Outcomes of Lumbosacral Hemivertebra Resection and Short Segmental Fusion to Skeletal Maturity

The present study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of lumbosacral hemivertebra (LSHV) resection and short segmental fusion in a pediatric population and to assess the evolution of deformity curves.

Patients who sought medical attention at our institution between 2010 and 2018 were assessed for eligibility. A classification of R10 and U9 or higher for the distal radius and ulna, respectively, was used to indicate maturity. Imaging parameters and quality-of-life scores were recorded at postoperative follow-up visits. Analyses were performed for the entire group and for subgroups of patients with and without a curve progression.

A total of 15 male and 15 female patients were included, with a mean age of 6.9 ± 2.4 years at the time of surgery. The main curve averaged 26.6° ± 6.5° preoperatively, 7.5° ± 4.6° (p < 0.001) at 3 months postoperatively, and 8.6° ± 3.2° (p = 0.205) at the latest follow-up. In the coronal plane, the coronal balance averaged 21.3 ± 16.7 mm preoperatively, 11.4 ± 8.5 mm (p = 0.007) at 3 months postoperatively, and 11.2 ± 8.9 mm (p = 0.858) at the latest follow-up. A total of 7 complications were recorded in 6 patients (20.0%). The Scoliosis Research Society 22-Item Questionnaire (SRS-22) total score (p < 0.001), appearance score (p < 0.001), and satisfaction score (p < 0.001) were all significantly different from preoperatively to postoperatively. Compared with the compensatory curve progression group, the non-progression group had a higher SRS total score (p = 0.013) and satisfaction (p < 0.001).

For pediatric patients <10 years old, LSHV resection and short segmental fusion could provide correction and global spine balance improvement. However, the observed loss of correction in the compensatory curve in some patients during the follow-up may compromise the satisfaction.

Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.