Thomas Johan Kibsgård

• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Gerdhem, Paul; Diarbakerli, Elias & Randers, Engelke Marie (2026). Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Compared with Sham Operation (SIFSO Trial). Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume. ISSN 0021-9355. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.00918. Full text in Research Archive
• Vinje, Svend; Terjesen, Terje Gunerius; Horn, Joachim; Hollung, Sandra Julsen & Kibsgård, Thomas Johan (2025). Surgical and health outcomes of non‐ambulatory children with cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis: A population‐based, longitudinal study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. ISSN 0012-1622. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.16473. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Aim To evaluate medium‐term surgical outcomes, complications, mortality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in non‐ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) and severe scoliosis, and to analyse outcomes and mortality rates in children who had not undergone surgery. Method Data on non‐ambulatory children with CP and severe scoliosis born from 2002 to 2008 were extracted from the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy. Seventy‐five children (44 males, 31 females) were included. Thirty‐eight (51%; mean age at surgery 14 years 4 months; SD = 2 years 4 months; range = 8–18 years) underwent surgical correction and posterior spinal fusion, with a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 90° (range = 49°–140°), while 37 (49%) children had non‐surgical treatment. HRQoL was measured with the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD). Results Eighteen children (47%) had postoperative complications; 5 of 38 (13%) children underwent further surgery. Surgical treatment improved sitting posture and back pain. The mean CPCHILD score was 49.0 (range = 19–84). Among non‐surgically treated children, 15 of the 31 children considered too fragile to undergo spinal surgery (48%) died during the follow‐up; the mean CPCHILD score for the remaining children was 36.4 points (range = 9–59). Interpretation Although surgical correction of scoliosis in non‐ambulatory children with CP carried a high risk of complications and re‐operations, it resulted in improved sitting posture and reduced back pain. Children who were not eligible for surgical treatment had a high mortality rate.

• Sigmundsson, Freyr Gauti; Randers, Engelke Marie; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Gerdhem, Paul & Joelson, Anders (2025). Additional Operations Following Sacroiliac Joint Fusions: A Minimum 3-year Follow-up Cohort Study of Patients Operated for Chronic Sacroiliac Joint Pain. Clinical Spine Surgery. ISSN 2380-0186. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001791. Full text in Research Archive
• Randers, Engelke Marie; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Nogueira, Liebert Parreiras; Kjensjord, Trygve; Röhrl, Stephan Maximilian & Nordsletten, Lars [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Osseointegration of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fixation implants—A human retrieval study. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. ISSN 0736-0266. 42, p. 1820–1830. doi: 10.1002/jor.25820. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion has become increasingly prevalent and is described to reduce pain and improve function. In some patients, pain can recur several months after primary surgery. Lack of early implant osseointegration might be a cause of pain and hence an indication for revision surgery. Triangular titanium implants are the most documented implant for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. There is, however, no knowledge of how triangular titanium implants osseointegrate in humans and whether fusion is induced over the sacroiliac joint. During planned revision surgery due to recurrent pain, six triangular titanium implants were retrieved from six different patients at median 9 months from primary surgery. All six implants were scanned using microcomputed tomography. The presence or absence of bone in-growth, on-growth, and through-growth of the implants was evaluated as an indication of implant osseointegration. Three of six implants showed no or minor signs of osseointegration. Of the three remaining implants, one showed partial osseointegration and two implants showed high degrees of osseointegration. This study showed that triangular titanium implants can osseointegrate into host bone in humans. When osseointegration occurs, triangular titanium implants can give fusion across the sacroiliac joint.

