Results of lumbar hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis

A review of the hemivertebrae and hemivertebra resection

Hemivertebra (HV) is a congenital spinal abnormality. Most hemivertebrae have normal growth plates so create a progressive deformity with growth leading to asymmetric loads on adjacent vertebrae which also show an asymmetric growth. We review the condition and its treatment.

Hemivertebra resection with posterior unilateral intervertebral fusion and transpedicular fixation for congenital scoliosis: results with at least 3 years of follow-up

PURPOSE

The main treatment for congenital scoliosis is posterior hemivertebra resection with bilateral transpedicular fixation. Reports describing posterior unilateral intervertebral fusion and transpedicular screw fixation are rare, with no long-term follow-up results, especially in older children. Retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of unilateral fusion and fixation after hemivertebra resection for congenital scoliosis.

METHODS

From April 2004 to May 2012, 19 consecutive cases (12 males; age range 2.3-13.4 years) of congenital scoliosis treated by hemivertebra resection with posterior unilateral or bilateral exposure and unilateral intervertebral fusion with transpedicular screw instrumentation alone were investigated retrospectively. All cases were followed-up for at least 3 years.

RESULTS

The mean Cobb angle of the segmental scoliosis was improved from 34.8 to 13.4° (correction rate 61.5 %). The mean Cobb angle of the segmental kyphosis was improved from 23.5 to 5.8° (correction rate 75.3 %). The mean correction rates of compensatory cranial and caudal curves were 46.1 and 54.5 %, respectively. 11 patients (57.8 %) exhibited continuous segmental curve improvement during the follow-up. One pedicle fracture and one instrumentation failure were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral transpedicular screw fixation provides satisfactory correction of the spinal deformity in both very young and older children. Unilateral intervertebral fusion and transpedicular fixation represents an advisable alternative method for the correction of congenital scoliosis and has advantages of reduced trauma, less surgery time and lower expense. Furthermore, the non-fused concave side offers the opportunity for correction of subsequent spine deformity.

Posterior hemivertebra resection with bisegmental fusion for congenital scoliosis: more than 3 year outcomes and analysis of unanticipated surgeries

PURPOSE

Until now there have been many reports on hemivertebra resection. But there were no large series on the posterior hemivertebra resection with bisegmental fusion. This is a retrospective study to evaluate the surgical outcomes of posterior hemivertebra resection only with bisegmental fusion for congenital scoliosis caused by fully segmented non-incarcerated hemivertebra.

METHODS

In our study, 36 consecutive cases (19 males, 17 females) diagnosed with congenital scoliosis, resulting from fully segmented non-incarcerated hemivertebra, treated by posterior hemivertebra resection with bisegmental fusion were investigated retrospectively, with at least a 3 year follow-up period (36-106 months).

RESULTS

The total number of resected hemivertebra was 36. Mean operation time was 188.6 min with average blood loss of 364.2 ml. The segmental scoliosis was corrected from 36.6° to 5.1° with a correction rate of 86.1 %, and segmental kyphosis(difference to normal segmental alignment) from 21.2° to 5.8° at the latest follow-up. The correction rate of the compensatory cranial and caudal curve is 76.4 and 75.1 %. Unanticipated surgeries were performed on eight patients, including one delayed wound healing, two pedicle fractures, one progressive deformity and four implants removals.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior hemivertebra resection with bisegmental fusion allows for early intervention in very young children. Excellent correction can be obtained while the growth potential of the unaffected spine could be preserved well. However, it is not indicated for the hemivertebra between L5 and S1. The most common complication of this procedure is implant failure. Furthermore, in the very young children we noted that although solid fusion could be observed in the fusion level, implants migration may still happen during the time of adolescence, when the height of the body developed rapidly. So a close follow-up is necessary.

Surgical and conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis: α search for long-term results

Background

In view of the limited data available on the conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), early surgery is suggested in mild cases with formation failures. Patients with segmentation failures will not benefit from conservative treatment. The purpose of this review is to identify the mid- or long-term results of spinal fusion surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective studies were included, reporting on the outcome of surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis. Studies concerning a small numbers of cases treated conservatively were included too. We analyzed mid-term (5 to 7 years) and long-term results (7 years or more), both as regards the maintenance of the correction of scoliosis and the safety of instrumentation, the early and late complications of surgery and their effect on quality of life.

