Lumbar pedicle screw fixation to improve correction of idiopathic scoliosis

ABSTRACT

Twenty-three consecutive patients with King-Moe type-I [thoracolumbar and lumbar] adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated with posterior spinal instrumentation using lumbar pedicle screw constructs. From the plain radiographs, the Cobb angles of the major curves and their correction were noted. Apical vertebral rotational angle and its correction were estimated from a single CT scan through the apical vertebra of the curve. A balance was also assessed on the posteroanterior [PA] radiographs by measuring a deviation from the median sacral line off C7. The average time of follow up examination was 28.8 months after surgery [range, 19-34 months]. The study concluded that using lumbar pedicle screw constructs for King-Moe type-I curve, idiopathic scoliosis was effectively derotating the scoliotic curve with no evidence of decompensation or imbalance within the coronal plane. Segmental pedicle screw fixation is a safe and effective method for correcting the triplanar deformity of the idiopathic thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis