior Universal Spine System instrumentation, 27 had complete prospective back surface and radiographic appraisal.

RESULTS

Cobb angle corrected from 58 degrees to 34 degrees (41%), apical vertebral rotation from 26 degrees to 20 degrees (23%), apical vertebral translation from 4.5 to 2.4 cm (47%), and maximum angle of trunk inclination from 17 degrees to 13 degrees (22%) (preoperative to 2 years). Rib-hump reassertion occurred between 8 weeks and 1 year, regardless of age, and correlated with changes in vertebral translation (for 10 vertebral levels corresponding to 10 back surface levels between C7 and S1, P = 0.001 MANOVA). Preoperative frontal tilt of L1 with concave fifth rib-spinal angle predicted the percentage correction of maximum angle of trunk inclination, and the concave ninth rib-spinal angle predicted reassertion of maximum angle of trunk inclination.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of initial back surface correction is lost by 2 years. Segmental vertebral translation measurements most strongly correlate with segmental angle of trunk inclination measurements during follow-up. Rib-hump reassertion is best explained by unwinding of the thoracic cage tensioned by surgery rather than through relative anterior spinal overgrowth. Spine and thoracic cage factors determine rib-hump correction, so surgical disruption of the latter by costoplasty may prevent rib-hump reassertion. Results of scoliosis surgery should include surface data.

Three-dimensional rotations of the thoracic spine after distraction with and without rib resection: a kinematic evaluation of the apical vertebra in rabbits with induced scoliosis

An experimental model of induced scoliosis in New Zealand rabbits was studied to evaluate the effects of rib resection on the apical vertebra during distraction for scoliosis surgery. After concave distraction, three-dimensional rotations of the apical vertebra were measured using a motion analysis system, which included three cameras and six reflective markers. Distraction with rib resection on the convexity produced minimal rotations in the coronal plane (0.77 degrees), sagittal plane (0.96 degrees), and transverse plane (0.61 degrees) compared with no rib resection. The distraction maneuver with rib resection has no significant effect on derotation of the apical vertebra in the coronal and transverse plane, but slightly greater forward rotation was apparent in the sagittal plane (p < 0.05). Resection of three convex ribs directly corrects the rib prominence and does not seem to improve derotation.