In severe, congenital early-onset scoliosis (EOS), surgery seeks maximal 3D correction, halted progression, and preserved spinal growth with minimal interventions. Distraction-based constructs (DBCs) aim for major correction and growth, but often require repeated surgeries. Shilla growth guidance surgery (SGGS) offers apical correction with fewer lengthenings. Limited data compare these techniques in the setting of a three-column osteotomy (3CO). This study compares radiographic and clinical outcomes of 3COs instrumented with DBC and SGGS for severe congenital EOS. A multicenter database identified patients with congenital EOS who underwent a 3CO with SGGS or DBC. Prospectively collected clinical and radiographic data were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had a minimum of 2-years of follow-up. Data were measured at preoperative, postoperative, 2-year follow-up, and pre-definitive fusion timepoints. The cohort included 32 patients: 12 SGGS and 20 DBC. Mean age at index surgery was similar between groups (SGGS: 5.3 years; DBC: 4.3 years), as was mean follow-up (SGGS: 4.1 years; DBC: 5.7 years). SGGS patients underwent fewer total surgeries (mean 2) compared to DBC (mean 4; p = 0.035). Rates of unplanned reoperations (UPRORs) trended toward significance (SGGS: 2; DBC: 4.6; p = 0.087). DBC patients underwent a mean of 6.9 lengthenings. Preoperative coronal deformity was similar between groups, but final correction was greater with SGGS (43° vs. 59°, p = 0.025). Postoperative T1-S1 spinal growth was greater for SGGS (11.2 mm/year vs 2.1 mm/year, p = 0.04). Complication rates were similar (SGGS: 7 patients, 58

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures aerobic function, but normative values for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) do not exist. This study assesses 1) 6MWT distances for children with EOS and standard deviations [SD] from age- and sex-matched normal controls, and 2) correlations between 6MWT and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). We performed a retrospective review of 6MWTs administered at a single institution from 2012 to 2023. PFTs were obtained: Forced vital capacity (FVC) percent (

BACKGROUND:Patients with apical spinal cord deformity have been shown to be at a greater risk for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) alerts when undergoing posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The use of intraoperative traction during deformity correction has also been associated with an increased risk of IONM alerts. With use of the Spinal Cord Shape Classification System (SCSCS), we investigated the interaction between spinal cord type and the use of intraoperative traction and their impact on IONM alerts during the surgical correction of AIS. METHODS:A total of 441 consecutive patients who underwent PSF or combined PSF plus anterior spinal fusion (ASF) for AIS between 2003 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Those with major thoracic curves of ≥70° and available preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were included. Charts were reviewed for IONM alerts and the use of intraoperative traction. Spinal cord morphology was determined using the SCSCS. A multivariable regression model was used to assess the risk factors for an IONM alert. RESULTS:Preoperative MRIs were available for 102 patients. Type-3 cords were present in 15 (14.7%) of the 102 patients. Intraoperative traction was used in 15 (14.7%) of the 102 patients, including 5 with type-3 cords. Patients with type-3 cords were more likely to have an IONM alert than those with type-1 or 2 cords (40.0% [type 3] versus 12.6% [type 1 or 2]; odds ratio [OR], 4.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 15.53). No such difference was observed between patients with type-1 cords and those with type-2 cords (12.5% and 12.7%, respectively; p > 0.9999). All patients with type-3 cords placed in intraoperative traction experienced IONM alerts, whereas only 10% of patients with type-3 cords not placed in traction experienced such alerts (p = 0.002). Multivariable regression modeling revealed intraoperative traction to be the only independent risk factor for an IONM alert (OR, 9.37; 95% CI, 2.47 to 38.24). CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrated that 14.7% of patients with AIS and curves of ≥70° had a type-3 cord. Intraoperative traction carried a ninefold increased risk of an IONM alert. When intraoperative traction is used for type-3 cords, surgeons should expect IONM alerts to occur. The SCSCS can be condensed into 2 groups for a pediatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

CASE:This is a case of a 6-year-old patient diagnosed with Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), a rare lymphangiogenic skeletal disorder, localized to the left femur. Initial nonoperative treatment with pharmaceuticals and bracing was unsuccessful. We describe a definitive operative treatment with radical femoral resection and a modified rotationplasty technique through a tibiopelvic rotational hip arthroplasty. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk with a prosthetic device. CONCLUSION:The use of this modified rotationplasty technique is an effective treatment option for patients with femoral GSD to improve function and quality of life.

