title: Choosing fusion levels in progressive thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.
abstract: The selection of fusion levels in thoracic idiopathic scoliosis was subjected to multicenter retrospective review to test the validity of the classification system and recommendations of King et al. The 253 patients reviewed were treated by posterior fusion and Harrington instrumentation. Bending films were of little help in selecting fusion levels. Standing radiographs alone were usually adequate. King Type II curves may yield better lumbar correction if the lumbar curve is partially included in the fusion. Type IV curves may be safely fused one level proximal to the stable vertebrae.
authors.affiliation: Orlando Regional Medical Center, Florida.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Knapp
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Coonrad
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Flynn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*