Changes in sagittal balance and pre-existing junctional angle influence development of proximal junctional kyphosis in growth guidance systems for early-onset scoliosis

Purpose Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) has been reported to occur at a rate of about 30% in traditional growing rods (GR) and magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). Growth guidance systems (GGS) have non-rigid, gliding fixation along rods, which may mitigate PJK. There have been no studies done in shilla around PJK, hence this study aimed to assess the occurrence, risk factors, and timeline of PJK. Methods A prospective, multicenter database was queried for EOS patients who underwent surgery utilizing GGS. Inclusion criteria: < 10 years at index surgery and > 2 year follow-up. Results Sixty-five patients (thirty-six female) met inclusion criteria. Mean age at index surgery was 6.2 y/o (2–9); mean follow-up was 66 m. Most common etiologies were syndromic ( n = 23). Mean thoracic kyphosis at pre-op was 41.8°, post-op was 35.5°, and final was 42.2°. Mean PJA at pre-op was 6.15°, post-op 1 was 4.2°, and final was 15.6°. Incidence of PJK at post-op was 35% and final was 43%. Pre-op sagittal balance and change in sagittal balance from pre-op to post-op were associated with post-op PJK ( p = 0.05, 0.02). Change in spinal height from pre-op to post-op was associated with PJK at final ( p = 0.04). Interestingly, increased PJA at pre-op was significantly associated with decreased PJK at post-op and final ( p = 0.01, 0.03). Conclusion PJK was identified in 43% of patients post-operatively after GGS for EOS. Pre-op PJA was negatively correlated with an increased incidence of PJK. Changes in sagittal balance, in either direction, was the strongest predictor for development of PJK post-operatively.