The safety and efficacy of spinal instrumentation in children with congenital spine deformities.
METHODS
A retrospective radiographic and chart review of patients who underwent operative treatment with the use of reduced size spinal instrumentation for congenital spine deformities


OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of spinal instrumentation in young patients who were operated on for a congenital spine deformity.


BACKGROUND
The use of spinal instrumentation has been shown to improve curve correction and arthrodesis rates in spinal deformity surgery. The advent of reduced-size implants has allowed surgeons to expand the use of instrumentation in pediatric patients. The use of reduced-size spinal instrumentation in children with congenital spine deformities has not been well documented.


METHODS
We retrospectively investigated the use of spinal instrumentation in 40 patients younger than 8 years with a congenital spine deformity. The review of radiographs and medical records was performed to assess the complications associated with instrumentation, the curve correction, and the arthrodesis rate in this patient population.


RESULTS
The complications associated with the use of instrumentation in this group of patients were infrequent. Curve correction was excellent, and the sagittal profile was maintained in all patients at an average follow-up of greater than 3 years. All patients obtained a solid arthrodesis.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of reduced-size spinal instrumentation in young patients is safe and efficacious. Curve correction, length of immobilization, and fusion rate are improved compared to similar patients in the literature treated without instrumentation.
Hedequist
Daniel J
DJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. daniel.hedequist@childrens.harvard.edu
Hall
John E
JE
Emans
John B
JB
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome