ABSTRACT

Common practice is posterior fusion and instrumentation for the treatment of congenital spinal deformities. Although anterior instrumented fusion has been used for idiopathic scoliosis, the literature lacks information about its use for the treatment of congenital deformities. In this study, 16 patients treated for congenital spinal deformities by anterior instrumented fusion were retrospectively reviewed. The amount of correction, changes in sagittal profile, spinal aligment and complications were assessed. The deformities were scoliosis in 9 and kyphoscoliosis in 7 patients. Average age at the time of surgery was 12 (4-18) years. Follow-up averaged 52 (32-80) months. In patients with scoliosis, average preoperative coronal curve changed from 57° (44°-90°) to 35° (20°-60°) at last follow-up (39 % correction). In patients with kyphoscoliosis, average preoperative kyphotic deformity changed from 68° (47°-90°) to 41° (22°-62°) (38 % correction) and average coronal deformity changed from 51° (16°-80°) to 29° (8°-65°) (44 % correction) at last follow-up. Complications were observed in two patients. No neurologic complication occured. It was concluded that as a standalone procedure, anterior instrumented fusion is a safe and effective method of treatment for congenital spinal deformities with lower implant costs.