Comparison of intraoperative supine and postoperative standing radiographs after posterior instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

The utility of intraoperative radiographs after posterior spinal segmental instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is debatable. A retrospective review of 74 patients with moderately severe AIS revealed the main thoracic Cobb measurements of 57° preoperatively, 17° intraoperatively, 18° on initial postoperative, and 20° on final postoperative radiographs. On the basis of the extent and type of instrumentation (pedicle screws vs. hybrid construct), there was no clinically significant difference in curve magnitude between intraoperative and postoperative radiographs. After posterior segmental instrumentation for moderate AIS, frontal plane correction measured on intraoperative supine radiographs are comparable with similar measurements made on full-length postoperative standing radiographs.