title: [2- to 4-year outcome of dorsal double rod instrumentation spondylodesis in idiopathic scoliosis].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In order to evaluate the results of posterior correction and fusion using the Münster Posterior Doublerod-System (MPDS) 48 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were studied prospectively.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients underwent clinical examination and radiological analysis of the frontal and sagittal plane preoperatively, postoperatively and at follow-up (2-4 years). Pedicle screws were used at the lumbar and thoracolumbar spine exclusively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The preoperative average Cobb angle was 61.4 degrees with an average flexibility of 36.8% to 38.8 degrees. The average postoperative Cobb angle was 24.8 degrees (59.6%) with an average loss of correction of 2.6 degrees Cobb angle (3.6%). Due to the use of thoracolumbar and lumbar pedicle screws instrumented fusion could be stopped at the lower endvertebra in 71%. Patients in whom only pedicle screws had been used improved correction of frontal plane could be shown compared to combined instrumentations with hooks and screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The posterior instrumentation guarantees primary stability with good results of correction and allows brace free treatment postoperatively. The postoperative correction compared to the results at follow-up proves the stability of the instrumentation largely. The results of mainly pedicle screw based instrumentations verify that an improved correction can be achieved. In most cases fusion levels end at the lower end vertebra and therefore are shorter compared to instrumentation's based on hooks only.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine Orthopädie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Niemeyer
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Liljenqvist
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Halm
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Winkelmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome