• Chunguang Zhou, Limin Liu, Yueming Song, Hao Liu, Tao Li, Quan Gong, Jiancheng Zeng, and Qingquan Kong.
• From the Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.
• Spine. 2013 Oct 15;38(22):E1411-7.

Study DesignRetrospective study.ObjectiveTo report on the results of anterior release, posterior internal distraction (with or without further distraction), and subsequent posterior spinal fusion for severe and rigid scoliosis.Summary Of Background DataFor severe and rigid scoliosis, conventional procedures, such as posterior instrumentation combined with an anterior release, enable limited correction. Posterior vertebral column resection brings better correction but with a high rate of neurological complications or intraoperative neurological events.MethodsA total of 15 patients with severe and rigid scoliosis who underwent anterior release, posterior internal distraction (with or without further distraction), and subsequent posterior spinal fusion were retrospectively reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The radiographical parameters were evaluated, and clinical records were reviewed.ResultsThe average number of anteriorly removed discs was 4.1. Average posterior fusion length comprised 14.3 vertebrae. Overall, internal distraction corrected the mean Cobb angle by 58.1% (from 105.1° to 44.2°) compared with the initial curve magnitude. The mean preoperative scoliosis of 105.1° was corrected to 27.5° (74.3% correction) at the most recent follow-up. The correction rate of the proximal thoracic and thoracolumbar or lumbar curves was 48.1% and 82.1%, respectively. The preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 62.3° was corrected to 33.8° at the most recent follow-up. The preoperative lumbar lordosis of -66.1° was corrected to -46.3° at the most recent follow-up. The mean preoperative coronal imbalance of 0.8 cm improved to 0.5 cm at the most recent follow-up, and sagittal imbalance of 0.3 cm improved to 0.2 cm. Transient dyspnea occurred in one patient after the initial surgery and subsequently resolved. Two patients complained of concave soft-tissue pain after the first distraction. There were no neurological complications.ConclusionAnterior release, posterior internal distraction, and subsequent posterior spinal fusion provide an effective alternative for severe and rigid scoliosis.Level Of Evidence4.

26 keywords...

hide…