MSCs复合双相磷酸钙陶瓷促进腰椎骨折患者脊柱融合

目的:探索自体骨髓间充质干细胞(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)复合双相磷酸钙陶瓷(Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics,BCP)在腰椎骨折患者脊柱融合中的应用。方法:收集我院住院腰椎骨折患者50例,随机分为两组:MSCs复合BCP组和自体髂骨组。MSCs复合BCP组中,体外分离培养患者自体MSCs,复合BCP材料后共聚焦显微镜观察细胞和材料复合生长状况;然后回植于胸腰椎体骨折处,采用后路腰椎椎体间融合术(PLIF),钛合金椎弓根钉棒系统作脊柱内固定。自体髂骨组中,用患者自体髂骨代替BCP骨移植物。术前、术后1、3、6、12个月行X线和CT检查,同时采用Lenke字母分级评价脊柱融合情况,LBOS评分评价临床疗效,Cobb角评价患者伤椎复位效果。结果:两组患者术后6个月Lenke字母分级法表明两组患者均为A、B级,无C、D级;LBOS评分表明MSCs复合BCP组的优良率为68%(17/25),自体髂骨组优良率为76%(19/25);Cobb角结果表明两组伤椎复位效果良好。所有数据两组差异无明显统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:MSCs复合BCP材料是一种优良的促进脊柱融合方法,可替代自体髂骨移植。     

椎弓根螺钉用于植骨融合术治疗胸腰椎结核的临床研究

目的:探讨椎弓根内固定联合植骨融合术治疗胸腰椎结核的临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2013年5月至2014年5月在我院接受治疗的50例胸腰椎结核患者的临床资料,结合影像资料评价患者手术前后的红细胞沉降率、后凸畸形矫正情况、Frankel分级及术后并发症的发生情况等。结果:所有患者术后病理均证实为脊柱结核,术中27例植入大块自体髂骨,23例植入自体肋骨捆绑植骨。24例采用椎体侧前方钉棒内固定,26例采用后路椎弓根螺钉系统内固定。术中未出现脊髓、神经、血管损伤及血气胸等并发症。患者术后红细胞沉降率获得改善,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后Cobb角明显获得矫正,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。患者术后脊柱损伤程度明显改善,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:椎弓根内固定联合椎体间植骨融合术治疗胸腰椎结核具有良好的临床效果,不仅可以改善红细胞沉降率,而且可以矫正患者脊柱后凸畸形,值得临床推广应用。     

自体髂骨移植用于后路椎弓根钉棒系统矫形内固定术治疗脊柱侧凸的临床效果及对预后的影响

目的:探讨自体髂骨移植用于后路椎弓根钉棒系统矫形内固定术治疗脊柱侧凸的临床效果及对患者预后的影响。方法:选取2014年4月至2017年4月90例在我院及山西医科大学进行手术治疗的退行性脊柱侧凸患者作为研究对象,按照随机法将患者分为两组,各组45例患者。对照组采用后路椎弓根钉棒系统矫形内固定术,观察组采用后路椎弓根钉棒系统矫形内固定结合自体髂骨移植术。比较两组患者围手术期情况,术前、术后7天及术后12个月腰椎后凸角度、Cobb角、JOA评分、ODI评分的变化及术后并发症发生情况。结果:两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、体温恢复时间、WBC恢复正常时间、引流管置管时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者术后腰椎前凸角度、Cobb角较手术前明显改善(P0.05);术后12个月,观察组患者腰椎前凸角度高于对照组,Cobb角显著低于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者术后JOA评分高于手术前,ODI评分低于手术前(P0.05);观察组患者术后12个月JOA评分高于对照组,ODI评分低于对照组(P0.05)。观察组患者并发症发生率显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:自体髂骨移植应用于后路椎弓根钉棒系统矫形内固定术治疗退行性脊柱侧弯效果较好,不仅可纠正脊柱侧弯,同时可减轻患者疼痛感及不适感,安全性较高。     

