Purpose:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often correspond with hypo thoracic kyphosis (TK) or even lordosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of posterior instrumentation in thoracic AIS.

Methods:

Analysis of prospectively collected AIS-data with structural thoracic curves (Lenke type 1 & 2), operated 2010-2019 with pedicle screw dual rod systems in one scoliosis center. Follow-up (FU) minimum 24 months. Coronal and sagittal angles measured based on standing long-cassette-X-rays: thoracic major (MC), proximal thoracic (PC) and lumbar curve (LC), TK, lumbar lordosis (LL).

Statistical analysis:

values as mean ± SD, differences by student’s t-test (significancy a = 0.05), Pearson’s correlation, sub-analysis with sagittal modifier (-, N, +).

Results:

A total of 127 AIS could be identified (63% type 1, 37% type 2). Mean FU 32.2 ± 16.6 months, mean age 14 ± 1.5 years. Mean Correction of MC 73 ± 12%, PC 51 ± 17%, LC 69 ± 21% with a significantly better correction of PC in Lenke 2 curves(p < 0.05). On average, TK (FU-preop) decreased by -2.1 ± 12.1°(p < 0.05) in all AIS. Whereas TK in type 1 was unchanged (p = 0.9), TK significantly decreased by - 6.0 ± 12.7°(p < 0.05) in type 2. No significant difference in LL. TK in hypokyphotic cases increased by 9.5 ± 5.5°(p < 0.05), stayed almost unchanged (- 1.4 ± 9.1°,p = 0.2) in normokyphotic, decreased by - 17.2 ± 14.2°(p < 0.05) in hyperkyphotic cases. Only hypokyphotic cases had a moderately strong correlation between correction of LC (r = 0.6) and PC (r = - 0.4) (frontal plane) and change from pre- to postoperative TK (sagittal plane) (r = 0.6). No relevant correlations for normo- and hyperkyphotic AIS. Postoperative hypokyphosis was significantly more often in Lenke 2 (16.3% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.05). Rod diameter (5,5 mm versus 6 mm) had no significant influence.

Conclusion:

Significant correction of hypo- and hyperkyphosis can be achieved with posterior spinal fusion (pedicle screw dual rod systems), whereas normokyphotic spines stay unchanged. However, Lenke 2 curves have a significantly higher risk for a postoperative thoracic hypokyphosis.