Mehmet Bulent Balioglu

Vitamin-d measurement in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Our retrospective study compared vitamin-D levels in 229 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and 389 age-matched controls, and evaluated the correlation between vitamin-D levels and sex, Cobb’s angle, and serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase in the AIS group. Vitamin-D levels were lower in the AIS group, with no sex-specific effects, indicative of a possible vitamin-D resistance in AIS. Vitamin-D levels correlated positively with Ca levels and negatively with Cobb’s angle, indicative of a possible role of vitamin D in the etiopathogenesis of AIS. Patients with AIS should be monitored for vitamin-D deficiency/insufficiency.

Sacral agenesis: evaluation of accompanying pathologies in 38 cases, with analysis of long-term outcomes.

PurposeSacral agenesis (SA), or caudal regression syndrome, is a congenital malformation of the spine of varying degree of severity. The aim of our study was to identify associated impairments in structure and function of the orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems, and to evaluate their impact on function.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series analysis of 38 patients with SA. Patients were divided into two groups: SA with myelomeningocele (group 1) and without myelomeningocele (group 2). Between-group comparisons in terms of the features of the SA, impairments in associated systems, impact on gross motor function, need for surgery, and association with prenatal screening and maternal gestational diabetes were evaluated.ResultsThe majority of comorbidities were orthopedic and neurological in nature. Impairments in sphincter control and independent transferring were more prevalent in group 1, resulting in lower function. Scoliosis, kyphosis, and hip dislocation/subluxation were the most common orthopedic problems, with a higher prevalence of kyphosis in group 1. The requirement for neurosurgery was significantly higher in group 1.ConclusionsOrthopedic and neurological comorbidities are commonly associated with SA and are more prevalent in the presence of a myelomeningocele. As the impairments impact a child’s ability for maximum function, early identification and intervention is required to correct or ameliorate the impairment.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Preoperative and Postoperative Photographs and Surgical Outcomes of Patients With Kyphosis.

Study Design. A retrospective clinical study was performed. Objective. The aim of the study was to show patients their pre- and postoperative body photographs, and determine the effect on postoperative patient satisfaction for thoracic and thoracolumbar sharp and round angular kyphosis. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies have reported the normative values of pelvic sagittal parameters and the classification of normal patterns of sagittal curvature, but no study has investigated and compared the clinical photographs of sharp and round kyphosis. Methods. In patients who underwent surgery for thoracic and thoracolumbar sharp and round angular kyphosis, whole spine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, and clinical photographs were obtained preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Pelvic and spinal parameters were measured, and the pre- and postoperative photographs were shown to patients. The Scoliosis Research Society 22r (SRS22r) and Short Form 36 surveys were administered to all patients, and the scores were analyzed. Results. Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with kyphosis (mean age 19.6 yr, mean follow-up duration 26.4 mo) were divided into two groups: sharp (18 patients, mean age 20.1 yr) and round (20 patients, mean age 19.6 yr) kyphosis. There was no difference between values in the sharp and round groups in terms of age, follow-up duration, and Risser score (P > 0.05). In both groups, the subscores for pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction, except for the function/activity score, and the total score of the SRS22r survey were, however, significantly different between pre- and postoperative photographs. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in any SRS22r domain and Short Form 36 scores. Conclusion. The surgical treatment of kyphosis was uniformly associated with improved quality of life, regardless of the kyphosis type. Thus, showing patients their pre- and postoperative photographs may enhance patient satisfaction, as measured by SRS22r scores. Level of Evidence: 4

Analysis of complications following posterior vertebral column resection for the treatment of severe angular kyphosis greater than 100

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications, efficacy and safety of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in severe angular kyphosis (SAK) greater than 100°. Methods The medical records of 17 patients (mean age 17.9 (range, 9–27) years) with SAK who underwent PVCR, were reviewed. Mean follow-up period was 32.2 (range, 24–64) months. Diagnosis of the patients included congenital kyphosis in 11 patients, post-tuberculosis kyphosis in 3 patients and neurofibromatosis in 3 patients. The sagittal plane parameters (local kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope and pelvic incidence) were measured in the preoperative and the early postoperative periods and during the last follow-up on the lateral radiographs. Results The mean preoperative localized kyphosis angle was 121.8° (range, 101°–149°). The mean local kyphosis angle (LKA) was 71.5° at postoperatively evaluation (p < 0.05). Complications were detected in 12 patients (70.6%) with spinal shock in 4 patients, hemothorax in 3 patients, postoperative infection in 2 patients, dural laceration in 2 patients, neurological deficit in 2 patients (1 paraplegia and 1 root injury), the shifted cage in 2 patients and rod fracture in 2 patients. Neurological events occurred in six patients (35%) with temporary neurological deficit in 5 patients and permanent neurological deficit in 1 patient. Conclusion PVCR is an efficient and a successful technique for the correction of SAK. However, it can lead to a large number of major complications in SAK greater than 100°. Level of evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.

