Outcome of Conservative Therapy of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with Chêneau-Brace

Chêneau-brace (C-Brace) is a potential tool for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a Cobb angle between 20° and 45° for the primary curve. The aim of the present study was (1) to estimate study cohorts with C-brace therapy success and therapy failure and (2) to analyze possible factors that influence the therapy outcome. Seventy-eight patients with AIS were assessed before the initiation of C-brace treatment. Each patient underwent radiography examinations before the brace, in-brace, and at the therapy end. Cobb angle was considered as increased when the value at the end of therapy was increased more than 5° (Δ > 5°), unchanged—when the value was unchanged within ± 5° and decreased- when the value was decreased more than 5° (Δ < −5°). The study cohort was stratified due to curve topography in the thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar scoliosis groups. Global analysis revealed no statistically significant modification of the Cobb angle (Cobb angle pre-brace vs. Cobb angle post-brace: 30.8° ± 8.2 vs. 29.3° ± 15.2, p = 0.26). However, at the end of C-brace therapy, the primary Cobb angle was decreased by more than 5° in 27 patients (35%), unchanged (Δ within the range of ±5°) in 36 patients (46%), and increased more than 5° in 15 patients (19%). Sub-group analysis due to curve topography and skeletal maturity has shown higher rates of brace therapy failure in thoracic curves and in younger patients (Risser grade 0). Patients with higher Cobb angle correction with C-brace had lower rates of therapy failure. The C-brace can be useful for the prevention of scoliotic curve progression in patients with AIS. However, many factors influence the therapy effect.

[Anesthesia in spinal surgery]

Over the past 20 years improvements in surgical techniques and perioperative patient care have led to a considerable increase in surgical procedures of the spine worldwide. Therefore, the spectrum was extended from minimally invasive procedures up to complex operations over several segments of the spinal column with high loss of blood and complex perioperative management. This article presents the principal pillars of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management relating to spinal surgery. Furthermore, procedure-specific features, such as airway management in cervical spine instability or implementation of intraoperative neuromonitoring are dealt with in detail.

Pediatric back pain-Diagnostic algorithm

BACKGROUND

Back pain in the pediatric population is common. History and a thorough physical examination and a systematic work-up approach are key components to guide the physician in evaluating the possible causes of pain and providing appropriate treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this review was to develop an algorithmic approach to assist physicians in the assessment of pediatric back pain. A comprehensive review of prevalence, differential diagnoses and proper management of pediatric back pain are also presented.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed in PubMed to gather articles on the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic tools, differential diagnoses and appropriate management of pediatric back pain.

RESULTS

Available literature revealed that pediatric back pain is a common complaint. Although most cases are non-specific and self-limiting, there is a wide differential that should be considered including inflammatory, neoplastic, infectious and mechanical causes. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity and vigorous physical activity have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing back pain. We proposed an algorithm to guide the physician's decision about the next step in the diagnostic process.

CONCLUSION

A well-defined strategy in the diagnostic process is needed in approaching children/adolescents with back pain. This would have the benefit of minimizing costs, unnecessary tests and child/family anxiety as well as increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Bowel dysfunction after elective spinal surgery: etiology, diagnostics and management based on the medical literature and experience in a university hospital

BACKGROUND

Bowel dysfunction after spinal surgery is often underestimated and if not treated in a timely manner can lead to undesirable surgical interventions or fatal complications. The current medical literature primarily focuses on bowel dysfunction as a result of spinal injury.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to explore this topic in evaluating current evidence regarding the causes of acute bowel dysfunction after elective spinal surgery, primarily the thoracolumbar spine. Since available evidence for recommendations of treatment is scarce, an interdisciplinary management approach for treatment of bowel dysfunction following spinal surgery is also formulated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An extensive literature search was carried out on PubMed. Keywords that were used in the search included bowel dysfunction, obstruction, postoperative ileus, spinal surgery, spinal fusion, constipation, opioid-induced constipation, colonic pseudo-obstruction, ischemic colitis, immobility-induced bowel changes, epidural anesthesia and diet. Relevant studies were chosen and included in the review. The treatment approach used in the spine center of a university hospital was included.

