Agreement on the assessment of metastatic spine instability is moderate. The SINS can help improve communication among clinicians in oncology care.

The aim of this study is to describe the outcome of surgical treatment for pediatric patients with forced vital capacity (FVC) \40% and severe vertebral deformity. Few studies have examined surgical treatment in these patients, who are considered to be at a high risk because of their pulmonary disease, and in whom preoperative tracheostomy is sometimes recommended. Inclusion criteria include FVC \40%, age \19 years and diagnosis of scoliosis. The retrospective study of 24 patients with severe restrictive lung disease, who underwent spinal surgery. Variables studied were age and gender, pre-and postoperative spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC), preoperative, postoperative and late use of non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) or mechanical ventilation, associated multidisciplinary treatment, type and location of the curve, pre-and postoperative curve values, type of vertebral fusion, intraand postoperative complications, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of postoperative hospitalization. Mean age was 13 years (9-19) of which 13 were males and 11 females. Mean follow-up was 32 months (24-45). The etiology was neuromuscular in 17 patients and other etiologies in 7 patients. Mean preoperative FVC was 26%

No abstract

Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation maintains the physiologic sagittal contour. Although there are some degenerative changes in magnetic resonance images and dynamic radiographs, the quality of life and daily activities of the patients after surgery are similar to those of a normal population of the same age.

No abstract