Patients with idiopathic EOS treated by Mehta casting followed by bracing or observation from a single institution. To determine casting protocol parameters leading to successful management; to determine efficacy of bracing vs. observation after cast discontinuance. Previous studies have not precisely defined parameters for cast discontinuance (amount of correction, number of casts), nor have documented the efficacy of brace treatment. 73 patients undergoing Mehta casting were braced (n = 56) or observed (n = 17) after casting with follow-up for a mean of 51–58 months. 57 patients had ≥ 4 casts applied; 39 had ≥ 5 casts. Success was defined as no further treatment required. Curve magnitude was measured at time points pre-casting, at cast discontinuance, and last follow up. There was no difference in success rate between braced patients (79

Background: Congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK) may be idiopathic or associated with another condition, such as Larsen syndrome or arthrogryposis. Surgical reduction of type-3 dislocation may require quadricepsplasty (QP) or femoral diaphyseal shortening (FS). Because it is unknown which treatment is more effective, we evaluated long-term outcomes using patient-reported questionnaires and gait analysis, comparing results by surgery type and underlying diagnosis. Methods: Twelve patients (mean age, 19 mo) were treated surgically for CDK from 1985 to 2015 and studied 9 to 30 years postoperatively. Three participants had idiopathic CDK, 5 had Larsen syndrome, and 4 had arthrogryposis. Eleven knees underwent QP and 7 underwent FS. Participants were evaluated in our movement science laboratory and completed patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Data were compared with healthy, age-matched control values at the same visit. Results: Surgically treated knees had less flexion during swing (P<0.01), less overall motion (P<0.01), greater coronal instability (P<0.04), and slower gait (P<0.01) compared with controls. QP knees had more instability in midstance (P=0.03) and less flexion during gait compared with FS knees, less sagittal power generation than controls (P<0.01), and trended toward lower scores on Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome and Lysholm Knee Questionnaires than FS patients did. The idiopathic group had the gait most similar to that of controls, followed by the Larsen syndrome group and then the arthrogryposis group. The idiopathic group also had a better UCLA Activity Score (P=0.03) than the arthrogryposis group did. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of type-3 CDK will not likely restore normal knee function, suggesting teratologic joint abnormality. In this small series, FS produced better gait mechanics and patient-reported outcomes compared with QP. Not surprisingly, patients with idiopathic CDK had better outcomes than those with a syndromic diagnosis, likely related to having only a single joint affected.

Distraction-based growing rods have been considered as an alternative surgical option for the operative treatment of EOS. TGR has been challenged by MCGR, which is reported to have the advantage of non-invasive lengthening with fewer planned returns to theatre. This study explores the radiographic outcomes, Unplanned Returns to the Operating Room (UPROR) and complication profile of both the procedures at the end of the planned growing rod treatment with either TGR or MCGR. We included all the EOS cases from the PSSG database that underwent either TGR or MCGR with spine-based proximal anchors, followed up to the time of graduation. Any crossover or hybrid procedures were excluded. 549 patients (409 TGR and 140 MCGR) were eligible for review. We measured the coronal curve magnitude, Kyphosis, T1–T12, T1–S1 and L1–S1 lengths at 4 time points (before and after the index surgery and before and after the definitive surgery). The TGR group were slightly younger at the time of the index procedure (7 years for TGR vs. 8.5 years for MCGR, p < 0.001). We noted an improvement in all radiological parameters after the growing rod implantation. The spinal lengths increased through the lengthening period, while the coronal curve magnitude and the kyphosis increased. The kyphosis normalized following the final fusion, the coronal curve magnitude reduced further with a further increase in spinal lengths. The final follow-up from the time of the index implantation to the definitive surgery was 5.1 years (IQR 3.8) in TGR and 3.5 years (IQR 1.65) in the MCGR groups. The total number of complications was fewer in the MCGR group. The overall risk of UPROR was lower in the MCGR group and implant breakage was less in the MCGR group by 4.7 times. This study confirms the equivalence of both the distraction-based growing rods systems from the radiological stand-point, during the lengthening phase and at the time of the definitive surgery. The TGR was more kyphogenic during the lengthening period. The complications and UPROR were fewer in the MCGR groups.

