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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The biomechanical performance of conventional multi-rod configurations (satellite rods and accessory rods) in pedicle subtraction osteotomies has been previously studied in vitro and using finite element models (FEM). Delta and delta-cross rods are innovative multi-rod configurations where the rod bends were placed only in its proximal and distal extremities in order to obtain a dorsal translation of the central part of the rod respect to the most angulated area of the main rods. However, the biomechanical properties of the delta and delta-cross rods have not been investigated. This study used FEM to analyze the effect of delta-rod configurations on the stiffness and primary rod stress reduction in multiple-rod constructs after pedicle subtraction osteotomy. ⋯ Delta and delta-cross rods have better biomechanical performance than satellite rods and accessory rods in pedicle subtraction osteotomies in terms of construct stiffness and rod stress reduction. After the initial rod breakage occurred, the delta and delta-cross rods could minimize the loss of fixation, which have less rod stress and greater residual stiffness than other rod configurations do. Based on this FEA study, delta-rod configurations show more favorable biomechanical behavior than previously described multi-rod configurations. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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The thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) has not been explored in regard to its contribution to global sagittal alignment. This study aims to define novel sagittal parameters of the TLJ and to assess their roles within global sagittal alignment. ⋯ The TLJO integrates the status of the lumbopelvic sagittal parameters and simultaneously correlates with thoracic and global sagittal alignment. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Various spinal and rib cage parameters measured from complex examinations were found to be correlated with preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFT). The aim was to investigate the relationship between preoperative rib cage parameters and PFT using biplanar stereoradiography in patients with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. ⋯ Non-randomized cross-sectional study among consecutive patients, Level 2. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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To investigate the effectiveness of surgical reduction in high-grade spondylolisthesis in maintaining or restoring a normal pelvic balance, as related to the QoL. ⋯ Surgical reduction in high- to low-grade slip is more effective in maintaining and restoring a normal pelvic balance postoperatively. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.