RESULTS

Current research mainly focuses on investigating the nature and symptomatology of chronic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Emphasis on the acute phase of bowel dysfunction in patients after elective spinal surgery is lacking. The comorbidities that exacerbate bowel dysfunction postoperatively are well-defined. There has been refinement and expansion of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment that could be implemented. Enough evidence exists to provide sufficient care.

CONCLUSION

Management of acute bowel dysfunction after spinal surgery requires a comprehensive and individualized approach, encompassing comorbidities, behavioral changes, medications and surgery. Close supervision and timely treatment could minimize further complications. Research is required to identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing bowel dysfunction after specific spinal procedures.

Correction of the spine with magnetically controlled growing rods in early onset scoliosis : A pre-to-post analysis of 21 patients with 1‑year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Several studies have emphasized that the magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) technique decreases complications and costs and could be considered a safe procedure for treating patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS). To the best of our knowledge, the sagittal profile of patients with an implanted MCGR has not been sufficiently studied before.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were twofold: firstly, to evaluate the influence of MCGR on the coronal, sagittal and axial planes. Secondly, to analyze changes of cervical alignment post-MCGR implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with EOS who underwent MCGR from 2012 to 2018. Patients were included if they presented with a thoracic or lumbar curvature greater than 40° (Cobb angle) and Risser's sign 0. Global analysis of all patients was reported. Patients were stratified preoperatively by thoracic alignment into a hypokyphotic or kyphotic group. Furthermore, the study population was divided into an anteriorly aligned group and a posteriorly aligned group. Sagittal alignment parameters and parameters of coronal and axial plane were measured and the preoperative to postoperative change was compared then analyzed 1 year after surgery. No external funding was procured for this research and the authors' conflicts of interest are not pertinent to the present work.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were included in the study. There was a significant coronal correction of the structural and compensatory curves (p < 0.01). Before and after surgery, the coronal C7 plumbline was unchanged and remained within the normal range. Postoperatively, a significant derotation of the apical vertebra in thoracic and lumbar curves was observed (p < 0.05). Global analysis of the sagittal profile revealed a significant decrease of TK (p < 0.001) and T9SPi (p = 0.002) with a simultaneous significant increase of T1T3 angle (p = 0.015) and T1T4 angle (p = 0.015). No significant changes of the sagittal parameters of cervical, lumbar and spinopelvic parameters were noted. Among all groups, cervical parameters did not reveal any statistically significant changes. At 1‑year follow up the T1T3 angle (p = 0.01) and T1T4 angle (p = 0.03) were significantly increased. All other measured parameters of sagittal, coronal and axial profile were unchanged.

CONCLUSION

The implantation of MCGR had a significant impact on the sagittal profile. Notwithstanding, no further compensatory mechanisms of the cervical spine and pelvis had to be recruited to safeguard sagittal alignment.

[Pain generator sacroiliac joint : Functional anatomy, symptoms and clinical significance]

BACKGROUND

The sacroiliac joint is a common cause of low back pain. Due to variable symptoms, the diagnosis is often very difficult. For diagnosis, systemic disease, as well as pathologies in the hips and lumbar spine must be excluded.

OBJECTIVES

To describe anatomy and function of the joint and underlying pathologies. To present the evidence of actual diagnostic and therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature research was carried out on PubMed.

RESULTS

The sacroiliac joint is an important and biomechanically complex joint. There are many controversial diagnostic tests to identify the sacroiliac joint as a source of pain. The cause of the dysfunction must be identified in order to treat it correctly and to prevent a chronification of the pain. The gold standard is conservative care.

