Abstract
BackgroundThe therapeutic efficacy of serial casting on idiopathic scoliosis has been gradually documented. However, literatures on serial casting for congenital scoliosis (CS) remain extremely rare. This paper aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of serial casting between CS and non-CS patients to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic characteristics of serial casting on CS patients.MethodsA total of 23 early-onset scoliosis cases were included and divided into congenital scoliosis (CS, n = 8) and non-congenital group (non-CS, n = 15). Therapeutic outcomes including the major curve Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lodosis angle, and thoracic spine growing rate were compared between groups at precast, after the first cast, and at the latest follow-up, respectively.ResultsAll patients received the first cast at the age of 3.25 ± 1.20 years and 5.70 ± 1.18 times of cast corrections. The average casting time was 17.17 ± 3.38 months, and the mean follow-up time was 23.91 ± 12.28 months. Both CS and non-CS groups had significant decrease in Cobb angle after the first cast and at the latest follow-up (all P < 0.05). Cobb angle was significantly lower in non-CS group than in CS group at both time points (all P < 0.01). The correction rate of Cobb angle was significantly higher in non-CS group than in CS group (around 50 vs. 20%, both P < 0.01). The mean thoracic growth rate was significantly lower in CS group than in non-CS group (0.72 ± 0.20 vs. 1.42 ± 0.22 cm/year, P < 0.001). At the latest follow-up, there are 2 cases receiving growing rod surgery, 8 cases wearing a brace, and 13 cases continuing serial casting.ConclusionsAlthough the therapeutic efficacy of casting on CS patients is not as good as that on non-CS patients, casting is still an efficient treatment option for CS patients to delay the need for initial surgery.
Highlights
The therapeutic efficacy of serial casting on idiopathic scoliosis has been gradually documented
Study subjects A total of 23 Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) cases (8 congenital scoliosis (CS) and 15 idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) patients) receiving casting correction in our center were included
To characterize the therapeutic features of serial casting on CS patients, the 23 patients were grouped into CS group and Non-congenital group (non-CS) group
Summary
The therapeutic efficacy of serial casting on idiopathic scoliosis has been gradually documented. Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) refers various types of scoliosis with onset before 5 years of age, including neuromuscular, congenital, and syndromic scoliosis [1]. Multiple vertebral deformities-involving congenital scoliosis (CS), neuromuscular scoliosis (NS), various types of syndromic scoliosis and rapidly progressive infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) would quickly progress if not treated. In addition to spinal deformity, progressive scoliosis will affect the Current treatments for EOS include both non-operative and operative techniques. Growing rod surgery is a most widely used operative technique [5]. It is suggested that initial implantation of the growing rods should be delayed to reduce the complications of treatment [8]. Non-operative technique is generally considered to be initial treatment for EOS patient if possible, with the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
