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Lawrence G. Lenke, MD
The Jerome J. Gilden Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Lenke serves as the Jerome J. Gilden Professor of Washington University Orthopedics at Washington University School of Medicine as well as Professor of Neurosurgery. Additionally, he holds Hospital Appointments at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital as Co-Chief of Pediatric and Adult Spinal, Scoliosis and Reconstructive Surgery, and at Shriners Hospital for Children he serves as the Chief of Spinal Surgery. Aside from Academic and Hospital Appointments, Dr. Lenke is a Spine Consultant for several professional sports teams in the St. Louis area. Dr. Lenke's practice is devoted to pediatric and adult spinal surgery with an emphasis on complex reconstructive surgery and the treatment of various spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis. Following a medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Lenke completed his internship and residency at Washington University School of Medicine in Orthopedic Surgery. Also, while at Washington University, he completed a fellowship in pediatric and adult spinal surgery. In 1994, Dr. Lenke received board certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Lenke is an active member of numerous professional societies: the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), North American Spine Society (NASS), American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), in addition to many more. Since 1991, Dr. Lenke has been an active researcher in the spine field and a recipient of major grants for research pursuit. His peers have acknowledged the merit of his research with various honors such as four notable awards from the Scoliosis Research Society and two awards from the America Orthopaedic Association. As an author, Dr. Lenke has contributed over 60 chapters to medical textbooks, more than 180 articles to scientific peer-reviewed journals, and over 60 non-peer-reviewed/invited articles. He is also an editor for textbooks and scientific journals, including the recently published textbook entitled, Spinal Deformity: Guide to Surgical Planning and Management, and the Radiographic Measurement Manual (RMM). He has chaired over 50 professional spinal surgery meetings worldwide and is the current SRS-Chairman of IMAST (International Meeting of Advanced Spine Techniques) until 2009 to which he has presented over 450 scientific abstracts/presentations. He has been an invited lecturer over 200 times and has accepted over 40 visiting professorships. He has also participated in two International Traveling Fellowships in the field of spinal surgery. For six years running, Dr. Lenke has been listed in "The Best Doctors in America" as selected by his peers. He is also a member of the SpineUniverse Editorial Board on the Internet, and invites you to visit his website www.spinal-deformity-surgeon.com. Lawrence G. Lenke, MD is on the Spine Universe Editorial Board. SpineUniverse articles from Lawrence G. Lenke, MDAbstract: Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity: Indications, Results, and Complications of 43 Consecutive Cases The purpose of this study was to examine the indications, correction rates, and complications of a posterior vertebral column resection approach for severe pediatric and adult spinal deformity. Accuracy and Efficacy of Thoracic Pedicle Screws in Curves Over 90 Degrees An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting looking at the efficacy of pedicle screw only constructs to achieve sagittal and coronal correction for thoracic scoliosis and assess the accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Radiographic Measurement Manual A poster from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting designed identify an objective set of radiographic parametersthat clearly describe the salient features of AIS. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated with a Posterior All-Pedicle Screw Construct A Case Study of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis by Dr. Lenke. Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Complications and Outcomes in Patients over Age 60 This study evaluated the complication rates and outcomes in patients aged 60-plus who underwent major spinal deformity surgery requiring a minimum 5-level fusion. Analysis of Non-Ambulatory Neuromuscular Scoliosis Patients Surgically Treated to the Pelvis with Intraoperative Halo-Femoral Traction An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting comparing patients treated with and without intraoperative halo-femoral traction (H-F TX) to assess correction of neuromuscular (NM) spinal deformity. Anatomy of Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects joints, and it can be present in the spine. Learn about the different parts of the joints, especially about the facet joints in the spine. Also explains cartilage and the synovium, which are important in RA. Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated with Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy A Case Study by Dr. Lenke of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Avoiding Screw Fixation Failure during Osteotomy Closure with the use of a Central Hook/Rod Construct A central hook/rod construct is safe, quick,, controlled and effective method for spinal osteotomy site closure. Can We Predict Postoperative Disc Wedging Below Anterior Instrumented Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Fusions? An abstract from the SRS 2003 Annual Meeting on which preoperative x-ray parameters correlate best to ultimate LIV position and the disc angle immediately below the LIV following ASF for TL/L AIS. Can We Predict the Ultimate Lumbar Curve in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing a Selective Thoracic Fusion? An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting delineating the best preoperative radiographic correlate of postoperative lumbar curve response in patients undergoing a selective thoracic ASF or PSF at L1 or above. Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis The medical community hasn't pinpointed what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but there are some clues. Heredity may play a role, especially the genetic marker HLA-DR4. But researchers do understand the process that causes joint inflammation and pain. Center of Gravity (COG) in Scoliosis A poster from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting designed to develop methods to quantify COG locations in patients during lying, standing, and gait.. Changes in Trunk Range of Motion (ROM) Following Anterior or Posterior Spinal Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis An exhibit from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting comparing changes in trunk ROM following anterior or posterior fusion. Clinical Results and Discussion: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity This is the first largest reported series on posterior vertebral column resections thus far, and the first from a North American center. Comparative Analysis of Pedicle Screw Versus Hook Instrumentation in Posterior Spinal Fusion of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Matched Cohort Analysis An abstract from the SRS 2003 Annual Meeting on posterior correction and fusion with segmental hook instrumentation vs with pedicle screw instrumentation in AIS. Comparison of Combined Anterior/Posterior Spinal Fusion Versus Posterior Fusion Alone for the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Curves Greater than 90 Degrees An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting looking at the results of spinal fusion for AIS curves > 90º. Comparison of Galveston Rod vs. Iliac Screw Pelvic Fixation Techniques in Neuromuscular Spinal Deformity Correction An abstract from the SRS 2004 Annual Meeting on the safety and efficacy of iliac screws as a method of pelvic fixation in neuromuscular spinal deformity correction using the Galveston technique as a control group. Comparison of Radiographic Outcomes for Scoliosis Curves Greater Than or Equal to 100 Degrees: Wires vs Hooks vs Screws This study compares the radiographic outcomes by different anchoring techniques in the treatment of scoliotic curves in excess of 100 degrees. Comparison of Scheuermann's Kyphosis Correction by Posterior Only Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation vs. Combined Anterior/Posterior Fusion An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting designed compare the results of posterior only treatment with segmental thoracic pedicle screw constructs versus combined anterior/posterior fusion in patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Comparison of SRS Questionnaire Results Submitted by Both Parents and Patients in the Operative Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting addressing the validity of SRS-24 questionnaire data. Complications Related to Perioperative Halo Traction in the Treatment of Severe Scoliosis A poster from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting looking at complications associated with perioperative halo traction. Complications: Posterior Vertebral Column Resection Table 3 details the intraoperative and postoperative complications of 43 patients treated for servere pediatric or adult spinal deformity. Computed Tomography (CT) Evaluation of Pedicle Screws Placed into Deformed Spines Over an 8-Year Period This study evaluated the accuracy of pedicle screws used in spinal deformity using a free hand technique. Correlation Between Low Triggered EMG Thresholds & Lumbar Pedicle Screw Malposition: Analysis of 4587 Screws An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting in which triggered electromyographic stimulation (TrgEMG) was examined to evaluate its efficacy in determining screw malposition. Cross-Cultural Comparison of the SRS Outcomes Instrument between American and Japanese Scoliosis Patients: Are there Differences? This report reports a preliminary evaluation of the SRS-24 Outcomes Instrument and determined whether any differences in baseline scores existed between American and Japanese patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Decompression Alone vs. Decompression with Limited Fusion for the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis with Stenosis This study analyzed results between decompression alone and decompression with limited fusion for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with stenosis. Demographic Data: Posterior Vertbral Column Resection A table summary the demographic data on 43 patients from Dr. Lawrence Lenke's article "Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Pediatic and Adult Deformity." Distal Junctional Kyphosis (DJK) Adolescent Idiopathic Thoracic Curves Following Anterior or Posterior Instrumented Fusion: Incidence, Risk Factors and Prevention An abstract from the SRS 2004 Annual Meeting on the incidence of distal junctional kyphosis pre and postoperatively in AIS patients. Does Correction of Preoperative Coronal Imbalance Make a Difference In Outcomes of Adult Deformity Patients? This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of deformity surgery on patients with greater than 4cm of coronal imbalance. Early Post-Operative Changes in Pulmonary Function Following Anterior Thoracoscopic Instrumentation Versus Anterior Open Instrumentation for Scoliosis A poster from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting comparing pulmonary function after anterior thoracoscopic instrumentation vs anterior open instrumentation. Evaluation of Pedicle Screw Placement in the Deformed Spine Using Intraoperative Plain Radiographs: A Comparison With CT Scans An abstract from the SRS 2004 Annual Meeting on the accurate way to detect malpositioned pedicle screws during thoracic and lumbar spinal deformity operations with intraoperative plain radiographs. Exams and Tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis In diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your doctor will need to run several exams and tests. There may be physical and neurological exams, in addition to blood tests and x-rays. Find out what the results mean and how they help diagnose RA. Free Hand Pedicle Screw Placement during Revision Spinal Surgery: Analysis of 552 Screws This study evaluated the free hand technique of thoracic and lumbosacral pedicle screw placement in revision spinal surgery. Free Hand Pedicle Screw Placement in the Thoracic Spine: Is it Safe? An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting evaluating the safety and accuracy of a free hand techniqueof pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine. Infections Following Spinal Deformity Surgery: a Twenty-Year Assessment of 2876 Patients This study evaluated postoperative infections in adult and pediatric patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery. Is Spinal Deformity Surgery in Patients with Cerebral Palsy Truly Beneficial? A Patient/Parent Evaluation Study evaluated the radiographic results of spinal deformity surgery in cerebral palsy patients. