Segmental instrumentation without fusion in children with progressive scoliosis

Nine young children had segmental spinal stabilization without fusion for progressive scoliosis. External bracing was not used. There were no immediate complications, but at a mean follow-up of 28 months, the mean loss of correction was 32% and only four patients maintained the initial correction. The mean interval spinal growth was only 0.8 cm. Rods failed in three patients, requiring revision and fusion. Thus, the early results of this technique are discouraging.