Leeds procedure--a treatment modality for scoliosis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Deformity Correction

Background:

• Scoliosis presents significant challenges in growing individuals, often requiring surgical intervention for severe curves.
• Late presentation with severe deformities is common in certain regions due to lower health awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the Leeds procedure for treating severe scoliosis in adolescents and young adults.
• To assess the degree of deformity correction and patient satisfaction following the surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of forty patients (10-25 years) with severe scoliosis (Cobb angles 52°-98°) underwent the Leeds procedure.
• The Leeds procedure involved anterior loosening, posterior Harrington fixation, Luque derotation, fusion, and costoplasty.

Main Results:

• An average correction of 45% for the spinal deformity was achieved post-surgery.
• Sixty percent of patients and their parents reported good satisfaction levels.
• The majority of curves treated were thoracic (60%) and right-sided (72%).

Conclusions:

• Anterior spinal surgery, like the Leeds procedure, is an effective treatment for severe scoliosis, particularly in cases presenting late with significant deformities.
• Combined anterior and posterior approaches offer better cosmetic correction and less pulmonary function decrease compared to costoplasty alone.
• Careful preoperative evaluation is crucial to balance the risks and rewards of anterior spinal surgery for scoliosis.