Showing papers on "Cobb angle published in 2000"
TL;DR: Although both methods are reliable with the majority of correlation coefficients in the high range (ICC > 0.7), from the literature, the posterior tangent method has a smaller standard error of measurement than four-line Cobb methods.
Abstract: STUDY DESIGN Thirty lateral cervical radiographs were digitized twice by three examiners to compare reliability of the Cobb and posterior tangent methods. OBJECTIVES To determine the reliability of the Cobb and Harrison posterior tangent methods and to compare and contrast these two methods. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Cobb's method is commonly used on both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, whereas the posterior tangent method is not widely used. METHODS A blind, repeated-measures design was used. Thirty lateral cervical radiographs were digitized twice by each of three examiners. To evaluate reliability of determining global and segmental alignment, vertebral bodies of C1-T1 were digitized. Angles created were two global two-line Cobb angles (C1-C7 and C2-C7), segmental Cobb angles from C2 to C7, and posterior tangents drawn at each posterior vertebral body margin. Cobb's method and the posterior tangent method are compared and contrasted with these data. RESULTS Of 34 intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients, 28 were in the high range (>0.7), and 6 were in the good range (0.6-0.7). The Cobb method at C1-C7 overestimated the cervical curvature (-54 degrees ) and, at C2-C7 it underestimated the cervical curve (-17 degrees ), whereas the posterior tangents were the slopes along the curve (-26 degrees from C2 to C7). The inferior vertebral endplates and posterior body margins did not meet at 90 degrees (C2: 105 degrees +/- 5.2 degrees, C3: 99.7 degrees +/- 5.2 degrees, C4: 99.9 degrees +/- 5.8 degrees, C5: 96.1 degrees +/- 4.5 degrees, C6: 97.0 degrees +/- 3.8 degrees, C7: 95.4 degrees +/- 4.1 degrees ), which caused the segmental Cobb angles to underestimate lordosis at C2-C3, C4-C5, and C6-C7. CONCLUSIONS Although both methods are reliable with the majority of correlation coefficients in the high range (ICC > 0.7), from the literature, the posterior tangent method has a smaller standard error of measurement than four-line Cobb methods. Global Cobb angles compare only the ends of the cervical curve and cannot delineate what happens to the curve internally. Posterior tangents are the slopes along the curve and can provide an analysis of any buckled areas of the cervical curve. The posterior tangent method is part of an engineering analysis (first derivative) and more accurately depicts cervical curvature than the Cobb method.
407 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is a safe and effective procedure in the surgical correction of both frontal and sagittal plane deformity in thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis of less than 60°, with a short fusion length, comparable to anterior fusion techniques, and minimal loss of correction.
Abstract: The role of posterior correction and fusion in thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis as well as pedicle screw instrumentation in scoliosis surgery are matters of debate. Our hypothesis was that in lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis, segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is safe and enables a good frontal and sagittal plane correction with a fusion length comparable to anterior instrumentation. In a prospective clinical trial, 12 consecutive patients with idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scolioses of between 40° and 60° Cobb angle underwent segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. Minimum follow-up was 4 years (range 48– 60 months). Fusion length was defined according to the rules for Zielke instrumentation, normally ranging between the end vertebrae of the major curve. Radiometric analysis included coronal and sagittal plane correction. Additionally, the accuracy of pedicle screw placement was measured by use of postoperative computed tomographic scans. Major curve correction averaged 64.6%, with a loss of correction of 3°. The tilt angle was corrected by 67.0%, the compensatory thoracic curve corrected spontaneously according to the flexibility on the preoperative bending films, and led to a satisfactory frontal balance in all cases. Average fusion length was the same as that of the major curve. Pathological thoracolumbar kyphosis was completely corrected in all but one case. One patient required surgical revision with extension of the fusion to the midthoracic spine due to a painful junctional kyphosis. Eighty-five of 104 screws were graded “within the pedicle”, 10 screws had penetrated laterally, 5 screws bilaterally and 4 screws medially. No neurological complications were noted. In conclusion, despite the limited number of patients, this study shows that segmental pedicle screw instrumentation is a safe and effective procedure in the surgical correction of both frontal and sagittal plane deformity in thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis of less than 60°, with a short fusion length, comparable to anterior fusion techniques, and minimal loss of correction.
177 citations
TL;DR: The VATS procedure has been used with success in most series for pediatric curves (average Cobb angle of 65° or kyphosis of 75°) and was found to be 28% more expensive than thoracotomy.
Abstract: Videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) allows the surgeon to perform an anterior thoracoscopic spine release for spinal deformities. It is an alternative to open thoracotomy. Several years after its introduction the present author gives an update on the indications, surgical techniques, results, and complications of this new technology. A meta-analysis of previously published papers is organized in tables in an attempt to answer all the questions and controversies that this technique has aroused. A series of ten selected articles were available for review, comprising a total of 151 procedures. No study had any long-term follow-up. Most series were pediatric and involved a variety of etiologies (mostly neuromuscular, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and Scheuermann’s kyphosis). The surgical technique was for most authors a convex side approach in the lateral decubitus through four or more ports in the anterior or midaxillary line. Single lung ventilation was used in most cases. Posterior surgery was carried out the same day in most cases. The total number of discs excised varied between 4 and 7, but the quality of disc excision was rarely reported. Most authors carried out a spine fusion at the time of the disc release. The total VATS procedure lasted between 2 h 30 min and 4 h, depending on the series and the surgeon’s previous experience. In most series curves were in the range of 55°–80°, with an average of 65°. The percentage of Cobb angle correction was 55%–63% after VATS and posterior spine fusion. For kyphotic deformities only one series had significant numbers to allow conclusions to be drawn. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 78° and postoperatively the kyphosis was corrected to 44°. Length of hospital stay was quite similar in most series and was around 9 days. The cost of the VATS procedure was studied in one series and was found to be 28% more expensive than thoracotomy. The total complications reported were 18%; most were pulmonary complications with prolonged ventilatory support in patients with neuromuscular pathologies. The VATS procedure has been used with success in most series for pediatric curves (average Cobb angle of 65° or kyphosis of 75°). No report of the surgical outcome (balance, rate of fusion, rib hump correction, cosmetic correction, pain, and patient satisfaction) was available for any series. Further prospective study including these parameters will be required to determine the real benefit of such procedures to the patient, bearing in mind that the correction of spinal deformities is the result of the surgeon’s experience, skill, and the available technology.
