Segmental Spinal Instrumentation in the Treatment of Scoliosis

Suk, Se Il; Lee, Jae Won; Min, Hak Jin

Abstract

Since Luque introduced new posterior instrumentation by segmental sublaminar wiring for neuromuscular scoliosis in 1976, preliminary reports have been published regarding its use with Harrington rod or Luque rod for other types of scoliosis, traumatic lesions of the spine, and spondylolisthesis as well as for degenerative disorders and tumors. Its advantage includes rigid internal fixation which often obviates the requirement for postoperative immobilization and the significant correction of deformity. Disadvantages are longer operation time, increased blood loss and the risk of neurologic damage. Segmental spinal instrumentation was carried out using either Harrington rod or Luque rod in 30 cases of scoliosis; 16 in idiopathic scoliosis, 12 in paralytic scoliosis and 1 each in congenital scoliosis and neurofibromatosis, at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, for 3 years from January 1984 to December 1986, Twenty six cases had been followed for more than 1 year and following results were obtained. 1. In idiopathic scoliosis, average preoperative curve was 65.0 degrees and immediate postoperative curve was 27.9 degrees with 57.4% correction. There was 1.2 degrees loss of correction with an average follow-up of 19.5 months (14-28 months). 2. In papalytic scoliosis, average preoperative curve was 108.5 degrees and immediate postoperative curve was 55.5 degrees with 49.5% correction. There was little loss of correction with anaverage follow-up 24.5 months (13-38 months). 3. No neurological complication occurred as a result of sublaminar wiring. 4. Segmental spinal instrumentation is an effective method with an advantage of better correction, greater contouring of the spine to avoid flat back, and less external immobilization in the treatment of idiopathic or paralytic scoliosis without increased complication.