CONCLUSION

The sacroiliac joint must be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with low back pain. Diagnostic tests are often insufficient for the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain. Many of the current diagnostic and therapeutic options present weak evidence.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis : The quest towards a clinical-radiological classification

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) is a debilitating condition laden with orthopedic and neurological complications. The choice of the best step in management is often delayed due to the controversy encompassing its multiple facets. Several classification systems were proposed in the literature to define optimal management; however, consensus was not achieved.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the literature and critically appraise the classification systems of PS and the rationale behind the classification criteria.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in PubMed. Titles and abstracts of articles were searched using different synonyms of spondylodiscitis and its classification. No restrictions regarding language of publication or date of publication were applied.

RESULTS

A total of 43 papers with 5 encompassing 3 main classifications were found in the literature. These classifications were overlapping but different. They encompassed neurologic deficits, abscess formation and segmental instability, laboratory parameters and morphological changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the most important factors used to classify PS, assess the severity and guide treatment.

CONCLUSION

The current classification schemes overlap and encompass the most clinically relevant factors; however, some could be too complex for interdisciplinary clinical practice and do not adequately address unique entities, such as PS of the cervical spine, anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis. Most importantly, some criteria must be utilized in concert with recently published guidelines and should be re-assessed for validity and reliability. A uniform orthopedic parlance is required to optimize the management of this debilitating and life-threatening condition.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Initial Brace Correction in the Setting of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

The three-dimensional nature of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) necessitates a tridimensional assessment and management. Bracing constitutes the mainstay conservative treatment for mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In the literature hitherto, there has been uncertainty regarding the behavior of the spine, pelvis, and vertebral orientations in the context of bracing, especially in the transverse plane. This poses a challenge to healthcare providers, patients, and their families, as brace treatment, although not as invasive as surgery, is laden with medical and psychological complications and could be considered traumatizing. Hence, a thorough understanding of initial three-dimensional spinal behavior in the context of bracing is important. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the immediate 3D impact of Chêneau-type brace. Thirty-eight patients with AIS undergoing Chêneau-type bracing were included. Patients were stratified according to their structural curve topography into thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar groups. 3D reconstruction of the spine using a dedicated biplanar stereoradiography software with and without the brace was performed. The examined anthropometric radiographic measures were pre- to in-brace variations and differences of spinopelvic parameters and vertebral orientations in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes. The complex impact of the Chêneau-type brace on different curves in three planes was delineated. In the coronal plane, the Cobb angle was significantly decreased in all types of curves, and the coronal tilt correction was concentrated in specific segments. The impact of the brace in this study on the sagittal profile was variable, including the loss of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. In the transverse plane, an axial vertebral rotation change and detorsion above the apex occurred in the thoracolumbar curves. The results from this exploratory study could shed some light on the initial 3D spinal behavior in the context of bracing and may be of beneficial for treating physicians and brace makers.

[A new classification of surgical complications in adult spinal deformity]

BACKGROUND

In the light of the increasingly aging population and the widespread understanding of the sagittal profile of symptomatic patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD), pervasive utilization of osteotomies on the vertebral column should be expected. These surgeries are accompanied with relatively high complication rates. However, there is no uniform definition or classification in terms of grading the severity or chronological incidence of complications after ASD surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to give an overview of the different classifications described in the literature hitherto and to propose a standardized, clinically utile classification of complications after ASD surgery. Finally, the aim is to illustrate this classification using two case examples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic PubMed search with the keywords: "adult spinal deformity", "surgery", "complications" and "classification". Results were screened by title, abstract and full-text article.

RESULTS

22 articles were included in this review. Regarding the systematic classification of the severity of a complication, the CTCAE classification (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0) is a validated and well-established severity stratification tool used in oncologic treatment. Regarding chronological occurrence, complications can be categorized into three phases: intra-operative, peri-operative and post-operative.

