Pediatric Spinal Deformities

Pediatric Spinal Deformities. Volume 9 in AOSpine Masters Series. Eds S. H. Berven and M. de Kleuver. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers; 2018 (191 pages). ISBN 978–1-62623–453–6. EUR ca 110,00 (e-book: eISBN 978–1-62623–454–3)

The editors (S. H. Berven from University of California, San Francisco and M. de Kleuver from Radboud University Nijmegen) have gathered 41 coauthors for this up-to-date volume on pediatric spine care. The volume is structured into 17 chapters. About half of the book (9 chapters) deals with aspects of scoliosis, four chapters focus on spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, and one chapter is devoted to kyphosis. At the end of each chapter, there is a chapter summary, highlighted “boxes” with Pearls as well as Pitfalls, and references, including “Five Must-Read References.”

There is an informative chapter (Spine surgery in the developing world) reflecting the experience in an Orthopedic Hospital in Pantang-Accra (Ghana, West Africa) where more than 1,000 complex spine procedures over a 15-year period have been performed. Physicians are faced with many challenges, including late presentation of untreated patients with complex deformities, failure to thrive (malnutrition), and severe kyphosis resulting from tuberculosis spondylitis.

Not unexpectedly the volume has a focus on orthopedic and surgical aspects. Information of classification and natural history is provided—both relevant for decision-making. Surgical techniques (indications, complications, safety aspects) are presented, amply illustrated with pre- and postoperative radiographs.

However, several chapters are of interest to pediatricians/pediatric neurologists/pediatric rehabilitation specialists, namely those on Early-onset scoliosis: classification and natural history; Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: classification and natural history; Late sequelae of untreated pediatric deformity; Spondylolisthesis: classification and natural history; Pediatric spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis; Kyphotic deformity of the pediatric spine; and Measuring outcomes in pediatric spinal deformity. Thus, ample information is provided for physicians engaged in spinal care—a complex field, best provided by multidisciplinary team.

The print is excellent, as are the clinical pictures, illustrations (radiographs), and graphs.