Mesh cages in idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents

Since 1995, titanium mesh cages have been used in the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine for instrumented anterior spinal fusions in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. One hundred thirty patients had 451 fusion levels with cages. Radiographic results show acceptable coronal correction with maintained or improved thoracolumbar and lumbar lordotic sagittal alignment. The pseudarthrosis rate has been 3% per patient (four of 130 patients) and 0.08% per fusion level with a cage (four of 451 levels). The authors think that the use of titanium mesh cages anteriorly with single or dual rod anterior instrumentation systems provide for adequate lordotic sagittal alignment and an acceptable pseudarthrosis rate.