DISCUSSION

The time of occurrence of a certain complication and its severity should constitute the cornerstones of a standardized and practical classification of complications after ASD surgery. To enable uniform reporting and coherent documentation of complications, spine surgeons should find consensus on a standardized classification. Future work needs to be directed towards defining and conducting an individual pre-operative risk stratification of adult spine deformity surgical candidates leading to a possible mitigation of surgery-related complications.

[Spondylotic cervical myelopathy : Indication of surgical treatment]

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is often multifactorial. Hence, the treatment of this disease requires a differentiated surgical approach in order to adequately address the underlying pathology.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to identify factors that influence the choice of treatment strategy and to summarize them in an algorithm that serves as a decision aid in choosing the optimal indication for surgical treatment. An attempt is made to define the threshold values for the indication of surgical treatment and to discuss the ideal timing for performing surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On the basis of the published data, the influencing factors on the prognosis of CSM, as well as surgical approaches are discussed.

RESULTS

Circumferential spinal cord compression, a sharply defined myelopathy signal in the T2-weighted MRI sequence, and segmental instability at the level of the myelopathy signal mean an unfavorable prognosis for the worsening of CSM. The most important factors that influence the choice of the surgical access point are the sagittal profile of the cervical spine, the extent of myelopathy, the extent of stenosis, and the location of the myelopathy-inducing pathology. Previously existing neck pain and prior cervical surgery must also be considered.

DISCUSSION

On the basis of the research carried out, we developed an algorithm that could serve as an aid in choosing the right treatment in the setting of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Impact of Electrocautery on Fatigue Life of Spinal Fusion Constructs-An In Vitro Biomechanical Study

Instrumentation failure in the context of spine surgery is attributed to cyclic loading leading to formation of fatigue cracks, which later propagate and result in rod fracture. A biomechanical analysis of the potential impact of electrocautery on the fatigue life of spinal implants has not been previously performed. The aim of this study was to assess the fatigue life of titanium (Ti) and cobalt-chrome (CoCr) rod-screw constructs after being treated with electrocautery. Twelve spinal constructs with CoCr and Ti rods were examined. Specimens were divided into four groups by rod material (Ti and CoCr) and application of monopolar electrocautery on the rods’ surface (control-group and electrocautery-group). Electrocautery was applied on each rod at three locations, then constructs were cyclically tested. Outcome measures were load-to-failure, total number of cycles-to-failure, and location of rod failure. Ti-rods treated with electrocautery demonstrated a significantly decreased fatigue life compared to non-treated Ti-rods. Intergroup comparison of cycles-to-failure revealed a significant mean decrease of almost 9 × 10⁵ cycles (p = 0.03). No CoCr-rods failed in this experiment. Electrocautery application on the surface of Ti-rods significantly reduces their fatigue life. Surgeons should exercise caution when using electrocautery in the vicinity of Ti-rods to mitigate the risk of rod failure.

Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in the setting of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

