Study design: Retrospective study.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the hybrid technique of 1-stage posterior osteotomy with short segmental fusion and dual growing rod (GR) technique for severe rigid congenital scoliosis.
Summary of background data: As some types of congenital scoliosis consist of long curve including sharp deformities producing enormous asymmetric growth at apex, they cannot be well corrected with osteotomy and short segmental fusion. GR technique may be the best option. However, enormous asymmetric growth potential due to the sharp deformities at the apex will increase risk of complications, especially implant failures.
Methods: Seven patients (2 males, 5 females) undergoing this hybrid technique for severe rigid congenital scoliosis were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' charts were reviewed. The analysis included age at initial surgery and the latest follow-up, number and frequency of lengthening, and complications. Radiographical evaluation included measured changes in scoliosis Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, trunk shift, length of T1-S1, and instrumentation.
Results: The mean follow-up was 53.3 (30-77) months. The mean age at the initial surgery is 5.9 (2-10) years. The averaged lengthenings were of 5.3 per patient. The mean scoliosis improved from 81.4° to 40.1° after initial surgery and was 41.0° at the latest follow-up. The average T1-S1 length was of 1.23 cm per year. The space available for lung ratio increased from 0.86 to 0.96.
Conclusion: Osteotomy with short fusion could help to improve the correction of the GR and eliminate the large asymmetric growth potential around the apex, with little influence to the length of the spine. Dual GR technique could maintain correction achieved at initial surgery while allowing spinal growth to continue. This hybrid technique may be an option for young patients who present sharp deformities with large asymmetric growth potential in a long congenital spinal deformity.
Level of evidence: 4.