Do baclofen pumps influence the development of scoliosis in children?

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha C. Burn ◽  
Reinhard Zeller ◽  
James M. Drake

Object Intrathecal baclofen is an effective treatment for spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. There has been increasing concern, however, that intrathecal baclofen may accelerate the development of scoliosis in this population. To this end, the authors reviewed their population of pediatric patients with baclofen pumps to assess the incidence of scoliosis. Methods This was a retrospective chart and radiology review of all pediatric patients with baclofen pumps. Cobb angles were measured preoperatively and on follow-up images. Results Of 38 patients identified, 32 had adequate data available for inclusion in the study (16 with cerebral palsy, 7 with dystonic cerebral palsy, 4 with head injury, and 5 with other diagnoses). The mean age at pump insertion was 10.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 31 months (range 1–118 months). The mean annual Cobb angle progression was 19° (range 0–68°, median 12°). Conclusions In the authors' group of patients there was notable development and progression of scoliosis at a greater than previously reported rate for the same patient population, and also greater than previously reported patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. The largest possible confounding factor in this study was the insertion of the pump before skeletal maturity and therefore coinciding with the time when scoliosis may be developing naturally. A prospective study is recommended to gather further data on the development of scoliosis in this particular population with intrathecal baclofen pumps.

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Malia McAvoy ◽  
Heather J. McCrea ◽  
Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽  
Hoon Choi ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.


Author(s):  
Tran Anh Quynh ◽  
Pham Duy Hien ◽  
Le Quang Du ◽  
Le Hoang Long ◽  
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tran ◽  
...  

AbstractRobotic surgery offers three-dimensional visualization and precision of movement that could be of great value to gastrointestinal surgeons. There were many previous reports on robotic technology in performing Soave colonic resection and pull-through for Hirschsprung’s disease in children. This study described the follow-up of the Robotic-assisted Soave procedure for Hirschsprung’s disease in children. Robotic-assisted endorectal pull-through was performed using three robotic arms and an additional 5-mm trocar. The ganglionic and aganglionic segments were initially identified by seromuscular biopsies. The rest of the procedure was carried out according to the Soave procedure. We left a short rectal seromuscular sleeve of 1.5–2 cm above the dentate line. From December 2014 to December 2017, 55 pediatric patients were operated on. Age ranged from 6 months to 10 years old (median = 24.5 months). The aganglionic segment was located in the rectum (n = 38), the sigmoid colon (n = 13), and the left colon (n = 4). The mean total operative time was 93.2 ± 35 min (ranging from 80 to 180 min). Minimal blood was lost during the surgery. During the follow-up period, 41 patients (74.6%) had 1–2 defecations per day, 12 patients (21.8%) had 3–4 defecations per day, and 2 patients (3.6%) had more than 4 defecations per day. Fecal incontinence, enterocolitis, and mild soiling occurred in three (5.4%), four (7.3%), and two pediatric patients, respectively. Robotic-assisted Soave procedure for Hirschsprung’s disease in children is a safe and effective technique. However, a skilled robotic surgical team and procedural modifications are needed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 971-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Huntoon ◽  
Tianxia Wu ◽  
J. Bradley Elder ◽  
John A. Butman ◽  
Emily Y. Chew ◽  
...  