OBJECTIVEThe goal of this study was to investigate the impact of thoracic and lumbar alignment on cervical alignment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).METHODSEighty-one patients with AIS who had a Cobb angle > 40° and full-length spine radiographs were included. Radiographs were analyzed using dedicated software to measure pelvic parameters (sacral slope [SS], pelvic incidence [PI], pelvic tilt [PT]); regional parameters (C1 slope, C0-C2 angle, chin-brow vertical angle [CBVA], slope of line of sight [SLS], McRae slope, McGregor slope [MGS], C2-7 [cervical lordosis; CL], C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA], C2-T3, C2-T3 SVA, C2-T1 Harrison measurement [C2-T1 Ha], T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis [TK], lumbar lordosis [LL], and PI-LL mismatch); and global parameters (SVA). Patients were stratified by their lumbar alignment into hyperlordotic (LL > 59.7°) and normolordotic (LL 39.3° to 59.7°) groups and also, based on their thoracic alignment, into hypokyphotic (TK < -33.1°) and normokyphotic (TK -33.1° to -54.9°) groups. Finally, they were grouped based on their global alignment into either an anterior-aligned group or a posterior-aligned group.RESULTSThe lumbar hyperlordotic group, in comparison to the normolordotic group, had a significantly larger LL, SS, PI (all p < 0.001), and TK (p = 0.014) and a significantly smaller PI-LL mismatch (p = 0.001). Lumbar lordosis had no influence on local cervical parameters.The thoracic hypokyphotic group had a significantly larger PI-LL mismatch (p < 0.002) and smaller T1 slope (p < 0.001), and was significantly more posteriorly aligned than the normokyphotic group (-15.02 ± 8.04 vs 13.54 ± 6.17 [mean ± SEM], p = 0.006). The patients with hypokyphotic AIS had a kyphotic cervical spine (cervical kyphosis [CK]) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a posterior-aligned cervical spine in terms of C2-7 SVA (p < 0.006) and C2-T3 SVA (p < 0.001) was observed in the thoracic hypokyphotic group.Comparing patients in terms of global alignment, the posterior-aligned group had a significantly smaller T1 slope (p < 0.001), without any difference in terms of pelvic, lumbar, and thoracic parameters when compared to the anterior-aligned group. The posterior-aligned group also had a CK (-9.20 ± 1.91 vs 5.21 ± 2.95 [mean ± SEM], p < 0.001) and a more posterior-aligned cervical spine, as measured by C2-7 SVA (p = 0.003) and C2-T3 SVA (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSAlignment of the cervical spine is closely related to thoracic curvature and global alignment. In patients with AIS, a hypokyphotic thoracic alignment or posterior global alignment was associated with a global cervical kyphosis. Interestingly, upper cervical and cranial parameters were not statistically different in all investigated groups, meaning that the upper cervical spine was not recruited for compensation in order to maintain a horizontal gaze.

Cervical spine alignment following surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a pre-to-post analysis of 81 patients

Background

Several studies have emphasized the importance of restoring thoracic kyphosis (TK) in the setting of AIS, but very few have discussed changes in cervical spine alignment following surgery. Aim of this study was to evaluate reciprocal cervical alignment change after modification of global and regional thoracolumbar alignment with surgery in the setting of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Baseline and 2-yrs follow-up radiographs of AIS patients (n = 81) were analysed measuring cervical parameters (upper cervical: C2-C0, McGregor Slope; lower cervical: C2-C7, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C2-T3, C2-T3SVA, C2-T1Harrison (C2-T1Ha), T1 Slope (T1S)), thoracic, lumbar, pelvic and global alignment parameters. Post-operatively, patients were grouped twice; based on changes in TK and SVA. Cervical alignment was compared between groups. Pearson correlation was conducted to examine the relationship between changes in TK, SVA, and cervical alignment.

Results

Stratification by change in TK, revealed significant alteration of lower cervical alignment T1S [p < 0.001]), C2-T3 [p = 0.019], C2-T1Ha [p = 0.043]), but there was no reciprocal change in the upper cervical spine. Stratification by SVA revealed a significant coexisting change in the lower cervical spine (T1S [p < 0.001], C2-C7SVA [p = 0.034], C2-T3 [p = 0.023], C2-T3SVA [p = 0.001]). SVA change was not associated to a change in the upper cervical spine. The correlation analysis showed that with a post-operative increase in TK, the cervical spine became more lordotic. Changes in TK were significantly correlated with: ΔT1S, ΔC2-C7, ΔC2-T3, and ΔC2-T3SVA. Similarly, increased cervical kyphosis was found when SVA was decreased post-operatively. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between change of SVA and both ΔC2-T3 and ΔC2-T3SVA.

Conclusions

In surgically treated AIS patients, changes in global and regional alignment of the thoracolumbar and cervical spinal segments exhibit interdependence. Thus, surgical planning with regard to sagittal deformity in AIS patients should account for the post-operative impact on cervical alignment.