• Terjesen, Terje Gunerius; Vinje, Svend & Kibsgård, Thomas Johan (2024). The relationship between hip displacement, scoliosis, and pelvic obliquity in 106 nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal retrospective population-based study. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 95, p. 55–60. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2024.39915. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and purpose: The relationship between hip displacement (HD), pelvic obliquity (PO), and scoliosis in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) has not been clearly elucidated. The aims of this population-based study were to examine the prevalence and temporal sequence of these deformities in nonambulatory children with CP and to evaluate how probable it is that severe unilateral HD contributes to development of scoliosis. Patients and methods: This longitudinal study comprised 106 nonambulatory children, enrolled in a surveillance program. Pelvic radiographs for measurements of migration percentage (MP) and PO were taken once a year from the diagnosis of HD. Spine radiographs were taken in patients with clinically detected scoliosis. Radiographic follow-up continued until skeletal maturity. Results: Clinically significant scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥ 40°) occurred in 60 patients at a mean age of 11.8 years. 65 patients developed clinically significant HD (MP ≥ 40%) at a mean age of 4.8 years. 24 patients had no significant hip or spine deformities, 22 had HD only, 17 had scoliosis only, and 43 had both deformities. HD was diagnosed before scoliosis in all except 1 of the patients with both deformities. 14 of 19 patients with severe unilateral HD (MP ≥ 60%) had scoliosis convexity to the opposite side of the displaced hip. Conclusion: The combination of scoliosis and HD was frequent, and HD was diagnosed first in almost all the patients. HD might be a contributory cause of scoliosis in patients with severe, unilateral HD, PO, and later scoliosis with convexity to the opposite side.

• Randers, Engelke Marie; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Stuge, Britt Karin; Westberg, Andreas; Sigmundsson, Freyr Gauti & Joelson, Anders [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery: a cohort study based on the Swedish Spine Registry. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 95, p. 284–289. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2024.40817. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and purpose: There is conflicting evidence regarding treatment outcomes after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion for long-lasting severe sacroiliac joint pain. The primary aim of our cohort study was to investigate change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery in daily practice in the Swedish Spine Registry. Secondary aims were to explore the proportion of patients reaching a patient acceptable symptom score (PASS) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain scores, physical function, and health-related quality of life outcomes; furthermore, to evaluate self-reported satisfaction, walking distance, and changes in proportions of patients on full sick leave/disability leave and report complications and reoperations. Methods: Data from the Swedish Spine Registry was collected for patients with first-time sacroiliac joint fusion, aged 21 to 70 years, with PROMs available preoperatively, at 1 or 2 years after last surgery. PROMs included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain, and EQ-VAS, in addition to demographic variables. We calculated mean change from pre- to postoperative and the proportion of patients achieving MCID and PASS. Results: 68 patients had available pre- and postoperative data, with a mean age of 45 years (range 25–70) and 59 (87%) were female. At follow-up the mean reduction was 2.3 NRS points (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–2.9; P < 0.001) for LBP and 14.8 points (CI 10.6–18.9; P < 0.001) for ODI. EQ-VAS improved by 22 points (CI 15.4–30.3, P < 0.001) at follow-up. Approximately half of the patients achieved MCID and PASS for pain (MCID NRS LBP: 38/65 [59%] and PASS NRS LBP: 32/66 [49%]) and physical function (MCID ODI: 27/67 [40%] and PASS ODI: 24/67 [36%]). The odds for increasing the patient’s walking distance to over 1 km at follow-up were 3.5 (CI 1.8–7.0; P < 0.0001), and of getting off full sick leave or full disability leave was 0.57 (CI 0.4–0.8; P = 0.001). In the first 3 months after surgery 3 complications were reported, and in the follow-up period 2 reoperations. Conclusion: We found moderate treatment outcomes after minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion when applied in daily practice with moderate pain relief and small improvements in physical function.

• Randers, Engelke Marie; Gerdhem, Paul; Stuge, Britt Karin; Diarbakerli, Elias; Nordsletten, Lars & Röhrl, Stephan Maximilian [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). The effect of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion compared to sham operation: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine. 68. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102438. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Minimally invasive fusion of the sacroiliac joint as treatment for low back pain may reduce pain and improve function compared to non-operative treatment, although clear evidence is lacking. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion compared to sham surgery on sacroiliac joint pain reduction. Methods In this double-blind randomized sham surgery-controlled trial patients with clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain confirmed with sacroiliac joint injection were included at two university hospitals in Sweden and Norway. Patients were randomized by the operating surgeon at each site to minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion or sham surgery. The primary endpoint was group difference in sacroiliac joint pain on the operated side at six months postoperatively, measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (0–10). Un-blinding and primary analysis were performed when all patients had completed six months follow-up. The trial is closed for new participants and was registered at clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03507049 . Findings Between September 1st, 2018 and October 22nd, 2021, 63 patients were randomized, 32 to the surgical group, 31 to the sham group. Mean age was 45 years (range 26–63) and 59 of 63 (94%) patients were female. The mean reduction in the operated sacroiliac joint from baseline to six months postoperative was 2.6 Numeric Rating Scale points in the surgical group and 1.7 points in the sham group (mean between groups difference −1.0 points; 95% CI, −2.2 to 0.3; p = 0.13). Interpretation This double-blind randomized controlled trial could not prove that minimally invasive fusion of the sacroiliac joint was superior to sham surgery at six months postoperative. Funding Sophies Minde Ortopedi supported a clinical research position for Engelke Marie Randers. Region Stockholm supported the cost for the Swedish ethical application and a clinical research appointment for Paul Gerdhem.

