INTRODUCTION: So far only radiometric and clinical methods have been available for the evaluation of results after anterior scoliosis surgery. Rasterstereography has proved to be a reliable method for three-dimensional surface measurement of conservatively treated idiopathic scoliosis patients. Therefore, patients treated operatively with anterior instrumentation were examined using rasterstereography to determine the three-dimensional correction of the spinal deformity. The aim was to measure back shape deformity, in particular derotation, and thus cosmetic improvements. METHODS: 31 patients with idiopathic thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle 57.2 degrees) were examined with raster stereography preoperatively, postoperatively and after follow-up (25.2 months) in a standardized standing posture. Standing radiographs were compared with raster stereography. RESULTS: The mean Cobb angle was reduced from 57.2 degrees to 17.2 degrees, the rasterstereographic maximal surface rotation from 16.5 degrees to 10.8 degrees, and the vertebral rotation according to Perdriolle from 29.2 degrees to 16.7 degrees. During follow-up the Cobb angle increased to 20.8 degrees, and surface rotation to 11.3 degrees. Vertebral rotation remained constant. Lordosis and kyphosis angles changed only slightly. CONCLUSION: Rasterstereography is a suitable tool for analyzing the three-dimensional correction of spinal deformities after anterior scoliosis surgery. In particular, the cosmetic improvement is clearly demonstrated. The measurement of surface rotation allows objective quantification of the obtained derotation.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[3-dimensional surface measurement of spinal deformities with video rasterstereography].

QUESTION: Video rasterstereography is a method for back surface measurement comprising automatic back surface reconstruction and shape analysis. Aim of this prospective study was to determine the accuracy of this method in comparison to the conventional frontal and lateral standing radiographs. METHOD: 95 patients with idiopathic scoliosis or scoliotic postural abnormalities and 18 patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis and Scheuermann's disease were investigated. The Cobb angles, the sagittal profile and apical vertebral rotation as well as pelvic obliquity and trunk decompensation were measured. The analysis was carried out by two independent observers. RESULTS: The root mean square (r.m.s.) deviation of the Cobb angle in the cases of idiopathic scoliosis ranged between 7 degrees and 8 degrees. In video rasterstereography there were no false negative results and two false positive results concerning differentiation between structural scoliosis and scoliotic postural abnormality. The r.m.s. deviation of apical vertebral rotation averaged 7.9 degrees and for pelvic obliquity respectively trunk imbalance 0.65 cm respectively 1.07 cm. The thoracic hyperkyphosis in Scheuermann's disease showed a r.m.s. deviation of 5.6 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Video rasterstereography is a reliable method in the three-dimensional evaluation of spinal deformities and constitutes a valuable additional tool to the clinical examination and can reduce the number of radiographs.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Deformation of the vertebral end-plate under axial loading of the spine.

When the published data on the radial disc bulge in relation to the axial compression of the motion segment are compared to a simple mechanical model, it follows that an axial inward bulge of the vertebral endplates should occur during compression. The model predicts that the disc height at its center should remain practically constant under compression. The axial endplate bulge has been measured in specimens of the human lumbar spine by stereoroentgen-photogrammetric methods. The results confirm the prediction that the axial endplate bulge is comparable in magnitude to the linear compression of the motion segment. Axial endplate bulge and deformation of the underlying trabecular bone are thus important determinants for the compression characteristics of the human spine.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Post-exposure use of human diploid cell culture rabies vaccine.

880 individuals, 120 of which were exposed to rabid animals, were immunized pre- or post-exposure with 2 different BPL-inactivated and concentrated rabies vaccines prepared in HDC strains WI-38 and MRC-5. The vaccines were well tolerated and no major side effects were observed after primary immunization with 3-10 doses or 1 booster vaccination. The dynamics of neutralizing, antibody formation and persistence of antibodies in 4 different groups of vaccinees are described. The groups were vaccinated pre-exposure (I) on days 0, 28 and 56; (II) on days 0, 7 and 14; (III) on days 0, 3, 7 and 21; and (IV) post-exposure on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 90. High antibody levels--persisting for at least 30 months--were obtained in all patients. The CFT, using a concentrated and purified virion antigen, was highly specific for rabies virus antibody demonstration. Since in some 50 patients under severe risk, after having been bitten and/or scratched by proven rabid animals, not a single breakthough of immunity was observed during an observation time between 1/2 and 3 years, the protective effect of the HDCS-rabies vaccines seems to be excellent. With regard to their high immunogenicity and extremely low reactogenicity, the new HDCS-vaccines can be recommended for prophylactic and post-exposure immunization of man without any reserve. Data on simultaneous application of homologous anti-rabies gammaglobulin from man (20 I.E./kg body-weight) and HDCS-vaccines are also presented and discussed.

Adolescent↗