Direct vertebral rotation and differently shaped dual rod translation technique in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Direct vertebral rotation (DVR) is widely used to correct the axial deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Indirect rotation techniques may help DVR in order to improve outcome. Vertebral translation technique combined with the use of two differently shaped rods resulted effective in reducing the rib hump deformity. The aim of this study is to describe the technique and evaluate the efficacy of combined DVR and vertebral translation technique on axial deformity correction. Mean follow-up was 2.7 years. Cobb angle, kyphosis angle, apical vertebrae axial rotation angle, SRS-22 questionnaire of 30 AIS patients treated with combined DVR and differently shaped dual rods translation technique were collected and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. At the last follow-up no screw pull-out, nonunion or loss of correction were recorded. The combination of DVR and differently shaped dual rods translation technique in AIS can provide good three-dimensional correction and improvement of patient’s quality of life.