A new technique for the surgical management of deformities in the growing spine

The Luque procedure was developed to correct the deformity without the need of bracing and maintaining that correction with growth. However many authors are disappointed by their results and the complications which appear in the management of infantile scoliosis with Luque trolley alone. Besides failed implants, pseudarthrosis, modest spinal growth and protuberant rods and wires, the major problem of the Luque systems is the high incidence of loss of correction by postoperative rotation. Therefore a new application technique is recommended. A standard posterior extraperiostal approach is chosen. Sublaminar titanium cables are passed at each level except the caudal lamina. Then the rods are precontoured in shape of the planed curve correction. We use a low profile titanium instrumentation with 5.0 mm diameter rods and 4.2 mm pedicle screws. In contrast to the conventional use of two antiparallel "L"-rods we recommend the use of one reversed "U"-rod securing the laminae with sublaminar titanium cables of the upper end vertebrae. For fixation of the lower spine a dual-opening pedicle screw system is used. Using a holding forceps the distal rods are introduced and fixed into the side opening of the screws then secured by sublaminar wires. In addition both single rods are stabilized by a low profile cross link bar. This technique allows to correct pelvic obliquity and a stable anchorage of two screws reduces risk of postoperatively rotation or caudal rod slippage due to gravity forces.