95 citations
TL;DR: The push-prone radiograph helps in determining the effects that correction of the primary curve has on the curves above and below the level of fusion by better predicting the translational correction ofThe lowest instrumented vertebra and the rotation of the lowest instrumenting vertebra.
Abstract: Study design A comparative evaluation of supine right and left lateral-bending radiographs and push-prone radiographs in patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis to determine postoperative correction of the curve. Objectives To determine the difference in the ability of the push-prone radiograph and the supine lateral-bending radiograph to predict postoperative coronal alignment for primary thoracolumbar and lumbar curves managed with an anterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Summary of background data Right and left supine side-bending radiographs are the standard means of evaluating curve flexibility before surgery in idiopathic scoliosis. A push-prone radiograph also has been obtained at the authors' institution as a single dynamic radiographic assessment of forced correction of the primary curve and resultant effects on compensatory curves above and below the fusion. Methods Preoperative standing, supine right and left lateral-bending, and push-prone radiographs were performed in 40 patients who underwent anterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Postoperative standing radiographs of the spine were obtained at 3 months after surgery. Measurements on all the radiographs included the coronal Cobb angle, the angle of the lowest instrumented vertebra to the horizontal, the rotation of the lowest instrumented vertebra, and the distance of the midpoint of the lowest instrumented vertebra from the center sacral line. Results The lateral-bending and the push-prone radiographs predicted less correction of the Cobb angle and the angle of the lowest instrumented vertebra to the horizontal than was achieved after surgery. However, the push-prone radiograph was superior to the lateral-bending radiograph in accurately predicting the postoperative correction of the rotation of the lowest instrumented vertebra as well as the translation of the lowest instrumented vertebra from the center sacral line. Conclusions The push-prone and lateral-bending radiographs are similar in predicting less correction of the Cobb angle after anterior spinal surgery. The push-prone radiograph helps in determining the effects that correction of the primary curve has on the curves above and below the level of fusion by better predicting the translational correction of the lowest instrumented vertebra and the rotation of the lowest instrumented vertebra.
91 citations
TL;DR: The results are consistent with a conceivable hypothesis that in some patients with idiopathic scoliosis, there may be impaired growth in the length of the spinal cord, the posterior elements are tethered, and as the vertebral bodies continue to grow, they become lordotic and then rotate.
Abstract: Study design. The axial length of the vertebral canal and the anterior aspect of the vertebrae were measured in 36 skeletons, 15 with probable idiopathic scoliosis. Objectives. To compare the discrepancy in length of the vertebral canal and the anterior spinal column in skeletons having probable idiopathic scoliosis with the degree of deformity. Summary and Background Data. In idiopathic scoliosis, the vertebral bodies rotate toward the convexity of the curve, whereas the vertebral canal tends to retain a midline position. The vertebral canal therefore will be relatively short. The degree of shortening has not been described previously, nor its relation with the degree of deformity. Methods. The axial length of the vertebral canal and the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies were measured in 36 skeletons: 8 with normal spines, 13 with kypnosis, and 15 with probable idiopathic scoliosis. The relative shortening in the scoliotic spines was correlated with the Cobb angle and the degree of rotation. Results. No significant difference in length was found between the vertebral canal and the vertebral column in the normal spines. The kyphotic spines had canals significantly longer than the vertebral length (P < 0.025). All but one of the scoliotic spines had short vertebral canals (P < 0.01). The degree of discrepancy was related to the Cobb angle (r = -0.50; P < 0.05), and particularly to the degree of rotation (r = -0.88; P < 0.001). Conclusions. The findings have surgical and etiologic implications. The results are consistent with a conceivable hypothesis that in some patients with idiopathic scoliosis, there may be impaired growth in the length of the spinal cord, the posterior elements are tethered, and as the vertebral bodies continue to grow, they become lordotic and then rotate.
82 citations
TL;DR: The posterior spinal shortening can be a choice for treating delayed paraplegia after osteoporotic vertebral fracture using a new approach to posterior spinal fusion surgery for osteop orotic patients.
Abstract: Study design Case report of a patient who underwent a new surgical procedure for paraplegia after vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis. Objectives To propose a new approach to posterior spinal fusion surgery for osteoporotic patients. Summary of background data Surgical treatment was performed on a paraplegic patient after vertebral collapse due to osteoporosis. However, the surgery was difficult because implants such as hooks and screws often dislodged during the treatment. The poor holding power of these implants to the osteoporotic spine is a challenging problem in this treatment. Methods When a fractured vertebra is shortened by resecting the posterior part of the spine and the application of a compression force, a short vertebra is produced. As a result, the thoracic kyphosis decreases and the force pushing the upper thoracic spine inferio-ventrally also decreases. Results A 74-year-old woman with T12 vertebral collapse was treated with this new method. Lateral Cobb angle (T10-L2) was reduced from 26 to 4 degrees after surgery. The shortened vertebral body united, and after 33 months, the implant had not dislodged and no loss of correction was seen. Conclusion The posterior spinal shortening can be a choice for treating delayed paraplegia after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
81 citations
TL;DR: The charts of 20 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who had undergone halo gravity traction and a posterior spondylodesis with Cotrel-Dubousset or Harrington instrumentation were reviewed and corrected the Cobb angle of the scoliosis and the kyphosis.
Abstract: Correction and stabilisation of the scoliotic spine in osteogenesis imperfecta is difficult. The optimal technique has yet to be determined, since no large series in which a single procedure has been carried out by a single surgeon using a single protocol has yet been described. The charts of 20 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who had undergone halo gravity traction (HGT) and a posterior spondylodesis with Cotrel-Dubousset (n = 18) or Harrington (n = 2) instrumentation were reviewed. No correction was made at the time of the surgical spondylodesis. The average follow-up was 4.8 years (range 2–10.5 years). The preoperative traction improved the Cobb angle of the scoliosis by 32% (from a mean of 78.5° to a mean of 53.3°) and improved the kyphosis by 24% (from a mean of 56.0° to mean of 42.5°). This correction deteriorated slightly at final follow-up, for both the scoliosis and the kyphosis (mean 57.6° and 44.4° respectively). Few complications were encountered during the HGT period. In 16 cases no complications occurred during the follow-up period. Ambulation and functional ability were upgraded for 7 of 20 patients.
