Although unique challenges with fMRI data collection exist for this population, it provides potentially valuable information to better understand mechanisms of change after interventions such as CIMT.

Perioperative oral gabapentin reduced the amount of morphine used for postoperative pain after spinal fusion surgery, but not overall opioid-related side effects. Initial pain scores were lower in the treatment group. Perioperative use of gabapentin seems to be an effective adjunct to improve pain control in the early stages of recovery in children and adolescents undergoing spinal fusion.

In slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), cannulated screw fixation is a standard procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a fluoroscopy-supported navigation system for screw fixation in SCFE. Using a fluoroscopy-enhanced navigation system, a cannulated screw fixation was performed in seven hips of four patients. The navigation system showed a high feasibility in instrument visualization and implant placing. The mean x-ray time was 6.2 seconds. Initial experiences are very promising and show advantages of the fluoroscopy-supported navigation. Considerably reduced x-ray exposure for patients and surgeons is possible. In the future, further efforts will be necessary to develop navigation-specific instruments to enhance the precision of screw positioning.

The Milwaukee Topography System can be used to monitor and measure 3D back contours in children. The 3D back parameters values measured in the typically developing population can be considered baseline values that can be compared with parameters measured in children with idiopathic scoliosis.