Spinous process segmental instrumentation for scoliosis

Spinous process segmental instrumentation (SPSI) for spinal fusion was devised in 1983 by Drummond et al. in an attempt to achieve the stability of segmental fixation without the known neurologic risks of passing sublaminar wires. We used SPSI in 75 scoliosis patients. Sixty-one had idiopathic scoliosis, 12 had neurogenic scoliosis, and 2 had congenital scoliosis. There were no deep infections, pseudarthroses, or neurologic complications. Two patients experienced upper hook dislodgement with 10 degrees loss of correction. We concluded that SPSI can achieve the correction of Harrington rod instrumentation and the stability of Luque rod segmental instrumentation, without the neurologic risk of sublaminar wiring.