[Frontal and sagittal reconstruction of idiopathic scoliotic curves treated by the Cotrel-Dubousset operation]

The results of correction of 47 thoracic and thoracolumbar scolioses treated by Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation were analysed in the frontal and sagittal planes. The curves were of moderate degree and were flexible. Three groups were defined, based on the lateral angulation: A - Frankly lordotic : less than 10 degrees of kyphosis B - Midly lordotic : between 10 degrees and 20 degrees of kyphosis C - Near to normal : greater than 20 degrees of kyphosis. In the 3 groups, the Cotrel-Dubousset technique produced a constant improvement in the lateral views, becoming completely normal in groups B and C and approaching normality in group A. In the frontal plane, the correction was 69 per cent in group A, 64 per cent in group B and 58 per cent in group C. After a mean follow-up of 2 years, the post-operative loss of correction never exceeded 2 per cent. This initial study confirms the effectiveness of the CD system in the three-dimensional approach to the correction of thoracic and thoracolumbar curves.