Results

A small number of studies of surgically treated patients were found, contained follow-up periods of 4-6 years that in the most cases, skeletal maturity was not yet reached, and few with follow-up of 36-44 years. The results of bracing in children with congenital scoliosis, mainly in cases with failure of formation, were also studied.

Discussion

Spinal surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis is regarded in short as a safe procedure and should be performed. On the other hand, early and late complications are also described, concerning not only intraoperative and immediate postoperative problems, but also the safety and efficacy of the spinal instrumentation and the possibility of developing neurological disorders and the long-term effect these may have on both lung function and the quality of life of children.

Conclusions

Few cases indicate the long-term results of surgical techniques, in the natural progression of scoliosis. Similarly, few cases have been reported on the influence of conservative treatment.

In conclusion, patients with segmentation failures should be treated surgically early, according to the rate of deformity formation and certainly before the pubertal growth spurt to try to avoid cor- pulmonale, even though there is lack of evidence for that in the long-term. Furthermore, in patients with formation failures, further investigation is needed to document where a conservative approach would be necessary.

The efficacy and complications of posterior hemivertebra resection

There have been several reports on hemivertebra resection via a posterior-only procedure. However, the number of reported cases is small, and various types of instrumentation have been used. In our study, we retrospectively investigated 56 consecutive cases of congenital scoliosis that were treated by posterior hemivertebra resection with transpedicular instrumentation. Radiographs were reviewed to determine the type and location of the hemivertebra, the coronal curve magnitude and the sagittal alignment pre-operatively, post-operatively and at the latest follow-up. Radiographs were also used to assess implant failure and inter-body fusion. Surgical reports and patient charts were reviewed to record any peri-operative complications. Fifty-eight posterior hemivertebrae resections from 56 patients aged 1.5-17 years with fully segmented non-incarcerated hemivertebra were evaluated. The average age at surgery was 9.9 years (1.5-17 years). The average follow-up was 32.9 months (24-58 months). The mean fusion level was 5.0 segments (2-11 segments). There was a mean improvement of 72.9% in the segmental scoliosis, from 42.4° before surgery to 12.3° at the time of the latest follow-up, and there was a mean improvement of 70% in segmental kyphosis from 42.0° to 14.5° over the same time period. The thoracic kyphosis (T5-T12) averaged 10.8° before surgery and 23.9° at the latest follow-up. The lumbar lordosis (L1-S1) averaged -52.8° before surgery and -51.6° at the latest follow-up. Two cases with neurological claudications had complete recovery immediately after the surgery. There was one case of delayed wound healing, two fractures of the pedicle at the instrumented level, two rod breakages and one proximal junction kyphosis that required revision. There were no neurological complications. Radiolucent gaps were found in the residual space after resection on the lateral view in five cases, without any sign of implant failure or correction loss. Our results show that one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection with transpedicular instrumentation can achieve excellent correction, 360° decompression and short fusion without neurological complications. Pedicle cutting still remains a challenge in younger children when using bisegmental instrumentation. In addition, the radiolucent gaps in the residual space require further investigation.

Comparison of one-stage anteroposterior and posterior-alone hemivertebrae resection combined with posterior correction for hemivertebrae deformity

BACKGROUND

The surgical technique of hemivertebrae excision varies from anteroposterior procedures to posterior-alone resections according to the experience and preference of surgeons. Both the approaches are reliable and give relatively good results. This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological results of these two approaches for hemivertebrae resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients were retrospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2009. The subjects included 32 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 12.9 years (range: 5-24 years). Thirty patients who underwent one-stage anteroposterior hemivertebrae resection (the AP group) were followed for 38.5 months, and the other 30 patients who underwent posterior resection (the P group) were followed for 20.6 months. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. The operation time, blood loss, degree of correction of the main curve/segmental curve/kyphosis, the average hospital stay, and complications were reviewed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean operation time, blood loss, and hospital stay of the AP group and the P group were 451 min vs 248.5 min, 1290 ml vs 910 ml, and 21.93 days vs 18.97 days, respectively (P<.05). The average correction rate of the main curve/segmental curve/kyphosis of the AP group and the P group was 68.5% vs 66.2%, 71.5% vs 69.6%, and 57.4% vs 56.1%, respectively (P>.05). Overall complication rate was 6.7% in the AP group vs 10% in the P group (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Posterior hemivertebrael resection is a promising approach for congenital scoliosis in terms of relative safety, degree of correction achieved, reduced operative time and blood loss.