77 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that scoliotic deformity progression can be prevented in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis as young as 10 years of age with the use of stiff segmental posterior instrumentation, without the necessity of concomitant anterior arthrodesis.
Abstract: STUDY DESIGN A retrospective evaluation of the occurrence of the crankshaft phenomenon in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE To determine what factors, if any, contribute to a decreased occurrence of crankshaft phenomenon in patients treated with posterior surgery only. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Reports have described the progression of scoliotic deformity, termed the crankshaft phenomenon, in a region of solid posterior arthrodesis in skeletally immature patients. This has led some authors to advocate the use of concomitant anterior discectomy and fusion to prevent crankshaft. METHODS From 1989 through 1994, 18 Risser 0 patients with thoracic or thoracolumbar idiopathic scoliosis underwent Isola (De Puy-Acromed, Raynham, MA) posterior instrumentation and fusion. They were assessed for evidence of the crankshaft phenomenon, identified by coronal plane deformity progression of 10 degrees or more, or a rib vertebra angle difference of 10 degrees or more. The average age of the patients was 12.5 years (range, 10.5-15.5 years), and the average follow-up period was 39 months (range, 24-68 months). RESULTS Eleven patients (10 girls and 1 boy) had closed triradiate cartilage at the time of surgery. Their average Cobb angle was 62 degrees before surgery, 21 degrees after surgery, and 22 degrees at follow-up assessment. No patients in this group met the criteria for crankshaft. Seven patients (6 girls and 1 boy) had open triradiate cartilage at the time of surgery. Their average Cobb angle was 62 degrees before surgery, 18 degrees after surgery, and 20 degrees at follow-up evaluation. No patient had a 10 degrees or more increase in rib vertebra angle difference. One patient had more than a 10 degrees increase in her Cobb angle (11 degrees) from postoperative to latest follow-up assessment. Her instrumentation construct, performed in 1989, used sublaminar wires as the caudal anchors. Hooks and pedicle screws are now used. Two of the seven patients with open triradiate cartilage underwent surgery during or before their peak height velocity and displayed no evidence of crankshaft. No deaths, neurologic complications, or infections occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that scoliotic deformity progression can be prevented in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis as young as 10 years of age with the use of stiff segmental posterior instrumentation, without the necessity of concomitant anterior arthrodesis.
73 citations
TL;DR: Children with spinal deformity attend for outpatient assessment regularly and often undergo repeated radiographic examination, and a large component of the deformity is a result of vertebral rotation causing one side of the trunk to become prominent, producing a rib or loin prominence.
Abstract: Scoliosis is a very common problem and many children show some evidence of trunk asymmetry. Clinical significant scoliosis is less common, with one study showing the UK prevalence of curves greater than 20 degrees to be less than 1 in 1000 among children aged 6–14 years.1 Children with spinal deformity attend for outpatient assessment regularly and often undergo repeated radiographic examination. While this is an imaging modality that most doctors are comfortable with there are some problems in its application to spinal deformity.
Curves are described by their appearance on plain films and quantified by the magnitude of the Cobb angle derived from the radiograph. This is the angle subtended between lines drawn along the upper border of the most tilted vertebrae above the curve's apex and the lower border of the most tilted vertebrae below the apex.2 Interpretation of these results is difficult as radiographs represent oblique projections of the twisting spine and the Cobb angle can be seen to vary widely depending on the angle of the beam to the patient.3 In addition significant positioning, and intraobserver and interobserver errors have been observed in calculation of the Cobb angle.4
The child and parents involved are also less concerned with size of the radiographic curve than the magnitude of the perceived deformity, which is very difficult to quantify using radiographs. A large component of the deformity is a result of vertebral rotation causing one side of the trunk to become prominent, producing a rib or loin prominence. While vertebral rotation may be assessed from radiographs, the size of this prominence is less easily defined and as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed supine, at present, their exact relation to the erect clinical picture is unclear. All these factors combine, and a …
72 citations
TL;DR: A retrospective study of spinal orthosis in 86 patients with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy revealed that age and initial correction in orthosis were the only variables that significantly influenced the rate of progression.
Abstract: To evaluate the clinical results of the treatment and to assess the factors that influenced the rate of scoliosis progression, a retrospective study of spinal orthosis in 86 patients with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy was performed. The mean age of the patients was 13.8 years (range 5 to 33 years). Their scoliotic deformities were treated with custom-moulded, polypropylene thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthoses. Cobb angles were measured on radiographs taken in a sitting position before treatment, in orthosis, and during follow-up. The mean initial Cobb angle was 68.4 degrees (range 25 to 131 degrees). The mean correction in orthosis was 25 degrees (range 3 to 60 degrees). Seventy-two patients had a follow-up period of more than 2 years. At the latest follow-up, average 6.3 years (range 2 to 14 years) after the start of treatment, the mean Cobb angle without orthosis was 93.1 degrees (range 40 to 145 degrees). The mean progression per year was 4.2 degrees (range -3 to 21 degrees). Linear multiple regression revealed that age and initial correction in orthosis were the only variables that significantly influenced the rate of progression. Twenty-two patients had no progression or progression or =15 years). Of the 57 patients who were still alive and had not undergone surgical fusion, 72% used their orthoses at a mean age of 22 years. Parents and caregivers expressed satisfaction with the use of orthosis, mainly because of improved sitting stability which gave better overall function.
71 citations
TL;DR: Two patients with AIS found to have significant imbalance following scoliosis surgery was successfully treated by decreasing the correction of the main thoracic curve, and results were stable at 1-year follow-up.
