OBJECTIVE: to evaluate retrospectively the power of scoliotic deformity in patients that were submitted to surgical treatment with third generation instrumentation using exclusively pedicle screws in both thoracic and lumbar curves. METHODS: seventeen patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were submitted to surgical treatment with deformity correction and fusion by posterior approach with pedicle screws in all vertebral bodies. Sex, age, Risser line and Lenke system of classification were analyzed. The curves were compared between pre and postoperatory in relation to Cobb angle, curve flexibility by the bending radiographs, apical vertebral translation (AVT) and apical vertebral rotation (AVR). The postoperative correction percentage was expressed by the Cincinnati correction index (CCI). RESULTS: the Cobb angle had significant correction in the major curves (p<0.0001) and the minor curves (p<0.0001). The CCI of the major curves (2.89) and minor curves (1.21) differ significantly from zero (p=0.0143 and p<0.0001, respectively). The AVT had significant correction in the major curves (p=0007), but not significant in the minor curves (p=1.082). The AVR was significantly corrected in both major (p=0.0001) and minor (p=0.0033) curves. CONCLUSION: the surgery treatment of AIS with posterior fusion using third generation instrumentation has proved to be powerful in correcting the deformities besides shown to be a safe technique.
Scoliosis; Spinal curvatures; Spinal fusion; Surgical instruments; Bone screws