Hemivertebra resection for congenital scoliosis in young children: comparison of clinical, radiographic, and health-related quality of life outcomes between the anteroposterior and posterolateral approaches

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective comparative study of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical, radiographic, and health-related quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society [SRS]-24) outcomes in patients undergoing hemivertebra excision by simultaneous anteroposterior (AP) or posterolateral only approach (PL).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

AP hemivertebra resection for congenital scoliosis has provided reliable and safe long-term outcomes with respect to clinical and radiographic findings. Recently, PL excision has been described with rather high implant failure and revision rates. There are no studies comparing outcomes of AP and PL hemivertebra excision in 1 center. In addition, studies reporting health-related quality of life after surgery for congenital scoliosis are few.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2008, 12 AP and 11 PL hemivertebra excisions were conducted in 21 patients (16 males) with congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to unbalanced hemivertebrae in our hospital. The average age at surgery was 4.0 years (range, 1.2-11.4) and the mean follow-up time 2.5 years (range, 1-7 years).

RESULTS

Before surgery, the mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 33° (range, 25°-45°) in the AP group and 43° (range, 26°-87°) in the PL group. At the final follow-up visit, the main curve had been corrected to a mean of 12° (range, 2°-27°) and 15° (range, 6°-28°), respectively (P = NS). The Scoliosis Research Society-24 total scores were similar, 101 (range, 89-109) for the AP and 100 (range, 85-106) for the PL group at the final follow-up visit. Any complication was observed in 8% (1/12) of patients in the AP group and, whereas the PL group had 40% (4/10) complication rate with 2 temporary neurologic deficits, no implant failures were observed. All patients underwent spinal fusion during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PL resection is technically more demanding and slightly faster method for hemivertebral resection. It has nearly as good correction rate as the AP-method but more minor complications. Hemivertebrectomy seems to provide a controllable untethering effect in patients with a symptomatic tethered cord.

Hemivertebra resection and osteotomies in congenital spine deformity

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of posterior hemivertebra resection and osteotomies with transpedicular instrumentation in very young children.

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of early intervention in congenital scoliosis with almost complete correction of the main deformity.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There is a trend to early correction of congenital deformities, however, there is a lack of long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Forty-one children aged 1 to 6 years with congenital scoliosis were operated on by hemivertebra resection by a posterior only approach with transpedicular instrumentation. Mean age at time of surgery was 3 years 5 months. They were retrospectively studied with a mean follow-up of 6 years 2 months.

RESULTS

In group 1 (patients without bar formation), the average Cobb angle of the main curve was 36 degrees before surgery and 7 degrees after surgery. Compensatory cranial curve improved spontaneously from 15 degrees to 3 degrees, compensatory caudal curve from 17 degrees to 4 degrees. The angle of kyphosis was 22 degrees before surgery and 8 degrees after surgery. In group 2 (patients with bar formation) the main curve improved from 69 degrees to 23 degrees, cranial curve from 27 degrees to 11 degrees, caudal curve from 34 degrees to 14 degrees, and kyphosis from 24 degrees to 9 degrees.

CONCLUSION

Posterior hemivertebra resection, in case of bar formation with osteotomy of the bar, allows for excellent correction in both the frontal and sagittal planes, with a short segment of fusion. Early surgery in young children prevents the development of severe local deformities and secondary structural curves, thus allowing for normal growth in the unaffected parts of the spine.

Congenital thoracolumbar spine deformities

Congenital thoracolumbar spinal deformities are a common and frequent reason for referral to spine surgeons. Neurosurgeons also treat many neurological diagnoses which may result in a progressive spinal deformity, such as scoliosis. Here we review a variety of congenital anomalies and address the maldevelopments associated with each, as well as the appropriate evaluation of such patients including nonoperative and operative approaches. Advances in the field of spinal deformity correction now allow us to better treat individuals with these types of deformities. It is important for the practicing neurosurgeon to be knowledgeable of surgical and nonsurgical treatments of patients with congenital thoracolumbar spinal deformities in order to better understand which patients will ultimately progress and necessitate surgical treatment.

