Dual growing rod in the treatment of severe early onset scoliosis: a clinical study

English Keywords:Early onset scoliosis  Growing rod  Pulmonary function  Complication

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives： To analyze the clinical effect of dual growing rod in the treatment of severe early onset scoliosis patients(Cobb＞80°), and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of application. Methods： From January 2007 to June 2015, 25 patients(12 males and 13 females, Risser≤Ⅰ) who were diagnosed with severe early onset scoliosis and undergone the operation by using dual growing rod in our department were selected in our study. The Cobb angle of major curve, T1-S1 height, the maximum kyphosis angle in sagittal plane were measured. After all, the changes of these parameters were analyzed. Meanwhile, pulmonary function tests of all patients were collected before the initial operation, 6 months after the initial operation and at final follow-up. And the lung volumes of patients were measured before the initial operation, after the initial operation and at final follow-up. Then the change of pulmonary function were analyzed. Complications occurred during the period of treatment were analyzed. Results： The age of patients was 7.8±1.4 years old(range, 5-9 years old), while the follow-up period was from 22 months to 54 months, and the mean was 40.3±13.1 months. All the patients had undergone surgery for 3 to 7 times(mean, 3.2 times). The Cobb angle improved from 96.7°±15.5° to 50.7°±16.1° after initial surgery and to 40.3°±10.9° at final follow-up. Similarly, the T1~S1 height improved from 23.2±3.5cm to 31.1±3.8cm after initial surgery and to 36.5±4.2cm at final follow-up. While the maximum kyphosis angle in sagittal plane decreased from 73.2°±18.9° to 47.7°±15.8° and to 41.2°±11.6° at final follow-up. At final follow-up, the pulmonary function and lung volume improved significantly. While, complications related with fixation occurred in 7 patients(8 times). Conclusions: The dual growing rod is effective in treatment for severe early onset scoliosis and appropriate for improving and maintaining the pulmonary function as well. The rate of incidence of complication is acceptable.