• Vinje, Svend; Terjesen, Terje Gunerius & Kibsgård, Thomas Johan (2023). Scoliosis in children with severe cerebral palsy: a population-based study of 206 children at GMFCS levels III–V. European spine journal. ISSN 0940-6719. doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-07868-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of scoliosis and the rate of scoliosis progression in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) at GMFCS levels III–V. Methods Two hundred and six children (86 girls, 120 boys), born 2002–2008, were recruited from The Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP). Inclusion criteria were bilateral CP and GMFCS levels III–V. Scoliosis was evaluated annually by examination of the spine by a physiotherapist. Radiographic examination was performed in children with moderate or severe scoliosis at clinical evaluation. The Cobb angle was used as a measure of curve magnitude. Results Scoliosis, defined as Cobb angle ≥ 10°, occurred in 121 children (59%). Severe scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥ 40°) developed in 80 of the 206 patients (39%) at a mean age of 10.9 years (range 5–16) and was more prevalent in children at GMFCS level V (62%) than at levels IV (19%) and III (6%). Initial Cobb angle, Cobb angle ≥ 30° at age 10 years, and GMFCS level V were independent risk factors for severe scoliosis. In children at GMFCS level V, the rate of scoliosis progression decreased with age from a mean of 9.7° per year at age 3–5 years to 2–3° per year in children ≥ 11 years. Conclusions The prevalence of scoliosis among children with CP increased with decreasing motor functional level. The most important risk factors for progression of scoliosis were high initial Cobb angle, Cobb angle ≥ 30° at age 10 years, and GMFCS level V.

• Møinichen, Unn Inger; Mikkelsen, Audun; Gunderson, Ragnhild B.; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Mørkrid, Lars & IJsselstijn, Hanneke [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). New insights in the prevalence of scoliosis and musculoskeletal asymmetries in adolescents with esophageal atresia. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. ISSN 0022-3468. p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.10.002. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Increased risk of scoliosis and musculoskeletal abnormalities in adolescents with esophageal atresia (EA) is reported, but the impact of these abnormalities on physical fitness and motor skills are not known. Methods Scoliosis was assessed radiographically and shoulder and chest abnormalities by a standardized protocol. Physical fitness was evaluated with Grippit, Six-minute walk test, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire and motor skills by Motor Assessment Battery for Children. Results Sixty-seven EA adolescents median 16 (13–20) years participated. The prevalence of significant scoliosis (≥ 20º) was 12% (8/67) whereas 22% (15/67) had mild scoliosis (10–19º). Vertebral anomalies occurred in 18/67 (27%), eight of them (44%) had scoliosis. The majority of adolescents (15/23) with scoliosis did not have vertebral anomalies. Musculoskeletal abnormalities were detected in 22–78%. Balance problems occurred three times more frequently than expected (44% vs. 15%, p = 0.004). Submaximal exercise capacity was significantly reduced compared to reference values (p < 0.001). Scoliosis ≥ 20º was related to reduced physical activity (p = 0.008), and musculoskeletal abnormalities to reduced physical activity and impaired motor skills (p = 0.042 and p < 0.038, respectively). Conclusions Significant scoliosis was diagnosed in 12% of the EA adolescents and related to reduced physical activity. Musculoskeletal abnormalities identified in more than half of the patients, were related to reduced physical activity and impaired motor skills, and exercise capacity was significantly below reference group. EA patients with and without vertebral anomalies need health-promoting guidance to prevent impaired motor skills and consequences of reduced physical activity. Level of evidence: Prognostic Study, Level II Keywords Scoliosis Musculoskeletal abnormalities Physical fitness Motor skills Esophageal atresia