Abstract: Coronal decompensation following correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been reported to be due to the Cotrel-Dubousset rod derotation maneuver, or to a hypercorrection of the main thoracic curve. The treatment of such decompensation consists classically in observation, bracing, or extension of the instrumentation in the lumbar spine for a King 2 curve, or in the upper thoracic spine for a King 5 curve. As the postoperative decompensation is related to a hypercorrection of the main thoracic curve (relative to the compensatory curve), we hypothesized that if we were to “let the spine go” to some of its initial deformity, the balance of the patient would be improved. The purpose of the study was therefore to report on two cases where a postoperative imbalance following scoliosis surgery was successfully treated by decreasing the correction of the main thoracic curve. Two patients with AIS were found to have significant imbalance after scoliosis surgery. Both patients had been treated for a right thoracic curve (82° and 85° respectively) with an anterior release and posterior instrumentation. The revision surgery consisted for both patients in removing all the hooks between the end vertebrae of the main thoracic curve. This was done before the 3rd postoperative month for both patients. After revision surgery, the balance of both patients improved dramatically within a few weeks. The shoulders became almost level, and the trunk shift improved concomitantly. The Cobb angle increased by 8° and 10°, and the apical vertebra shifted to the right by ¶15 and 10 mm for the respective patients. These results were stable at 1-year follow-up. In the event of a persisting imbalance, we recommend, in selected cases, letting the spine go by removing all the implants located between the end vertebrae of the main thoracic curve. This adjustment or fine-tuning of the instrumentation should be done before the fusion takes place, and is best achieved with an instrumentation in which the hooks can be easily removed from the rod.
TL;DR: The Q angle, a coronal plane measurement generated by the Quantec Spinal Imaging System (QSIS), was compared with the Cobb angle in assessment of scoliosis curve magnitude, showing close correlation between the Cobb angles and the QSIS angle.
Abstract: The Quantec Spinal Imaging System (QSIS) is a raster stereography used to measure three-dimensional trunk images. The Q angle, a coronal plane measurement generated by the Quantec Spinal Imaging System (QSIS), was compared with the Cobb angle in assessment of scoliosis curve magnitude. One hundred forty-nine patients with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated using both the Quantec system and plane radiographs. The Cobb and Q angles demonstrated significant correlation in the thoracic region (r = 0.65, p < 0.05), lumbar region (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), and in the thoracolumbar region (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). The difference between the Q and Cobb angles was small when the Cobb angle was <21 degrees with less than 6 degrees of axial surface rotation, as measured by the QSIS method. For smaller curves with minimal rotation, there is close correlation between the Cobb angle and the Quantec angle.
TL;DR: Thoracoscopic anterior surgery appears a safe and effective technique for the treatment of paediatric and adolescent spinal deformity and a randomised controlled trial is required.
Abstract: Many authors believe thoracoscopic surgery is associated with a lower level of morbidity compared to thoracotomy, for anterior release or growth arrest in spinal deformity. Others believe that anterior release achieved thoracoscopically is not as effective as that achieved with the open procedure. We evaluated the clinical results, radiological correction and morbidity following anterior thoracoscopic surgery followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion, to see whether there is any evidence for either of these beliefs. Twenty-nine patients undergoing thoracoscopic anterior release or growth arrest followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation were evaluated from a clinical and radiological viewpoint. The mean follow-up was 2 years (range 1–4 years). The average age was 16 years (range 5–26 years). The following diagnoses were present: idiopathic scoliosis (n = 17), neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 2), congenital scoliosis (n = 1), thoracic hyperkyphosis (n = 9). All patients were satisfied with cosmesis following surgery. Twenty scoliosis patients had a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 65.1° (range 42°–94°) for the major curve, with an average flexibility of 34.5% (42.7°). Post operative correction to 31.5° (50.9%) and 34.4° (47.1%) at maximal follow-up was noted. For nine patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis, the Cobb angle averaged 81° (range 65°–96°), with hyperextension films showing an average correction to 65°. Postoperative correction to an average of 58.6° was maintained at 59.5° at maximal follow-up. The average number of released levels was 5.1 (range 3–7) and the average duration of the thoracoscopic procedure was 188 min (range 120–280 min). There was a decrease in this length of time as the series progressed. No neurologic or vascular complications occurred. Postoperative complications included four recurrent pneumothoraces, one surgical emphysema, and one respiratory infection. Thoracoscopic anterior surgery appears a safe and effective technique for the treatment of paediatric and adolescent spinal deformity. A randomised controlled trial, comparing open with thoracoscopic methods, is required.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Serum melatonin levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, and are suggested to be a major cause of uncertainty about the cause of pinealectomy in adolescents.
TL;DR: Posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis using lumbar lower instrumented vertebra pedicle screw anchorage can be performed safely and effectively, in selected patients patients with scoliosis and minimal pelvic obliquity.
Abstract: STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective analysis of 23 patients with severe neuromuscular spinal deformity treated with posterior instrumentation and fusion ending in the lumbar spine. OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to determine the safety and efficacy of stopping posterior instrumentation constructs in the lumbar spine with pedicle screw anchorage. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There are sparse data in the peer-reviewed literature regarding indications and outcomes in patients with neuromuscular disorders for instrumented fusion ended short of the pelvis with transpedicular fixation. METHODS The average age of patients at surgery was 18.4 years (range, 10-61 years). Additional anterior discectomy and fusion were performed in four patients with large, stiff curves. No patient received anterior instrumentation. Criteria for exclusion of the pelvis from the fusion were less than 15 degrees of pelvic obliquity as a result of a compensatory curve below the major curve(s), the absence of problematic lower extremity contractures, and, often, the potential for ambulation. Process and clinical outcomes and complications were analyzed. RESULTS Radiographic follow-up was available in 21 patients at an average of 62 months (range, 24-110 months) after surgery. Their average Cobb angle was 71 degrees before surgery, 25 degrees after surgery (64% correction), and 32 degrees at follow-up (54% correction). Their average spinal-pelvic obliquity was 6 degrees before surgery, 5 degrees after surgery, and 6 degrees at follow-up. The average lower instrumented vertebra was lumbar 3.7. Clinical follow-up was available for all 23 patients for an average of 61 months (range, 24-110 months). There were no perioperative deaths, deep wound infections, pseudarthroses, or instrument failures. Outcomes based on responses to questionnaires completed by patient, parent, or caregiver were highly satisfactory in 20 patients (87%), satisfactory in 2 patients (9%) and neither satisfactory nor unsatisfactory in 1 patient (4%). CONCLUSION Posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis using lumbar lower instrumented vertebra pedicle screw anchorage can be performed safely and effectively, in selected patients patients with scoliosis and minimal pelvic obliquity.
TL;DR: Staged surgery including vertebral decancellation is an effective surgical method for patients with severe scoliosis, where an inflexible rigid curve or the risk of occurrence of neurologic complications due to temporary correction may exist.
