Evaluation of shoulder balance through growing rod intervention for early-onset scoliosis

Retrospective clinical study.

To compare the single and dual growing rod techniques with an emphasis on shoulder balance in the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis.

In the literature, there exist not much data about shoulder balance through growing rod intervention using either single or dual rods for progressive scoliosis in patients of young age.

A total of 20 patients with early-onset scoliosis who were treated surgically using growing rod techniques (11 patients: single rod group, 9 patients: dual rod group) were analyzed radiographically. Radiographical measures of shoulder balance (difference of coracoid process height, clavicula-tilt angle, and clavicula-rib cage intersection point) and scoliosis of both groups that were obtained in the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up period underwent statistical analysis in comparison with each other.

Both single and dual growing rod techniques improved the deformity correction, maintained the correction and allowed spinal growth in the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Single rod technique had a higher incidence of rod breakage. Both techniques effected the shoulder levels similarly.

When evaluated separately, single rod technique does improve shoulder balance significantly. For a more definitive evaluation, a comparison study having more patients in both groups is essential.