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Late Infection in Scoliosis: A Meta-Analysis

Review Article | Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 10 | Issue 2 | July-December 2025 | page: 61-69 | Vishal Kumar, Manuj Jain, Aditya Gupta, Arvind Vatkar, Deepshikha, Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt, Sachin Kale

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10.i02.778

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 02 Oct 2025, Review Date: 20 Oct 2025, Accepted Date: 23 Nov 2025 & Published Date: 10 Dec 2025


Author: Vishal Kumar [1], Manuj Jain [4], Aditya Gupta [1], Arvind Vatkar [2], Deepshikha [3], Sarvdeep Singh Dhatt [1], Sachin Kale [5]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India,
[2] Department of Orthopaedics, Base Hospital, Bagdogra, West Bengal, Department of Orthopaedics,
[3] MGM Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
[4] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India,
[5] Department of Orthopaedics, Dr D Y Patil School of Medicine, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.


Address of Correspondence

Dr. Vishal Kumar,
Department of Orthopaedics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India,
E-mail: drkumarvishal@gmail.com


Abstract


This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of late infections in scoliosis patients following spinal instrumentation. A systematic review of studies indexed in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted. Studies that focused on scoliosis patients with late-developing infections, particularly after surgical treatment involving spinal instrumentation, were included. Data on infection rates, risk factors such as patient age and comorbidities, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Statistical methods, including pooled incidence rates and subgroup analysis, were used to assess the significance of the findings. The incidence of late infections varied significantly across different scoliosis types, with idiopathic scoliosis showing lower infection rates compared to neuromuscular scoliosis. Key risk factors identified included the duration of surgery, the use of prophylactic antibiotics, and patient comorbidities, particularly obesity. Late infections were often associated with a higher rate of reoperations, hardware removal, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Late infections following spinal instrumentation in scoliosis patients remain a significant concern, with certain patient populations at higher risk. Early detection and preventive strategies are essential to mitigate these risks and improve clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing infection prevention protocols and long-term monitoring of scoliosis patients post-surgery.
Keywords: Late infection, scoliosis, spinal instrumentation, meta-analysis, risk factors, post-operative complications, neuromuscular scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis.


References


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2. Clark CE, Shufflebarger HL. Late-developing infection in instrumented idiopathic scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1999;24:1909-12.
3. Di Silvestre M, Bakaloudis G, Lolli F, Giacomini S. Late-developing infection following posterior fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eur Spine J 2011;20 Suppl 1:S121-7.
4. Soultanis K, Mantelos G, Pagiatakis A, Soucacos PN. Late infection in patients with scoliosis treated with spinal instrumentation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2003;411:116-23.
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How to Cite this Article: Kumar V, Jain M, Gupta A, Vatkar A, Deepshikha, Dhatt SS, Kale S. Late Infection in Scoliosis: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics. July-December 2025;10(2):61-69.

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A systematic review and meta-analysis: Postoperative outcome comparison of intramedullary nailing and external fixation in charcot neuroarthropathy

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 7 | Issue 1 |  Jan-Jun 2022 | page: 60-63 | Cok Gde Oka Dharmayuda, Dewa Gede Bracika, Kenji Arnaya, Sri Mahadana, Putu Teguh Aryanugraha, Benedictus Deriano, Nariswati Anggapadmi Wiraputri, I Ketut Gede Surya Pranata

DOI:10.13107/jcorth.2022.v07i01.473


Author: Cok Gde Oka Dharmayuda [1], Dewa Gede Bracika [2], Kenji Arnaya [2], Sri Mahadana [2], Putu Teguh Aryanugraha [2], Benedictus Deriano [2], Nariswati Anggapadmi Wiraputri [2], I Ketut Gede Surya Pranata [2]

[1] Consultant of Orthopaedic and Traumatogy Department, Faculty of Medicine Udayana University, Indonesia.

[2] Resident of Orthopaedic and Traumatogy Department, Faculty of Medicine Udayana University, Indonesia.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Cok Gde Oka Dharmayuda,
Diponegoro St., Dauh Puri Klod, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80113, Indonesia.
E-mail: suthenoandrew@gmail.com


Abstract

Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy or neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle is due to sensory and motor neuropathies which lead to a chronic and progressive destruction of the foot architecture involving bones, joints, and soft tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of EF and retrograde IMN in ankle arthrodesis for patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy of the ankle joint. This study conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. Literature Search was done on using the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically retrieved. From the selected databases, 205 references were obtained. By screening the titles and abstracts, 48 references were excluded The remaining potentially relevant 12 studies underwent a detailed and comprehensive evaluation. Finally, five studies were included in our meta-analysis. Based on the report in this meta-analysis, IMN could showed better results compared to EF for Charcot joint arthrodesis, with IMN showing higher rate of fusion, and lesser risk of complication.

Keywords: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, Charcot Neuroarthropathy, Intramedullary Nailing, External Fixation


References

  1. Yammine K, Assi C. Intramedullary nail versus external fixator for ankle arthrodesis in Charcot neuroarthropathy: A meta-analysis of comparative studies. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2019;27:1-7.
  2. Cianni L, Bocchi MB, Vitiello R, Greco T, de Marco D, Masci G, et al. Arthrodesis in the Charcot foot: A systematic review. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2020;12 Suppl 1:8670.
  3. Dayton P, Feilmeier M, Thompson M, Whitehouse P, Reimer RA. Comparison of complications for internal and external fixation for charcot reconstruction: A systematic review. J Foot Ankle Surg 2015;54:1072-5.
  4. Almaadany FS, Samadov E, Namazov I, Jafarova S, Ramshorst GH, Pattyn P, et al. Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative sars-cov-2 infection: An international cohort study. Lancet 2020;396:27-38.
  5. Devries JG, Berlet GC, Hyer CF. A retrospective comparative analysis of charcot ankle stabilization using an intramedullary rod  with or without application of circular external fixator-utilization of the retrograde arthrodesis intramedullary nail database. J  Foot Ankle Surg 2012;51:420-5.
  6. Ettinger S, Plaass C, Claassen L, Stukenborg-Colsman C, Yao D, Daniilidis K. Surgical management of charcot deformity for the  Foot and ankle-radiologic outcome after internal/external fixation. J Foot Ankle Surg 2016;55:522-8.
  7. Richman J, Cota A, Weinfeld S. Intramedullary nailing and external ring fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis in charcot arthropathy. Foot Ankle Int 2017;38:149-52.
  8. Elalfy B, Ali AM, Fawzy SI. Ilizarov external fixator versus retrograde intramedullary nailing for ankle joint arthrodesis in diabetic charcot neuroarthropathy. J Foot Ankle Surg 2017;56:309-13.

 

How to Cite this article: Dharmayuda CGO, Bracika DG, Arnaya K, Mahadana S, Aryanugraha PT, Deriano B, Wiraputri NA, Pranata IKGS. A systematic review and meta-analysis: Postoperative outcome comparison of intramedullary nailing and external fixation in charcot neuroarthropathy. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics Jan-Jun 2022;7(1):60-63.

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