The use of pre-operative halo traction to minimize risk for correction of severe scoliosis in a patient with Fontan circulation: a case report and review of literature

The association between intraoperative fluid management and perioperative allogenic blood transfusion during adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding and transfusion remain important concerns during surgical correction of scoliosis even when multiple conservative strategies, such as preoperative recombinant erythropoietin and/or antifibrinolytic agents, are used. The current work aimed to determine the impact of other potential risk factors, especially the volume of intraoperative fluid intake, on the perioperative risk of allogenic transfusion during surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODS

This prospective study included all cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis operated in a single center during 2 years (2018-2020). Predictors analyzed were as follows: body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, thoracoplasty, preoperative halo-gravity, volume of intraoperative crystalloid administration, use of esophageal Doppler (for goal-directed fluid therapy), and duration of surgery. Statistical analyses were performed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients were included in the analysis. Multivariable analysis found: an increased volume of intraoperative crystalloid administration as a significant predictor of allogenic blood transfusion. Receiving operator characteristics analysis found the model exhibiting an area under the curve of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.95). Optimizing stroke volume using esophageal Doppler was associated with a decrease in intraoperative crystalloid intake.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate a statistical association between the increase in crystalloid intake and the risk of allogenic blood transfusion during surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Controlled studies are needed to address the causative relation between intraoperative fluid intake and the risk of allogenic transfusion.

Halo-pelvic traction in the treatment of severe scoliosis: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To provide better evidence of the efficacy and safety of preoperative halo-pelvic traction on the improvements of deformity and pulmonary functions in patients with severe scoliosis.

METHODS

Electronic database searches were conducted including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. All studies of halo-pelvic traction for the management of severe spinal deformity were included. We referred to a list of four criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the quality of included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Based on the study selection criteria, a total of eight articles consisting of a total of 210 patients were included. Statistically significant differences were found in coronal Cobb angle (P < 0.001), sagittal Cobb angle (P < 0.001) and height (P < 0.001) between pre- and post-traction. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, and there were substantial changes in heterogeneity with preoperative thoracoplasty subgroup in coronal Cobb angle (P < 0.001). Three trials including 74 subjects reported FVC and FEV1 predicted value between pre- and post-traction. There were statistically significant differences in FVC, FVC%, FEV1 and FEV1% (P < 0.001). The complication rate was 6.6-26.7%, and symptoms disappeared after reasonable traction strategy and intensive care.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative halo-pelvic traction achieved significant improvements in spinal deformity and pulmonary functions, with minor and curable complications. Thus, it is an effective and safe solution before surgery and may be the optimal choice for severe scoliosis. In light of the heterogeneity and limitations, future researches are needed to better determine the long-term efficacy on comprehensive assessment and to explore the appropriate traction system.

Preoperative Halo-Femoral Traction With Posterior Surgical Correction for the Treatment of Extremely Severe Rigid Congenital Scoliosis (Cobb Angle >120°)

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of preoperative halo-femoral traction (HFT) with posterior surgical correction for the treatment of extremely severe rigid congenital scoliosis (>120°).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of all patients with extremely severe rigid congenital scoliosis (>120°) treated with preoperative HFT from 2010 through 2018. Radiographic measurements were performed. The period of traction, blood loss, operation time, complications, and pulmonary function test results were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent preoperative HFT with posterior surgical correction. The mean preoperative main curve Cobb angle was 127.9° ± 4.4°, and the average correction rate was 33.5% posttraction, 54.8% postoperation, and 55.3% at the latest follow-up. Pulmonary function improved significantly after traction, and forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased from 34.7% and 33.4% to 48.1% and 48.5%, respectively. Only one patient experienced halo pin infection during HFT. No patients experienced permanent neurologic deficits or death.

CONCLUSION

For extremely severe rigid congenital scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 120°, preoperative HFT with posterior surgical correction offers an effective and safe corrective option. The perioperative complication rate can be partially reduced.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

Skull-femoral traction after posterior release for correction of adult severe scoliosis: efficacy and complications

Background

It is a great challenge for spine surgeons to correct severe rigid scoliosis. We developed a three- staged correction (one stage posterior release and screw placement, two stage skull-femoral traction and three stage posterior instrumentation) for adult severe scoliosis. The objective of this study is to investigate safety and efficacy of a three- staged correction for adult severe scoliosis.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for patients with severe scoliosis receiving three- staged correction (one stage posterior release and screw placement, two stage skull-femoral traction and three stage posterior instrumentation) from June 2001 to October 2014. The inclusion criteria were as follows: [1] age more than 18 years; [2] main curve larger than 90°; [3] a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were excluded if they had a history of surgery or anterior release or receiving three column osteotomies.

Results

A total of 63 patients were included (37 female and 26 male), with a mean age of 22.7 years (range: 18–30 years) and follow-up of 42.6 months (range: 24–108 months). The aetiology was congenital in 27 patients, neuromuscular in 18, idiopathic in 11, neurofibromatosis-1 in 4 and Marfan syndrome in 3. The mean traction weight was 28.4 kg (range: 18–32 kg), equal to 57.2% of patients’ body weight (range: 42.7–72.3%). The mean traction time was 22.7 days (range: 12–44 days). Postoperative correction rate was 55% (range: 38–78%) for scoliosis and 51% (range: 32–75%) for kyphosis. Contribution of traction to correction was 51% (range: 36–70%) for scoliosis and was 43% (range: 34–55%) for kyphosis.

Conclusions

Three- staged correction (one stage posterior release and screw placement, two stage skull-femoral traction and three stage posterior instrumentation) could effectively correct adult severe scoliosis. The incidence of complications of skull-femoral traction was not low, but transient and could be successfully managed.

Posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis after Fontan procedure: A case series

BACKGROUND

As the surgical treatment of scoliosis after a Fontan procedure is very challenging due to the risk of various perioperative complications, case reports are scarce. We herein describe three patients who were successfully treated for scoliosis following a Fontan procedure and discuss their clinical and radiological outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed three cases of scoliosis treated by posterior spinal fusion after a Fontan procedure.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative major curve Cobb angle was 83.7°, mean surgical time was 233.0 min, and mean blood loss was 1167 g. The mean correction rate of the major curve was 48.0%. Surgical outcome as evaluated by Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaires revealed acceptable results without any severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Corrective surgery for scoliosis after a Fontan procedure becomes a stronger option if cardiac insufficiency is prevented during the perioperative period and a conservative plan is carried out with minimal invasiveness and operation time.