Abstract: STUDY DESIGN The results of staged surgery including vertebral decancellation were reviewed retrospectively for 21 patients with severe scoliosis. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and limitations of vertebral decancellation as new anterior surgical procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The curvatures of severe scoliosis are often very rigid, and surgical correction using the anterior or posterior approach may not achieve the desired correction. Some studies reported neurologic complications might appear due to the aggressive approach or excessive correction force. METHODS Twenty-one patients (average age, 17.0 years) with severe scoliosis, in whom Cobb angle was over 80 degrees (average angle, 107 degrees), underwent staged anterior and posterior spinal reconstruction. Vertebral decancellation was performed as anterior procedure, and until posterior instrumentation, halo traction was carried out. The transition of curvatures in coronal and sagittal planes was assessed in this series. RESULTS The average correction rate of lateral curvature at the final follow-up was 46%. The average loss of correction was 2.5 degrees. Kyphosis, measured between T5 and T12, changed from 41 degrees to 36 degrees. Lordosis, measured between L1 and S1, changed from 56 degrees to 45 degrees. Transient neurologic deficit was seen in one case after vertebral decancellation. CONCLUSIONS Staged surgery including vertebral decancellation is an effective surgical method for patients with severe scoliosis, where an inflexible rigid curve or the risk of occurrence of neurologic complications due to temporary correction may exist.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated spinal growth, measured as the length of the scoliotic spine on serial longitudinal radiographs, and its relationship to progression of scoliosis curve.
Abstract: The risk of progression of idiopathic scoliosis is correlated primarily to factors that predict potential remaining skeletal growth. The aim of the current study was to evaluate spinal growth, measured as the length of the scoliotic spine on serial longitudinal radiographs, and its relationship to progression of the scoliotic curve. The retrospective study was based on measurements made on standing anteroposterior radiographs of 60 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In all patients, a Boston brace was prescribed during the followup period. Despite brace treatment, a significantly greater average progression rate of the scoliotic curve was seen in periods of rapid to moderate growth (> or = 10 mm per year) compared with periods of small or no growth (< 10 mm per year). The difference in progression rates concerned the increase of the Cobb angle and the increase of lateral deviation and axial rotation. These findings indicate the length of the spine measured on subsequent radiographs is an excellent parameter to determine spinal growth and thus an excellent predictor of scoliosis progression. With the presented growth charts, which were derived from the measured individual growth velocity values of the patients in the study, it is possible to predict future spinal growth at different chronologic ages.
TL;DR: Transthoracic endoscopic techniques, compared with thoracotomy, offer a less invasive method of accessing the anterior spinal column, with the benefits of an excellent view of the area of the spine being instrumented, minimal soft tissue disruption, and an improved cosmetic result.
Abstract: Study design A prospective series of 15 consecutive adult patients with spinal deformity who underwent endoscopic transthoracic release with simultaneous posterior instrumentation while positioned prone. Objectives To describe the technique and clinical results of endoscopic transthoracic release performed with the patient prone (as opposed to lateral) on the concave side for scoliosis or on either side for kyphosis, with simultaneous posterior exposure, instrumentation, and correction of the deformity. Summary of background data Use of endoscopic surgical techniques is rapidly advancing across all subspecialties. These techniques can be used to expose and operate on the spine in a less invasive fashion, thus avoiding damage to other tissues and facilitating earlier mobilization and rehabilitation. Current endoscopic techniques with the patient in the lateral decubitus position mimic open thoracotomy. A new technique is described with the patient positioned prone, which allows simultaneous posterior exposure. Methods Preoperative Cobb angle or thoracic kyphosis angle, maximal correction bending films, and postoperative Cobb angle or kyphosis angle were measured and compared. All perioperative morbidity, intraoperative complications, and surgical variables were prospectively documented and analyzed. Results There were no intraoperative technical problems with the endoscopic equipment or instruments and no immediate, 6-month, or 2-year postoperative complications related to the endoscopic component of the procedure. In the scoliosis patients, the average correction was 60%. In the kyphosis patients, the average correction was 39%. Conclusions Transthoracic endoscopic techniques, compared with thoracotomy, offer a less invasive method of accessing the anterior spinal column, with the benefits of an excellent view of the area of the spine being instrumented, minimal soft tissue disruption, and an improved cosmetic result. With the simultaneous technique, staged or subsequent procedures can be eliminated, and a circumferential structural release as well as control of the mobilized spine can be achieved. This simultaneous technique can be extended for use in correction of a variety of thoracic spinal pathologies.
TL;DR: The repeatability of the method examined with this equation was higher than that with the previous correction method for body height by Cobb angle, and the difference between the corrected values and the measured values was small, so it is considered to be more reliable.
Abstract: We studied standing anteroposterior roentgenograms from 140 scoliosis patients and obtained a correction equation for body height by Cobb angle. This equation is applicable to patients with a double curve or special curve pattern as well as patients with a single curve. The repeatability of the method examined with this equation was higher than that with the previous correction method for body height by Cobb angle, and the difference between the corrected values and the measured values was small. Therefore, this method is considered to be more reliable.
TL;DR: The animal experiments clearly showed that it was possible to change the Cobb angles of the spine through the use of the outrigger apparatus, which suggests that its use should make it possible to correct spinal deformities.