经椎弓根椎体内植骨联合短节段内固定治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的临床疗效

目的:探讨使用椎弓根椎体内植骨联合短节段内固定法治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的临床疗效。方法:将2013年2月至2013年10月入院的59例老年胸腰段脊柱骨折患者按照治疗方法分为两组:观察组27例,进行经椎弓根椎体内植骨联合短节段弓根钉棒系统内固定治疗;对照组32例,单纯进行短节段弓根钉棒系统内固定治疗。研究过程中对患者的术中失血量、手术所用时间、VAS、手术前后椎体高度、骨折愈合时间及住院时间等治疗进行记录,并对两组数据进行统计学分析。结果:观察组术后及末次随访椎体高度丢失明显低于对照组(4.31±2.867.13±4.41,4.72±3.9811.57±4.72,P0.05),术前Cobb角两组患者无差异,而术后及末次随访Cobb角观察组明显低于对照组(3.96±3.477.25±5.29,5.17±4.3311.21±6.29,P0.01),差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后疼痛程度评分显示,对照组高于观察组(5.68±2.371.86±1.41,P0.05),有显著性差异。观察组术后内固定物失效率也明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:临床调查结果显示,使用椎弓根椎体内植骨联合短节段内固定治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折可降低术后痛感,提高固定即时稳定性,值得临床推广使用。     

不同后路术式治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床效果比较

目的：探讨不同后路术式治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床效果。方法：将我院骨科收治的96例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者随机分为两组,分别使用经伤椎椎弓根六钉固定法（六钉组,65例）和跨伤椎短节段四钉固定法（四钉组,31例）进行复位固定,测量并比较术后6个月两组矢状面Cobb角、冠状面Cobb角和伤椎椎体前缘压缩比及术后并发症情况的差异。结果：两组患者术前矢状面和冠状面Cobb角、伤椎椎体前缘压缩比的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。术后6个月,六钉组矢状面Cobb角、伤椎椎体前缘压缩比、术后并发症发生率均显著低于四钉组（P〈0．05）,两组冠状面Cobb角均为0°。四钉组术后并发痘的发生率为22．6％,而六钉组术后并发症的发生率为4．6％,显著低于四钉组（P〈0．05）。结论：经伤椎椎弓根六钉固定法治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折疗效优于跨伤椎短节段四钉固定法．且不良反应较少．具有较高的临床应用价值。     

一期前路病灶清除植骨内固定治疗胸腰椎结核

目的探讨前路一期病灶清除、植骨、前路内固定手术治疗胸腰椎结核的疗效。方法 2010~2013年我院对42例胸腰椎结核患者进行一期病灶清除植骨前路内固定,病变节段:T5~T108例,T11~L129例,L2~L45例。其中病变累及1个椎体29例,累及2个椎体10例,跳跃型和累及3个椎体3例。累及1个椎体者应用Z-PlateⅡ钛板内固定,累及2个椎体或上胸椎结核者则选用钉-棒系统(CDH M8)固定。术后抗结核治疗不少于9个月。结果 42例患者均得到随访,随访时间6个月~4年,平均2.6年。手术切口均1期愈合,术后全身症状及局部疼痛消失,神经症状有不同程度恢复,所有病灶愈合,其中39例患者植骨融合,内固定牢固;3例患者因过早进行重体力劳动导致螺钉松动,植骨块塌陷,再次出现后凸畸形,经再次手术后治愈。结论一期病灶清除植骨内固定手术结合规范药物抗痨治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效显著、可靠。     

脊柱矫形手术在改善成人脊柱畸形患者站立平衡中的作用

为了探讨脊柱矫形手术在改善成人脊柱畸形患者站立平衡中的作用,2011年1月至2016年3月,本研究选择了68例成人脊柱畸形患者作为研究对象,所有患者均采用后路脊柱融合术治疗。通过测量患者手术前后的冠状面(Cobb角,冠状面垂直轴和躯干偏移)和矢状面平衡参数(C7SVA,胸椎后凸,重力线,骨盆倾斜,骨盆入射角和骨盆入射角-腰椎前凸角),并考察患者的脊柱侧凸研究学会患者问卷(SRS22)和Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表(ODI)评分,本研究发现术后2年随访时患者的Cobb角和躯干偏移显著小于术前(p0.05),然而冠状面垂直轴在手术前后无显著差异(p0.05)。术后2年随访时的C7SVA、重力线、骨盆倾斜、骨盆入射角-腰椎前凸角显著小于术前(p0.05),然而,胸椎后凸和骨盆入射角在手术前后无显著变化(p0.05)。术后2年随访时的SRS22量表总均分(4.0±0.6)显著高于术前(3.3±0.7)。并且,除了心理健康在手术前后无显著差异之外,SRS22评分的其他4个维度(疼痛,功能,自我形象和满意度)在术后2年随访时均显著升高(p0.05)。患者术后2年随访时的ODI评分(32.0±9.8)%显著低于术前(60.5±11.4)%,差异有统计学意义(t=7.868,p=0.001)。患者术后2年随访时的ODI评分(13.28±1.21)显著高于术前(7.65±0.81),差异有统计学意义(t=11.225,p=0.001)。后路脊柱融合术可显著改善成人脊柱畸形患者的冠状面平衡和矢状面平衡,并降低患者的疼痛程度、改善患者的脊柱功能和神经功能。     

