title: Could structural and noncompensatory Lenke 3 and 4C lumbar curves be nonstructural and compensatory? Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4 curve types were similar and could be considered collectively as a single indication for selective thoracic fusion.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective radiographical review.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate that the structural and noncompensatory Lenke 3 and 4C lumbar curves could be nonstructural and compensatory.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Historically, Lenke 3 and 4C curves were not recommended for selective thoracic fusion (STF) because the lumbar curve was considered structural and noncompensatory. However, consecutive series of Lenke 3 and 4C curves suggest successful treatment with STF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2001 and 2004, 2005 and 2008, and 2010 and 2012, 3 consecutive series of 108, 134, and 78 surgically treated Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4C curves were reviewed, respectively. The coronal curve criteria for the curves treated with STF during each period were lumbar side bending Cobb angle less than 25° and meeting the Lenke ratio criteria, lumbar side bending Cobb angle 35° or less, and lumbar side bending Cobb angle 45° or less, respectively. The sagittal curve criteria for STF during each period was absence of junctional thoracolumbar kyphosis 20° or more between T10 and L2. The technique used for STF was the Guan-Din method. Radiographs of all the curves treated with STF were analyzed before and after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Optimal instrumented thoracic and compensatory lumbar correction was obtained for all Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4C curves treated with STF in each period. As the coronal criteria for STF were broadened, the extent of feasibility of STF was expanded and the rate of STF increased. Although Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation, and apical vertebral rotation magnitudes of Lenke 3 and 4C curves were larger and more severe than those of Lenke 1 and 2C curves, optimal compensatory correction could still be obtained for Lenke 3 and 4C curves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The structural and noncompensatory Lenke 3 and 4C lumbar curves were proven to be nonstructural and compensatory. Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4C curves have similar natures and similar responses to the same technique (Guan-Din method) used for STF and could be considered collectively as a single indication for STF. The extent of feasibility of STF could be expanded from Lenke 1 and 2 curves to Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4 curves.
  
  
  METHODS
  2.
authors: *Taiwan Spine Center, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China †Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese medicine, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
authors: Kao-Wha
authors: KW
authors: Chang
authors: Yin-Yu
authors: YY
authors: Chen
authors: Chi-Ming
authors: CM
authors: Wu
authors: Xiangyang
authors: X
authors: Leng
authors: Tsung-Chein
authors: TC
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013121:Spinal Curvatures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*