Case: This is a case of a 6-year-old patient diagnosed with Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), a rare lymphangiogenic skeletal disorder, localized to the left femur. Initial nonoperative treatment with pharmaceuticals and bracing was unsuccessful. We describe a definitive operative treatment with radical femoral resection and a modified rotationplasty technique through a tibiopelvic rotational hip arthroplasty. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk with a prosthetic device. Conclusion: The use of this modified rotationplasty technique is an effective treatment option for patients with femoral GSD to improve function and quality of life.

PURPOSE:To compare objective outcomes for EOS patients age 6-10 years treated by growth-sparing (GS) surgery or definitive one-stage correction and fusion (DF). METHODS:We reviewed surgical, radiographic, PFT's, and EOSQ-24 outcomes for EOS patients > age 6 at index surgery treated at a single institution, minimum 2-year follow-up. Neuromuscular diagnoses were excluded. RESULTS:47 patients underwent index surgery between age 6 and 10.9 years. Twenty-one had DF, 26 had GS surgery (13 MCGR, 13 TGR). Diagnoses included 15 congenital, 15 idiopathic, 17 syndromic. Age at index was 9.1 years DF, 7.8 GS (p < .001). Follow-up was 63-78 months. 18/26 GS cases converted to DF, 13 due to complications, which occurred in 8/21 DF cases vs 19/26 GS (p = .016). DF patients had fewer post-index surgeries (0.6 vs 3.7, p < .001). At follow-up there were no differences in curve magnitudes, %correction, T1-12/T1-S1 segment lengths, EOSQ-24 scores or PFTs. 18 patients converting to DF after initial GS had equal outcomes as DF initially. 31 patients > age 8 at index ("tweeners") were studied separately. 13 had GS surgery (7 MCGR), 18 had DF. At > 60 months follow-up, curve magnitudes, spine lengths, PFT's, or EOSQ scores were equivalent. DF patients had fewer procedures and complications. CONCLUSION:For patients age 6-10.9 years, outcomes were no different at > 5 year follow-up between DF and GS groups. DF patients had fewer total surgeries and complications. Equal outcomes also occurred for tweeners. As a result, GS treatment does not appear to benefit patients > age 8.

