Comparison of novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tape versus conventional metal wire for sublaminar segmental fixation in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
METHODS
Retrospective study.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the surgical outcomes of posterior translational correction and fusion using hybrid instrumentation systems with either sublaminar Nesplon tape or sublaminar metal wire to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).


BACKGROUND
Nesplon tape, which consists of a thread of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, has advantages over metal wire: (1) its soft and flexible properties avoid neural damage and (2) its flat configuration avoids focal distribution of the stresses to lamina; however, the efficacy of Nesplon tape in the correction of spinal deformity is as yet, still unclear.


METHODS
Thirty AIS patients at a single institution underwent posterior correction and fusion using hybrid instrumentation containing hook, pedicle screw, and either sublaminar polyethylene taping (15) or sublaminar metal wiring (15). Patients were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at a 2-year follow-up according to the radiographic changes in curve correction, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and the Scoliosis Research Society patient questionnaire (SRS-24) score.


RESULTS
The average correction rate was 63.0% in the Nesplon tape group and 59.9% in the metal wire group immediately after surgery (P = 0.62). Fusion was obtained in all the patients without significant correction loss in both groups. There was no significant difference in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative SRS-24 scores between the 2 groups. Complications were superficial skin infection in a single patient in the Nesplon tape group, and transient sensory disturbance in 1 patient and temporal superior mesenteric artery syndrome in another patient in the metal wire group.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of Nesplon tape in correction of deformity is equivalent to that of metal wire, and fusion was completed without significant correction loss. The soft and flexible properties and flat configuration of Nesplon tape make this a safe application for the treatment of AIS with bone fragility or with the fusion areas containing the spinal cord.
Takahata
Masahiko
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan. takamasa@med.hokudai.ac.jp
Ito
Manabu
M
Abumi
Kuniyoshi
K
Kotani
Yoshihisa
Y
Sudo
Hideki
H
Ohshima
Shigeki
S
Minami
Akio
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D011095:Polyethylenes; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D053832:Surgical Tape; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011095:Polyethylenes; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene