[Anterior strut grafting in kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis (author's transl)]

The authors have reviewed 58 cases submitted to strut grafting in the concavity of the curve. There were 44 kyphoscolioses and 12 kyphoses. The average follow-up was more than two years and the average pre-operative deformity was 127 degrees. The average improvement was 38 degrees and the secondary loss was only 3 degrees. The results are analysed with regard to the surgical technique used. In some cases, posterior fixation was added and the graft was either from the tibia, the fibula or a rib. In 16 cases a secondary fracture of the graft was found. It appeared between the fourth and tenth post-operative months. During this period, reduction of the graft was seen. The graft was found to thicken later at about the eighteenth post-operative month. It is concluded that the technique is worthwhile provided it is associated with posterior internal fixation, and that an external brace is worn for at least eighteen months after operation.