Anterior correction of idiopathic scoliosis using TSRH instrumentation.

The first 14 consecutive patients with idiopathic lumbar scoliosis treated by anterior Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRH) instrumentation are reported. Frontal curve correction averaged 76%, with a 5 degrees (9%) loss of correction in the follow-up period, which averaged 17.6 months (range, 12-29). Spinal balance was improved an average of 1.8 cm toward the center sacral line, and apical vertebral rotation was corrected an average of 49%. Instrumentational kyphosis was minimal, with total L1-S1 lordosis decreasing an average of 1 degree, and no measured compensatory hyperlordosis caudal to the instrumented segment. One hundred percent of disc spaces were radiographically fused by 8 months. There were no neurologic, septic, or implant complications. The contoured solid rod used in this construct provides the same frontal and rotatory correction as previous systems, and minimizes instrumentational kyphosis. Fusion occurs rapidly and reliably because of the stiffness of the construct, which also may eliminate the need for postoperative immobilization.