Surgical Treatment of Thoracolumbar Segmental Spinal Dysgenesis: Optimal Type of Fusion.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate long-term results of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD).

METHODS: We analyzed 8 patients with thoracolumbar SSD treated in our institution. Each case was evaluated for specific clinical and radiologic criteria and types and outcomes of treatment.

RESULT: The average age of primary surgery was 3.4 years (median 3.4 years, range 1.7-7 years). The average correction of kyphosis was 49.3° (mean 45°, from 25°-75°) and scoliosis 10.6° (mean 10°, from 0°-25°). Average follow-up time was 3.2 years (mean 2.6 years, from 1.8-5.6 years). Neurologic improvement was also achieved in all patients. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score (Benzel's modification) was increased by 2.5 points on average (mean 2.5 points, from 2-5 points). One patient had complications: pseudarthrosis and rod fracture followed by refusion.

CONCLUSIONS: Our treatment strategy provides favorable deformity correction and neurologic improvement. It is limited by immature vertebral structures in newborns and infants, who should be carefully monitored from birth with braces until they reach the age when a fixing tool can be used.