Dr. Heydemann studies various conditions affecting the spine, particularly in children who suffer from scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine. He examines different types of scoliosis, such as neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital, to identify how their health status before surgery impacts the risks of complications. His research also extends to the treatment of infections related to prosthetic joints, exploring new methods and guidelines for safer surgical procedures. His work aims to improve outcomes for patients who undergo complex surgeries, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Key findings
In a study of 144 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, this group showed higher rates of complications post-surgery compared to those with syndromic (44 patients) and congenital scoliosis (52 patients).
After implementing a new multidisciplinary screening process for pediatric non-idiopathic scoliosis surgeries, the death rate dropped from 4 patients to none within one year.
When comparing two methods of adjusting magnetically controlled growing rods in children with spinal deformities, both methods produced similar rod lengthening with an average adjustment interval of 18 days.
A study evaluating a new spinal classification system revealed significant differences in measurements among 105 adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis, prompting a need for tailored surgical strategies.
Infections related to prosthetic joints caused by ESBL bacteria can occur early or late, and successful treatment typically involves a two-step surgery combined with the use of specific antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Heydemann study scoliosis?
Yes, Dr. Heydemann focuses on various types of scoliosis in children, including neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital scoliosis.
What treatments has Dr. Heydemann researched?
He has researched surgical methods for scoliosis correction, multidisciplinary approaches for non-idiopathic scoliosis surgeries, and new treatments for infections from prosthetic joints.
Is Dr. Heydemann's work relevant for patients with spinal deformities?
Absolutely, his research directly benefits patients with spinal deformities by improving surgical care and understanding the conditions better.
What are the implications of his studies on infections after surgery?
His work on infections related to prosthetic joints aims to establish improved treatment guidelines, which can significantly enhance patient safety.
How does Dr. Heydemann's research help pediatric patients?
His research helps pediatric patients by identifying risk factors, developing better surgical strategies, and improving treatment protocols, leading to safer surgeries and better outcomes.
Publications in plain English
Comparison of baseline characteristics and postoperative complications in neuromuscular, syndromic and congenital scoliosis.
2023
Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B
Deveza LR, Chhabra BN, Heydemann J, Hung C, Vanorny D +2 more
Plain English This study looked at different types of scoliosis in children—specifically neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital scoliosis—to see how their pre-surgery conditions and complications after surgery compare. Researchers found that 144 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were generally in worse health, had more complex surgeries, and faced higher rates of complications, like infections and readmissions, compared to the 44 with syndromic and 52 with congenital scoliosis. Understanding these differences is important for doctors to better prepare and manage surgical care for these patients.
Who this helps: This helps doctors who treat children with scoliosis.
Reduction in mortality in pediatric non-idiopathic scoliosis by implementing a multidisciplinary screening process.
2021
Spine deformity
Deveza L, Heydemann J, Jain M, Liu D, Chhabra B +8 more
Plain English This study looked at the impact of a new team-based approach to care for children needing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis, a condition affecting the spine. Researchers examined data from 129 cases before and 122 cases after the new process was put in place. They found that the death rate within one year dropped from 4 patients to none after the new approach, which shows the importance of teamwork in improving safety during and after surgery.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spine surgery and their families.
Proposed Guidelines for the Management of ESBL in Prosthetic Joint Infections.
2020
Infectious disorders drug targets
Antony S, Khan I, Chowdhury O, Heydemann J, Antony N +2 more
Plain English This study focused on creating guidelines for treating infections related to prosthetic joints caused by a type of bacteria called ESBL. Researchers looked at 21 past cases and found that these infections can occur early (within 3 weeks of surgery) or late (after 3 weeks). They concluded that successful treatment involves a two-step surgery with a special antibiotic spacer and using specific antibiotics for a longer time.
Who this helps: This helps patients with prosthetic joint infections.
Evaluation of a new sagittal classification system in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
2020
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Fruergaard S, Jain MJ, Deveza L, Liu D, Heydemann J +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a new way to classify the shape of the spine in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally. Researchers analyzed the data of 105 young patients who had spine surgery and found that the majority, 73%, were girls. They categorized the patients into four types of spinal shapes and discovered significant differences in spine measurements, which suggests that doctors might need to adjust their surgical strategies based on these findings to help create better outcomes for their patients.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing better understanding and treatment options for adolescent scoliosis.
Correction to: Evaluation of a new sagittal classification system in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
2020
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Fruergaard S, Jain MJ, Deveza L, Liu D, Heydemann J +5 more
Plain English This paper corrects an error in a previous study about a new way to classify scoliosis in teenagers. The original article did not include the names of the researchers from Texas Children's Hospital who conducted the study. It's essential to acknowledge all contributors to maintain transparency and credibility in research.
Who this helps: This helps the research community and ensures proper credit for those involved in the study.
Plain English This study compared two methods of adjusting magnetically controlled growing rods in children with spinal deformities: a method that continues until a build-up of force stops it (distraction-to-stall) and one that targets a specific lengthening set beforehand. Researchers looked at 39 kids who had a minimum of three adjustments, finding that both methods resulted in similar levels of rod lengthening, with an average interval of 18 days between adjustments in the first method. The only factor that seemed to affect how much the rods could be lengthened was the angle of the spine before surgery.
Who this helps: This study helps doctors treating children with spinal deformities.
Use of Intra-Articular Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Candida parasilosis and albicans in Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI): A Novel Approach to this Difficult Problem.
2017
Infectious disorders drug targets
Cooper LG, Heydemann J, Misenhimer G, Antony S
Plain English This study looked at using a specialized antifungal drug, amphotericin B, directly in the joints of two patients with painful prosthetic joint infections caused by Candida fungi. Both patients received the treatment for six weeks, followed by another medication for four months, and neither showed signs of the infection coming back afterward. This approach offers a new option for treating these challenging infections, potentially improving outcomes for patients with prosthetic joints.
Who this helps: This helps patients with prosthetic joint infections.
Plain English This study looked at whether placing a special type of screw across an uninjured joint in the pelvis affects pain and function in trauma patients compared to traditional screws placed across an injured joint. They found no significant differences in pain levels or function between the two groups after at least one year; the average pain scores were similar, with one group at 2.9 and the other at 3.0. This is important because it means that if biomechanical stability requires it, using screws across an uninjured joint won't harm the patient’s recovery.
Who this helps: This helps trauma patients needing pelvic surgery.
Acute infection of a total knee arthroplasty caused by Pasteurella multocida: a case report and a comprehensive review of the literature in the last 10 years.
2010
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
Heydemann J, Heydemann JS, Antony S
Plain English This study looked at a rare type of infection in knee replacement surgeries caused by a bacteria called Pasteurella multocida, often linked to bites or scratches from cats and dogs. The researchers reported a successful treatment of this infection in one patient using a specific antibiotic and surgical procedures. They found that these infections typically happen after animal exposure and require careful treatment planning.
Who this helps: This helps patients who have had knee replacement surgeries, especially those who may have been exposed to pets.
Effect of amphotericin B on hepatic cytochrome P-450 and glucose-6-phosphatase in the rat.
1992
Journal of hepatology
Heidemann H, Holzlöhner U, Heydemann J, Freitag T, Inselmann G
Plain English This study looked at how amphotericin B, a medication, affects certain liver functions in rats. The researchers found that after three days of treatment with amphotericin B, the liver's ability to process a drug (antipyrine) decreased significantly, from 1.24 ml/min to 0.67 ml/min. This matters because it shows that amphotericin B can impact liver function critically, which might be important for understanding its effects in patients.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand how amphotericin B may affect liver function in patients.
Plain English This study focused on a 12-year-old girl who developed a rare soft tissue recurrence of a benign bone tumor called chondromyxoid fibroma after having it removed twice before from her leg. The case highlights an uncommon complication that can happen after surgery, showing that even benign tumors can come back in different forms. This matters because it raises awareness among doctors about potential challenges in treating this type of tumor.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with chondromyxoid fibroma.