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Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Flynn, JM; Sodha, S; Lou, JE; Adams, SB; Whitfield, B; Ecker, ML; Sutton, L; Dormans, JP; Drummond, DS
Published in: Spine (Phila Pa 1976)
February 1, 2004

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients with scoliosis and an Arnold Chiari I malformation requiring operative management. OBJECTIVES: Determine the factors that could predict whether a particular spinal deformity might progress despite neurosurgical management of Arnold Chiari I malformation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have documented the relationship between diagnosis and treatment of Arnold Chiari I malformation and associated spinal deformities. Most studies mix neural axis abnormalities and contain limited information about the spinal deformity. METHODS: Medical records, radiographs, and magnetic resonance images of patients were evaluated focusing on age and findings at presentation, characteristics of presenting and follow-up spinal deformities, and the specifics of neurosurgical and orthopedic management. Patients were divided into two groups: those whose curves progressed >10 degrees or to surgical range (largest curve >45 degrees ) after neurosurgical intervention (progressors) and those whose curves stabilized or decreased (nonprogressors). RESULTS: Eight progressors presented at an average age of 11.4 years (range 2-19) and were followed for 6.3 years (range 2-15). Seven nonprogressors presented at 6.5 years of age (range 5-10) and were followed for 6.6 years (range 3.5-14). Neurosurgical procedures were equivalent in both groups; however, surgical revisions were required in 3 out of 8 progressors and 1 out of 7 nonprogressors. All progressors had a double scoliosis curve; but only one nonprogressor had a double curve. Six out of 8 progressors and 0 out of 7 nonprogressors had a rotation >or=2+ and 50% of progressors had a thoracic kyphosis >50 degrees compared to 1 out of 7 nonprogressors. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, progression of spinal deformity after neurosurgical management of Arnold Chiari I malformation was associated with later age at neurosurgical decompressions and initial neurologic symptoms, double scoliosis curve patterns, kyphosis, rotation, and larger curve at presentation.

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Published In

Spine (Phila Pa 1976)

DOI

EISSN

1528-1159

Publication Date

February 1, 2004

Volume

29

Issue

3

Start / End Page

286 / 292

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Scoliosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Orthopedics
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Disease Progression
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Child, Preschool
  • Child
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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Flynn, J. M., Sodha, S., Lou, J. E., Adams, S. B., Whitfield, B., Ecker, M. L., … Drummond, D. S. (2004). Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 29(3), 286–292. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000109884.05548.68
Flynn, John M., Samir Sodha, Julia E. Lou, Samuel B. Adams, Brett Whitfield, Malcolm L. Ecker, Leslie Sutton, John P. Dormans, and Denis S. Drummond. “Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation.Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 29, no. 3 (February 1, 2004): 286–92. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000109884.05548.68.
Flynn JM, Sodha S, Lou JE, Adams SB, Whitfield B, Ecker ML, et al. Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Feb 1;29(3):286–92.
Flynn, John M., et al. “Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation.Spine (Phila Pa 1976), vol. 29, no. 3, Feb. 2004, pp. 286–92. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000109884.05548.68.
Flynn JM, Sodha S, Lou JE, Adams SB, Whitfield B, Ecker ML, Sutton L, Dormans JP, Drummond DS. Predictors of progression of scoliosis after decompression of an Arnold Chiari I malformation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Feb 1;29(3):286–292.

Published In

Spine (Phila Pa 1976)

DOI

EISSN

1528-1159

Publication Date

February 1, 2004

Volume

29

Issue

3

Start / End Page

286 / 292

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Scoliosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Orthopedics
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Disease Progression
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Child, Preschool
  • Child