• Molland, Ragnhild Susanne; Brox, Jens Ivar; Stuge, Britt; Holm, Inger; Riise, Rolf Bjarne & Kibsgård, Thomas (2019). Health related quality of life and physical activity after multiple-surgeries in patients with early onset scoliosis. Spine Deformity. ISSN 2212-134X. 7(6), p. 1010–1010. Full text in Research Archive
• Hammer, Niels; Scholze, Mario; Kibsgård, Thomas; Klima, Stefan; Schleifenbaum, Stefan & Seidel, Thomas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Physiological in vitro sacroiliac joint motion: a study on three-dimensional posterior pelvic ring kinematics. Journal of Anatomy. ISSN 0021-8782. p. 1–13. doi: 10.1111/joa.12924. Full text in Research Archive
• Molland, Ragnhild Susanne; Diep, Lien My; Brox, Jens Ivar; Stuge, Britt; Holm, Inger & Kibsgård, Thomas (2018). Reliability and Construct Validity of the Adapted Norwegian Version of the Early-Onset Scoliosis 24-item Questionnaire. JAAOS: Global Research & Reviews. ISSN 2474-7661. 2(7). doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-17-00066. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The Early-Onset Scoliosis 24-item Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) reflects issues important for patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and their parents. The aim of this study was to translate the original EOSQ-24 into Norwegian and to evaluate the resulting questionnaire’s reliability and construct validity. Methods: The EOSQ-24 was translated using a forwardbackward translation method, followed by an expert review. One hundred parents of a heterogenic group of patients with EOS answered the EOSQ-24 and scored Numeric Rating Scales (NRSs) to evaluate the children’s general health, pain, and physical function. Two weeks later, 55 parents (55%) answered the retest questionnaire. Data quality, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were assessed, including the minimal detectable change. Construct validity was evaluated by predefined hypotheses and correlations with NRS scores. Results: There were considerable ceiling (19.0% to 63.0%) and floor effects (zero to 26.0%). The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbacha = 0.95). The minimal detectable change for the EOSQ24 total score was 15.2 and ranged from 21.6 to 33.0 for the subdomains scores. The EOSQ-24 showed discriminate capabilities among patients with different etiology, treatment status, and severity of deformity. High correlations were found between the EOSQ-24 total score and the NRS scores for general health (r = 20.66), pain (r = 20.63), and physical function (r = 20.78). Conclusion: The Norwegian version of the EOSQ-24 has acceptable reliability and validity for measuring quality of life and caregiver burden among EOS children. The EOSQ-24 total score is acceptable for evaluation of these patients over time.

• Aunan, Eirik; Kibsgård, Thomas & Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian (2017). Minimal effect of patella eversion on ligament balancing in cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. ISSN 0936-8051. 137(3), p. 387–392. doi: 10.1007/s00402-017-2625-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose The effect of patellar eversion on ligament laxity measurements is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of patellar eversion on medial and lateral ligament laxity measurements performed intra-operatively in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 49 knees (27 female) with mean age 70 years (42–83) and mean body mass index of 28.5 were operated consecutively with a cruciate-retaining prosthesis. Medial and lateral ligament laxity in extension and in 90° of flexion was measured with the spatula-method intra-operatively after implantation of the prosthetic components with the patella everted and thereafter with the patella repositioned. The corresponding changes in gap height and inclination were calculated. Results A statistically significant increase of 0.6 mm (p < 0.001) in ligament laxity (condylar lift-off) laterally in flexion was found with the patella repositioned compared to everted. No differences were found in extension or medially in flexion. Correspondingly, the flexion gap increased by 0.4 mm (p < 0.001) and the flexion gap inclination increased by 0.6° (p = 0.002) when the patella was repositioned. Conclusions Earlier research has shown that ligament laxity must be at least 1–2 mm to cause inferior function after TKA. In the current study, we found that the effect of patellar eversion on ligament laxity measurements is too small to be considered clinically relevant.

