• M E Majd, F P Castro, and R T Holt.
• Center for Orthopaedic Specialties, Bryan, Texas, USA.
• Spine. 2000 Mar 15;25(6):696-702.

Study DesignA review of the charts and radiographs of 22 patients with idiopathic lumbar, thoracolumbar, and thoracic scoliosis who underwent single-stage anterior fusion with rigid third-generation instrumentation and titanium surgical mesh implants.ObjectivesTo validate a new technique for scoliosis correction by assessing the initial correction of deformity, trunk shift, and rotation. Perioperative statistics as well as complications were reviewed. The maintenance of sagittal balance and rate of fusion were also determined after a minimum of 2 years' follow-up.Summary Of Background DataPosterior correction of scoliosis has been the preferred method of treatment since the introduction of Harrington rods. Recent advances in instrumentation and surgical techniques have allowed surgeons to approach scoliosis correction through the chest and abdomen. These new techniques must be validated before they become accepted alternatives to the standard of care.MethodsOne male and 21 female patients, aged 11-18 years, were observed for an average of 44 months. Matched-pairs t tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative curve measurements.ResultsStatistically significant curve improvements were seen when postoperative radiographs were compared with preoperative ones. The instrumented coronal plane curve was corrected 82%. A 65% spontaneous correction of the uninstrumented coronal plane curve was observed. Sagittal kyphosis improved 7 degrees, and apical rotation and tilt angles improved 71% and 80%, respectively. A mean loss of 4 degrees of correction was seen on final follow-up radiographs. Lumbar lordosis did not change significantly, and postoperative hyperlordosis was not detected. Ninety-six percent of all instrumented levels fused within 6 months. Although the perioperative complication rate was low, five patients (23%) had asymptomatic idiopathic retrolisthesis develop at the caudal end of the fused vertebrae.ConclusionsAccepted correction of idiopathic scoliosis can be achieved with anterior instrumented fusion alone.

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