A Retrospective Study of Congenital Cardiac Abnormality Associated with Scoliosis

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To identify the incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities in patients who had scoliosis and underwent surgical treatment for scoliosis. Overview of Literature Congenital and idiopathic scoliosis (IS) are associated with cardiac abnormalities. We sought to establish and compare the incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities in patients with idiopathic and congenital scoliosis (CS) who underwent surgical treatment for scoliosis. Methods Ninety consecutive scoliosis patients, who underwent surgical correction of scoliosis, were classified as CS (55 patients, 28 female [51%]) and IS (35 patients, 21 female [60%]). The complete data of the patients, including medical records, plain radiograph and transthoracic echocardiography were retrospectively assessed. Results We found that mitral valve prolapse was the most common cardiac abnormality in both patients with IS (nine patients, 26%) and CS (13 patients, 24%). Other congenital cardiac abnormalities were atrial septal aneurysm (23% of IS patients, 18% of CS patients), pulmonary insufficiency (20% of IS patients, 4% of CS patients), aortic insufficiency (17% of IS patients), atrial septal defect (11% of IS patients, 13% of CS patients), patent foramen ovale (15% of CS patients), dextrocardia (4% of CS patients), bicuspid aortic valve (3% of IS patients), aortic stenosis (2% of CS patients), ventricular septal defect (2% of CS patients), and cardiomyopathy (2% of CS patients). Conclusions We determined the increased incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities among patients with congenital and IS. Mitral valve prolapse appeared to be the most prevalent congenital cardiac abnormality in both groups.

A comparison of the effects of two different techniques on shoulder balance in the treatment of congenital scoliosis: Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib and dual growing rod.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two different growth guidance techniques (dual growing rod and vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib [VEPTR]) on shoulder balance, in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients who were operated due to congenital scoliosis are divided into two groups. The coracoid height difference and clavicular tilt angle difference were measured on standing anteroposterior X-ray images in the preoperative, early postoperative periods, and during the last follow-up. Results: Clinical improvement in shoulder balance was obtained in VEPTR during the last follow-up, but there was no significance in the comparison among the two groups during the last follow-up. Conclusion: The effect of the growth guidance techniques on shoulder balance positively contributes in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis.

A comparison of two techniques: Open and percutaneous biopsies of thoracolumbar vertebral body lesions.

Aim: The purpose of this article is to compare the similarity of initial radiological diagnosis and pathological diagnosis between thoracal and lumbar vertebral bodies and the adequacy and the reliability of open and percutaneous biopsies performed via transpedicular approach in the lesions located in vertebral bodies. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients who had undergone transpedicular biopsy for vertebral body lesions were retrospectively evaluated. Seventeen patients were diagnosed by percutaneous transpedicular biopsy (11 in the lumbar vertebrae, 6 in the thoracal vertebrae). Sixteen patients were diagnosed by open transpedicular biopsy (9 in the lumbar vertebrae, 7 in the thoracal vertebrae). Results: The similarity ratio between the initial radiological diagnosis and the final pathological diagnosis was 71.4% in the open biopsy and was 69.2% in the percutaneous biopsy (P > 0.05). The similarity ratio between the initial radiological diagnosis and the final pathological diagnosis was 66.7% in the lumbar region and was 77.8% in the thoracal region (P > 0.05). For percutaneous biopsy group, the similarity ratio was 72.7% in the lumbar region and was 66.7% in the thoracal region (P > 0.05). For open biopsy group, the similarity ratio was 62.5% in the lumbar region and 83.3% in the thoracal region (P > 0.05). No complication was observed. Conclusion: Specimen adequacy of open biopsy was higher than percutaneous biopsy. Particularly, the open thoracal biopsy has provided the highest similarity ratio between the initial radiological diagnosis and the final pathological diagnosis.