BACKGROUND:Spondylothoracic dysostosis (STD), also known as Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the formation of the spine, characterized by a complete bilateral fusion of the ribs at the costovertebral junction, producing a "crablike" appearance of the thorax. Despite being declared a core indication for a V-osteotomy vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) expansion thoracoplasty of the posterior thorax, the natural history of STD in untreated subjects remains poorly documented. In this study, we report radiographic and pulmonary function findings and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) scores for untreated adult subjects with STD to gain insights into the natural history. METHODS:We identified 11 skeletally mature, untreated subjects with STD. Findings on medical evaluation, demographics, radiographic parameters, pulmonary function, genetic testing results, PROMIS measures, and EOSQ-24 scores were assessed. RESULTS:Five male and 6 female subjects (mean age, 32.3 years [range, 15 to 70 years]) with a confirmed STD diagnosis based on radiographs and genetic testing were evaluated. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.4 kg/m 2 (range, 18 to 38.9 kg/m 2 ), and mean thoracic height was 16 cm (range, 12 to 17 cm). Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) showed a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of 22% of predicted, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 24% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio of 107% of predicted. The mean PROMIS dyspnea score was 40 ± 8 points (range, 27.7 to 52.1 points). The mean total EOSQ-24 score was 77.3 ± 18 points (range, 43.9 to 93.2 points). CONCLUSIONS:Our study characterizes the natural history of STD in untreated subjects. We confirmed the expected restrictive pattern in pulmonary function, but interestingly, our subjects exhibited better EOSQ scores compared with those reported in neuromuscular populations. PFT results and thoracic height did not correspond to PROMIS and EOSQ scores, questioning the use of those parameters as a surgical indication. We therefore suggest that the STD diagnosis as an absolute indication for VEPTR expansion thoracoplasty surgery be reconsidered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Optimal orientation for magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of rod orientation with implant-related complications (IRCs) and spinal height gains. Using an international early-onset scoliosis (EOS) database, we retrospectively reviewed 57 patients treated with dual MCGRs from May 2013 to July 2015 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Outcomes of interest were IRCs and left/right rod length gains and thoracic (T1-T12) and spinal (T1-S1) heights. We compared patients with two rods lengthened in the cephalad ( standard; n  = 18) versus opposite ( offset; n  = 39) directions. Groups did not differ in age, sex, BMI, duration of follow-up, EOS cause, ambulatory status, primary curve magnitude, baseline thoracic height, or number of distractions/year. We compared patients whose constructs used ≥1 cross-link (CL group; n  = 22) versus no CLs (NCL group; n  = 35), analyzing thoracic height gains per distraction ( α  = 0.05). Offset and standard groups did not differ in left or right rod length gains overall or per year or in thoracic or spinal height gain. Per distraction, the CL and NCL groups did not differ significantly in left or right rod length or thoracic or spinal height gain. Complications did not differ significantly between rod orientation groups or between CL groups. MCGR orientation and presence of cross-links were not associated with differences in rod length gain, thoracic height, spinal height, or IRCs at 2-year follow-up. Surgeons should feel comfortable using either MCGR orientation. Level of evidence: 3, retrospective.

The purpose of this study was to describe contraindications to the magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) by establishing consensus amongst expert surgeons who treat these patients frequently. Nine pediatric spine surgeons from an international EOS study group participated in semi-structured interviews via email to identify factors that influence decision making in the use of MCGR. A 39-question survey was then developed to specify these factors as contraindications for MCGR—these included patient age and size, etiology, medical comorbidities, coronal and sagittal curve profiles, and skin and soft tissue characteristics. Pediatric spine surgeons from the EOS international study group were invited to complete the survey. A second 29-item survey was created to determine details and clarify results from the first survey. Responses were analyzed for consensus (> 70%), near consensus (60–69%), and no consensus/variability (< 60%) for MCGR contraindication. 56 surgeons of 173 invited (32%) completed the first survey, and 64 (37%) completed the second survey. Responders had a mean of over 15 years in practice (range 1–45) with over 6 years of experience with using MCGR (range 2–12). 71.4% of respondents agreed that patient size characteristics should be considered as contraindications, including BMI (81.3%) and spinal height (84.4%), although a specific BMI range or a specific minimum spinal height were not agreed upon. Among surgeons who agreed that skin and soft tissue problems were contraindications (78.6%), insufficient soft tissue (98%) and skin (89%) to cover MCGR were specified. Among surgeons who reported curve stiffness as a contraindication (85.9%), there was agreement that this curve stiffness should be defined by clinical evaluation (78.2%) and by traction films (72.3%). Among surgeons who reported sagittal curve characteristics as contraindications, hyperkyphosis (95.3%) and sagittal curve apex above T3 (70%) were specified. Surgeons who indicated the need for repetitive MRI as a contraindication (79.7%) agreed that image quality (72.9%) and not patient safety (13.6%) was the concern. In the entire cohort, consensus was not achieved on the following factors: patient age (57.4%), medical comorbidities (46.4%), etiology (53.6%), and coronal curve characteristics (58.9%). Surgeon consensus suggests that MCGR should be avoided in patients who have insufficient spinal height to accommodate the MCGR, have potential skin and soft tissue inadequacy, have too stiff a spinal curve, have too much kyphosis, and require repetitive MRI, particularly of the spine. Future data-driven studies using this framework are warranted to generate more specific criteria (e.g. specific degrees of kyphosis) to facilitate clinical decision making for EOS patients. Level V—expert opinion.

