Thoracic pedicle screws have been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the effect of the instrumentation alloy has not yet been investigated. We aimed to compare segmental versus non segmental thoracic pedicle screw instrumentation in patients with AIS. A consecutive series of 143 patients with AIS (Lenke classification 1–4) surgically treated from 1998 to 2005 by means of thoracic pedicle screws were retrospectively reviewed. Considering implant density (number of fixation anchors placed per available anchors sites; segmental =60% [S], non-segmental =60% [NS]) and implant alloy used (titanium [Ti] Introduction
Methods
Posterior spinal arthrodesis with thoracoplasty and an open anterior approach, with respect to a posterior only fusion, have a deleterious effect on pulmonary function for up to 5 years after surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We aimed to compare two groups of adolescents surgically treated for their spinal deformity either by posterior segmental fusion alone (PSF) or by posterior spinal fusion and thoracoplasty (PSF+T). We focused on the long-term effects of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We compared 40 consecutive adolescent patients surgically treated between 1998 and 2001 by PSF+T with a similar cohort of 40 adolescents treated in the same period by PSF. Inclusion criteria were pedicle screw instrumentation alone and a minimum 5 years of follow-up. A radiographic analysis and a chart review were done, evaluating the pulmonary function tests (PFTs), the SRS-30 score questionnaire, and the Lenke classification system. A radiographic rib-hump (RH) assessment was also undertaken.Introduction
Methods
We aimed to determine the midterm effect of pedicle screw instrumentation on sagittal plane alignment, compared with a hybrid alignment, in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). 88 consecutive patients with AIS with a Lenke type 1 curve treated between 1998 and 2003 were analysed. Thoracic hooks were used in 45 patients (group Hy) and thoracic screws alone in 43 patients (group TPS). Preoperative average age (Hy 15·3 years Introduction
Methods
