X-Ray assessment of the effect of pedicle screw on vertebra and spinal canal growth in children before the age of 7 years

Abstract

To determine the reliability of pedicle screws placed in children younger than 7 years of age, and to evaluate the effect of pedicle screw insertion on further growth of the vertebra and spinal canal. A retrospective study of 35 consecutive patients through Jan 2003-Dec 2010 for congenital scoliosis in <7 years children was performed at one spine center. Patients undergoing pedicle screw instrumentation of at least two levels, which had been followed-up for at least 24 months were included. Measurements were performed in instrumented and adjacent non-instrumented levels. The effect of pedicle screw insertion on further growth was evaluated. The average age at surgery was 4.4 year (53 months, range, 23-84 months). 190 segments in 35 patients met the inclusion criteria. 77 segments had no screws and 113 had at least one screw. There was a significant difference between the pre-operative and final follow-up values of the measurement of spinal canal and vertebral body parameters (P < 0.001). No significant difference existed between growth rates of vertebral bodies and the sagittal diameters of spinal canal with or without screws. The growth rates of vertebral bodies in lumbar spine were higher than in thoracic spine in both instrumented and adjacent groups. Pedicle screw instrumentation does not cause a retardation effect on the development of vertebral bodies and the spinal canal in children at an early age. It is a safe and reliable procedure to achieve a stable fixation.