Abstract: Study design A report on the results of animal experiments in which the authors' new system that enables the anterior correction and fixation of thoracic spinal deformity by use of a thoracic endoscope and small incisions was used. The results suggest that the new approach involving thoracoscopic anterior correction and fusion for thoracic spinal deformity could be adapted successfully for the clinic. Objective To develop a new system that enables the anterior correction and fixation of thoracic spinal deformity by use of a thoracic endoscope and small incisions. Summary of background data Anterior correction and fusion through open thoracotomy have been applied mainly for thoracic scoliosis because this approach provides effective correction with short fusion. However, excellent visualization of the spine during thoracic surgical procedures led to the development of thoracoscopic spine surgery. Therefore, the authors postulated that a thoracoscopic approach could allow not only discectomy but also correction and fusion of the deformed thoracic spine in a single surgical event. Methods The vertebral columns and attached thoracic walls were dissected from fresh porcine cadavers and used in the experimental surgery to evaluate the new system. As a next step, thoracoscopic surgery using this new system was performed on four or five vertebrae of five live pigs with an average weight of 50 kg. Initially, the discs and rib heads were removed through the thoracic wall. For each vertebra, a screw connected to a shaft used as a screw holder was inserted through the thoracic wall in a posterior to anterior direction. Each shaft then was linked outside the body to an outrigger. This outrigger was used to both create and restore scoliosis. A rod then was introduced through the thoracic wall and fixed to the screw heads. Results The animal experiments clearly showed that it was possible to change the Cobb angles of the spine through the use of the outrigger apparatus. In cadaver experiments, it was possible to create scoliosis and re-store it by 25 degrees to 35 degrees. Also, surgery on live pigs resulted in scoliosis of approximately 30 degrees, which means approximately 5 degrees to 10 degrees for each disc space. The procedures used also demonstrated that it was possible to fix a rod, introduced into the pleural cavity through a port, with screw heads. Conclusions The use of this system successfully changed the Cobb angle of the spine, which suggests that its use should make it possible to correct spinal deformities. This apparatus also succeeded in fixing the rods in the screw heads, which raises the possibility of its use in spinal fixation. The authors believe that this apparatus could be adapted successfully for clinical use. Studies currently are under way in clinics using the new system.
TL;DR: The measure of gibbosity with the scoliometer provides a fairly reliable estimation of Cobb angle at the initial clinical examination of a scoliosis patient and also exists for the follow-up with a brace, permitting a judgement of the patient’s evolution under the treatment with SpineCor.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between gibbosity and spinal deformation expressed by the angle of Cobb before and during treatment with a brace for different classes of idiopathic scoliosis patients. As part of the standard treatment with the Dynamic Corrective Brace (SpineCor), 89 idiopathic scoliosis patients underwent an initial radiological examination and gibbosity measurement with a scoliometer wearing and not wearing the brace. The 89 patients were classified in relation to the apex of the scoliosis curves: thoracic (n = 29); thoracolumbar (n = 40); lumbar (n = 7) and double (n = 13). With the dynamic corrective brace, the patients showed a mean decrease of 8.3° for the major Cobb angle, and a mean decrease of 2.3° for their gibbosity. There was a significant positive relationship between gibbosity and Cobb angle with and without the brace for the thoracic and thoracolumbar curves. A linear regression analysis identified a small mean estimation error for the thoracic curves (7.4° no-brace; 2.7° with brace) and thoracolumbar curves (5.2° no-brace; 5.3° with brace), indicating a predictive potential of the scoliometer. The measure of gibbosity with the scoliometer provides a fairly reliable estimation of Cobb angle at the initial clinical examination of a scoliosis patient. However, when initial Cobb angle and gibbosity are considered, the measure of gibbosity when wearing a brace provides the clinician with a highly reliable estimation of the Cobb angle while in a brace. This relationship also exists for the follow-up with a brace, permitting a judgement of the patient’s evolution under the treatment with SpineCor.
TL;DR: Rasterstereography is a suitable tool for analyzing the three-dimensional correction of spinal deformities after anterior scoliosis surgery and the cosmetic improvement is clearly demonstrated.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION So far only radiometric and clinical methods have been available for the evaluation of results after anterior scoliosis surgery. Rasterstereography has proved to be a reliable method for three-dimensional surface measurement of conservatively treated idiopathic scoliosis patients. Therefore, patients treated operatively with anterior instrumentation were examined using rasterstereography to determine the three-dimensional correction of the spinal deformity. The aim was to measure back shape deformity, in particular derotation, and thus cosmetic improvements. METHODS 31 patients with idiopathic thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle 57.2 degrees) were examined with raster stereography preoperatively, postoperatively and after follow-up (25.2 months) in a standardized standing posture. Standing radiographs were compared with raster stereography. RESULTS The mean Cobb angle was reduced from 57.2 degrees to 17.2 degrees, the rasterstereographic maximal surface rotation from 16.5 degrees to 10.8 degrees, and the vertebral rotation according to Perdriolle from 29.2 degrees to 16.7 degrees. During follow-up the Cobb angle increased to 20.8 degrees, and surface rotation to 11.3 degrees. Vertebral rotation remained constant. Lordosis and kyphosis angles changed only slightly. CONCLUSION Rasterstereography is a suitable tool for analyzing the three-dimensional correction of spinal deformities after anterior scoliosis surgery. In particular, the cosmetic improvement is clearly demonstrated. The measurement of surface rotation allows objective quantification of the obtained derotation.
TL;DR: The anterior Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf (CDH) system is a recently developed instrumentation that has been claimed to decrease the kyphotic effect through the use of double rods and it was determined that CDH instrumentation achieves significant correction rates in the frontal and sagittal planes.
Abstract: Anterior instrumentation for the correction of scoliotic curves has recently been gaining in popularity. The problems of high mortality and morbidity that were associated with the employment of anterior instrumentation in the first years it was used have now been overcome. Efforts are now being concentrated on increasing the correction rates in the frontal plane and decreasing the kyphotic effect in the sagittal plane. The anterior Cotrel-Dubousset-Hopf (CDH) system is a recently developed instrumentation that has been claimed to decrease the kyphotic effect through the use of double rods. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the anterior CDH system on idiopathic scoliotic curves in frontal and sagittal planes. To this end, 26 idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with the CDH system were followed for a mean period of 32.8 ± 5.3 months. In the frontal plane, Cobb angles of major and secondary curves were measured, and postoperative and final correction rates determined. In the sagittal plane, sagittal contours of both the instrumented region and the thoracic and lumbar regions were measured, and their preoperative, postoperative and final control values were determined. In addition to clinical examination, lateral trunk shift (LT), shift of head (SH) and shift of stable vertebra (SS) were measured in vertebral units (VU), on the preoperative and postoperative radiographs in order to evaluate the effect of the system on trunk balance. It was established that in patients with single flexible thoracolumbar and lumbar curves and those with rigid thoracic curves, the correction rates obtained in the frontal plane were respectively 79.4 ± 14.8%, 68.0 ± 9.4% and 61.5 ± 8.0%, with statistical significance. Their final corrections at the last control were 76.3 ± 17.4%, 56.9 ± 9.1% and 52.3 ± 8.3%, respectively. Although the corrections in the lumbar rigid curves were relatively low, they were still statistically significant. Taking all the patients together, the mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major curves of 67.2°± 20.2° improved to a mean of 28.6°± 21.0°, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), giving a mean correction rate of 61.2 ± 20.3%. The mean correction loss of major curves in the frontal plane in all patients was 6.0°± 3.8° and the mean final correction rate was 52.6 ± 23.2%. In the sagittal plane, there was a favorable kyphotic effect on the thoracic region of patients with hypokyphosis and lordosis pattern, whilst in patients with kyphotic pattern, this effect was minimal. In patients with a single flexible lumbar curve, kyphotic effect was not observed except in two patients. In these two patients, it was thought that excessive compression force may have been used. As to the patients with a rigid lumbar curve, there was a slight decrease in lumbar lordosis. No postoperative complaints were made about imbalance, and the mean overall correction in LT values was 60.1 ± 21.7%. While preoperatively, the SH and SS values of all patients were over 0.5 VU, postoperatively, 12 patients (46.2%) were completely balanced (SH = 0 VU, SS = 0 VU) and 8 patients (30.8%) were balanced (0 VU < SH and SS < 0.5 VU). The remaining six patients, whose balance values were corrected with statistical significance but were still over 0.5 VU, were found to be the ones with rigid lumbar curves. Implant failure and systemic complications were not noted in the follow-up period. In view of these findings, it was determined that CDH instrumentation achieves significant correction rates in the frontal and sagittal planes, particularly in single flexible lumbar, thoracolumbar and thoracic rigid curves. It was found that the kyphotic effect was minimized with a double rod system. Significant clinical and radiological corrections were achieved in balance values, without any imbalance and decompensation problems.
