Operative treatment of scoliosis with the Kaneda anterior spine system.
METHODS
Prospective, single-cohort study.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate thoracic and thoracolumbar scoliosis using the Kaneda anterior spine dual-rod system (KASS).


BACKGROUND
In selected cases, anterior correction of scoliosis has several advantages over the traditional posterior instrumentation. Other than 2 primary reports by Kaneda, there are no clinical outcome reports with the KASS in the literature.


METHODS
A total of 24 patients with thoracic (n = 10)/thoracolumbar (n = 14) scoliosis were corrected using the KASS. Sagittal and coronal plane radiologic parameters were evaluated before surgery, 1-year after surgery, and at final follow-up (approximately 40 months).


RESULTS
Average coronal correction of the primary curve was from 61 degrees to 24 degrees (61%). Apical vertebral rotation decreased by 69%. Apical vertebral translation decreased 10-2 cm. The secondary thoracic and lumbar curves showed a spontaneous correction between 27% and 46%, respectively. Thoracic kyphosis increased 25 degrees -38 degrees (52%), lumbar lordosis showed a minimal decrease from 48 degrees to 43 degrees . Fusion was achieved in all cases. No neurovascular or implant-related problems were observed at final follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior instrumented fusion for thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis using the KASS is a good treatment option for idiopathic thoracic/thoracolumbar curves.
Saraph
Vinay J
VJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria. vinay.saraph@chello.at
Krismer
Martin
M
Wimmer
Cornelius
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome