Post-Maturity Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves of 40° to 50°

Factors contributing to bracing success in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and current limitations : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

There is a general lack of guidelines on nonoperative treatment in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS). This review aims to explore factors determining bracing success in JIS and to identify limitations in current literature.

Methods

A literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data extraction focused on the factors affecting bracing success, including pre-brace curve magnitude in Cobb angle, curve type, pre-brace rib vertebral angle difference, in-brace correction, brace type, brace-wear compliance, the time of brace initiation, and bracing duration. Bracing success is defined as 1) avoidance of corrective surgical intervention (curve exceeding 45° at maturity) and/or 2) major curve Cobb angle of < 5° progression at maturity. Meta-analysis was performed for individual factors.

Results

After initial and full-text screening, 16 articles were included in the review. Pooled odds ratio (OR) from eight studies and 560 patients using the threshold of Cobb angle of 30° revealed that patients with pre-brace curve < 30° were associated with bracing success (odds ratio (OR) 3.58; 95% CI 2.26 to 5.65; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.08). Major thoracic curves were associated with reduced likelihood of bracing success compared to thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.86; p = 0.010; I2 = 0.35). Full-time compliance was significantly associated with bracing success (OR 5.22; 95% CI 2.24 to 12.19; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.76).

Conclusion

This review identified that a pre-brace major Cobb angle < 30° and full-time compliance of at least 18 to 20 hours/day are prognostic factors favourable for bracing success, while presence of thoracic curves is prognostic for unfavourable brace outcome. Longer bracing duration does not translate to a higher success rate. Clinicians should devise more efforts to modify patient compliance in order to achieve optimal brace outcomes. The general lack of high-quality evidence and heterogeneity of results in existing studies indicates the need for further rigorous research on JIS.

Can Surgery Be Proposed to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients With Structural Lumbar Curves Associated With Nonreducible Iliolumbar Angle?

BACKGROUND

Lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) selection for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with structural lumbar curves (Lenke 3, 5, and 6) remains debated. The iliolumbar angle (ILA) measurement is useful for assessing the lumbosacral junction flexibility. If it is nonreducible, surgeons need to make a difficult choice between a potential "imperfect" L4, associated with a residual lumbosacral curve, or a more distal fusion performed later in life due to poorer functional outcomes. The goal of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the postoperative radiographic and functional outcomes of AIS patients with nonreducible ILA.

METHODS

All consecutive AIS patients (2017 to 2022) with a structural lumbar curve and a posterior fusion ending on L4 were retrospectively included. Radiographic and functional outcomes (SRS-30 score) were reported with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Standing low dose stereoradiographs in both erect and maximum lateral bending positions were performed in all patients, and 2 groups of subjects were compared based on preoperative ILA flexibility [reducible group (R) or nonreducible group (NR)].

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were included (30% NR and 71% R). At a mean follow-up of 2.3±0.1 years, surgery was efficient in correcting the major curve (77% reduction rate in the R group and 76% in the NR group, P <10 -5 ), and significantly improved coronal balance (R, P <10 -5 and NR, P =0.03) as well as the ILA [mean ILA gain 14 degrees (R group), P <10 -5 and 16 degrees (NR group), P <10 -5 ]. The proportion of excellent results was higher in the R group, but 97% of outcomes were either excellent or acceptable in the NR group, and only 1 case of poor result (residual ILA >10 degrees) was reported in each group. No significant difference was found in SRS 30 scores between groups, but scores were significantly improved in the NR group for the excellent outcomes' subgroup [self-image ( P =0.04) and satisfaction ( P =0.02) domains].

CONCLUSIONS

The current study confirms that posterior fusion ending on L4 can still be proposed to young AIS patients with structural lumbar curves, even if the lumbosacral flexibility is limited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-comparative study.

Spinal deformity transitional care from pediatric to adult population: a descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Spinal deformity can develop in childhood and adulthood. There is often a loss of follow-up for these patients during the transition to adulthood. The aim of this study was to describe the management of those patients. Hypothesis transitional care enhances patient's adherence to long-term follow-up.

METHODS

A consultation was organized between two orthopedic surgery departments, one pediatric and the other adult, to ensure a transitional follow-up. All patients followed up in the pediatric department for spinal deformity between 2019 and 2021 were included (Ped group). Patients referred to the adult department were analyzed (Ped_Ad group). Data collected included type of deformity, age at first and last consultation, overall follow-up time, and number lost to follow-up (LTFU).

RESULTS

Overall, 383 patients were included: 11% were referred to an adult center (Ped_Ad), and 89% remained in pediatrics (Ped). Age at first and last consultation was significantly higher in the Ped_Ad group. Mean follow-up time was 4 years in both groups. In the Ped group, 18% of patients had undergone surgery, versus 61% in the Ped_Ad group. The rate of LTFU was twice higher in the Ped group (25%) than in the Ped_Ad group (12%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Among LTFU, patients aged between 14 and 16 years were the most represented (53%), and they were most often unoperated patients in the Ped group.

CONCLUSION

When adult follow-up was organized, adherence to follow-up was better. This would enable patients to be managed earlier, in the event of worsening of an unoperated deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Distinct clinical characteristics of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with asymmetrical ESR1 expression in paraspinal muscle progenitor cells

Background

Previous studies found decreased ESR1 expression of concave paraspinal muscle progenitor cells could contribute to the initiation and progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The current study investigated the clinical characteristics of AIS with asymmetrical ESR1 expression in paraspinal muscle progenitor cells.

Materials and Methods

Bilateral deep paraspinal muscle progenitor cells were obtained from 25 consecutive eligible female patients with AIS. RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate the expression of ESR1. The demographic data (the age at surgery, height, weight, BMI, and age at initiation), posteroanterior and lateral radiographs data (Risser sign, Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation, and location of apical vertebra), and MR imaging data (bilateral paraspinal muscle CSA ratio and bilateral fatty component ratio) were collected. The correlation between asymmetrical ESR1 expression of paraspinal muscle progenitor cells and the aforementioned clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Twelve out of twenty-five patients (48%) showed bilateral ESR1 expression ratio (convex/concave) more than 1.5 folds, and they were divided into the ESR1 asymmetry group. When compared with the ESR1 symmetry group, patients in the ESR1 asymmetry group showed significantly more severe scoliosis (p = 0.041), more hypoplastic concave paraspinal muscle (p = 0.015), and more muscular fatty infiltration in the concave side (p = 0.034). The bilateral ESR1 expression ratio was significantly correlated with Cobb angle (r 2 = 0.282, p = 0.006), bilateral paraspinal muscle CSA ratio (r 2 = 0.253, p = 0.011), and bilateral fatty component ratio (r 2 = 0.248, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

There were 48% of AIS patients with significantly decreased ESR1 expression in concave paraspinal muscle progenitor cells (convex/concave>1.5 folds), while patients with more asymmetrical ESR1 expression showed more hypoplastic paraspinal muscle and fatty infiltration on the concave side, and more severe scoliotic deformity.

A comparison of patients receiving vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the public and private hospital setting

PURPOSE

Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a new growth-modulating surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requiring a distinct skillset and intraoperative setup. We compared perioperative details and outcomes of VBTs performed in a public pediatric orthopedic hospital and a general private hospital setting.

METHODS

We identified all patients receiving VBT for AIS from 1/2020 to 12/2023 with ≥ 6 months post-operative follow-up, with surgeries performed by the same senior surgeons. Clinical, radiological, and surgical details were retrieved.

RESULTS

24 VBTs were performed in the private setting and 16 in the public setting. Average age at operation was 11.9 ± 1.1 at a Sanders staging of 3.8 ± 1.2 when the major curve Cobb angle was 50.5 ± 8.0°. Tethered curves were most often thoracic in location (23/40) followed by thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (10/40) and double curve tethers (7/40). Overall correction ratio of 68.0 ± 19.0% was achieved. Time from booking to operation (82.2 ± 39.2 vs 63.1 ± 34.4 days, p = 0.112) and operation time (310 ± 86.4 min vs. 289 ± 87.4 min, p = 0.054) were longer in the public and private setting respectively but failed to reach statistical significance. Time to chest drain removal (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.5 ± 1.7 days, p < 0.001) and length of stay (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 6.6 ± 1.8 days, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the private setting, whilst complication rates remained similar (7/24 vs. 3/16, p = 0.456).

CONCLUSION

Expertise, resource availability, and costs differ in the public and private healthcare setting. With regards to VBT, the conditions for referral and surgical outcomes remained similar. Earlier drain removal and discharge for patients managed in the private setting was not associated with an increase in complication rate.

Prognosticating accelerated deterioration in skeletally mature adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves of 40-50° using uniplanar radiographic measures of axial rotation

PURPOSE

The management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves between 40 and 50° is controversial. Here, we investigated the prognostic significance of simple radiographic rotational parameters to identify curves of this magnitude with accelerated deterioration following skeletal maturity.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients were identified with AIS and Cobb angles of the major curve between 40 and 50° at skeletal maturity. We defined fast progressive curves as those increasing by ≥ 2° per year after skeletal maturity. From the apical vertebra of the major curve upon presentation and skeletal maturity, we determined the modified Nash-Moe index (×100), and from thoracic major curves, the Rib Index. T tests were performed to compare fast-progressive curves with those that deteriorated by < 2° per year. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to establish optimal cutoffs, sensitivity, and specificity measures for rotational parameters.

RESULTS

The average duration of follow-up post was 11.8 ± 7.3 years. Thirteen out of seventy-three patients were fast progressors. The modified Nash-Moe index was similar between groups at presentation (p = 0.477) but significantly higher in fast progressors than non-fast progressors at maturity for major thoracic curves (25.40 ± 6.60 vs. 19.20 ± 4.40, p < 0.001). Rib Index values were also higher among fast progressors at skeletal maturity (2.50 ± 0.90 vs. 1.80 ± 0.60, p = 0.026). An ROC curve for a modified Nash-Moe index of 0.235 for thoracic curves achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 for discriminating fast progressors. A threshold of 1.915 for Rib Index at maturity achieved an AUC of 0.72 for discriminating fast progressors. In combining both rotational parameters, an AUC of 0.81 was achieved.

