Optimal Lowest Instrumented Vertebra for Thoracic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Retrospective cohort chart review.

To determine the optimal lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) following posterior segmental spinal instrumented fusion (PSSIF) of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with LIV at L2 or above.

Few studies evaluate the optimal LIV based on rotation or center sacral vertical line (CSVL).

A radiographic assessment of 544 thoracic major AIS patients (average age 14.7 years) with minimum 2 years' follow-up (average 4.1 years) after PSSIF was performed. The LIV was divided by CSVL: stable vertebra 1 (SV-1) if the CSVL fell between the medial walls of the LIV pedicles; SV-2 if between stable vertebra 1 and 3; and SV-3 if the CSVL did not touch the LIV. LIV was divided by rotation into: neutral vertebra 0 (NV-0) if the LIV was at or distal to the neutral vertebra; NV-1 if one vertebra proximal to the NV; NV-2 if two vertebrae proximal; and NV-3 if three vertebrae proximal to the NV.

The prevalence of adding-on (AO) or distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) at ultimate follow-up was 13.6%. Patients with AO or DJK had a higher rate of open triradiate cartilage, LIV not touching the CSVL, and more proximal to the NV (p < .05). Risk factors were SV-3 (39% vs. SV-2 14%, SV-1 9%, p < .05), NV-3 (35% vs. NV-2 9%, NV-1 6%, NV-0 12%, p = .000), open triradiate cartilage (43% vs. closed 13%, p < .05), lumbar C modifier (22% vs. B modifier 8%, A modifier 13%, p < .05), and Risser stage 0 (19% vs. 12% Risser 1-5, p < .05).

The prevalence of AO or DJK at ultimate follow-up of PSSIF for AIS with LIV at L2 or above was 13.6%. Risk factors included the CSVL outside the LIV, LIV 3 or more proximal to the NV, open triradiate cartilage, lumbar C modifier, and Risser stage 0.

Level IV.