Hemivertebra resection for the treatment of congenital lumbarspinal scoliosis with lateral-posterior approach

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of patient records was conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of a lumbar hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion through a lateral-posterior approach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Few reports have been reported describing a procedure consisting of one-stage lateral-posterior lumbar hemivertebra resection and correction of the deformity by segmental anterior instrumentation to date.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2006, a consecutive series of twenty-four patients with congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to a lumbar hemivertebra were managed by resection of the hemivertebra through a lateral-posterior approach and with the use of a short anterior convex-side fusion. RESULTS.: The mean age at the time of surgery was 9.4 years (range, 6 years and 8 months-16 years and 9 months). The mean follow-up period was 43 months (5-94). There was a mean improvement of 61.5% in the segmental scoliosis curve from a mean angle of 45.2 degrees before surgery to 17.4 degrees at the time of the latest follow-up assessment, and a mean improvement of 60.9% in the total main scoliosis curve from 47.6 degrees to 18.6 degrees at the same periods. The mean final lordosis was within normal values. There were no major complications and no neurologic damage.

CONCLUSION

Excision of a lumbar hemivertebra through lateral-posterior approach is safe and provides stable correction when combined with a short-segment fusion.

Results of complete hemivertebra excision followed by circumferential fusion and anterior or posterior instrumentation in patients with type-IA formation defect

To evaluate the results of surgical treatment in patients with unlocked full-segmented hemivertebra treated by excision. Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 12.4+/-1.7 years were included in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 47.8+/-21.9 months. Diagnosis of type-IA hemivertebra was established by clinical, radiological, CT, and MRI evaluation. Preoperatively, patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In the first group, patients underwent anterior hemivertebrectomy initially; this was followed by posterior excision of the hemivertebra, posterior instrumentation, and fusion. In the second group, posterior components of the hemivertebra were excised at first, then the hemivertebra body was excised anteriorly, and this was followed by anterior instrumentation and fusion. For both groups, compression was applied to the convex side while distraction was applied to the concave side. Frontal and sagittal plane analysis of radiograms obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and after a minimum period of 2 years was performed. The balance was analyzed clinically and radiologically by the measurement of the lateral trunk shift (LT) and shift of head (SH). The mean preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles were 45.5 degrees -/+11.4 degrees and 16.8 degrees -/+7.9 degrees, respectively, and postoperatively, a mean correction rate of 64.4+/-13.9% was obtained (P=0.00). The mean correction rate was 61.2+/-13.3% (19.2 degrees -/+7.6 degrees) for the last follow-up visit. Sagittal plane analysis demonstrated either conservation of physiological sagittal contours or a normalizing effect following excision of hemivertebra combined with anterior or posterior instrumentation. When postoperative balance values were compared, a statistically significant correction was found in terms of LT and SH values. Although none of the patients had complete balance (SH: 0 mm) or balanced curves (0 mm Collapse

Key Words

• congenital scoliosis
• surgical treatment
• hemivertebra excision

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MESH Headings

• Adolescent
• Child
• Female
• Humans
• Lumbar Vertebrae/abnormalities
• Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging
• Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery
• Male
• Postural Balance
• Radiography
• Spinal Fusion/adverse effects
• Spinal Fusion/instrumentation
• Spinal Fusion/methods
• Thoracic Vertebrae/abnormalities
• Thoracic Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging
• Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery
• Treatment Outcome

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

I Teoman Benli 1st Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ankara Social Security Hospital, Mithatpasa Cad. 59/2, 06420, Ankara, Turkey.
Erbil Aydin
Ahmet Alanay
Onat Uzümcügil
Osman Büyükgüllü
Mahmut Kis

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Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by double approach in a single procedure: long-term follow-up

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of patients records with clinical and radiographic assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term result of thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection using a double approach in a single procedure.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by a combined posterior and anterior approach has been previously described, but this is the largest series of hemivertebrae reported.

METHODS

From 1987 to 2003, a consecutive series of 34 congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to thoracolumbar hemivertebrae were managed by hemivertebra resection using a combined posterior and anterior approach and short anterior and posterior convex fusion in the same day/same anesthesia.

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery was 3.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 6.0 years. There was a mean improvement of 69.3% in the segmental curve from a mean angle of 34.8 degrees before surgery to 10.7 degrees at the latest follow-up assessment. The global scoliosis curve improved of 33.4% from 40.4 degrees to 26.9 degrees, respectively. Trunk shift was significantly improved. The mean final kyphosis was within normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure is safe and offers a persistent correction with a short segment fusion. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities in order to avoid extensive fusions.

Lumbosacral hemivertebrae resection by combined approach: medium- and long-term follow-up

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of patients records with clinical and radiographic assessment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term result of lumbosacral hemivertebrae resection using a combined approach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Lumbosacral hemivertebrae resection by a combined posterior and anterior approach have been previously described, but only one study is concerning such a large series of hemivertebrae.

METHODS

From 1980 to 2001, a consecutive series of 17 congenital scolioses due to lumbosacral hemivertebrae were managed by hemivertebrae resection using a combined approach and short anterior and posterior convex fusion.

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery was 4.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 7.6 years. One postoperative complication was encountered: a patient had motor deficit and recovery was incomplete. The mean segmental scoliosis curve was 27.5 degrees before surgery, 10.7 degrees after surgery, and 8.9 degrees at the latest follow-up assessment. This represents a mean improvement of 61.1% after surgery and of 67.6% at the latest follow-up. The total main scoliosis curve improved from 28.4 degrees to 12.7 degrees and 11.4 degrees , respectively. It represents a mean improvement of 55.3% and 59.9%, respectively. The mean final lordosis was within normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure offers a persistent correction with a short-segment fusion. The early surgery is able to avert severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities in order to avoid extensive fusions.

Lumbar hemivertebra resection

BACKGROUND

A single lumbar hemivertebra can be expected to cause progressive scoliosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a lumbar hemivertebra resection and short-segment fusion through a combined posterior and anterior approach.

METHODS

From 1987 to 2002, a consecutive series of twenty-one patients with congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to a lumbar hemivertebra were managed by resection of the hemivertebra through a combined posterior and anterior approach and with the use of a short anterior and posterior convex-side fusion.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of surgery was 3.3 years (range, twelve months to 10.2 years). The mean followup period was 8.6 years. There was a mean improvement of 71.4% in the segmental scoliosis curve from a mean angle of 32.9 degrees before surgery to 9.4 degrees at the time of the latest follow-up assessment, and a mean improvement of 63.9% in the global scoliosis curve from 34.1 degrees to 12.3 degrees. The mean final lordosis was within normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

Excision of a lumbar hemivertebra is safe and provides stable correction when combined with a short-segment fusion. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert the development of severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities that would require a more extensive fusion later.

Résultats à maturité osseuse après résection d’hémivertèbres par double abord

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The natural history of congenital scoliosis or kypho-scoliosis resulting from a hemivertebra is well documented. The spinal deformation generally worsens in children with a free or semi-segmented hemivertebra situated in the thoraco-lumbar, lumbar or lumbosacral region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1982 to 1997, fifteen pediatric patients with 15 hemivertebrae causing progressive scoliosis or kypho-scolisosis underwent hemivertebral resection via a double posterior and anterior approach associated with convex fusion. Mean age at surgery was 4.4 years. The fifteen patients were reviewed at bone maturity (Risser 4 or 5) to assess outcome.

RESULTS

Genitourinary tract anomalies were associated in five of the 15 patients and intrathecal anomalies in two. Mean follow-up was 12.1 years. Segmental scoliosis was 30.2 degrees preoperatively, 12.3 degrees postoperatively and 8.9 degrees at last follow-up. The values for total scoliosis were 30.5 degrees, 12.3 degrees and 12.6 degrees respectively. This was a 70.5% improvement at last follow-up for segmental scoliosis and 58.7% for total scoliosis. The real trunk imbalance improved from 31% preoperatively to 9% at last follow-up. All these differences were significant.

DISCUSSION

The main objective of surgical treatment for congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra is to prevent the development of severe deformation which would necessitate a dangerous and difficult procedure to achieve correction. Resection of the hemivertebra via a double approach is the ideal method for early correction. The procedure not only corrects the spinal deformation but also prevents later deterioration. Correction should be performed as early as possible. The result is sustained over time if there is no other associated spinal anomaly. The procedure is safe and the technique well controlled in experimented hands. Patients need to wear a corset for only six months after resection of the hemivertebra.