Background:The term “Tweener” is colloquially used to refer to early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients whose age and development make them candidates for multiple surgical options. The purpose of this study was to establish expert consensus on a definition to formally characterize the Tweener population.Methods:A 3-round survey of surgeons in an international EOS study group was conducted. Surgeons were provided with various patient characteristics and asked if each was part of their definition for Tweener patients. Responses were analyzed for consensus (≥70%), near-consensus (60% to 69%), and no consensus (<60%).Results:Consensus was reached (89% of respondents) for including chronological age in the Tweener definition; 8 to 10 years for females and 9 to 11 years for males. Surgeons agreed for inclusion of Sanders score, particularly Sanders 2 (86.0%). Patients who have reached Sanders 4, postmenarche, or have closed triradiate cartilage should not be considered Tweeners. Bone age range of 8 years and 10 months to 10 years and 10 months for females (12 y for males) could be part of the Tweener definition.Conclusions:This study suggests that the Tweener definition could be the following: patients with open triradiate cartilage who are not postmenarcheandhave not reached Sanders 4,andif they have one of the following: Sanders 2orchronological age 8 to 10 years for females (9 to 11 y for males)orbone age 8 years and 10 months to 10 years and 10 months for females (12 y for males). This definition will allow for more focused and comparative research on this population.Level of Evidence:Level V—expert opinion.

Background:. Thoracic spine height is cited as a crucial outcome measure in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) because of its reported relationship to pulmonary function tests (PFTs). An 18-cm threshold has been proposed, although this single parameter might be overly simplistic for cases of different etiologies and deformity magnitude. We aimed to reevaluate pulmonary function in patients undergoing corrective surgery, assessing the role of residual scoliosis as well as spine elongation Methods:. Patients undergoing EOS correction with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up since initial treatment were evaluated. Standard spirometry (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) was correlated to deformity magnitude and T1-T12 height. Patients were compared by age at first surgery (<5 or ≥5 years), final thoracic height (≤18 or >18 cm), and percentage of predicted pulmonary function (<60% or ≥60%). Results:. Twenty-nine patients (15 congenital, 11 syndromic, and 3 idiopathic cases) were tested at a mean of 8.5 years following initial surgery. Twenty-two patients (mean initial age, 4.8 years) had growth-sparing instrumentation, and 7 patients (age, 5.1 years) had definitive fusion performed. Age at initial surgery was not associated with a difference in PFT results at the time of follow-up, and both age groups had ominously low percentages of predicted pulmonary-function volumes (50% to 55%). Only 18 of the 29 patients achieved a T1-T12 height of >18 cm. Those with a thoracic height of ≤18 cm had similar percentage-of-predicted spirometry results at the time of follow-up as those with greater thoracic height, possibly because of increased deformity correction. Only 14 of 29 patients had spirometry of ≥60% of predicted volume at the time of follow-up. These 14 had slightly smaller curves and slightly greater T1-T12 heights but significantly better spirometry results than the 15 subjects with <60% of predicted volume. For those with a T1-T12 height of ≤18 cm, the residual Cobb angle negatively correlated with spirometry results. In those with a final T1-T12 height of >18 cm, spirometry did correlate with thoracic height, especially when residual deformity was ≥60°. Conclusions:. Regardless of thoracic height of ≤18 or >18 cm, with residual curves of >50o, pulmonary function was ominously low in fully half of the patients, raising doubt about the value of this threshold as an EOS outcome parameter. Level of Evidence:. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, or congenital tibial dysplasia, is one of the most challenging conditions in pediatric orthopaedics. In children who present in a pre-fracture state, the initial goal is fracture prevention. Once the tibia has fractured, the goals of treatment pivot to achieving – and maintaining – union. Treatment approaches are varied and may include: pseudarthrosis resection, intramedullary(IM) fixation, circular external fixation, internal fixation, vascularized fibular grafting, biologics, guided growth, or a combination of approaches. Unfortunately, the treatment of this condition is often fraught with complications and it is not unusual for a child to undergo multiple procedures. The goals of this case discussion are to highlight how experts approach these complex cases, to emphasize the key components of decision-making, to demonstrate clinical and technical pearls, and to feature the heterogeneity of this condition and its treatment.

