SINGLE ROD TECHNIQUE FOR THE TREATMENT OF SCOLIOSIS – 5 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Objective: To assess the results of using multisegmental fixation with single rod for the treatment of scoliotic deformities.

Subjects: There were 120 patients treated in this study by single rod technique for scoliosis of different aetiologies. A group of 80 patients treated by double rod technique was used for comparison.

Outcome measures: Scoliosis is a complex 3-dimensional and segmental deformity of the spine. Surgical treatment is indicated mainly for a growing child with increasing curve or in already severe deformity. Multisegmental 3 dimensional correction gave better correction and fixation than the older systems. But it increased significantly the cost and difficulty of the procedure.(1,2)

Results: There were 120 patients (age: 3 to 19 years) treated by the single rod technique (group I) and compared with 80 patients treated by double rods (8 to 20 years) (group II). The preoperative curve for groups “I” ranged from 45 to 110 degrees with a mean of 61.4 degrees and 35 to 95 degrees with a mean of 54.7 degrees for group II. Group I curves showed flexibility range 21% to 78% with a mean of 47.8% and group II: 15% to 83% flexibility with a mean of 41.6%. The postoperative correction for group I ranged from 47.4% to 85.7% with a mean correction of 64.7% and for group II: 25% to 88.9% with a mean correction of 60.6%.

Conclusion: The use of a single rod for multisegmental fixation for scoliotic deformities reduced the operative time, blood loss and cost. The implant was less bulky with increased surface area available for grafting which gives a better fusion mass. The correction obtained was comparable with double rod technique.