New technique in congenital scoliosis involving fixation to the pelvis after hemivertebra excision

STUDY DESIGN

The authors conducted a retrospective study involving description of a new surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the efficacy of a new technique to stabilize the spine of young and small patients with congenital scoliosis after lumbosacral hemivertebra excision.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Congenital scoliosis develops as the result of anomalous vertebral development and asymmetric growth. The vertebral anomalies include congenital fusions and congenital hemivertebrae. With lumbosacral hemivertebrae at the lumbosacral junction, surgical excision followed by instrumentation to close the resulting space is frequently the best way to correct the deformity and obtain spinal balance. Surgical stabilization is required for preventing recurrent deformity and restoration of spinal balance.

METHODS

A new surgical technique for spinal correction and stabilization in congenital scoliosis is described. The technique involves hemivertebra excision followed by fixation of the adjacent normal vertebra to the ilium with screws and cables. This technique allows efficient correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

RESULTS

This construct was prospectively studied in 3 cases over a 3- to 5(1/2)-year period. All cases had solid fusion and well-balanced spine at latest follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study demonstrates a successful surgical technique for spinal stabilization after congenital hemivertebra excision in infants and young children with relatively small and soft bones when standard constructs like pedicle screws may not be optimal devices. Coronal and sagittal balance (restoration with improvement of lordosis) was successfully achieved in all cases.

Postoperative shoulder-spine spica cast for young children

Immobilization of the young child after spinal surgery is an important component of the surgical plan. This study reviews the authors' experience with postoperative immobilization in a shoulder-body spica cast and provides a detailed description of the technique. Twenty-two children with an average age of 31 months at the time of surgery were placed in the shoulder-spine spica cast after hemivertebra excision. There was no loss of correction in any of the 22 children during the period of postoperative immobilization. All patients were able to be ambulatory in the shoulder-spine spica cast while immobilized. Patients experienced the minor complications of prolonged cast wear, with one cast becoming loose and three casts causing skin rash. One patient required removal of the cast 6 weeks after surgery for unrelated nausea and vomiting. The shoulder-spine spica cast has been used at the authors' institution with great success and allows children to be ambulatory after hemivertebra resection.

Posterior hemivertebra resection with transpedicular instrumentation: early correction in children aged 1 to 6 years

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study with clinical evaluation of posterior hemivertebra resection with transpedicular instrumentation in very young children.

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of early intervention in congenital scoliosis by posterior approach with transpedicular instrumentation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Hemiepiphysiodesis and hemiarthrodesis are unpredictable in their effects. Hemivertebra resections in older children often require a long fusion segment because of secondary structural curves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight consecutive cases of congenital scoliosis in very young children were operated on by hemivertebra resection by a posterior-only approach with transpedicular instrumentation. Mean age at time of surgery was 3 years and 4 months. They were retrospectively studied with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years.

RESULTS

Mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 45 degrees before surgery, 14 degrees after surgery, and 13 degrees at latest follow-up. Compensatory cranial curve improved from 17 degrees before surgery to 5 degrees after surgery, compensatory caudal curve improved from 22 degrees to 8 degrees. The angle of kyphosis was 22 degrees before surgery and 10 degrees after surgery. There was one infection, two pedicle fractures, and three implant failures. In two patients additional operations were performed because of new developing deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Correction surgery of congenital scoliosis should be performed early, before the development of severe local deformities and secondary structural changes, especially in patients with expected deterioration. Posterior resection of the hemivertebra with transpedicular instrumentation allows for early intervention in very young children. Excellent correction in the frontal and sagittal planes, and a short segment of fusion allows for normal growth in the unaffected parts of the spine.

Pediatric spinal deformities

Pediatric spinal deformity results from multiple conditions including congenital anomalies, neuromuscular disorders, skeletal dysplasia, and developmental disorders (idiopathic). Pediatric spinal deformities can be progressive and cause pulmonary compromise, neurological deficits, and cardiovascular compromise. The classification and treatment of these disorders have evolved since surgical treatment was popularized when Harrington distraction instrumentation was introduced.

The advent of anterior-spine instrumentation systems has challenged the concepts of length of fusion needed to arrest curvature progression. Segmental fixation revolutionized the surgical treatment of these deformities. More recently, pedicle screw–augmented segmental fixation has been introduced and promises once again to shift the standard of surgical therapy. Recent advances in thoracoscopic surgery have made this technique applicable to scoliosis surgery.