OBJECT Peritumoral cysts are frequently associated with CNS hemangioblastomas and often underlie neurological morbidity and mortality. To determine their natural history and clinical impact, the authors prospectively analyzed hemangioblastoma-associated peritumoral cysts in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. METHODS Patients with VHL disease who had 2 or more years of follow-up and who were enrolled in a prospective study at the National Institutes of Health were included. Serial prospectively acquired laboratory, genetic, imaging, and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS One hundred thirty-two patients (of 225 in the VHL study with at least 2 years of follow-up) had peritumoral cysts that were followed for more than 2 years (total of 292 CNS peritumoral cysts). The mean age at study entrance was 37.4 ± 13.1 years ([mean ± SD], median 37.9, range 12.3–65.1 years). The mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 1.7 years (median 7.3, range 2.1–9.0 years). Over the study period, 121 of the 292 peritumoral cysts (41.4%) became symptomatic. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number cysts at study enrollment (p = 0.002) and younger age (p < 0.0001). Cyst growth rate was associated with anatomical location (cerebellum cysts grew faster than spine and brainstem cysts; p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008), younger age (< 35 years of age; p = 0.0006), and development of new neurological symptoms (p < 0.0001). Cyst size at symptom production depended on anatomical location (p < 0.0001; largest to smallest were found, successively, in the cerebellum, spinal cord, and brainstem). The most common location for peritumoral cysts was the cerebellum (184 cysts [63%]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Peritumoral cysts frequently underlie symptom formation that requires surgical intervention in patients with VHL disease. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number of cysts at study enrollment and younger age. Total peritumoral cyst burden was associated with germline partial deletion of the VHL gene.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 404-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Shane Tubbs ◽  
Christoph J. Griessenauer ◽  
Todd Hankinson ◽  
Curtis Rozzelle ◽  
John C. Wellons ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Retroclival epidural hematomas (REDHs) are infrequently reported. To our knowledge, only 19 case reports exist in the literature. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to better elucidate this pathology. METHODS We prospectively collected data for all pediatric patients diagnosed with REDH from July 2006 through June 2009. Data included mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale score, neurological examination, treatment modality, and outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure REDH dimensions. RESULTS Eight children were diagnosed with REDH, and the hematomas were secondary to motor vehicle–related trauma in all cases. The mean age of patients was 12 years (range 4–17 years). The mean REDH height (craniocaudal) was 4.0 cm, and the mean thickness (dorsoventral) was 1.0 cm. At presentation, the mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 8 (range 3–14), and there was no correlation between hematoma size and presenting symptoms. Two patients died soon after injury, and 2 additional patients had atlanto-occipital dislocation that required surgical intervention. No patient underwent surgical evacuation of the REDH. The mean follow-up was 14 months. At most recent follow-up, 4 patients are neurologically intact, 1 patient has a complete spinal cord injury, and 1 patient has mild bilateral abducens nerve palsy. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this study of 8 pediatric patients is the largest series of patients with REDH thus far reported. Based on our study, we found that REDH is likely to be underdiagnosed, atlanto-occipital dislocation should be considered in all cases of REDH, and many patients with REDH will have minimal long-term neurological injury.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110206
Author(s):  
Iliya Simantov ◽  
Lior Or ◽  
Inbal Gazit ◽  
Biana Dubinsky-Pertzov ◽  
David Zadok ◽  
...  

Background: Retrospective cohort study evaluating long term keratoconus progression amongst cross-linking (CXL) treated pediatric patients in the treated and the fellow untreated eyes. Methods: Data on 60 eyes of 30 patients, 18 years old or younger, who underwent CXL in at least one eye was collected and analyzed. Follow-up measurements taken from the treated and untreated eye up to 7 years after CXL treatment, were compared to baseline measurements. Parameters included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best-corrected spectacle visual acuity (BCSVA), manifest refraction, pachymetry, corneal tomography, and topography. Results: Mean age of patients was 16 ± 2.1 years. For the treated eyes, during follow-up period mean UCDVA had improved (from 0.78 ± 0.22 at baseline to 0.58 ± 0.26 logMAR at 7 years; p = 0.13), as well as mean BCSVA (from 0.23 ± 0.107 at baseline to 0.172 ± 0.05 logMAR at 7 years; p = 0.37). The mean average keratometry showed a significant flattening (from 49.95 ± 4.04 to 47.94 ± 3.3 diopters (D); p < 0.001), However there was no change in the mean maximal keratometry. The mean minimal corneal thickness (MCT) showed a significant mild reduction of 26 µm ( p = 0.006). Although statistically insignificant, the mean manifest cylinder was also reduced to 2D ( p = 0.15). During the follow-up period, eight untreated eyes (26.6%) deteriorated and underwent CXL, while only one treated eye (3.33%) required an additional CXL. Conclusion: CXL is a safe and efficient procedure in halting keratoconus progression in the pediatric population, the fellow eye needs to be carefully monitored but only a 25% of the patients will require CXL in that eye during a period of 7 years.


2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (12) ◽  
pp. 1815-1820
Author(s):  
Stefan Huhnstock ◽  
Ola Wiig ◽  
Else Merckoll ◽  
Svein Svenningsen ◽  
Terje Terjesen

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the modified three-group Stulberg classification, which is based on the sphericity of the femoral head, in patients with Perthes’ disease. Methods A total of 88 patients were followed from the time of diagnosis until a mean follow-up of 21 years. Anteroposterior pelvic and frog-leg lateral radiographs were obtained at diagnosis and at follow-up of one, five, and 21 years. At the five- and 21-year follow-up, the femoral heads were classified using a modified three-group Stulberg classification (round, ovoid, or flat femoral head). Further radiological endpoints at long-term follow-up were osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and the requirement for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Results There were 71 males (81%) and 17 females. A total of 13 patients had bilateral Perthes’ disease; thus 101 hips were analyzed. At five-year follow-up, 37 hips were round, 38 ovoid, and 26 flat. At that time, 66 hips (65%) were healed and 91 (90%) were skeletally immature. At long-term follow-up, when the mean age of the patients was 28 years (24 to 34), 20 hips had an unsatisfactory outcome (seven had OA and 13 had required THA). There was a strongly significant association between the modified Stulberg classification applied atfive-year follow-up and an unsatisfactory outcome at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Between the five- and 21-year follow-up, 67 hips (76%) stayed in their respective modified Stulberg group, indicating a strongly significant association between the Stulberg classifications at these follow-ups (p < 0.001). Conclusion The modified Stulberg classification is a strong predictor of long-term radiological outcome in patients with Perthes’ disease. It can be applied at the healing stage, which is usually reached five years after the diagnosis is made and before skeletal maturity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1815–1820.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoqin Yang ◽  
Kaushal Desai ◽  
Neha Agrawal ◽  
Kirti Mirchandani ◽  
Sagnik Chatterjee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related plexiform neurofibromas (PN) can cause substantial morbidity by disfigurement and compression of vital structures. Real-world data on the burden and cost of disease among pediatric patients with NF1 and PN is limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource use (HCRU), and costs of these patients.Results: A total of 383 patients were included in the retrospective analysis of patients aged ≤18 with at least 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for both NF1 and PN enrolled in the MarketScan® Multistate Medicaid database from October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. The mean follow-up was 448 days. The mean age was 11.4 years and 52.0% of patients were male. Most patients were diagnosed by a specialist (63.5%). During the follow-up period, pain medications were used by 58.5% of patients, 25.1% were treated with chemotherapy, 7.1% received surgery for PN, 1.6% received MEK inhibitors, and 0.8% received radiation. Mean per patient per year inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, pharmacy, and other visits were 1.4, 17.3, 1.6, 13.6, and 25.8, respectively. Mean ±SD (median) total per patient per year healthcare costs (2018 USD) were $17,275 ±$61,903 ($2,889), with total medical costs of $14,628 ±$56,203 ($2,334) and pharmacy costs of $2,646 ±$13,303 ($26). Inpatient costs were the largest drivers of medical cost, with a mean per patient per year cost of $6,739.Conclusions: This study showed that many pediatric patients diagnosed with NF1 and PN were treated with supportive care only, highlighting a substantial unmet medical need. This study also highlights the considerable economic burden among patients with NF1 and PN.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio D. Montejo ◽  
Joaquin Q. Camara-Quintana ◽  
Daniel Duran ◽  
Jeannine M. Rockefeller ◽  
Sierra B. Conine ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVELumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the pediatric population is rare and exhibits unique characteristics compared with adult LDH. There are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using tubular retractors in pediatric patients with LDH. Here, the outcomes of MIS tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of pediatric LDH are evaluated.METHODSTwelve consecutive pediatric patients with LDH were treated with MIS tubular microdiscectomy at the authors’ institution between July 2011 and October 2015. Data were gathered from retrospective chart review and from mail or electronic questionnaires. The Macnab criteria and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for outcome measurements.RESULTSThe mean age at surgery was 17 ± 1.6 years (range 13–19 years). Seven patients were female (58%). Prior to surgical intervention, 100% of patients underwent conservative treatment, and 50% had epidural steroid injections. Preoperative low-back and leg pain, positive straight leg raise, and myotomal leg weakness were noted in 100%, 83%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The median duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 9 months (range 1–36 months). The LDH level was L5–S1 in 75% of patients and L4–5 in 25%. The mean ± SD operative time was 90 ± 21 minutes, the estimated blood loss was ≤ 25 ml in 92% of patients (maximum 50 ml), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted at 30 days. The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range 0–3 days). The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years (range 0–5.8 years). One patient experienced reherniation at 18 months after the initial operation and required a second same-level MIS tubular microdiscectomy to achieve resolution of symptoms. Of the 11 patients seen for follow-up, 10 patients (91%) reported excellent or good satisfaction according to the Macnab criteria at the last follow-up. Only 1 patient reported a fair level of satisfaction by using the same criteria. Seven patients completed an ODI evaluation at the last follow-up. For these 7 patients, the mean ODI low-back pain score was 19.7% (SEM 2.8%).CONCLUSIONSTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the longest outcomes study and the largest series of pediatric patients with LDH who were treated with MIS microdiscectomy using tubular retractors. These data suggest that MIS tubular microdiscectomy is safe and efficacious for pediatric LDH. Larger prospective cohort studies with longer follow-up are needed to better evaluate the long-term efficacy of MIS tubular microdiscectomy versus other open and MIS techniques for the treatment of pediatric LDH.


