Aim: To present our experience concerning late infections in operated scoliosis. Methods: 118 patients were treated surgically using multiple hook and screw instrumentation systems over the last 10 years. 103 patients had idiopathic (mean age 22.1) and 15 had neuromuscular scoliosis (mean age 12.2 years). All patients were instrumented posteriorly. Bovine xenografts were used were used in all cases where fusion was the goal. Additional anterior fusion was necessary in 8 patients. To date 10 patients (7 idiopathic and 3 neuromuscular) presented late deep wound postoperative infections. None of these patients had signs of generalized septic condition. The latent period of the infection varied from 1 to 5 years. Two patients presented rod failure. Initial pus cultures were negative in 5 patients. A common þnding was pus lining on the instrumentation surface with increased concentration under the cross-links. All patients had at least one loose cross-link nut. Local corrosion of the hardware and metal inþltration of the surrounding tissues was also present. The instrumentation was removed in all cases. All patients but one had satisfactory bony fusion. A variety of pathogens were cultured from intra-operative specimens (5 CNS, 2 A. baumannii, 1 peptostreptococcus, 2 St. epidermidis). A continuous irrigation system was used for 5 days in all patients, combined with antibiotics IV for 7 days and po for 45 days. Results: Protocol treatment was successful in all patients. No recurrence of the infection was observed after the removal of the instrumentation. Conclusions: The exact etiology of those infections seems to be an interesting subject for investigation. The extended surface and bulky nature of the construct are a probable predisposing factor, as is instrumentation failure and loosening. No bone involvement was noticed. Removal of instrumentation appears to be effective treatment.

Introduction: In cases of severe, rigid scoliotic curves, anterior or posterior fusion alone is inadequate and surgical treatment with a combined anterior and posterior) approach is required. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the complications of these lengthy procedures.

Material and Methods: Between 1993 and 2002, 125 patients with scoliosis were surgically treated in our department. A total of 18 patients with scoliosis were treated with a combined anterior and posterior approach. The mean age of these patients was 19.6 years (range 5.5 – 60 years). Fourteen patients were subjected to a single-stage procedure, while 4 patients underwent a staged procedure. Thirteen patients underwent anterior release and posterior nstrumentation, while 5 patients underwent both anterior and posterior instrumentation. Additional thoracoplasty was performed in 3 cases. The mean duration of the operation was 12.1 hours (range 4.5 – 14 hours). All patients were monitored postoperatively in the Intensive Care Unit. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.5 years (0.6 – 9 years).

Results: Anterior release and posterior instrumentation achieved a mean 30% correction of curves that were corrected by only 15% with traction preoperatively. Combined anterior and posterior nstrumentation achieved a mean 44% correction of curves that were corrected by only 22% with traction preoperatively. One patient presented residual pneumothorax that was treated with chest tube. One patient with neuromuscular scoliosis presented wound dehiscence and early infection, which led to removal of the posterior instrumentation.

Conclusions: A combined anterior and posterior procedure is indicated in patients with severe, rigid curves. It achieves greater correction, and prevents the crankshaft phenomenon in immature patients. We recommend the single-stage procedure (if patient general condition permits), because: 1) total anesthesia time is reduced, 2) total intraoperative blood loss is reduced, 3) hospital stay is reduced, and 4) greater curve correction is achieved. Severe complications include respiratory dysfunction and diffuse intravascular coagulation in multiply transfused patients, especially with use of an intraoperative autotransfusion device.