Posterior releasing techniques for idiopathic scoliosis: microscopic discectomy and transverse process resection: a...

The authors describe techniques and preliminary results of two releasing procedures for idiopathic scoliosis, which can be performed concomitantly in the same stage of posterior instrumentation surgery. The transpedicular microscopic discectomy and transverse process resection were clinically applied for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Twelve patients were divided into three groups at random: Group A patients underwent no release, group B patients underwent transverse process resection, and group C patients underwent microscopic discectomy of three discs and transverse process resection, in combination. All patients were operated on with derotation procedure with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation simultaneously after each releasing procedure. The outcomes-curve correction, disc wedge angle, and rotational changes-were evaluated 12 months postoperatively. The mean correction rate of the Cobb angle in group C (78%) was higher than in groups A (54%) and B (64%). Correction of the disc wedge angle was also higher in group C compared with groups A and B. The authors conclude that microscopic discectomy appeared to be an effective releasing method for thoracic curve and that further investigation is necessary for accurate evaluation of the transverse process resection.