Operative treatment of scoliosis with the Kaneda anterior spine system.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, single-cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate thoracic and thoracolumbar scoliosis using the Kaneda anterior spine dual-rod system (KASS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

In selected cases, anterior correction of scoliosis has several advantages over the traditional posterior instrumentation. Other than 2 primary reports by Kaneda, there are no clinical outcome reports with the KASS in the literature.

METHODS

A total of 24 patients with thoracic (n = 10)/thoracolumbar (n = 14) scoliosis were corrected using the KASS. Sagittal and coronal plane radiologic parameters were evaluated before surgery, 1-year after surgery, and at final follow-up (approximately 40 months).

RESULTS

Average coronal correction of the primary curve was from 61 degrees to 24 degrees (61%). Apical vertebral rotation decreased by 69%. Apical vertebral translation decreased 10-2 cm. The secondary thoracic and lumbar curves showed a spontaneous correction between 27% and 46%, respectively. Thoracic kyphosis increased 25 degrees -38 degrees (52%), lumbar lordosis showed a minimal decrease from 48 degrees to 43 degrees . Fusion was achieved in all cases. No neurovascular or implant-related problems were observed at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior instrumented fusion for thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis using the KASS is a good treatment option for idiopathic thoracic/thoracolumbar curves.