• Kibsgård, Thomas; Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian; Røise, Olav; Sturesson, Bengt & Stuge, Britt (2017). Movement of the sacroiliac joint during the Active Straight Leg Raise test in patients with long-lasting severe sacroiliac joint pain. Clinical Biomechanics. ISSN 0268-0033. 47, p. 40–45. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2017.05.014. Full text in Research Archive
• Aunan, Eirik; Næss, Grethe; Clarke-Jenssen, John; Sandvik, Leiv & Kibsgård, Thomas (2016). Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: functional outcome differs with different outcome scores. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 87(2), p. 158–164. doi: 10.3109/17453674.2015.1111075. Full text in Research Archive
• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan (2015). Radiostereometric analysis of sacroiliac joint movement and outcomes of pelvic joint fusion. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 86, p. 1–43. doi: 10.3109/17453674.2015.1022707. Full text in Research Archive
• Aunan, Eirik; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Diep, Lien My & Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian (2014). Intraoperative ligament laxity influences functional outcome 1 year after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. ISSN 0942-2056. doi: 10.1007/s00167-014-3108-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To find out if there is an association between ligament laxity measured intraoperatively and functional outcome 1 year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Medial and lateral ligament laxities were measured intraoperatively in extension and in 90° of flexion in 108 patients [122 knees; median age 70 (range 42–83) years]. Mechanical axes were measured preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. Outcome measures were the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Knee Society Clinical Rating System, the Oxford Knee Score and patient satisfaction. The relationships between laxity and outcome scores were examined by median regression analyses. Results: Post-operative mechanical axis had a significant effect on the association between ligament laxity and KOOS. Therefore, the material was stratified on post-operative mechanical axis. In perfectly aligned and valgus-aligned TKAs, there was a negative correlation between medial laxity and all subscores in KOOS. The most important regression coefficient (β) was recorded for the effect of medial laxity in extension on activities of daily living (ADLs) (β = −7.32, p < 0.001), sport/recreation (β = −6.9, p = 0.017) and pain (β = −5.9, p = 0.006), and for the effect of medial laxity in flexion on ADLs (β = −3.11, p = 0.023) and sport/recreation (β = −4.18, p = 0.042). Conclusions: In order to improve the functional results after TKA, orthopaedic surgeons should monitor ligament laxity and mechanical axis intraoperatively and avoid medial laxity more than 2 mm in extension and 3 mm in flexion in neutral and valgus-aligned knees.

• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Røise, Olav; Sturesson, Bengt; Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian & Stuge, Britt (2014). Radiosteriometric analysis of movement in the sacroiliac joint during a single-leg stance in patients with long-lasting pelvic girdle pain. Clinical Biomechanics. ISSN 0268-0033. 29(4), p. 406–411. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.02.002. Full text in Research Archive
• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Røise, Olav & Stuge, Britt (2014). Pelvic joint fusion in patients with severe pelvic girdle pain - A prospective single-subject research design study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 15(1). doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-85. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The fusion of the pelvic joints in patients with severe pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a controversial and insufficiently studied procedure. The aims of this study were to evaluate physical function and pain after sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion. Methods A single-subject research design study with repeated measurements was conducted; pre-operatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. The outcome measures considered were the Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and SF-36. Eight patients with severe PGP received open-accessed unilateral anterior SIJ fusion and fusion of the pubic symphysis. Results Seven patients reported positive results from the surgery. At 1 year post-operation, significant (p < 0.001) reductions in ODI (54 to 37) and VAS (82 to 57) were reported. The physical functioning, bodily pain, and social functioning scores in the SF-36 were also improved. Conclusion Positive and significant changes in disability and pain at 1 year after SIJ fusion were observed. Despite these positive results, open accessed anterior fusion of the SIJ was associated with adverse events and complications such as infection and nerve damage.

