Super Hybrid Method of scoliosis correction: minimum 2-year follow-up

We applied a new surgical technique utilizing conventional hybrid instrumentation to achieve better correction of trunk deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The purpose of this study is to introduce our "Super Hybrid Method" and to analyze the results at minimum 2-year follow-up. The technique consists of rib mobilization (2006), a rod rotation maneuver (1997) and a hook rotation maneuver (2007). Forty-four idiopathic cases (female: 43) with minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed (24-39 months, average 32). The average age at surgery was 20.4 years (12-57). The average pre-operative Cobb angle was 56.7 degrees (40-93). The average pre-operative rib hump was 23.2mm in height and 14.3 degrees by scoliometer. The average post-op Cobb angle was 13.3 degrees at 3 weeks and 18.1 degrees at follow-up. The average initial overall correction at 3 weeks post-op was 78% (83% for age<18, 73% for age < or =18) and 70% at later follow up (75% for age<18, 67% for age < or =18). The average rib hump 2 years post-operatively was 12.4mm in height and 7.3 degrees. Sixty nine percent of patients (18/26) with a pre-operative rib hump < or =20mm (20-49) had a decrease in hump height by more than 10mm (10-34). In Moiré analysis, the hump-sum measure (Suzuki) showed a statistically significant decrease from 13.4 preoperatively to 9.2 at 1 year post-op (p<0.001). Correction of deformity was excellent with our new technique. It is a less expensive procedure and carries little inherent risks.