Innovative technique for early-onset scoliosis casting using Jackson table

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Spinal deformities

Background:

• Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) poses risks to pulmonary function.
• Serial elongation, derotation, and flexion (EDF) casting is a key treatment for EOS.
• Specialized casting tables are often required but not universally available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate an innovative EDF casting technique using a modified Jackson table (MJ).
• To compare the efficacy and safety of EDF casting on an MJ table versus a Risser frame (RF).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 25 patients undergoing 77 EDF casting events (2015-2019).
• Stratification of patients based on the table used: modified Jackson (MJ) or Risser frame (RF).
• Comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes, including Cobb angle correction and complications.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in age, initial Cobb angle, or idiopathic scoliosis rates between MJ and RF groups.
• Equivalent initial and 1-year coronal Cobb angle correction percentages for both table types.
• The MJ group showed a significant reduction in surgical time (11 minutes shorter) with no difference in cast complications.

Conclusions:

• The modified Jackson table is a safe and effective alternative for EDF casting under traction.
• This technique eliminates the need for specialized casting tables, increasing accessibility.
• EDF casting on an MJ table achieves comparable results to traditional methods with improved efficiency.