Abstract
Background data: The Paediatric Isola system uses the philosophy of torsion-countertorsion force as a means of scoliosis correction. It aims to maintain this correction till such time that definitive fusion can be carried out.
Aim: This is a retrospective case series of our experience with the Paediatric Isola system and we evaluated the results of this system in the treatment of Scoliosis of various etiologies.
Methods: Twenty –one children,5 with neuromuscular,1 with Ehler-Danlos,5 with idiopathic,3 syndromic and 7 congenital treated with the Isola Instrumentation were studied.
Average age was 6.5 years(2–12). Average follow-up was 24 months (6m-36m).
Results: The average Cobb angle was 52° before surgery, 33.7° after surgery (64 % correction) and 32.5° (62.5% correction) at latest follow-up. The mean apical vertebral translation was 86% and 84% at post-op and latest follow-up. Stabilisation was most commonly perfomed from T2 to L4/L5. Three patients had implant complications, two had deep seated wound infections which necesssiated removal of implants in one case. Five of these patients have gone on to definitive fusions. Curve correction was best for primary thoracolumbar curves and lumbar curves. 2 patients with thoracic curves did not maintain correction.
Conclusion: The Paediatric Isola system is a safe and effective instrumentation in early management of a difficult and challenging sub group of scoliosis patients.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Caroline Goldberg, The Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland.
