Although pedicle screw instrumentation for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is very popular, hybrid constructs remain a safe and effective method of scoliotic curve correction. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the outcomes of hybrid instrumentation in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

Forty three children underwent surgical correction for idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up (range 2–9 years). Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed for all patients preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, one year after surgery and at the final follow up. Radiographic parameters assessed included Cobb’s angle, coronal balance, translation of the apex vertebra, kyphosis, lordosis, angle in the T10 – L2 region and sagittal balance. Idiopathic scoliosis was classified according to the King classification system. All patients underwent posterior spinal fusion using hybrid instrumentation while 6 received, prior to the posterior fusion, anterior thoracic discectomies.

Postoperatively overall Cobb’s angle correction was 59.5%. At the final follow-up an average loss of the correction of 9.5% was recorded. Nevertheless, there was an overall correction of the translation of the apex vertebra and a satisfactory coronal balance improvement at the final follow up compared to the immediate postoperative follow-up. Although a trend toward improved sagittal balance was noted, it was not statistically significant. The surgical complications included 2 cases of deep wound infection. In addition one patient required revision and a longer fusion distally.

Operative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with hybrid instrumentation yields satisfactory clinical and radiological results. Therefore, it can be considered as a safe and effective method of treatment of adolescent spinal deformity