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TL;DR: It was found that girls with scoliosis were thinner, and it is necessary for school teachers to pay more attention to their students' life style.
Abstract: Objective We applied the tuberculosis examination radiographs to scoliosis screening in high schools Prevalence, physique, physical strength and motor ability of the students with scoliosis were investigated Methods In this study, 3,299 the first year high school students (1,597 males and 1,702 females) in Wakayama Prefecture, who had taken chest X-ray photographs between 1993 and 1995, were examined and 106 cases (22 males and 84 females) were identified with scoliosis of more than 10 degrees Cobb angle Each of the cases was assigned age- and sex-matched controls without scoliosis These pairs were investigated as to the following items: body height, body weight, sitting height, chest girth, leg length, body mass index, vertical jump, side-to-side jump, back strength, grasping power, trunk extension, standing trunk flexibility, 50 m dash, long jump, handball throwing, and chinning Results The body weight, chest girth, and body mass index was significantly lower in girls with scoliosis As to physical strength and motor ability, only standing trunk flexibility was significantly lower in girls with scoliosis Conclusion Tuberculosis examination radiographs were useful for scoliosis screening in high schools We found that girls with scoliosis were thinner We think it is necessary for school teachers to pay more attention to their students' life style
TL;DR: It is shown that ANN's can predict rib deformity in scoliosis more accurately than regression analysis, which lends credence to the use of ANN's in future work on the prediction of scoliotic spinal deformity from torso surface data, which would permit assessment ofScoliosis severity with minimal use of harmful X-rays.
Abstract: Artificial neural networks (ANN's) recognize patterns relating input and output data in a manner analogous to the function of biological neurons. Here, we show that ANN's can predict rib deformity in scoliosis more accurately than regression analysis. ANN's and linear regression models were developed to predict rib rotation from several combinations of input spinal indices including Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, apex location and orientation of the plane of maximal curvature. ANN's averaged 60% correct predictions compared to 34% for regression analysis. This study provides evidence for the utility of artificial neural networks in scoliosis research. These data lend credence to the use of ANN's in future work on the prediction of scoliotic spinal deformity from torso surface data, which would permit assessment of scoliosis severity with minimal use of harmful X-rays.
TL;DR: It is generally accepted that the progression of an idiopathic scoliotic deformity with a Cobb angle of between 25 ° and 40 ° can be stopped by brace treatment alone provided that the generally acknowledged criteria for the treatment concerning skeletal growth of the individual are respected.
Abstract: It is generally accepted that the progression of an idiopathic scoliotic deformity with a Cobb angle of between 25 degrees and 40 degrees can be stopped by brace treatment alone provided that the generally acknowledged criteria for the treatment concerning skeletal growth of the individual are respected. In Europe, the Cheneau brace, which was originally designed as an active derotation orthosis, is widely in use and is constantly being improved. The biomechanical principle of this orthosis consists of a pressure vector that is applied laterally (with regard to the 3-point principle) to exert pressure on the peak of the curvature in the frontal and transversal planes. Thus, the thoracic, lumbar and pelvic body mass that was rotated out of normal body symmetry is transferred back to its original position via pressure and derotation. Therefore, an active back like the Cheneau orthosis must provide pressure surfaces and sufficient expansion spaces. Subtle insights into the actual effect of braces have furthered ongoing development to take into consideration the changes to the trunk in the sagittal plain and have respected the different states of expansion of the two halves of the trunk in the craniocaudal direction. The thoracic flat back and cyphosis of the lumbal spine, which were formerly ignored, actually provide a real challenge for the technical realization of the brace. The new generation of Cheneau braces potentially provides an effective means for the active correction of scoliotic spinal deformity in all three dimensions and thus fulfills the requirements of modern conservative scoliosis treatment.
TL;DR: In this article, an external fixator was used to impose an angular deformity (Cobb angle of 30 degrees) and an axial compression force (60% body weight) on the ninth caudal (apical) vertebra in two groups of 12 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats.