一期后路半椎体切除短节段内固定与一期前路半椎体切除短节段内固定治疗先天性半椎体畸形的疗效对比

目的：对比一期后路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术与一期前路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术治疗先天性半椎体畸形的疗效。方法：抽取兰州军区兰州总医院骨科中心脊柱外科46例住院手术治疗先天性半椎体畸形的患者,随机化分为2组,每组23例,分别行一期后路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术和一期前路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术,观察比较两纽的手术时间、出血量、术后住院时间、术前和术后6个月侧凸cobb角、后凸cobb角及矫正率。结果：两组间的手术时间、出血量、术后住院时间、术后6个月后凸cobb角及后凸矫正率对比差异有统计学意义。结论：一期后路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术在后凸畸形矫正方面优于一期前路半椎体切除短节段植骨融合内固定术,且其手术创伤较小、术后恢复较快。     

脊柱微创手术对骨质疏松性椎体骨折的疗效及安全性分析

目的：探究脊柱微创手术对骨质疏松性椎体骨折的疗效及安全性。方法：选取我院骨科于2008年3月-2011年3月收治的72例骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折进行分组治疗,观察组（n=36）接受脊柱微创手术,对照组（n=36）接受传统保守治疗,对比两组患者术后生活情况、疗效及观察组术后并发症。结果：两组患者治疗前压缩椎体高度/病椎上下椎体高度和之半、椎体后凸Cobb角及骨块侵占椎管比率无明显统计学差异（P〉0.05）,治疗后上述指标均显著改善,观察组改善程度较对照组更为明显（P〈0.05）;观察组治疗优良率91.7%,对照组为58.3%,其中6例患者因症状加重转为手术治疗,观察组治疗效果明显优于对照组（P〈0.05）;观察组患者术后未出现内植物松动、断裂、形成假关节、截瘫等并发症,钉棒内固定系统坚强可靠;两组患者均获得有效随访,平均随访时间（9.7±2.5）个月,观察组平均下地时间（4.1±1.7）d,肌力恢复时间（3.7±0.8）周,Frankel神经功能均恢复E级;对照组平均下地时间（7.4±3.0）d,肌力恢复时间（5.9±1.4）周,Frankel神经功能评分：D级6例,E级30例。结论：脊柱微创手术能够有效改善骨质疏松性椎体骨折患者骨骼力学变化,可有效保证其术后恢复情况,疗效较好,且不会引发严重并发症,值得临床广泛推广。     

Halo-vest辅助下前路手术治疗严重颈椎结核伴后凸畸形

目的：探讨使用halo-vest支具牵引复位并通过前路手术治疗严重颈椎结核并后凸畸形的方法和疗效。方法：通过对2004年10月至2010年9月在我科住院治疗的14例严重颈椎结核并后凸畸形的患者进行回顾性研究。本组患者中男8例,女6例,术前颈椎后凸Cobb角24-42°,平均34°。术前使用四联抗结核药物治疗2-4周,通过Halo-vest支具牵引复位。纠正颈椎后凸畸形后,采用一期前路手术治疗。手术处理包括：结核病灶清除、自体髂骨植骨或钛网植入、颈前路钢板内固定。术后继续抗结核治疗12-24个月。结果：术后随访12-48个月,平均26个月。所有颈椎结核并后凸畸形的患者都能通过halo-vest支具牵引恢复基本的颈椎序列,并能很好地耐受手术。术后患者局部疼痛和全身结核中毒症状明显缓解,神经功能均较术前有所恢复,后凸畸形得到矫正。术后3-6个月植骨融合,无内固定及伤口并发症,无严重halo-vest支具相关并发症,无结核复发。结论：对于严重颈椎结核并后凸畸形的患者,术前通过halo-vest支具牵引复位,可矫正畸形,恢复颈椎正常生理序列,为后期手术治疗创造条件并降低术中复位可能引起的脊髓损伤风险。Halo-vest辅助下的前路手术是治疗严重颈椎结核伴后凸畸形的有效手段。     

Selection of fusion levels using the fulcrum bending radiograph for the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with alternate level pedicle screw strategy: clinical decision-making and outcomes

ObjectiveSelecting fusion levels based on the Luk et al criteria for operative management of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with hook and hybrid systems yields acceptable curve correction and balance parameters; however, it is unknown whether utilizing a purely pedicle screw strategy is effective. Utilizing the fulcrum bending radiographic (FBR) to assess curve flexibility to select fusion levels, the following study assessed the efficacy of pedicle screw fixation with alternate level screw strategy (ALSS) for thoracic AIS.MethodsA retrospective study with prospective radiographic data collection/analyses (preoperative, postoperative 1-week and minimum 2-year follow-up) of 28 operative thoracic AIS patients undergoing ALSS was performed. Standing coronal/sagittal and FBR Cobb angles, FBR flexibility, fulcrum bending correction index (FBCI), trunkal shift, radiographic shoulder height (RSH), and list were assessed on x-rays. Fusion level selection was based on the Luk et al criteria and compared to conventional techniques.ResultsIn the primary curve, the mean preoperative and postoperative 1 week and last follow-up standing coronal Cobb angles were 59.9, 17.2 and 20.0 degrees, respectively. Eighteen patients (64.3%) had distal levels saved (mean: 1.6 levels) in comparison to conventional techniques. Mean immediate and last follow-up FBCIs were 122.6% and 115.0%, respectively. Sagittal alignment did not statistically differ between any assessment intervals (p>0.05). A decrease in trunkal shift was noted from preoperative to last follow-up (p = 0.003). No statistically significant difference from preoperative to last follow-up was noted in RSH and list (p>0.05). No "add-on" of other vertebra or decompensation was noted and all patients achieved fusion.ConclusionsThis is the first report to note that using the FBR for decision-making in selecting fusion levels in thoracic AIS patients undergoing management with pedicle screw constructs (e.g. ALSS) is a cost-effective strategy that can achieve clinically-relevant deformity correction that is maintained and without compromising fusion levels.     

Real time noninvasive assessment of external trunk geometry during surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Study design

Retrospective study.

Objective

To evaluate the radiological results of fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis with a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Summary of background data

Progression of spinal deformity after posterior instrumentation and fusion in immature patients has been reported by several authors. Segmental pedicle screw fixation has been shown to be effective in controlling both coronal and sagittal plane deformities. However, there is no long term study of fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation in these group of patients.

Methods

Seven patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis treated by segmental pedicle screw fixation and fusion were analyzed. The average age of the patients was 7.4 years (range 5–9 years) at the time of the operation. All the patients were followed up 5 years or more (range 5–8 years) and were all Risser V at the most recent follow up. Three dimensional reconstruction of the radiographs was obtained and 3DStudio Max software was used for combining, evaluating and modifying the technical data derived from both 2d and 3d scan data.

Results

The preoperative thoracic curve of 56 ± 15° was corrected to 24 ± 17° (57% correction) at the latest follow-up. The lumbar curve of 43 ± 14° was corrected to 23 ± 6° (46% correction) at the latest follow-up. The preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 37 ± 13° and the lumbar lordosis of 33 ± 13° were changed to 27 ± 13° and 42 ± 21°, respectively at the latest follow-up. None of the patients showed coronal decompensation at the latest follow-up. Four patients had no evidence of crankshaft phenomenon. In two patients slight increase in Cobb angle at the instrumented segments with a significant increase in AVR suggesting crankshaft phenomenon was seen. One patient had a curve increase in both instrumented and non instrumented segments due to incorrect strategy.

Conclusion

In juvenile idiopathic curves of Risser 0 patients with open triradiate cartilages, routine combined anterior fusion to prevent crankshaft may not be warranted by posterior segmental pedicle screw instrumentation.     

