Solid rod short segment anterior fusion in thoracolumbar scoliosis

J Pediatr Orthop B. 1998 Apr;7(2):124-31. doi: 10.1097/01202412-199804000-00006.

Abstract

Seventeen patients with adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis underwent short segment anterior spinal fusion with a solid rod-screw construct. Patients were evaluated radiographically and interviewed using the Scoliosis Research Society instrument. Mean radiographic follow-up was 34 months, and mean follow-up at time of interview was 62 months. Mean curve correction was 87%, declining to 67% at 2 years. Mean correction of the instrumented curve was 114%, declining to 103% at 2 years. The thoracic curve improved 24% and remained stable throughout the follow-up period. Kyphosis over the instrumented segments increased from 4 degrees preoperatively to 10 degrees postoperatively. Although there was a trend toward increasing kyphosis over time, this was not statistically significant at final follow-up. Most patients (88%) were extremely satisfied with the surgical result. We believe that a short-segment anterior fusion with a solid rod-screw construct provides excellent curve correction with minimal kyphosis over the instrumented segment. Overcorrection of the instrumented segment must be achieved for this technique to be successful.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators*
  • Radiography
  • Scoliosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Scoliosis / surgery*
  • Spinal Fusion / instrumentation
  • Spinal Fusion / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome