All Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Scheuermann's Kyphosis Correction

Abstract

IntroductionScheuermann's kyphosis has long been treated by a two staged fusion and instrumentation with a hybrid construct using hooks, pedicle screws and sublaminar wires. Interest in all pedicle screws constructs led to its use in the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis. Materials and MethodsThe study included 18 patients who underwent a single stage correction by segmental all pedicle screw constructs (Group 1) and 17 who underwent a two staged fusion and instrumentation with a hybrid construct (Group 2). The average age was 16y+3m and 16y+8m respectively. The average preoperative dorsal kyphosis was 88 degrees (Group 1) and 80 degrees (Group 2). ResultsBoth groups were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The deformity correction of Group 1 had an average of 57% postoperatively with 2.2% loss at final follow-up in comparison to Group 2 where the correction was 48% postoperatively with 3% loss at final follow-up. The operative time was considerably less in Group 1 with an average of 3.5 hour than Group 2 with an average of 5.15 hour. The average blood loss was 550 cc in Group 1 and 910 cc in Group 2. ConclusionsThe use of multiple levels all pedicle screws technique allowed a rigid anchor for posterior correction of the deformity with less operative time, blood loss, hospital stay without the need for anterior release.