Posterior Multisegment Apical Convex plus Concave Intervertebral Release Combined with Posterior Column Osteotomy for the Treatment of Rigid Thoracic/Thoracolumbar Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND:Intervertebral release (IVR) in the apical region is critical for full release of a rigid spine. Previous studies have mainly reported IVR techniques using an anterior approach or posterior apical convex IVR. We first report the surgical procedure of posterior multisegment apical convex plus concave IVR combined with posterior column osteotomy (PCO) for treating rigid thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis. METHODS:This study retrospectively analyzed clinical, radiologic outcomes and technique notes of 18 patients with rigid scoliosis treated with posterior multisegment convex plus concave IVR combined with PCO. RESULTS:The preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up mean sagittal Cobb angles of the main curve were 75.2° (58.7°-110.2°), 18.4° (9°-35.1°), and 19.0° (8.2°-36.3°), respectively. The mean correction rate was 75.3% (66.7%-86.7%). In cases of thoracolumbar kyphosis, the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up mean sagittal Cobb angles were 45.7° (40.5°-52.6°), 18.8° (10.2°-27.5°), and 19.8° (11.1°-29°), respectively. The mean correction rate was 57% (42.1%-72.6%). The mean axial vertebral rotation (AVR) in the IVR region was 24.4° (14.3°-46.3°) preoperatively and was corrected to 10.9° (10.9°-26.6°) postoperatively. The mean correction rate for AVR was 55.9% (41.1%-78.6%). The coronal and sagittal Cobb angles and AVR postoperatively were significantly lower than those preoperatively (P < 0.001). This case series reported 2 cases of pleural effusion and 1 case of wound infection. CONCLUSIONS:Single posterior multilevel apical convex plus concave IVR combined with PCO is a safe and effective surgical method for treating rigid thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis that does not need 3-column osteotomy.