title: The importance and efficacy of posterior only instrumentation and fusion for severe idiopathic scoliosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis (IS), posterior only     instrumentation and fusion can provide satisfactory reduction. However in severe     and rigid curvatures, combined anterior and posterior fusion is generally     required. In this study we have aimed to evaluate the efficacy of posterior only     instrumentation in severe thoracolumbar scoliosis clinically and radiologically     and compare these results with the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this     retrospective study, 29 consecutive patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis     who underwent posterior only instrumentation and fusion between March 2003 and     February 2011 were included the study. Radiological evaluation was performed     with preoperative, postoperative and folllow up standing AP and lateral x-rays.     Clinical evaluation was made with shoulder balance and trunk shift. REAULTS:     Major curve magnitude decreased to 24,1° and compensatory curve magnitude     decreased to 12.20° at postoperative period. There was no significant difference     in sagittal plane angles. Major curve correction rate was %68,65 in screw only     instrumentation and % 65 in hybrid instrumentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transpedicular     screw instrumentation in severe IS is a safe and effective method in proper     hands when flexibility of the curve evaluated accurately in preoperative period.
authors.affiliation: Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ankara, Turkey. tolgaege77@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Tolga
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ege
authors.forename: Serkan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bilgic
authors.forename: Omer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ersen
authors.forename: Yuksel
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yurttas
authors.forename: Erbil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oguz
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sehirlioglu
authors.forename: Atilla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kazanci
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D016208:Databases, Factual; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult