Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:35 AM–9:00 AM ePosters: P82. Surgical strategy for congenital scoliosis associated with asymptomatic tethered cord

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT A few studies in surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis have been associated with asymptomatic tethered cord. PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of correction of congenital scoliosis associated with asymptomatic tethered cord without untethering it. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A case series. PATIENT SAMPLE Twenty-six patients. OUTCOME MEASURES Cobb angle of major coronal and kyphotic curve. METHODS Twenty-six patients with asymptomatic tethered cord who underwent congenital scoliosis correction were presented. There were 17 male and 9 female with an average 15.2years (range 13–22). RESULTS The preoperative Cobb angle of major coronal curve averaged 55° (range 38°–74°), and it measured 21° (range 13°–35°) at the last follow-up, for a 62% correction. Maximal kyphosis averaged 43° (range 32°–54°) preoperatively, and improved to 23° (range 16°–38°) at ultimate follow-up, for a 46% correction. The average follow-up was 6.5years (4–8 years). None of the patients experienced deterioration in their neurologic status. CONCLUSIONS The study results suggested that prophylactic neurosurgery may be unnecessary in patients with asymptomatic tethered cord who underwent congenital scoliosis correction. One-stage posterior correction of scoliosis in this patient population does not involve significant complications and seems to be an alternative and safe treatment option.