Selective Thoracic Fusion with Segmental Pedicle Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Thoracic Idiopathic Scoliosis: More than Five Year's Follow-Up

Abstract

‐ Abstract ‐ Study Design: This is a retrospective study. Objectives: We wanted to evaluate the outcomes of selective thoracic fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation for treating thoracic idiopathic scoliosis with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Summary of the Literature Review: Segmental pedicle screw fixation has been proven to achieve true segmental control and greater correction of scoliosis in both the coronal and sagittal planes. However, there is no long-term study of selective thoracic fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation for treating thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 203 thoracic idiopathic scoliosis patients (236 thoracic curves) who underwent selective thoracic fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation. The mean patient age at the time of operation was 13.8 years (range: 8.9~18 years). Results: The preoperative thoracic curve of 51±12°was corrected to 16±7°(69% correction with 3% loss of correction) at the most recent follow-up. The non-instrumented lumbar curve of 30±10°was corrected to 10±8°(66% correction with 5% loss of correction) at the most recent follow-up. The preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 18±11°and the lumbar lordosis of 43±10° were improved to 23±8°and 46±9° , respectively, at the most recent follow-up. There was no junctional kyphosis at the most recent follow-up. Coronal decompensation at the most recent follow-up occurred in 10 patients. Postoperative adding-on occurred in 17 patients who were fused two levels short of the neutral vertebra. Of the 2867 thoracic pedicle screws inserted at the thoracic level, 43 screws were found to be malpositioned (1.5%), but they did not cause neurologic complications or adversely affect the long-term results. Conclusions: Selective thoracic fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation for treating thoracic idiopathic scoliosis had satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes after surgery, and the outcomes were well-maintained for a minimum of 5 years follow-up. It is a safe and effective method for preserving segments of lumbar motion as well as for the restoration and maintenance of both the coronal and sagittal alignments.