Background: It is unclear whether the type of proximal anchor affects the spine length achieved with distraction-based surgeries in patients with nonidiopathic early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Since distraction may produce kyphosis, spine length should be assessed in the sagittal plane using the sagittal spine length (SSL-curved arc length of the spine in the sagittal plane). Our purpose was to determine if the type of proximal anchor in distraction-based surgeries will affect final spine length. Methods: Patients with nonidiopathic EOS treated with distraction-based systems (minimum 5 y follow-up, 5 lengthenings) were identified from 2 EOS registries. Radiographic analysis preoperative, postimplant (L1), and after each lengthening (L2-L5, L6-L10, L11-L15) was performed with the primary outcome of T1-S1 SSL. Results: We identified 126 patients-70 had rib-based implants (52 congenital, 9 syndromic, 9 neuromuscular) and 56 had spine-based implants (15 congenital, 29 syndromic, 12 neuromuscular) with preoperative age 4.6 years, scoliosis 75 degrees, and kyphosis 48 degrees. After initial correction (P<0.05), scoliosis remained constant [58 degrees (13 to 104 degrees) at L11-L15] and kyphosis increased over time [38 degrees (9 to 108 degrees) at L1 to 60 degrees (17 to 134 degrees) at L11-L15] (P<0.05). Preoperative SSL was higher in the spine-based group (29.6 cm) when compared with the rib-based group (25.2 cm) (P<0.05). This difference was maintained after initial implantation (spine-based: 32.2 cm vs. rib-based: 26.7 cm, P<0.05) and at final follow-up (spine-based: 37.0 cm vs. rib-based: 34.4 cm, P<0.05). As preoperative SSL differed between groups, maximum SSL gains per interval were also normalized to preoperative SSL. There was no statistically significant difference between groups at L1, L2-L5, and L6-L10. However, at L11-L15, the rib-based group achieved a more relative increase in spine length compared with the spine-based group (45% vs. 31%, P<0.05). Conclusion: At minimum 5 year follow-up, distraction-based surgeries increased spine length for patients with nonidiopathic EOS; regardless of proximal anchor type.

Hyperkyphosis, including Scheuermann and postural kyphosis, is associated with decreased perceived cosmesis and well being. No patient reported outcome questionnaire specific to kyphosis exists. We sought to assess the internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of a new Kyphosis-specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (K-SAQ). A K-SAQ was developed from a modified SAQ to measure kyphosis-specific aspects of appearance. Patients with hyperkyphosis (ages 10–20 years) curves ≥ 50° completed the K-SAQ and SRS-22R at baseline and the K-SAQ 2 weeks later. 55 patients completed the K-SAQ and SRS-22R. 28 patients completed the K-SAQ 2 weeks later. The K-SAQ total averages showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.84). Moderate associations were seen between the SRS-22R subtotal average score and K-SAQ total average score and (r = − 0.62, p < 0.001) and the SRS-22R self-image domain with the K-SAQ total average score (r = − 0.57, p < 0.001). Higher BMI and increased age scored worse on the K-SAQ total average, whereas only higher BMI scored worse on the SRS-22R subtotal average. The K-SAQ is a reliable patient reported outcome measure of kyphosis-specific aspects of appearance.