2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (11) ◽  
pp. 1560-1566
Author(s):  
Hossein Mehdian ◽  
Sleiman Haddad ◽  
Dritan Pasku ◽  
Luigi Aurelio Nasto

Aims To report the mid-term results of a modified self-growing rod (SGR) technique for the treatment of idiopathic and neuromuscular early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Methods We carried out a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive patients with EOS treated with an SGR construct at a single hospital between September 2008 and December 2014. General demographics and deformity variables (i.e. major Cobb angle, T1 to T12 length, T1 to S1 length, pelvic obliquity, shoulder obliquity, and C7 plumb line) were recorded preoperatively, and postoperatively at yearly follow-up. Complications and revision procedures were also recorded. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of five years after surgery were included. Results A total of 16 patients were included. Six patients had an idiopathic EOS while ten patients had a neuromuscular or syndromic EOS (seven spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and three with cerebral palsy or a syndrome). Their mean ages at surgery were 7.1 years (SD 2.2) and 13.3 years (SD 2.6) respectively at final follow-up. The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve was 66.1° (SD 8.5°) and had improved to 25.5° (SD 9.9°) at final follow-up. The T1 to S1 length increased from 289.7 mm (SD 24.9) before surgery to 330.6 mm (SD 30.4) immediately after surgery. The mean T1 to S1 and T1 to T12 growth after surgery were 64.1 mm (SD 19.9) and 47.4 mm (SD 18.8), respectively, thus accounting for a mean T1 to S1 and T1 to T12 spinal growth after surgery of 10.5 mm/year (SD 3.7) and 7.8 mm/year (SD 3.3), respectively. A total of six patients (five idiopathic EOS, one cerebral palsy EOS) had broken rods during their growth spurt but were uneventfully revised with a fusion procedure. No other complications were noted. Conclusion Our data show that SGR is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of EOS in nonambulatory hypotonic patients with a neuromuscular condition. Significant spinal growth can be expected after surgery and is comparable to other published techniques for EOS. While satisfactory correction of the deformity can be achieved and maintained with this technique, a high rate of rod breakage was seen in patients with an idiopathic or cerebral palsy EOS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1560–1566.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document