European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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To assess the validity and utility of monopolar stimulation (between a peridural needle and a large adhesive anode placed in the sternal area) for intraoperative monitoring in scoliosis surgery. ⋯ Monopolar stimulation can be used to monitor the spinal cord during surgery for scoliosis correction. This procedure is more convenient for the surgeon and allows for the combined recording of responses in all four limbs, which can be useful in the case of surgical techniques such as those involving a VEPTR.
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The altered anatomic positions of important structures adjacent to the vertebrae in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have been comprehensively investigated by previous radiographic studies. However, no study has evaluated the altered position of left subclavian artery (SA) in these patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the altered position of left subclavian artery in AIS patients with a double thoracic curve pattern. ⋯ The left SA is located much closer to the vertebrae in the proximal thoracic curve of Lenke type 2 AIS patients when compared with normal teenagers. The spine surgeons should be aware of such altered position of left SA and choose appropriate pedicle length to avoid anterior cortical penetration in Lenke type 2 AIS patients.
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Kyphosis of the cervical spine has been reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, few reports have compared sagittal spine alignment of AIS patients with that of the normal population. The purposes of this study were (1) to analyze the characteristics of sagittal alignment, including the cervical spine, in AIS patients with a single thoracic curve (Lenke type 1) compared with the age-matched normal population and (2) to quantify the changes in sagittal alignment of the cervical spine and thoracic kyphosis following posterior spinal fusion. ⋯ There were no effects of scoliosis on sagittal spine parameters such as LL and C7PL in AIS patients with a main thoracic curve. Cervical spine alignment was affected by the thoracic deformity in the sagittal plane, as shown by the reduction in the CL after the operation. These findings suggest that TK may be a cause of cervical kyphosis in AIS patients.