Our short segment anterior technique produces similar correction and better functional outcomes for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by instrumentation of fewer levels than does posterior segmental instrumentation. We present the results of the first consecutive 45 patients operated by the short segment bone-on-bone anterior scoliosis technique, with a mean follow-up of 6 years. Every patient was followed up over 2 years and none was lost to follow-up. The patients (28 with thoracic scoliosis; 17 with thoracolumbar scoliosis) were operated between 1996 and 2004 for single curve idiopathic scoliosis. The mean age was 19 years (range 9–51); 87% of the cohort was female and the mean follow-up was 72 months (range 28–121). We operated on curves less than 75° by the short segment anterior approach with total discectomy, bone-on-bone apposition, and dual-rod instrumentation. We assessed the sagittal and coronal corrections on erect anteroposterior and lateral radiographs done preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.Introduction
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