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Juvenile Arthritis (JA) is a term used to categorize the different types of arthritis affecting children. Limitations of Anterior Instrumentation for Correction of Thoracic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Immature (Risser 0) Patient An exhibit from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting looking at the results of anterior and posterior instrumentation in immature patients with thoracic AIS. Loss of Spinal Cord Monitoring Signals in Children during Thoracic Kyphosis Correction with Spinal Osteotomy: Why Does it Occur and What Should You Do? This study determined the incidence of, etiology for, and correction method of neurogenic motor-evoked potenential (NMEP) loss associated with pediatric spinal osteotomies for kyphosis correction. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Overview Spinal stenosis is most common in the last three levels of the lumbar spine namely L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. It is diagnosed and confirmed by an MRI or CAT scan/myelogram. Materials and Methods: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity Between 2002 and 2006, 43 consecutive pediatric and adult severe spinal deformity patients underwent a posterior-only vertebral column resection performed by a single surgeon. Surgical indications were divided into four categories. Multicenter Outcome and Cost Analysis of Circumferential vs. Posterior-only Fusions with Thoracic Pedicle Screw Constructs for Main Thoracic Idiopathic Curves between 70-100 Degrees Anterior release for large, main thoracic curves between 70 and 100 degrees does not appear necessary with adequate spinal fixation with thoracic pedicle screw constructs. Neurologic and Non-neurologic Status: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity The neurologic and non-neurologic complications, including figures are presented in this postoperative discussion of a posterior-only vertebral column resection (VCR) surgical technique to treat severe pediatric and adult spinal deformity. Neurologic Status: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity A discussion of the neurologic complications of 43 patients who underwent vertebral column resection (VCR) to treat pediatric and adult spinal deformity. Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon? Does it Matter? It is important for patients to realize that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform spine surgery. Today, there is an emerging field of "spine surgery" that incorporates both specialties. Non-Neurological Complications Following Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis This study determined the incidence of non-neurologic complications following surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Non-surgical Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated non-surgically. The treatment plan is designed to control the disease, alleviate pain, and maximize quality of life. Options include medications and physical therapy. Perioperative Halo-Gravity Traction in the Treatment of Severe Scoliosis and Kyphosis An abstract from the SRS 2003 Annual Meeting on the use of halo-gravity traction in the treatment of severe scoliosis and kyphosis. Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity: Indications, Results, and Complications of 43 Consecutive Cases The purpose of this study was to examine the indications, correction rates, perioperative and postoperative morbidity and complications of an all-posterior vertebal column resection approach to treat severe pediatric and adult spinal deformity. Postoperative: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity Postoperative treatment and figures of patients treated using posterior-only vertebral column resection (VCR) surgical technique. Prospective Evaluation of Gait and Trunk Range of Motion (Rom) Following Anterior or Posterior Spinal Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) An abstract from the SRS 2003 Annual Meeting on changes in gait and spine ROM between AIS patients. Prospective Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Relative to the Surgical Approach: Minimum 5 Year Follow Up An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting designed to evaluate pulmonary function changes 5 years or more prospectively after surgery in patients with AIS relative to the type of surgical approach used for the spinal arthrodesis. Prospective Pulmonary Function Comparison Following Posterior Spinal Fusion of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Is There a Relationship Between Main Thoracic Curve Correction and PFT Improvement? An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting investigating if a correlation exists between the percentage of the main thoracic curve correction and postoperative PFT improvement following posterior spinal fusion with iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). Prospective Pulmonary Function Comparison of Anterior Spinal Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Thoracotomy vs. Thoracoabdominal Approach An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting designed to evaluate pulmonary function of AIS patients undergoing either a thoracotomy versus thoracoabdominal anterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Prospective Pulmonary Function Comparison of Open vs Endoscopic Anterior Fusion Combined with Posterior Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis An abstract from the SRS 2003 Annual Meeting on pulmonary function of AIS patients undergoing circumferential spinal fusion. Prospective Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Dual Rod Instrumented Anterior Spinal Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparison with Single Rod Constructs An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting comparing the results of anterior dual rod instrumentation in single major AIS curves with our previous experience using single rod constructs. Radiographic Data: Posterior Vertebral Column Resection Radiographic data (table 2) supporting Dr. Lawrence Lenke's article "Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity." Radiographic Results: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity The radiographic results of 43 patients surgically treated using a posterior-only vertebral column resection technique is presented. References: Posterior Vertebral Column Resection References to Dr. Lawrence Lenke's paper "Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity." Revision Surgery After Primary Spine Fusion For Idiopathic Scoliosis: Results from a Different Institution This study documented a 3.9% overall reoperation rate at our medical center, a three-fold lower reoperation rate than previously reported. Rheumatoid Arthritis Glossary Being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can mean learning a whole new vocabulary: subluxations, osteophyte, vertebral end plate, and more. Use this list as a handy reference for medical terms related to RA. Sagittal Plane Analysis Following Posterior Segmental Spinal Instrumentation An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting designed to analyze the various sagittal parameters in AIS following 3 different segmental posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Segmental Spinal Stabilization using a Low-Profile Crosslinking Device The X10 CROSSLINK® Plate Spinal System is a low-profile spinal instrumentation system spine surgeons are using to segmentally stabilize spinal instability and deformity. Selective Posterior Thoracic Fusions for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparison of Hooks versus **Pedicle Screws An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting designed to compare the results of selective posterior thoracic fusion using hooks versus pedicle screws in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spina Bifida: A Neural Tube Defect Spina Bifida occurs in 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 70,000 people in the United States have Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida: Complications Include Scoliosis and Kyphosis Over the last decade, surgical advancements and improved treatments have helped to give patients with Spina Bifida a brighter future. Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis Spine surgery may become necessary in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when pain is uncontrollable. Other possible reasons for RA surgery include severe weakness and spinal instability. Top spinal surgeon explains the most common procedures. Surgical Reconstruction of Degenerative Scoliosis A Case study by Dr. Lenke of the surgical reconstruction of Degenerative Scoliosis. Surgical Revision Rate of Hooks vs. Hybrid vs. Screws vs. ASF/PSF for AIS Abstract from the Scoliosis Research Society's 2006 Annual meeting about thoracic pedicle screw constructs. Surgical Technique: Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) for Severe Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity The surgical technique involved in a posterior vertebral column resection (VCR) is demanding and requires the operating team to be well versed in spinal deformity surgical techniques. Surgical Treatment of Adult Lumbar Scoliosis - Is Anterior Apical Release and Fusion Necessary? This study analyzed surgical outcomes in adult lumbar scoliosis following two different surgical techniques. Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Lists common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Not everyone will have these symptoms, which may include neck pain, headache, fatigue, and joint swelling. Also, symptoms may come and go. The Morbidity of an Anterior Thoracolumbar Approach in Adult Patients with Greater than Five-Year Follow-Up This study analyzed the complications and patient satisfaction related to an anterior thoracolumbar approach in the treatment of adult spinal deformity. The Reliability of Preoperative Supine Radiographs to Predict the Amount of Curve Flexibility in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis This study determined the reliability of supine long cassette radiographs as compared to side bending films in predicting curve flexibility in cases of AIS. Thoracic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves Between 70 and 100 Degrees: Is Anterior Release Necessary? An abstract from the SRS 2004 Annual Meeting on the use of anterior release for AIS. Thoracic Screw Placement in Deformity: Technique Pitfalls, Complications, Results Thoracic screw placement in deformity Thoracoscopic Spine Surgery: Current Indications and Techniques The first report of thoracoscopic surgery was in 1910, after Jacobaeus used thoracoscopy to lyse tuberculous lung adhesions. Time Dependent Response of the Unfused Lumbar Curve After Selective Thoracic Fusion for AIS: 2 -16 Year Radiographic and Clinical Follow-Up An abstract from the 2002 SRS Annual Meeting characterizing radiographic changes of the unfused lumbar curve (LC) over time and defining outcome for such procedures at 2-16 yr follow-up. the SRS-24. Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Pedicle Screw-Only Constructs: Minimum 3-Year Follow-Up of 103 Consecutive Cases This is the largest consecutive series of North American patients with AIS treated with pedicle screws having a minimum 3-year follow-up. Wasting of Preoperatively Donated Autologous Blood in the Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis An abstract from the SRS 2005 Annual Meeting evaluated transfusion patterns following surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between patients participating in preoperative autologous blood donation and non-donors. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most debilitating type of arthritis because it can cause deformity and disability. RA may affect the cervical spine and cause the facet joints in the neck to become inflamed and painful. More details in this article.
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