The Universal Clamp hybrid system: a safe technique to correct deformity and restore kyphosis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a tridimensional deformity characterized by coronal and sagittal profiles changes. We present a series of 62 patients affected by AIS and treated by thoracic Universal Clamps and transpedicular lumbar screws hybrid system.


METHODS
Mean age was 13 years. Average pre-operative Cobb angle was 63° ± 12°. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the kyphosis angle: lower than 45° (51 patients, 82.3 %, mean 21° ± 3°) and higher than 45° (11 patients, 17.7 %, mean 62° ± 6°).


RESULTS
The average percentage of coronal correction was 70 ± 3 % (mean post-operative Cobb angle 19° ± 4°, P < 0.001). In patients with pre-operative physiological thoracic kyphosis-hypokyphosis, we observed an increase in the average value (32° ± 4°, P < 0.001), while in patients with pre-operative hyperkyphosis, mean decrease of thoracic kyphosis was 19° ± 3° (43° ± 4°, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This case-series study showed the efficacy and safety of Universal Clamp hybrid system in correcting coronal deformity and restoring physiological thoracic kyphosis in patients affected by AIS.
Orthopedic Unit, Department of Surgery and Transplant Center, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Palidoro (Rome), Via Torre di Palidoro snc, 00050, Fiumicino (Rome), Italy, guido.larosa@opbg.net.
Guido
G
La Rosa
Giancarlo
G
Giglio
Leonardo
L
Oggiano
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D065289:Pedicle Screws; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome