Abstract
PurposeVertebral column resection (VCR) is a technique performed for short, angular spinal deformities. Several studies have reported good radiographic results with VCR regarding curve correction. However, only a few studies have reported the impact of this technique on the health-related quality-of-life measures (HRQoL).MethodsA single surgeon series of 27 consecutive children (mean age at surgery 12.3 years, range 1.1–20.7 years) undergoing posterior VCR with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The comparison was made to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Outcome measures included Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) questionnaire both pre- and postoperatively, radiographic outcomes, and complications.ResultsThe average major curve correction was 60.3% in the VCR patients. Complications were noted in 12 out of 27 (44%) of the VCR patients but all patients recovered fully during follow-up. The SRS pain domain scores improved significantly after VCR (p = 0.0002). The SRS total and domain scores were significantly lower than in the healthy controls especially in the self-image and function domains, but the pain and activity domains improved from preoperative to similar level than in the control group.ConclusionsHRQoL showed significant improvement in pain scores despite 44% risk of transient complications after VCR in pediatric patients. This health-related quality-of-life improvement remained at a significantly lower level than in the healthy control group.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level III.
Highlights
Vertebral column resection (VCR) is defined as a resection of the dorsal components and at least one vertebral body with the caudal and cranial intervertebral disks
health-related quality-of-life measures (HRQoL) showed significant improvement in pain scores despite 44% risk of transient complications after VCR
Lenke et al published the first series of PVCR to pediatric patients and reported no spinal cordrelated complications [1]
Summary
Vertebral column resection (VCR) is defined as a resection of the dorsal components and at least one vertebral body with the caudal and cranial intervertebral disks. Departments of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Kiinanmyllynkatu 4–8, Turku, Finland. Several studies have reported good radiographic results, but the risk of spinal cord and/or neural element deficits appears to be higher than in typical pedicle screw instrumentation [1, 3, 5,6,7]. Lenke et al published the first series of PVCR to pediatric patients and reported no spinal cordrelated complications [1].
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