Hemivertebrae resection for unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae: is it worth it?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Spinal Surgery
• Scoliosis Research

Background:

• Multiple hemivertebrae can lead to significant spinal imbalance.
• Surgical correction is often necessary to prevent progressive deformity and associated complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of hemivertebra resection in correcting unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae.
• To assess spinal parameters in both coronal and sagittal planes post-surgery.
• To report complications associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 12 children with unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae.
• Surgery performed via combined anterior/posterior or posterior-only approaches.
• Mean follow-up of 48.7 months.

Main Results:

• Significant correction of main curve (80.0%), cranial (65.9%), and caudal (81.4%) curves.
• Improved coronal and sagittal balance.
• Complications (pedicle fractures, pseudarthrosis) occurred in 20% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Hemivertebra resection provides excellent spinal correction in both coronal and sagittal planes for unbalanced multiple hemivertebrae.
• Minimizing surgical complications requires meticulous technique and careful patient selection.