The results of pediatric scoliosis patients treated with posterior enstrumentation and growing rod technique

Objective: Retrospective assessment of the clinical and radiological results of dual growing rod treatment of early onset scoliosis. Material and Methods: 16 patients diagnosed as early onset scoliosis and treated with dual growing rod technique between february 2006 and may 2009 were studied. One patient lost to follow up was excluded. At the end, eleven patients had the final fusion operation. Cobb, kyphosis, lordosis angles and T1-S1 height was measured during the follow up. Findings: At the first surgery time, the mean age of the patients 6,3 ±2,5 years (distribution: 3-10), mean follow-up period was 88,2 ± 9,3 months. The patients had 6,9 ± 2,6 (distribution: 2-10) rod lengthening operation and the time between the operations was 8,2 ± 2,6 months (distribution: 3-16). The final fusion mean age was 13,02 ± 3,6 (distribution: 10-14). Mean Cobb angle was measured as 63,6°, 33,3°, 38,8° preoperatively, after the first operation and final fusion respectively. Kyphosis angles was measured as 46,3°, 36,3° and 39,6° and lordosis angles was measured as 32,1°,26,6° and 30,5°. T1 – S1 height was determined as 24,3 cm pre-operatively, 28,0 cm at early postoperative period and 32,0 cm after final fusion. The Cobb angles of the patients reached the final fusion operation noted a significant amount correction. The mean Cobb angle values for the patients whom reached the final fusion operation were 63,9°, 34,3°,40,4° and 31° preoperatively, early postoperative period, before final fusion and after final fusion operation respectively. Kyphosis angles were 43,7°, 35,2°, 35,3°, 30,0° and lordosis angles were 33,0°, 26,3°, 32,2°, 28,2°. Preoperatively, early postoperative period, before final fusion and after final fusion operation. T1 – S1 length was measured as 24,1 cm, 28,1 cm, 38,2 cm and 33,3 cm. Result: Dual growing rod technique is an effective technique for the early onset scoliosis, overwhelming the problems like correction of the deformity, lengthening of the vertebra and respiratory system development. However patient compliance with regular and frequent follow-up, obstacles and complications experienced throughout the procedures are stil challenging problems.