• Gunderson, Ragnhild B.; Horn, Joachim; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Kristiansen, Leif Pål; Pripp, Are Hugo & Steen, Harald (2013). Negative correlation between extent of physeal ablation after percutaneous permanent physiodesis and postoperative growth Volume computer tomography and radiostereometric analysis of 37 physes in 27 patients. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 84(4), p. 426–430. doi: 10.3109/17453674.2013.810523. Full text in Research Archive
• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Røise, Olav; Sudmann, Einar & Stuge, Britt (2013). Pelvic joint fusions in patients with chronic pelvic girdle pain: a 23-year follow-up. European spine journal. ISSN 0940-6719. 22(4), p. 871–877. doi: 10.1007/s00586-012-2512-8. Full text in Research Archive
• Adobor, Raphael Dziwornu; Riise, Rolf Bjarne; Sørensen, Roger; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan & Steen, Harald (2012). Scoliosis detection, patient characteristics, referral patterns and treatment in the absence of a screening program in Norway. Scoliosis. ISSN 1748-7161. 7(18). doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-7-18. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Early diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis allows for observation and timely initiation of brace treatment in order to halt progression. School scoliosis screening programs were abolished in Norway in 1994 for lack of evidence that the programs improved outcome and for the costs involved. The consequences of this decision are discussed. Objectives To describe the detection, patient characteristics, referral patterns and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis at a scoliosis clinic during the period 2003–2011, when there was no screening and to compare treatment modalities to the period 1976–1988 when screening was performed. Methods Patient demographics, age at detection, family history, clinical and radiological charts of consecutive patients referred for scoliosis evaluation during the period 2003–2011, were prospectively registered. Patients were recruited from a catchment area of about 500000 teenagers. Maturity was estimated according to Risser sign and menarcheal status. Severity of pain was recorded by a verbal 5-point scale from no pain to pain at all times. Physical and neurological examinations were conducted. The detector and patient characteristics were recorded. Referral patterns of orthopedic surgeons at local hospitals and other health care providers were recorded. Patient data was obtained by spine surgeons. Treatment modalities in the current period were compared to the period 1976–1988. Results We registered 752 patients with late onset juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from 2003–2011. There were 644 (86%) girls and 108 (14%) boys. Mean age at detection was 14.6 (7–19) years. Sixty percent had Risser sign ≥ 3, whilst 74% were post menarche with a mean age at menarche of 13.2 years. Thirty-one percent had a family history of scoliosis. The mean major curve at first consultation at our clinic was 38° (10°-95°). About 40% had a major curve >40°. Seventy-one percent were detected by patients, close relatives, and friends. Orthopaedic surgeons referred 61% of the patients. The mean duration from detection to the first consultation was 20(0–27) months. The proportion of the average number of patients braced each year was 68% during the period with screening compared to 38% in the period without screening, while the proportion for those operated was 32% and 62%, respectively ( p=0.002, OR 3.5, (95%CI 1.6 to 7.5). Conclusion In the absence of scoliosis screening, lay persons most often detect scoliosis. Many patients presented with a mean Cobb angle approaching the upper limit for brace treatment indications. The frequency of brace treatment has been reduced and surgery is increased during the recent period without screening compared with the period in the past when screening was still conducted.

• Aunan, Eirik; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Clarke-Jenssen, John & Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian (2012). A new method to measure ligament balancing in total knee arthroplasty: laxity measurements in 100 knees. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. ISSN 0936-8051. 132(8), p. 1173–1181. doi: 10.1007/s00402-012-1536-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Røise, Olav; Stuge, Britt & Röhrl, Stephan Maximillian (2012). Precision and Accuracy Measurement of Radiostereometric Analysis Applied to Movement of the Sacroiliac Joint. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. ISSN 0009-921X. 470(11), p. 3187–3194. doi: 10.1007/s11999-012-2413-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Kibsgård, Thomas; Brox, Jens Ivar & Reikerås, O (2004). Physical and mental Health in Young adults operated for idiopathic scoliosis. Journal of Orthopaedic Science. ISSN 0949-2658. 9, p. 360–363. Full text in Research Archive

