The Treatment of Large (>70°) Thoracic Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves With Posterior Instrumentation and Arthrodesis: When is Anterior Release Indicated?

Abstract

Using posterior surgery only, we have been able to at least equal the results reported in the literature by investigators using combined approaches. Isolated posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis achieve satisfactory cosmetic, radiographic, and patient-based outcomes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis with thoracic curves 70 degrees-90 degrees, without the added expense and morbidity of anterior release.