Mid term results of Pemberton pericapsular osteotomy.

Background: Treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) varies according to the age of the patient. For children under 3 months, the preferred treatment is Pavlik bandaging and/or dynamic hip orthosis;for children of 3–18 months (with/without arthrography), closed and open reductions (ORs) are most common; and for children 18 months and older, pelvic osteotomies are used. Radiological and functional outcomes of patients between 16 months and 7 years of age who underwent Pemberton pericapsular osteotomy (PPO) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) received treatment on 14 hips between 2001 and 2006. All patients with DDH had PPO as pelvic osteotomy. PPO was done solely in 3 hips, PPO and open reduction (OR) in and OR + PPO + femoral shortening in 6. The average age was 39.85 months (range 16–83 months). All had 1-stage surgery. Acetabular index (AI) and the grade of displacement were determined according to Tönnis’. Center-edge (CE) angle was evaluated. Clinical evaluations were made as described by McKay, radiological assessments by Severins criteria and femoral head avascular necrosis measurements by Kalamchi–MacEwens criteria. Average followup periods were 83.35 months (range 48–115 months). Results: Preoperative and postoperative average AI levels were 41.92° (range 30–50°) and 19,5° (range 5–34°), respectively (P < 0.001). According to Severins classification, 11 (78.57%) patients were Ia, 1 (7.14%) was Ib, 1 (7.14%) was II and 1 (7.14%) was III. According to Kalamchi–McEven criteria, 12 (85.71%) patients were type I, 2 (14.28%) patients were type II. CE postoperatively was measured as 24.24° (range 12–41°). Clinically (McKay), the functional results in 13 (92.85%) patients were very good (I) and in 1 (7.14%) was good (II). Conclusions: Functional and radiological mid term outcomes were found to be comparable in most of the patients with DDH undergoing PPO between the ages of 16 months and 7 years.

Piriformis syndrome: treatment of a rare cause of posterior hip pain with fluoroscopic-guided injection

Introduction Piriformis syndrome involves the irritation of the piriformis muscle due to various reasons that are primarily related to anatomical variation or sciatic nerve compression due to contraction caused by overuse. In this study, we aimed to define an injection method that is easy to apply, safe, simple and repeatable. Materials and Methods We administered percutaneous lidocaine and depomedrol injections into the hips of 28 patients (14 men and 14 women) under fluoroscopic control. Bipolar injections of the piriformis muscle were performed at the medial pole, the intersection of the sciatic notch and the sacroiliac joint, and at the lateral pole of the femoral insertion region. Each injection was 5 cc, and the contrast agent was observed after the dyeing process. Results Clinical examinations were performed before and 6 weeks after the injections. The average of Harris Hip Score increased from a pre-injection score of 44.5 to a post-injection score of 68.5, and the Visual Analog Scale scores decreased from 8.3 to 4.2 (p<0.05). Comments Our findings lead to the conclusion that fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous local anaesthetic and corticosteroid injection is a simple and effective piriformis syndrome treatment that can feasibly be effectively performed by orthopaedic surgeons.

Alpha-lipoic acid inhibits peridural fibrosis following laminectomy through the inactivation of TGF-β1, PDGF, PAI-1 and IL-6 expressions.

AIM The objective of this study was to investigate the antifibrotic effect of parenteral administration of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which has been reported to reduce fibrosis in the liver, oral mucosa, and peritoneum, in laminectomized rabbits as a potential candidate for the prevention of peridural fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve adult New Zealand white male rabbits were divided into control (n=6) and ALA treatment groups (n=6). Laminectomy of the lumbar spine was performed in all animals, and ALA was administered intramuscularly in six rabbits composing the treatment group. Total RNA obtained from the paraffin-embedded tissues was analyzed for transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), plateletderived growth factor (PDGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS mRNA investigations showed that TGF-β1, PDGF, PAI-1 and IL-6 gene expressions, which constitute strong evidence for the development of fibrosis, were significantly lower in the treatment group compared with the results obtained from the control group. According to the histological peridural grading, the ALA-treated group showed significantly less peridural fibrosis than the control group. CONCLUSION Intramuscular administration of ALA is a promising treatment for the prevention of peridural fibrosis in the postoperative period.