Not only has surgical treatment progressed but also the classification of different forms of pediatric deformity continues to evolve. Recently, Lenke and associates proposed a new classification for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This classification attempts to address some of the shortcomings of the King classification system.

In this article the authors review the literature on pediatric spinal deformities and highlight recent insights into classification, treatment, and surgery-related complications.

Hemivertebra resection by a posterior approach: innovative operative technique and first results

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study was conducted, with clinical evaluation of hemivertebra resection using transpedicular instrumentation by a posterior approach in young children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess a new method of early intervention in congenital scoliosis by a posterior approach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previously described surgical procedures are fusion in situ, hemiepiphyseodesis and arthrodesis, "growing" instrumentations, and hemivertebra resections performed by a combined anterior and posterior approach.

METHODS

For this study, 21 consecutive cases of congenital scoliosis managed by hemivertebra resection using a posterior approach only with transpedicular instrumentation were investigated retrospectively, with at least a 2-year follow-up period. Surgery was performed in patients who had congenital scoliosis with proven or expected deterioration, or pain resulting from the malformation.

RESULTS

The mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 41 degrees before surgery, 14 degrees after surgery, and 15 degrees at the latest follow-up assessment. The angle of kyphosis was 24 degrees before surgery, but improved to 11 degrees after surgery. There was one infection, one pedicle fracture, and two failures of the initially used wire instrumentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior resection of hemivertebrae with transpedicular instrumentation is a safe and promising procedure that offers significant advantages for controlling congenital deformity: excellent correction in both the frontal and sagittal planes, short segment of fusion, high stability, no need for an anterior approach, and low neurologic risk. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert severe local deformities, to prevent secondary structural changes, and to avert extensive fusions.

One-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and correction using segmental posterior instrumentation

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of 12 patients with congenital kyphoscoliosis caused by a single hemivertebra who underwent one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and correction by posterior segmental instrumentation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of 12 patients with hemivertebra treated by hemivertebra resection by single posterior approach and correction with segmental posterior instrumentation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Congenital scoliosis caused by hemivertebra causes extremely severe curves in some patients. Posterior fusion or posterior and anterior hemi-epiphysiodesis is performed to prevent progression of the deformity. The results of these procedures have been variable and not promising, especially in an adolescent patient with fixed kyphoscoliotic deformity. Hemivertebra resection offers more certain results and better correction of the deformity. To date, hemivertebra resection is performed by anterior and posterior approaches either by one-stage or two-stage operation. Few reports have been published describing a procedure consisting of one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and correction of the deformity by segmental posterior instrumentation.

METHODS

A total of 12 patients with a single hemivertebra between the ages 8-24 years who underwent operative treatment were evaluated for a minimum of 2 years. All patients had a single nonincarcerated hemivertebra [T9 (1 patient), T10 (2), T11 (2), T12 (4), and L1 (3)]. After posterior hemivertebra resection, segmental posterior instrumentation was used for correction of the kyphoscoliotic deformity [CD (4 patients), Kaneda SR (2), and ISOLA (6)]. Radiographic evaluations were conducted on the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up standing posteroanterior and lateral radiographs.

RESULTS

All 12 patients had kyphoscoliotic deformity. Preoperative scoliosis averaging 49 degrees was corrected to 18 degrees (correction rate, 64%). Preoperative kyphosis of 40 degrees was corrected to 17 degrees of kyphosis. Trunk shift of 23 mm was improved to 3 mm. Correction loss was 2 degrees in the frontal plane and 3 degrees in the sagittal plane, and no patients showed more than 5 degrees of correction loss. No intraoperative complications were noted. Solid fusion was obtained in all patients, and no implant failure was verified at the final radiographic evaluations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that correction of kyphoscoliosis caused by a single hemivertebra can be effectively conducted by one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and correction using segmental posterior instrumentation. The operation was safe, and no associated adverse complications were noted. This procedure is best indicated for adolescent patients with a structural kyphoscoliotic deformity caused by a thoracic or thoracolumbar single hemivertebra.

Congenital spine deformities: scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis

By definition, congenital spine deformities-scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis-are due to abnormal vertebral development. Thus, affected children tend to have a curvature noted much earlier in life than typical patients with idiopathic scoliosis. This early development of the deformity has resulted in a tendency for the young child with congenital deformities to receive less than optimal care. These curves must not be allowed to progress. In many cases, early fusion is necessary, which is preferable to allowing severe curves to develop.