Novel dual: rod plate system for EOS improves vertebral wedging and permits spinal growth.

BACKGROUND

To determine whether single-stage, growth-friendly instrumentation with a plate-rod spinal system (PRSS) can substantially correct the deformity of EOS at surgery and continue to rectify the deformity throughout the growth period.

METHODS

An observational study of 35 children with EOS treated by PRSS between February 2000 and October 2010 during a mean follow-up of 72 months. The mean age at surgery was 7 years. X-rays were taken preoperatively and postoperatively and at each follow-up. The Cobb angle, the apical vertebral wedge angle (AVWA), remaining rod lengths, maximal thoracic kyphosis and total T1-S1 heights were measured and compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients, 9 boys and 22 girls, with a mean age of 7 years were completed follow-up. The Cobb angle changed from 64° to 36° after initial surgery and 26° at the last follow-up. The mean AVWA was 15° postoperatively and 5° at the last follow-up. The mean rod tail reserve length decreased from 53 mm immediately after surgery to 12 mm at the last follow-up. The mean preoperative maximum thoracic kyphosis was 41° and changed to 35° and 30° postoperatively and at latest follow-up, respectively. The mean preoperative T1-S1 height for all 32 patients was 52 mm acute lengthening and 122 mm of lengthening by the end of follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The PRSS provided immediate correction of most of the deformity at surgery and continued to rectify remaining scoliosis during the growth period. AVWA may be a useful method for monitoring the function of the PRSS in EOS.