Erratum to: Magnetically controlled growing rods for rigid scoliosis : An alternative to halo-gravity traction in preparing for definitive correction?

Erratum to: Orthopäde 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00132-018-3631-7 Dear Reader,Unfortunately, an incorrect subtitle was published in the online version of the article.We kindly ask you to use the correct title:"Magnetically controlled growing rods for rigid scoliosis.An alternative to halo-gravity ….

Magnetically controlled growing rods for rigid scoliosis : An alternative to halo-gravity traction in preparing for definitive correction?

The treatment concept for severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis is a short-term application of halo-gravity traction to enable maximum correction and subsequent dorsal fusion. The method has already been mentioned in the literature as an effective procedure. This case report demonstrates the use of a new treatment concept using magnetically controlled distraction rods as a possible alternative to the halo-gravity traction device. To our knowledge the use of this technique in severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis has not yet been published.

[Normal sagittal profile of the cervical spine - must the cervical spine always be lordotic?]

BACKGROUND

The cervical spine is very complex, and it allows the largest range of motion relative to the rest of the spine. The fundamental function of the cervical spine is to maintain the head balanced over the trunk and to maintain horizontal gaze. The cervical spine must be both stable and flexible to guarantee function. Changes of the sagittal profile of the cervical spine may affect function and quality of life. The relationship between full body alignment and maintaining gaze necessitates a thorough understanding of the cranio-spino-pelvic alignment as a component of balance.

QUESTION

Now the question is, what kind of sagittal profile does the cervical spine need for proper function? In the literature, normal sagittal alignment of the cervical spine is controversial. In general, there is the assumption that the alignment is lordotic. Does the data in the literature support this?

RESULTS

The present literature review supports the following facts: Ideal cervical spine alignment is mostly lordotic, but not always; ideal cervical spine alignment can be lordotic, neutral or kyphotic; ideal cervical spine alignment is driven by the necessity of supporting the head and maintaining horizontal gaze; the cervical spine is in harmony with regional alignment (thoracic kyphosis) and sagittal global alignment (SVA): TK (↑) → T1 Slope (↑) → CL (↑), TK (↓) → T1 Slope (↓) → CL (↓), SVA >50 mm: the cervical curve should be lordotic to maintain horizontal gaze, SVA <0 mm: the cervical curve should be kyphotic to maintain horizontal gaze.

Surgical site infections following instrumented stabilization of the spine

Background

Implant-associated infections are still a feared complication in the field of orthopedics. Bacteria attach to the implant surface and form so-called biofilm colonies that are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Since the majority of studies focus on prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of the hip and knee, current treatment options (eg, antibiotic prophylaxis) of implant-associated infections have mostly been adapted according to these results.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with surgical site infections following instrumented stabilization of the spine with regard to detected bacteria species and the course of the disease.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of implant-associated infections of the spine from 2010 to 2014. A total of 138 patients were included in the study. The following parameters were evaluated: C-reactive protein serum concentration, microbiological evaluation of tissue samples, the time course of the disease, indication for instrumented stabilization of the spine, localization of the infection, and the number of revision surgeries required until cessation of symptoms.

Results

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. were most commonly detected (n=69, 50%), followed by fecal bacteria (n=46, 33.3%). In 23.2% of cases, no bacteria were detected despite clinical suspicion of an infection. Most patients suffered from degenerative spine disorders (44.9%), followed by spinal fractures (23.9%), non-degenerative scoliosis (20.3%), and spinal tumors (10.1%). Surgical site infections occurred predominantly within 3 months (64.5%), late infections after 2 years were rare (4.3%), in particular when compared with PJIs. Most cases were successfully treated after 1 revision surgery (60.9%), but there were significant differences between bacteria species. Fecal bacteria were more difficult to treat and often required more than 1 revision surgery.

Conclusion

In summary, we were able to demonstrate significant differences between spinal implant-associated infections and PJIs. These aspects should be considered early on in the treatment of surgical site infections following instrumented stabilization of the spine.

