Kappa: Preliminary Results on a Novel Technique for Pelvic Fixation in Adult Spinal Deformity Correction

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

Pelvic fixation in degenerative spinal deformation is as crucial as demanding. Several pelvic anchoring technics have been described, but loosening rates remain high for most solutions. Here is described the "Kappa" technic, combining ilio-sacral screws to S2A1 screws at 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

Thirteen patients that underwent a spinal deformity correction with "Kappa" fixation to the pelvis and with more than 2 years of follow-up were prospectively included in this study. The surgical technic is described, and clinical and radiographic data have been collected for all patients.

Results

The population exhibited an important pre-operative sagittal imbalance (mean SVA of 104,4 mm, mean PI-LL mismatch of 22,8°) that had improved significatively after surgery (mean SVA of 75,5 mm and mean PI-LL mismatch of 4,9°). No loosening of pull-out of the implants was to deplore at 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

The association of ilio-sacral screw, resistant to pull-out because of the traction axis perpendicular to the construct, to S2A1 screws, known to be effective in sagittal balance restoration seems to be an effective and safe option to pelvic fixation for adult spinal deformity correction.

Level of Evidence

IV.

Forearm reconstruction by induced-membrane technique after sarcoma resection in children: technique and functional outcome in three cases

Forearm sarcoma is rare in children. Here, we report three cases. One child presented undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma involving the ulna, another had Ewing's sarcoma of the ulna, and the third had Ewing's sarcoma of the proximal radius. In the first case, there were episodes of iterative aseptic nonunion, treated surgically. At last follow-up (respectively 11, 9 and 8 years postoperatively), the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 80%, 90% and 77% respectively, and all cases were in remission. The induced membrane technique to reconstruct bone defect after sarcoma resection in children is a possible limb-salvage strategy.

Is daily walking distance affected in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? An original prospective study using the pedometer on smartphones

BACKGROUND DATA

Little is known about daily walking distance levels, which accounts for approximately 80% of overall physical activity per day, in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the level of walking distance in AIS treated by bracing or not, comparing this activity with that of a control group. We used an original method based on smartphone pedometers for studying walking distance in everyday life.

METHODS

Nineteen AIS patients, aged 14.1 (13-17) years, and 25 asymptomatic patients, aged 12.9 (12-14) years were included prospectively. The 19 AIS cases comprised 9 untreated individuals and 10 with ongoing night brace treatment. The mean walking distance per day as estimated by the pedometer application on smartphones for 2 months was assessed. Weekly sports activities (hours per week) were also reported.

RESULTS

During the first month, the mean walking distance was 2.58±0.65 km/day for control patients, 2.31±1.38 km/day for untreated AIS, and 3.65±0.72 km/day for AIS patients treated with a night brace. During the second month, the mean walking distance was 2.60±0.73 km/day for control patients, 2.40±1.41 km/day for untreated AIS, and 3.70±0.72 km/day for AIS patients treated with a night brace. Statistical analysis between groups showed a statistically significant difference with a higher level of daily walking distance in adolescents treated with a night brace compared with other groups.

CONCLUSION

The pedometer on smartphones is a cost-effective and friendly tool to assess adolescents' level of walking distance. Our results indicate no restriction in terms of daily walking distance between adolescents without scoliosis and those with idiopathic scoliosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.