Thoracoplasty for the treatment of rib prominence in thoracic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVES

The authors evaluated the reduction of rib prominence in patients who underwent thoracoplasty versus matched control patients who underwent fusion without thoracoplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Correction in rib prominence with thoracoplasty is not well quantified in the literature. The role of rib bone graft as an alternative to iliac crest is unknown.

METHODS

Fifty patients who underwent thoracoplasty were reviewed and compared with 26 patients who underwent fusion without thoracoplasty. Rib prominence, clinical data, and patient outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean reduction in rib prominence was 71% in the thoracoplasty group and 17% in the control group. There was no difference in estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of hospitalization. Satisfaction with thoracoplasty was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoplasty is more effective than fusion alone for reduction of rib prominence in thoracic scoliosis; it provides ample, effective bone graft for fusion.