A systematic review of the clinical applications and complications of bone marrow aspirate concentrate in management of bone defects and nonunions

PURPOSE

Fracture healing encompasses a succession of dynamic multifactorial metabolic events, which ultimately re-establishes the integrity of the biomechanical properties of the bone. Up to 10% of the fractures occurring annually will need additional surgical procedures because of impaired healing. The aim of this article is to review the current literature regarding the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and its effectiveness in the management of bone defects.

METHODS

We have included all published clinical literature investigating the development, techniques and applications of BMAC. Language, design and risk of bias did not deter the initial inclusion of any study. Our search was exclusively limited to studies involving human subjects. A PRISMA compliant search was carried out as published in 2009. This included the online databases: PubMed, EMBASE, clinical trial.gov and the Cochrane library from 1960 to the end of May 2015. MeSH terms used included: "Bone" AND "Marrow" AND "Aspirate" AND "Concentrate" AND "Bone Defects" AND "NONUNION". Eligible studies were independently appraised by two authors using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. For the purpose of narrative review, relevant studies were included irrespective of methodology or level of evidence.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of the 103 (48 PubMed and 55 EMBASE) results yielded by the preliminary search were included. Exclusions included three duplicate records, six letters, 17 non-orthopaedics related studies and four records irrelevant to our search topic. The CASP appraisal confirmed a satisfactory standard of 31 studies. They all had clearly defined objectives, were well designed and conducted appropriately to meet them. The published studies reported the use of BMAC in non-union and fracture healing (15 studies), bone defects (nine studies), spine fusion (two studies), distraction osteogensis (two studies) and complications related to the use of BMAC (seven studies).

CONCLUSIONS

Stem cells found in BMAC have the potential to self-renew, undertake clonal expansion and differentiate into different musculoskeletal tissues. The commercial processing of BMAC needs to be optimized in order to achieve a consistent end product, which will provide predicable and translatable results. The future potential of cell characterization in order to determine the optimum cell for repair/regeneration of bone also needs to be explored.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review of minimum level IV studies.

3D-modeling of the spine using EOS imaging system: Inter-reader reproducibility and reliability

Objectives

To retrospectively assess the interreader reproducibility and reliability of EOS 3D full spine reconstructions in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

73 patients with mean age of 17 years and a moderate AIS (median Cobb Angle 18.2°) obtained low-dose standing biplanar radiographs with EOS. Two independent readers performed “full spine” 3D reconstructions of the spine with the “full-spine” method adjusting the bone contour of every thoracic and lumbar vertebra (Th1-L5). Interreader reproducibility was assessed regarding rotation of every single vertebra in the coronal (i.e. frontal), sagittal (i.e. lateral), and axial plane, T1/T12 kyphosis, T4/T12 kyphosis, L1/L5 lordosis, L1/S1 lordosis and pelvic parameters. Radiation exposure, scan-time and 3D reconstruction time were recorded.

Results

Interclass correlation (ICC) ranged between 0.83 and 0.98 for frontal vertebral rotation, between 0.94 and 0.99 for lateral vertebral rotation and between 0.51 and 0.88 for axial vertebral rotation. ICC was 0.92 for T1/T12 kyphosis, 0.95 for T4/T12 kyphosis, 0.90 for L1/L5 lordosis, 0.85 for L1/S1 lordosis, 0.97 for pelvic incidence, 0.96 for sacral slope, 0.98 for sagittal pelvic tilt and 0.94 for lateral pelvic tilt. The mean time for reconstruction was 14.9 minutes (reader 1: 14.6 minutes, reader 2: 15.2 minutes, p<0.0001). The mean total absorbed dose was 593.4μGy ±212.3 per patient.

Conclusion

EOS “full spine” 3D angle measurement of vertebral rotation proved to be reliable and was performed in an acceptable reconstruction time. Interreader reproducibility of axial rotation was limited to some degree in the upper and middle thoracic spine due the obtuse angulation of the pedicles and the processi spinosi in the frontal view somewhat complicating their delineation.

Core Decompression and Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate for Treatment of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis: A Randomized Prospective Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate during core decompression and to study its clinical (visual analogue scale; Harris-Hip-score) and radiological outcomes (magnetic resonance imaging). In this prospective and randomized clinical trial we evaluated 24 consecutive patients with non-traumatic femoral head necrosis (FHN) during a period of two years after intervention. In vitro analysis of mesenchymal stem cells was performed by evaluating the fibroblast colony forming units (CFU-Fs). Postoperatively, significant decrease in pain associated with a functional benefit lasting was observed. However, there was no difference in the clinical outcome between the two study groups. Over the period of two years there was no significant difference between the head survival rate between both groups. In contrast to that, we could not perceive any significant change in the volume of FHN in both treatment groups related to the longitudinal course after treating. The number of CFU showed a significant increase after centrifugation. This trial could not detect a benefit from the additional injection of bone marrow concentrate with regard to bone regeneration and clinical outcome in the short term.

Haematogenous infection of a total knee arthroplasty with Klebsiella pneumoniae

This case report describes a prosthetic joint infection due to the haematogenous spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae from a genitourinary focus. Prior to the infection, the patient was diagnosed with early stage prostatic carcinoma, which had been successfully treated with surgery. However, in the time period following surgical treatment, the patient suffered recurring urinary tract infections. During the course of these recurring infections, he developed a concurrent bacterial infection of his total knee arthroplasty. Two sequential joint aspirates revealed K pneumoniae to be the cause. Therefore, two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty was performed. This case reiterates the fact that invasive therapeutic procedures can cause bacteraemia resulting in infection of a joint replacement. We would therefore like to emphasise the importance of prophylactic antibiotic treatment prior to invasive therapies, particularly in organs with potentially large counts of bacteria.

[Chronic knee pain and specific heat phobia. A case report]

This case report presents the medical history of a patient suffering from chronic knee pain with specific heat phobia who had a long history of sick certificates. Using multimodal pain therapy and biofeedback therapy the acquired anxiety disorder could be solved. Long-term working ability could be achieved.

Bivalirudin inhibits periprocedural platelet function and tissue factor expression of human smooth muscle cells

AIM

A major concern of stent implantation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is acute stent thrombosis. Effective inhibition of periprocedural platelet function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) leads to an improved outcome. In this study, we examined the periprocedural platelet reactivity after administrating bivalirudin during PCI compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) administration. Further, the effect of bivalirudin on induced tissue factor (TF) expression in smooth muscle cells (SMC) was determined.

METHODS

Patients with CAD (n = 58) and double antithrombotic medication were treated intraprocedural with UFH (n = 30) or bivalirudin (n = 28). Platelet activation markers were flow cytometrically measured before and after stenting. The expression of TF in SMC was determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The thrombogenicity of platelet-derived microparticles and SMC was assessed via a TF activity assay.

RESULTS

Bivalirudin significantly diminished the agonist-induced platelet reactivity post-PCI. Compared to UFH treatment, the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-induced thrombospondin expression post-PCI was reduced when bivalirudin was administrated during intervention. In contrast to UFH, bivalirudin reduced the P-selectin expression of unstimulated and ADP-induced platelets post-PCI. Moreover, bivalirudin inhibited the thrombin-, but not FVIIa- or FVIIa/FX-induced TF expression and pro-coagulant TF activity of SMC. Moreover, bivalirudin reduced the TF activity of platelet-derived microparticles postinduction with TRAP or ADP.

CONCLUSIONS

Bivalirudin is better than UFH in reducing periprocedural platelet activation. Moreover, thrombin-induced TF expression is inhibited by bivalirudin. Thus, bivalirudin seems to be a better anticoagulant during PCI than UFH.