Submuscular Isola rod with or without limited apical fusion in the management of severe spinal deformities in young children: preliminary report.

Study Design: Retrospective review of the results of submuscular rod placement with and without limited apical fusion for the treatment of severe spinal deformities in young children.

Objectives: To determine the success of this method for controlling severe deformities while allowing for spinal growth and to compare this method with previously reported results.

Summary Of Background Data: A variety of methods for controlling scoliosis in young children have been reported, but complications including spontaneous fusion, loss of correction, instrumentation failure, and limited spinal growth are common.

Methods: The cases of 29 young children with progressive scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis as a result of a variety of diagnoses treated with a submuscular Isola rod and a postoperative orthosis were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven patients also had a short anterior and posterior apical fusion or convex hemiepiphysiodesis to aid in correction and stabilization of their deformity. The remaining 18 patients had a submuscular rod only.

Results: The mean age at surgery was 6.7 years (range, 1-11 years). The initial preoperative mean magnitude of the major curve was 66 degrees (range, 42-112 degrees ). After surgery this decreased to a mean of 38 degrees (range, 16-70 degrees ). The most recent radiographs demonstrated a mean 47 degrees curve (range, 28-79 degrees ). The mean number of lengthenings per patient has been two (range, 0-5). Nine patients have reached a suitable age and have been converted to a posterior spinal fusion and segmental spinal instrumentation. Nine complications have occurred in seven patients (24%). These included five hook displacements and three rod breakages. These were treated by hook reinsertion and rod exchange or sleeve and a repeat lengthening. There was one superficial infection treated medically.

Conclusion: This technique is useful in the management of severe spinal deformities in young children who have either failed, or have a contraindication to, orthotic management. Complications are relatively frequent but well tolerated.