成人脊柱畸形患者矫正术后力学性并发症发生率及其危险因素分析

摘要 目的：研究成人脊柱畸形患者矫正手术后力学性并发症的发生率以及影响其发生的危险因素。方法：纳入2016年6月到2020年6月在我院接受脊柱畸形矫正术的患者80例,术后对所有患者进行为期12个月的随访。根据患者术后随访期间是否出现力学性并发症分为力学并发症组和无力学并发症组,调查两组患者年龄、BMI、术中失血量、手术时间、合并神经损伤、术中截骨、性别、主弯角度、矫正率、手术史、入路以及疾病类型等病历资料,并通过单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析成人脊柱畸形矫正术后发生力学性并发症的独立危险因素。结果：80例脊柱畸形矫正术患者术后发生力学性并发症患者18例（22.50 %）,分别为内固定失败4例、近端交界性失败5例、远端交界性失败4例以及术后冠状面失平衡5例。单因素分析结果表明,手术时间（OR=6.924,P=0.015）、年龄（OR=2.803,P=0.011）、矫正率（OR=3.215,P=0.032）、合并神经损伤（OR=1.629,P=0.021）、术中截骨术（OR=5.876,P=0.005）以及手术史（OR=1.692,P=0.043）与成人脊柱畸形矫正术后力学性并发症的发生有关。多因素Logistic回归分析结果表明,手术时间（OR=2.265,P=0.002）、年龄（OR=4.035,P<0.001）、合并神经损伤（OR=3.024,P=0.003）以及术中截骨术（OR=3.982,P<0.001）是成人脊柱畸形矫正术后发生力学性并发症的独立危险因素。结论：成年脊柱畸形患者矫正术后易发生力学性并发症,手术时间较长、年龄较大、合并神经损伤以及术中截骨术均会增加其发生风险。     

When and how to discontinue bracing treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a survey

Background

Currently, there is little consensus on how or when to discontinue bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). An expert spine surgeon national survey could aid in elucidate discontinuation of the brace.Few data have been published on when and how to discontinue bracing treatment in patients with AIS resulting in differences in the management of the condition. The aim of this study was to characterize decision-making of surgeons in the management of bracing discontinuation in AIS.

Methods

An original electronic survey consisting of 12 multiple choice questions was sent to all the members of the National Spine Surgery Society (497 surveyed). Participants were asked about their type of medical practice, years of experience in the field, society memberships, type of brace they usually prescribed, average hours of daily brace wearing they recommended, and how and when they indicated bracing discontinuation as well as the clinical and/or imaging findings this decision was based on. Exclusion criteria include brace discontinued because of having developed a curve that warranted surgical treatment.

Results

Of a total of 497 surgeons, 114 responded the survey (22.9%). 71.9% had more than 5 years of experience in the specialty, and 51% mainly treated pediatric patients. Overall, 95.5% of the surgeons prescribed the thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO), indicated brace wearing for a mean of 20.6 h daily. Regarding bracing discontinuation, indicated gradual brace weaning, a decision 93.9% based on anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the spine and physical examination, considered a Risser ≥ IV and ≥?24 months post menarche.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide insight in the daily practice of spine surgeons regarding how and when they discontinue bracing in AIS. The decision of bracing discontinuation is based on AP/lateral spinal radiographs and physical examination, Risser ≥ IV, regardless of Tanner stage, and ≥?24 months post menarche. Gradual weaning is recommended.

     

后路椎弓根螺钉内固定结合后外侧植骨融合治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床观察

目的：观察后路椎弓根螺钉内固定结合后外侧植骨融合治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床效果及安全性。方法：回顾性分析2010年6月-2012年4月在我院脊柱骨科住院治疗的71例胸腰脊椎骨折患者,所有患者随机被分成2组,治疗组38例接受采用后路椎弓根螺钉内固定结合后外侧植骨融合治疗,对照组33例接受传统椎弓根螺钉内固定。术后对患者椎体前缘高度、脊柱Cobb’s角、腰背痛、神经功能恢复情况、内固定并发症等方面进行手术效果的评价。结果：治疗组术后及随诊患者的椎体前、后缘高度的比值与对照组相比,均有统计学差异（P〈0．05）;治疗组术后及随诊患者的Cobb’s角较对照组明显减小,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,治疗组手术时间与对照组相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;两组患者医疗费用、神经功能改善筝级相互比较,无统计学意义咿0．05）。结论：后路复位椎弓根螺钉内固定结合后外侧植骨融合治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效确切。     

