Surgical corrections in scoliosis: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of the acute correction outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is reported. Posterior instrumentation systems generally gave similar coronal plane corrections with average corrections for differing systems ranging from 48% to 67%. There was significant overlap of corrections reported for each of the systems. Anterior instrumentation gave better results with average corrections ranging from 71% to 93%. No instrumentation demonstrated a consistent ability to restore a normal thoracic kyphosis, but all seemed to maintain preoperative kyphosis measures. All systems, including newer multihook systems, showed a small loss of lumbar lordosis postoperatively. The available data demonstrates that no posterior implant produces vertebral derotation.