Author:
Charles E. Johnston, MD
Assistant Chief of Staff and Medical Director of Research
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Dallas, TX

A 5-year-old male, with an uncharacterized congenital myopathy, presented for increasing spinal deformity. He was ambulatory, but was having some recent “balance” issues, which the parents reported as frequent falling due to spinal and trunk imbalance, although the patient was also afflicted with “unstable” knees, for which he wore braces to aid stability.  

The patient’s family history was notable for an older sibling with a similar myopathy, who was more severely involved and currently wheelchair bound. His review of systems was otherwise unremarkable, and there was no history of respiratory impairment, frequent upper respiratory infections, or other infections. A brace had been prescribed by another physician, but was not tolerated due to pain from pressure over the rib prominence.

April 18-19, 2008
The Westin Lombard and The Spine Masters Institute Burr Ridge, IL (Chicago suburbs)

Chairmen:
Keith H. Bridwell, MD
William C. Horton, III, MD
Richard G. Fessler, MD
David W. Polly, Jr., MD
Harry L. Shufflebarger, MD

In two days of hands-on cadaveric labs (10+ hours) and lectures, the course will update you on the latest spine techniques and technologies, including cervical arthroplasty, osteotomies (VCRs, PSOs), minimally invasive techniques, and regional fixation—cervical to sacrum. A faculty of 14 leading orthopaedic and neurological surgeons lead the course for orthopaedic and neurological surgeons, residents and fellows.

This online continuing education program is designed to provide nurses and allied health professionals with a comprehensive overview of scoliosis and spinal deformity from "A-Z." The program, which should take approximately one-hour to complete, covers: Spinal anatomy, scoliosis in children and adults, radiographic and other imaging, curve measurement and classification, nonsurgical and surgical treatment, and postoperative care.

Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to:

• Discuss basic spinal anatomy and its relationship to scoliosis
• Provide information about different types of scoliosis and possible causes
• Explain key diagnostic tests and methods related to curve assessment
• Identify nonoperative and age-specific treatment and goals
• Describe the history and advances of scoliosis surgery, including current approaches and procedures
• Summarize pre-operative imaging, tests and surgical risks
• Improve postoperative care of scoliosis patients