CONCLUSION

These simple rotational parameters may be useful to predict fast progression in 40-50° AIS curves following skeletal maturity indicated for early fusion, but further validation upon larger cohorts and non-thoracic major curves is required.

Curve Progression and Clinical Outcomes in Pregnant Females with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior reviews investigating the impact of pregnancy on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have reached different conclusions and a meta-analysis of curve progression among pregnant females with AIS and its effects on clinical outcomes has not previously been performed.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of major bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) was conducted for articles pertaining to spinal curve progression during pregnancy among patients with AIS. Patient demographics, scoliotic curve outcomes, and patient-reported quality of life measures were extracted.

RESULTS

Ten studies, including 857 patients with a mean age of 28.7 years, were included. Before pregnancy, 42.1% had undergone spinal fusion and 59.0% had a thoracic curve. Based on prepregnancy and postpregnancy radiographs, the curve increased from 33.9°-38.5°, and meta-analysis revealed a curve progression of 3.6° (range = -5.85 to 1.25, P = 0.003), primarily arising from loss of correction in the unfused group (Unfused = -5.0, P = 0.040; Fused = -3.0, P = 0.070). At the same time, 45.9% patients reported increased low back pain and many reported a negative body self-image and limitations in sexual function. However, 5 studies noted that pregnancy and number of pregnancies were not associated with curve progression, and multiple studies identified similar quality of life-related changes in non-pregnant patients with AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Among unfused pregnant females with AIS, the spinal curvature increased significantly by 5.0° from before to after pregnancy. However, these changes may be independent of pregnancy status and occur with time. Such curve progression can contribute to a negative body self-image, low back pain, and functional limitations irrespective of pregnancy state.

Is young adult idiopathic scoliosis a distinct clinical entity from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis comparing pre-operative characteristics and operative outcomes

PURPOSE

This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature comparing pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative characteristics between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and young adult idiopathic scoliosis (YAdIS) patients.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a search of the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases to identify full-text articles in the English-language literature. Our inclusion criteria were studies that compared preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics between AIS and YAdIS patients. We performed a meta-analysis reporting mean difference (MD) for continuous variables and Odds ratios (ORs) to assess differences in postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Seven studies consisting of 1562 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The AIS group exhibited less intraoperative bleeding and shorter surgical procedures, with a mean difference between groups of 122.3 ml (95% CI 46.2-198.4, p = 0.002) and 28.7 min (95% CI 6.5-50.8, p = 0.01), respectively. Although the preoperative Cobb angle did not differ between groups (p = 0.65), patients with AIS achieved superior postoperative deformity correction, with a mean difference of 7.3% between groups, MD - 7.3 (95% CI - 9.7, - 4.8, p < 0.00001), and lower postoperative Cobb angles of the major curve, MD 4.2 (95% CI 3.1, 5.3, p < 0.00001). YAdIS patients were fused, on average, 0.2 more vertebral levels than AIS patients, MD 0.2 (95% CI 0.01, 0.5, p = 0.04). AIS patients experienced a significantly shorter length of stay after the surgical procedure, with an MD of 0.8 days (95% CI 0.1, 1.6, p = 0.02). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of complications (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

YAdIS should be regarded as a distinct surgical entity, characterized by increased bleeding, longer surgical duration, greater deformity correction challenges, and the need for fusion of additional vertebral levels compared to AIS. Surgeons should be mindful of these differences and discuss them with patients and their families, especially in cases where the correction of the AIS deformity is delayed and there is a high risk of progression after skeletal maturity. Further research is needed to explore alternative surgical techniques and enhance outcomes for YAdIS patients.

Defining the gaps in transitional care to adulthood for patients in paediatric surgical specialties: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Transitioning patients from their paediatric centres to adulthood is an important subject for many of these patients living with different chronic pathologies. There are few studies that assess its effectiveness in paediatric surgical pathologies. The overall objective of this scoping review is to assess the extent of the literature describing transitional programmes dedicated to young patients living with surgical conditions. The primary question will look to assess what transitional programmes are available for young patients living with surgical conditions either operated or not.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The proposed scoping review will follow guidelines described by the Joanna Briggs Institute manual described by Peters et al in 2020. This protocol will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols checklist. The concept that will be included in this review is the exposure of these patients to a transition of care pathway or care programmes. Patients between the ages of 16 and 30 with a surgical condition will be included. There will be no comparator. No specific outcomes will be assessed, however, the outcomes that will be found from the transition programmes will be reviewed. A knowledge synthesis librarian will search MEDLINE All (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate) and CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost). The literature search will be limited to 2000 onwards publications. No language or age group limitation will be applied. The reference list of all included sources of evidence will be screened for additional studies. Screening of search results and data extraction from included studies will be completed in Covidence by two independent reviewers. We will also use the PAGER (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations) framework to report and summarise the results.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review does not require ethics approval. Our dissemination strategy includes peer review publication, conference presentation, co-constructed guidelines with stakeholders and policymakers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This review is registered on OSF.