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• Gerdhem, Paul; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan & Randers, Engelke Marie (2024). Identifying effective candidates for sacro-iliac joint fusion. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 95, p. 461–462. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2024.41306. Full text in Research Archive
• Randers, Engelke Marie; Gerdhem, Paul; Dahl, Jon; Stuge, Britt & Kibsgård, Thomas Johan (2021). The effect of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion compared with sham operation: study protocol of a prospective double-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial. Acta Orthopaedica. ISSN 1745-3674. 93, p. 75–81. doi: 10.1080/17453674.2021.1994185. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and purpose — The sacroiliac joint is increasingly recognized as a cause of pain in 15–30% of patients with low back pain. Nonoperative management is not always successful and surgical treatment with fusion of the joint is increasingly recommended. According to the literature, minimally invasive fusion reduces pain and improves function compared with nonoperative treatment. It is, however, unclear to what extent the placebo effect influences these results. Patients and methods — The trial is designed as a prospective multi-center, double-blind, randomized sham-surgery controlled trial with 2 parallel groups. 60 patients with a suspected diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain confirmed with sacroiliac joint injection are included according to the trial inclusion criteria. Patients are randomized with a 1:1 allocation into 2 groups of 30 patients each. The primary end-point is group difference in sacroiliac joint pain intensity on the operated side at 6 months postoperatively, measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. The main objective is to examine whether there is a difference in pain reduction between patients treated with a minimally invasive fusion of the sacroiliac joint compared with patients undergoing a sham operation. Results — Unblinding occurs after the completed 6-month follow-up. The primary analysis will be performed when all patients have completed 6 months’ follow-up. Follow-ups are continued to at least 2 years postoperatively. Data from the different groups will be compared based on the “intention to treat” principle.

• Kibsgård, Thomas (2018). Answer to Hu Hai on the letter to the editor about the article ?Movement of the Sacroiliac Joint during the Active Straight Leg Raise test in patients with long lasting severe sacroiliac joint pain? Clinical Biomechanics. ISSN 0268-0033. 52, p. 79–79. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2018.01.007. Full text in Research Archive
• Molland, Ragnhild Susanne; Diep, Lien My; Brox, Jens Ivar; Stuge, Britt; Holm, Inger & Kibsgård, Thomas (2017). Discriminative characteristics of the Early Onset Scoliosis-24-item Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) and its usefulness in follow-up examinations. Full text in Research Archive
• Gunderson, Ragnhild B.; Horn, Joachim; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Kristiansen, Leif Pål; Pripp, Are Hugo & Steen, Harald (2013). Growth arrest after percutaneous permanent epiphysiodesis: an evaluation using radiostereometric analysis and computer tomography. Full text in Research Archive
• Vinje, Svend; Kibsgård, Thomas Johan; Terjesen, Terje Gunerius; Jahnsen, Reidun Birgitta & Horn, Joachim (2026). Scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy - A study on scoliosis development, disease progression, surgical treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788234807466. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at increased risk of developing scoliosis. This condition begins early and tends to progress through childhood, particularly among non-ambulatory children. Scoliosis may occur in isolation or in combination with hip displacement (HD) and pelvic obliquity (PO). Population-based screening programmes for children with CP have become a useful source of information and research, and can assist us longitudinally in evaluating these children’s general health, functional abilities and well-being. The aims of this thesis were to assess the development of scoliosis, its progression, surgical treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with CP. The research comprised a retrospective analysis of population-based data from the NorCP registry, a cross-sectional evaluation of HRQoL using caregiver-reported questionnaires and linkage to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry to extract information on the causes of death. There was a high prevalence of scoliosis among children with CP, that increased with age and decreasing functional level. The study identified Cobb angle and GMFCS level V as risk factors for the progression of scoliosis and demonstrated a close relationship between scoliosis, hip dysplasia and pelvic obliquity. The combination of HD and scoliosis occurred in about 40% of the children. Furthermore, the study revealed a concerningly high mortality rate among children with severe scoliosis who did not undergo surgical treatment, where the majority of deaths were due to respiratory diseases, mostly pneumonia. Children who underwent surgery achieved improved sitting posture and less back pain, but had a high risk of complications and re-operations. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of systematic follow-up and early identification of children with CP who are at risk of scoliosis, thereby improving long-term quality of life and functional outcomes.

• Andersen, Guro Lillemoen; Kløve, Nina; Klevberg, Gunvor Lilleholt; Sandberg, Cathrine Utne; Jahnsen, Reidun Birgitta & Stadskleiv, Kristine [Show all 62 contributors for this article] (2024). Kunnskapsbasert retningslinje for diagnostisering og oppfølging av personer med cerebral parese i Norge. Sykehuset i Vestfold. Full text in Research Archive

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