Secondary curve behavior in Lenke type 1C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after thoracoscopic selective anterior thoracic fusion.

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of a case series of 24 patients with Lenke 1C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) receiving selective thoracoscopic anterior scoliosis correction.

OBJECTIVE

To report the behavior of the compensatory lumbar curve in a group of patients with Lenke IC AIS after thoracoscopic anterior scoliosis correction and to compare the results of this study with previously published data.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Several prior studies have reported spontaneous lumbar curve correction for both anterior and posterior selective fusions in patients with Lenke 1C/King-Moe 2; however, to our knowledge no previous studies have reported outcomes of thoracoscopic anterior correction for this curve type.

METHODS

All patients with AIS with a curve classification of Lenke 1C and a minimum of 24-month follow-up were obtained from a consecutive series of 190 patients with AIS who underwent thoracoscopic anterior instrumented fusion. Cobb angles of the major curve, instrumented levels, compensatory lumbar curve, and T5-T12 kyphosis were recorded, as well as coronal spinal balance, T1 tilt angle, and shoulder balance. All radiographical parameters were measured before surgery and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-four female patients with right thoracic curves had a mean thoracic Cobb angle of 53.0° before surgery, decreasing to 24.9° 2 years after surgery. The mean lumbar compensatory Cobb angle was 43.5° before surgery, spontaneously correcting to 25.4° 2 years after surgery, indicating balance between the thoracic and lumbar scoliotic curves. The lumbar correction achieved (41.8%) compares favorably to previous studies.

CONCLUSION

Selective thoracoscopic anterior fusion allows spontaneous lumbar curve correction and achieves coronal balance of main thoracic and compensatory lumbar curves, good cosmesis, and patient satisfaction. Correction and balance are maintained 24 months after surgery.