Abstract: This study tested the following hypotheses: (a) a vertebral wedge deformity created by chronic static asymmetrical loading will be corrected by reversal of the load asymmetry; (b) a vertebral wedge deformity created by chronic static asymmetrical loading will remain if the load is simply removed; and (c) vertebral longitudinal growth rates, altered by chronic static loading, will return to normal after removal of the load. An external fixator was used to impose an angular deformity (Cobb angle of 30 degrees) and an axial compression force (60% body weight) on the ninth caudal (apical) vertebra in two groups of 12 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. This asymmetrical loading was applied to all rats for 4 weeks to create an initial wedge deformity in the apical vertebra. The rats from group I (load reversal) then underwent 1 week of distraction loading followed by 4 weeks of asymmetrical compressive loading with the imposed 30 degree Cobb angle reversed. The rats from group II (load removal) had the apparatus removed and were followed for 5 weeks with no external loading. Weekly radiographs were obtained and serial fluorochrome labels were administered to follow vertebral wedging. After the initial 4-week loading period, the combined average wedge deformity that developed in the apical vertebra of the animals in both groups was 10.7 +/- 4.4 degrees. The group that underwent load reversal showed significant correction of the deformity with the wedging of the apical vertebra decreasing to, on average, 0.1 +/- 1.4 degrees during the 4 weeks of load reversal. Wedging of the apical vertebra in the group that underwent load removal significantly decreased to 7.3 +/- 3.9 degrees during the first week after removal of the load, but no significant changes in wedging occurred after that week. This indicated a return to a normal growth pattern following the removal of the asymmetrically applied loading. The longitudinal growth rate of the apical vertebra also returned to normal following removal of the load. Vertebrae maintained under a load of 60% body weight grew at a rate that was 59.4 +/- 17.0% lower than that of the control vertebrae, whereas after vertebrae were unloaded their growth averaged 102.4 +/- 31.8%. These findings show that a vertebral wedge deformity can be corrected by reversing the load used to create it and that vertebral growth is not permanently affected by applied loading.
TL;DR: Almost one-third of the total correction occurred prior to instrumentation being applied, and even though it was variable and substantial, the actual surgical rod rotation and instrumentation maneuver provided the majority of correction.
Abstract: BACKGROUND A substantial contribution to the overall surgical correction of Cobb angle has been observed to occur prior to securing the instrumentation. Knowledge specific to the amount of correction prior to instrumentation is scarce in the medical literature. If significant correction is due to the positioning and muscle stripping during exposure of the spine, questions arise about the usefulness and need for extensive rod-rotation maneuvers to further straighten the spine. This study quantifies the extent of correction achieved from standing to prone, with the spine exposed before and after instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients with the diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and a right thoracic major curve were included in the study. Intraoperative changes in Cobb angle were measured before and after instrumentation, as well as postoperatively. The patients underwent posterior spinal instrumentation by the same surgical team using the rod-rotation techniques. Radiographs were taken prior to surgery, intraoperatively before and after instrumentation and postoperatively within one week from surgery. Cobb angle measurements were performed by the same examiner. RESULTS The median preoperative Cobb angle of 60 degrees +/-14 degrees (48-90 degrees ) corrected to a median of 26 degrees +/-22 degrees (10-80 degrees ) on the right bend film, to a median of 55 degrees +/-12 degrees (30-70 degrees ) intraoperatively after exposure, and to a median 30 degrees +/-10 degrees (20-46 degrees ) after rod-rotation/instrumentation and fixation. The follow-up standing radiograph median Cobb angle was 40 degrees +/-14 degrees (9-56 degrees ). A median intraoperative correction of 28 degrees was obtained, 10 degrees of which was prior to the rod rotation and instrumentation. High variability was observed in the percentage contribution of pre-instrumentation release with a median of 42%+/-25% (0-67%). CONCLUSION Approximately one-third of the total correction occurred prior to instrumentation being applied, and even though it was variable and substantial, the actual surgical rod rotation and instrumentation maneuver provided the majority of correction.
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TL;DR: Slight but evident increase of forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 was observed as a result of rehabilitation utilizing asymmetric respiratory exercises method, and the values of spirometric indexes tended to deplete with time of duration and severity of the scoliosis.
Abstract: Current work presents the results of spirometric examinations in 124 children aged 5 to 16 years (mean age 12.1 years) suffering from idiopathic scoliosis. Children were treated according to asymmetric respiratory exercises method applied in period of 24 days. Healthy children living in Upper Silesia industrial region were the control group. Examined scoliotic group was characterized by generally mild lung function impairment, although the values of spirometric indexes tended to deplete with time of duration and severity of the scoliosis. Especially the tendency of the forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) decrease was apparent, as well as maximal expiratory flows MEF50 and MEF25, in conjunction with Cobb angle increase. Slight but evident increase of forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 was observed as a result of rehabilitation utilizing asymmetric respiratory exercises method.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Osteotomy combined with anterior and posterior procedures is effective and safe in the correction of kyphosis of the thoracolumbars spine and retrolisthesis of vertebrae, which are obvious in the upper lumbar spine.
Abstract: Objective To investigate the influence of solid thoracolumbar kyphosis on the lumbar spine and surgical treatment. Methods 14 had solid kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine. Cobb angle of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine and lordosis between L(2)/S(1), L(2)/L(5), L(2)/L(3), L(3)/L(4), L(4)/L(5), L(5)/S(1) pre- and post-osteotomy was measured respectively, and the amount of vertebrae slipped over 3mm was recorded. The results were compared with those of the normal group respectively. Results The Cobb angles of lordosis between L(2)/S(1), L(2)/L(5), L(2)/L(3), L(3)/L(4), L(4)/L(5), L(5)/S(1) in the deformity group were increased significantly compared with those that of the normal group respectively; obvious changes in percentage occurred in the segment between L(2)/L(3) and L(3)/L(4). Over lordosis of the lumbar spine was greatly corrected postosteotomy of the thoracolumbar spine, it was still significantly different compared with that of the normal group. In 9 patients with retrolisthesis of 20 vertebrae, 70% occurred in L(2) and L(3) vertebrae. The amount of retrolisthesis of vertebrae decreased to 3 in two patients. No retrolisthesis of vertebra was seen in the normal group. Single-stage procedures combined with anterior releasing and posterior osteotomy through facet joints for kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine showed a correction. rate of 85.7%, but single-stage osteotomy through the posterior vertebra showed a correction rate of 60.7%. Seven of 8 patients who had had seriously back pain complained of no pain or slight backache after operation. 40% of the patients showed functional improvement in the sphincter of the urinary bladder and anus. 50% of the patients had improvement in muscle strength. Conclusions Kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine may result in over lordosis of the lumbar spine and retrolisthesis of vertebrae, which are obvious in the upper lumbar spine. These changes may lead to back pain. Correction of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine may obviously decrease over lordosis of the lumbar spine and inclination of vertebral slip, and may further decrease the overload to the posterior column of the spine and relieve back pain. Osteotomy combined with anterior and posterior procedures is effective and safe in the correction of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine.