X-Ray and Clinical Outcomes of Anterior Single Solid-Rod Instrumentation in Thoracolumbar & Lumbar AIS

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study evaluated x-ray & clinical outcomes after single solid-rod anterior fusions in AIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 pts with avg f/u of 3.2 yrs were included. Rib autografts (n=26) and fibula ring allografts (n=2) were used for fusion of avg 4.5 levels. Pre-op, Post-op, and f/u x rays were evaluated. 16 pts completed the SRS outcome instrument.

RESULTS: Avg coronal correction was from 46.9º to 10º & to 13.3º at f/u. In the sagittal plane, instrumented segment kyphosis corrected from 4.3º to –6.2º. AVT corrected from 4.4 cm to 0.9 cm. There were 2 partial pull-outs of proximal screws. SRS scores were improved for all domains.

CONCLUSION: The contoured solid-rod system provides good frontal & rotatory correction & fusion with bone grafts, even without structural cages.