ObjectiveTo summarize and analyze the characteristics of L1-L4 vertebrae and hip bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis under dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). MethodsWe collected all the preoperative total spine frontal and lateral X-ray images and DEXA examination results of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis who were hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in West China Hospital between August 2013 and August 2014. SPSS 21.0 was used to analyze patients’ age, height and body weight; BMD of each vertebra of L1-L4 vertebrae and L1-L4 vertebrae as a whole, and the T score; BMD of left femoral neck, Ward triangle, greater trochanter, and femoral shaft, and the general BMD of femoral neck, and the T score. ResultsThirty-eight patients with an average age of (67.4±8.2) years were enrolled in this study. DEXA examination results showed that 23.7% (9/38) and 28.9% (11/38) of the patients were osteoporotic in the spine and the hip, respectively; the examination results of total lumbar vertebrae and total femoral neck bones were concordant in 60.5% (23/38) of the patients. For lumbar vertebrae, the BMD from high to low was listed as: L4 vertebra, L3 vertebra, total L1-L4 vertebrae, L2 vertebra, and L1 vertebra. The BMD of L4 vertebra was significantly higher than that of L1 vertebra, and the BMD of lumbar vertebrae from L1 to L4 in turn presented a step-like increasing trend. For hip bones, the BMD from high to low was listed as: femoral shaft, total femoral neck area, femoral neck, greater trochanter, and Ward triangle. The BMD of the femoral shaft was significantly higher than that of Ward triangle. In the whole DEXA examination, the BMD of total L1-L4 lumbar vertebrae and its T score were higher than the BMD of left femoral neck area and its T score, respectively. ConclusionsDegenerative changes of the lumbar spine may lead to misinterpretation of BMD measurements and cause underdiagnosis of osteoporosis with DEXA. Routine reporting of spine BMD at L1 can add valuable information for reassessment and monitoring. The BMD of hip is less affected by osteoarthritis, osteophytes than the lumbar spine, and thus, it will be more meaningful in diagnosing and monitoring of the disease.
ObjectiveTo observe the medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes of anterior release internal distraction in treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis. MethodsBetween March 2009 and March 2012, 26 patients with severe and rigid scoliosis were treated with anterior release, posterior internal distraction, and two stage posterior spinal fusion. There were 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 19.6 years (range, 14-25 years). The average disease duration was 13.6 years (range, 3-24 years). All cases were idiopathic scoliosis. Of 26 cases, 2 cases were rated as Lenke type I, 8 as type Ⅱ, 13 as type IV, 1 as type V, and 2 as type VI. The apical vertebrae located at T6 in 1 case, at T7 in 3 cases, at T8 in 7 cases, at T9 in 13 cases, and at T10 in 2 cases. The average 4 vertebral bodies were released by anterior approach, and average 14 vertebral bodies were fused after posterior surgery. Fourteen patients received 2 times distraction. Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire was used to access health-related quality of life. The radiological parameters were measured, including coronal plane Cobb angel of major curve, apical vertebral translation (AVT), C7 plumb line-center sacral vertical line (C7PL-CSVL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) at pre-and post-operation. ResultsThe average total operation time was 592.7 minutes; the average total blood loss volume was 1 311.2 mL; and total hospitalization cost was (14.7±1.4)×104 yuan RMB. The coronal plane Cobb angle of major curve was (55.7±16.5)°, and the TK was (43.2±16.2)° after first distraction. The patients were followed up 2-5 years (mean, 3.8 years). Temporary dyspnea and pleural effusion occurred in 1 case respectively after distraction, and symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment. Screw loosening and pseudoarthrosis formation was observed in 1 case at 6 months after fusion, good recovery was achieved after revision. No infection or neurological complication was found. The coronal plane Cobb angel of major curve, TK, and AVT after fusion and at last follow-up were significantly lower than preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at post-fusion and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in C7PL-CSVL and SVA between at pre-and post-operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, SRS-22 questionnaire scores were 4.32±0.42 for active degree, 4.54±0.58 for mental health, 3.97±0.76 for self-image, 4.09±0.64 for pain, and 4.03±0.83 for satisfaction degree. ConclusionAnterior release internal distraction can provide satisfactory correction results for severe and rigid scoliosis with higher safety and lower incidence of complication.