伤椎置钉联合短节段内固定与单纯短节段固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的比较研究

目的:比较伤椎置钉联合短节段内固定与单纯短节段固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效、固定效果及其对患者炎症反应和脊髓损伤的影响。方法:选取2014年3月到2016年12月期间我院收治的胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者94例,根据手术方法的不同将患者分为伤椎置钉组(40例)和短节段内固定组(44例)。短节段内固定组患者采用单纯后路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定进行治疗,伤椎置钉组采用伤椎置钉联合后路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定进行治疗。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、伤椎前沿高度比、Cobb’s角、伤椎椎体楔形变角、视觉模拟评分(VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI),炎性因子指标、脊髓损伤指标及术后并发症。结果:伤椎置钉组的手术时间长于短节段内固定组(P<0.05),术后6个月、术后12个月伤椎置钉组的伤椎前沿高度比明显高于短节段内固定组,Cobb’s角、伤椎椎体楔形变角明显低于短节段内固定组(P<0.05),术前、术后1周、术后6个月、术后12个月两组患者的VAS评分和ODI比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后3 d两组患者血清中IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α和pNF-H、NSE、S100β、GFAP水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访期间两组患者均未出现严重并发症。结论:伤椎置钉联合后路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定可有效改善胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者的椎体高度、Cobb’s角和伤椎椎体楔形变角,并且不会增加脊髓损伤和机体的炎症反应。     

Could CCI or FBCI Fully Eliminate the Impact of Curve Flexibility When Evaluating the Surgery Outcome for Thoracic Curve Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient? A Retrospective Study

PurposeTo clarify if CCI or FBCI could fully eliminate the influence of curve flexibility on the coronal correction rate.MethodsWe reviewed medical record of all thoracic curve AIS cases undergoing posterior spinal fusion with all pedicle screw systems from June 2011 to July 2013. Radiographical data was collected and calculated. Student t test, Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.Results60 were included in this study. The mean age was 14.7y (10-18y) with 10 males (17%) and 50 females (83%). The average Risser sign was 2.7. The mean thoracic Cobb angle before operation was 51.9°. The mean bending Cobb angle was 27.6° and the mean fulcrum bending Cobb angle was 17.4°. The mean Cobb angle at 2 week after surgery was 16.3°. The Pearson correlation coefficient r between CCI and BFR was -0.856(P<0.001), and between FBCI and FFR was -0.728 (P<0.001). A modified FBCI (M-FBCI) = (CR-0.513)/BFR or a modified CCI (M-CCI) = (CR-0.279)/FFR was generated by curve estimation has no significant correlation with FFR (r=-0.08, p=0.950) or with BFR (r=0.123, p=0.349).ConclusionsFulcrum-bending radiographs may better predict the outcome of AIS coronal correction than bending radiographs in thoracic curveAIS patients. Neither CCI nor FBCI can fully eliminate the impact of curve flexibility on the outcome of correction. A modified CCI or FBCI can better evaluating the corrective effects of different surgical techniques or instruments.     

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), environment, exposome and epigenetics: a molecular perspective of postnatal normal spinal growth and the etiopathogenesis of AIS with consideration of a network approach and possible implications for medical therapy

ABSTRACT: Genetic factors are believed to play an important role in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Discordant findings for monozygotic (MZ) twins with AIS show that environmental factors including different intrauterine environments are important in etiology, but what these environmental factors may be is unknown. Recent evidence for common chronic non-communicable diseases suggests epigenetic differences may underlie MZ twin discordance, and be the link between environmental factors and phenotypic differences. DNA methylation is one important epigenetic mechanism operating at the interface between genome and environment to regulate phenotypic plasticity with a complex regulation across the genome during the first decade of life. The word exposome refers to the totality of environmental exposures from conception onwards, comprising factors in external and internal environments. The word exposome is used here also in relation to physiologic and etiopathogenetic factors that affect normal spinal growth and may induce the deformity of AIS. In normal postnatal spinal growth we propose a new term and concept, physiologic growth-plate exposome for the normal processes particularly of the internal environments that may have epigenetic effects on growth plates of vertebrae. In AIS, we propose a new term and concept pathophysiologic scoliogenic exposome for the abnormal processes in molecular pathways particularly of the internal environment currently expressed as etiopathogenetic hypotheses; these are suggested to have deforming effects on the growth plates of vertebrae at cell, tissue, structure and/or organ levels that are considered to be epigenetic. New research is required for chromatin modifications including DNA methylation in AIS subjects and vertebral growth plates excised at surgery. In addition, consideration is needed for a possible network approach to etiopathogenesis by constructing AIS diseasomes. These approaches may lead through screening, genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, metabolic phenotypes and pharmacogenomic research to identify susceptible individuals at risk and modulate abnormal molecular pathways of AIS. The potential of epigenetic-based medical therapy for AIS cannot be assessed at present, and must await new research derived from the evaluation of epigenetic concepts of spinal growth in health and deformity. The tenets outlined here for AIS are applicable to other musculoskeletal growth disorders including infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis.