Rib hump correction in patients with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis treated by the Cotrel-Duboussete method

Background. This article evaluates correction of rib hump in patients with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis who had been treated by the Cotrel-Dubousette method. Material and methods. We investigated 35 patients pre- and postoperatively in this study. Back surface measurements were studied pre- and postoperatively using our own device. Scoliosis correction was assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative x-rays. Results. We found reduced height, width, length, area of the bottom of the hump, angles of the slope of the humps, surface rotation angle, and difference between hump and depression. Localization of the hump was changed by bringing the top of the hump to the base line (C7-L4) and by displacing the top far from the C7 spinal process. Conclusions. The Cotrel-Dubousette method can be used to correct rib hump and change its localization. Few correlations were found between back surface measurement and radiological outcome.