title: Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by double approach in a single procedure: long-term follow-up.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective review of patients records with clinical and radiographic assessment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term result of thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection using a double approach in a single procedure.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by a combined posterior and anterior approach has been previously described, but this is the largest series of hemivertebrae reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 1987 to 2003, a consecutive series of 34 congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to thoracolumbar hemivertebrae were managed by hemivertebra resection using a combined posterior and anterior approach and short anterior and posterior convex fusion in the same day/same anesthesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age at surgery was 3.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 6.0 years. There was a mean improvement of 69.3% in the segmental curve from a mean angle of 34.8 degrees before surgery to 10.7 degrees at the latest follow-up assessment. The global scoliosis curve improved of 33.4% from 40.4 degrees to 26.9 degrees, respectively. Trunk shift was significantly improved. The mean final kyphosis was within normal values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This procedure is safe and offers a persistent correction with a short segment fusion. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities in order to avoid extensive fusions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Hôpital Timone Enfants, University of Marseille, Marseille, France. Gerard.bollini@ap-hm.fr
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bollini
authors.forename: Pierre-Louis
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Docquier
authors.forename: Elke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Viehweger
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Launay
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jouve
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome