PLATE-ROD SPINAL SYSTEM (PRSS) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROGRESSIVE EARLY ONSET SCOLIOSIS

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and results of the plate-rod spinal system (PRSS) instrumentation in providing and maintaining scoliosis correction while allowing spinal growth in young children. Methods: From June 5, 2000, to July 10, 2006, a total of 23 patients with progressive early onset pediatric scoliosis underwent a one-stage PRSS procedure with no bony fusion. Analysis included age at surgery, measured changes in scoliosis angle, spinal growth, and complications. Results: The mean follow-up period was 2.8 ± 1.4 years, and more than 5 years in five cases. The mean correction varied from 80.7° to 30.5° after surgery, with a corrective rate of 62.2%. The average scoliotic curve in the latest follow-up was 34.7° (P > 0.05), indicting no significant loss of correction. The length of growth of the instrumented spine averaged 13.3 mm. No severe complications occurred in our series. Conclusion: The PRSS, which dispenses with bony fusion, is a safe and effective instrumentation for the management of juvenile scoliosis. It provides and maintains the desirable correction in a one-stage procedure, and allows continuous spinal growth.