Experience with an online prospective database on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: development and implementation

Right adolescent idiopathic thoracic curve (Lenke 1 A and B): does cost of instrumentation and implant density improve radiographic and cosmetic parameters?

In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) there has been a shift towards increasing the number of implants and pedicle screws, which has not been proven to improve cosmetic correction. To evaluate if increasing cost of instrumentation correlates with cosmetic correction using clinical photographs. 58 Lenke 1A and B cases from a multicenter AIS database with at least 3 months follow-up of clinical photographs were used for analysis. Cosmetic parameters on PA and forward bending photographs included angular measurements of trunk shift, shoulder balance, rib hump, and ratio measurements of waist line asymmetry. Pre-op and follow-up X-rays were measured for coronal and sagittal deformity parameters. Cost density was calculated by dividing the total cost of instrumentation by the number of vertebrae being fused. Linear regression and spearman's correlation were used to correlate cost density to X-ray and photo outcomes. Three independent observers verified radiographic and cosmetic parameters for inter/interobserver variability analysis. Average pre-op Cobb angle and instrumented correction were 54° (SD 12.5) and 59% (SD 25) respectively. The average number of vertebrae fused was 10 (SD 1.9). The total cost of spinal instrumentation ranged from $6,769 to $21,274 (Mean $12,662, SD $3,858). There was a weak positive and statistically significant correlation between Cobb angle correction and cost density (r = 0.33, p = 0.01), and no correlation between Cobb angle correction of the uninstrumented lumbar spine and cost density (r = 0.15, p = 0.26). There was no significant correlation between all sagittal X-ray measurements or any of the photo parameters and cost density. There was good to excellent inter/intraobserver variability of all photographic parameters based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 0.74-0.98). Our method used to measure cosmesis had good to excellent inter/intraobserver variability, and may be an effective tool to objectively assess cosmesis from photographs. Since increasing cost density only improves mildly the Cobb angle correction of the main thoracic curve and not the correction of the uninstrumented spine or any of the cosmetic parameters, one should consider the cost of increasing implant density in Lenke 1A and B curves. In the area of rationalization of health care expenses, this study demonstrates that increasing the number of implants does not improve any relevant cosmetic or radiographic outcomes.

Design of a Web-tool for diagnostic clinical trials handling medical imaging research

New clinical studies in medicine are based on patients and controls using different imaging diagnostic modalities. Medical information systems are not designed for clinical trials employing clinical imaging. Although commercial software and communication systems focus on storage of image data, they are not suitable for storage and mining of new types of quantitative data. We sought to design a Web-tool to support diagnostic clinical trials involving different experts and hospitals or research centres. The image analysis of this project is based on skeletal X-ray imaging. It involves a computerised image method using quantitative analysis of regions of interest in healthy bone and skeletal metastases. The database is implemented with ASP.NET 3.5 and C# technologies for our Web-based application. For data storage, we chose MySQL v.5.0, one of the most popular open source databases. User logins were necessary, and access to patient data was logged for auditing. For security, all data transmissions were carried over encrypted connections. This Web-tool is available to users scattered at different locations; it allows an efficient organisation and storage of data (case report form) and images and allows each user to know precisely what his task is. The advantages of our Web-tool are as follows: (1) sustainability is guaranteed; (2) network locations for collection of data are secured; (3) all clinical information is stored together with the original images and the results derived from processed images and statistical analysis that enable us to perform retrospective studies; (4) changes are easily incorporated because of the modular architecture; and (5) assessment of trial data collected at different sites is centralised to reduce statistical variance.

Computer algorithms and applications used to assist the evaluation and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a review of published articles 2000-2009

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex spinal deformity whose assessment and treatment present many challenges. Computer applications have been developed to assist clinicians. A literature review on computer applications used in AIS evaluation and treatment has been undertaken. The algorithms used, their accuracy and clinical usability were analyzed. Computer applications have been used to create new classifications for AIS based on 2D and 3D features, assess scoliosis severity or risk of progression and assist bracing and surgical treatment. It was found that classification accuracy could be improved using computer algorithms that AIS patient follow-up and screening could be done using surface topography thereby limiting radiation and that bracing and surgical treatment could be optimized using simulations. Yet few computer applications are routinely used in clinics. With the development of 3D imaging and databases, huge amounts of clinical and geometrical data need to be taken into consideration when researching and managing AIS. Computer applications based on advanced algorithms will be able to handle tasks that could otherwise not be done which can possibly improve AIS patients' management. Clinically oriented applications and evidence that they can improve current care will be required for their integration in the clinical setting.

FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC COMPARISON OF ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR INSTRUMENTATION FOR THE CORRECTION OF ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Objective: This was a retrospective study to compare the anterior instrumentation (AI) and posterior instrumentation (PI) results among patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke type I) who were treated surgically. Methods: The results from 24 patients aged 11 to 18 years with Lenke type I idiopathic scoliosis who underwent surgery with AI (12 patients) or PI (12 patients) were compared. All the patients were operated by the same surgeon and were followed up for a minimum period of five years. The variables for comparison included: coronal and sagittal correction, distance from apical vertebra to midline, apical vertebral rotation, number of instrumented vertebrae and functional variables (by means of the SRS-22 questionnaire). The data obtained were analyzed using the SAS software, version 9. The two groups were compared using Student's t-test with a significance level of 5% (0.05). Results: The correction of the curve in the frontal plane was higher in the group of patients with the anterior approach, in the immediate (p=0.031) and late (p=0.043) postoperative periods, as was the apical vertebral rotation during the immediate (p=0.002) and late (p=0.019) evaluations. The number of instrumented vertebrae was 7.69 ± 1.38 in the AI group and 11.38 ± 2.92 in the PI group (p = 0.021). Functional assessment (SRS-22) did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) between the groups. Conclusion: The patients who underwent scoliosis correction with AI presented greater correction in the frontal plane, greater derotation of apical vertebrae and a smaller number of fused vertebrae.

Turning Access into a web-enabled secure information system for clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Organizations that have limited resources need to conduct clinical studies in a cost-effective, but secure way. Clinical data residing in various individual databases need to be easily accessed and secured. Although widely available, digital certification, encryption, and secure web server, have not been implemented as widely, partly due to a lack of understanding of needs and concerns over issues such as cost and difficulty in implementation.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to test the possibility of centralizing various databases and to demonstrate ways of offering an alternative to a large-scale comprehensive and costly commercial product, especially for simple phase I and II trials, with reasonable convenience and security.

METHODS

We report a working procedure to transform and develop a standalone Access database into a secure Web-based secure information system.

RESULTS

For data collection and reporting purposes, we centralized several individual databases; developed, and tested a web-based secure server using self-issued digital certificates.

LIMITATIONS

The system lacks audit trails. The cost of development and maintenance may hinder its wide application.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical trial databases scattered in various departments of an institution could be centralized into a web-enabled secure information system. The limitations such as the lack of a calendar and audit trail can be partially addressed with additional programming. The centralized Web system may provide an alternative to a comprehensive clinical trial management system.