Reversing the concept: correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the convex rod de-rotation maneuver

To show the radiological results of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with posterior fusion using all-pedicle-screw construct with correction carried out using a convex rod reduction technique. Between October 2004 and June 2007, 42 AIS patients were treated with posterior fusion using all-pedicle-screw construct with correction done through the convex side. Two patients were lost to follow-up and were not included in the study. Forty patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were evaluated for the deformity correction in coronal and sagittal planes and for spinal balance. The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve and secondary minor curves was 60A degrees and 41A degrees, respectively. Immediate postoperative mean Cobb angle of the major curve and secondary minor curves was 17A degrees and 13A degrees, respectively. Postoperative 2-year average major curve loss of correction was 7 %. Postoperative 2-year average minor curve loss of correction was 5 %. Preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 28A degrees was changed to 22A degrees in 2-years follow-up. The loss of thoracic kyphosis was most noted in hyperkyphotic patients. The correction of AIS by convex-sided pedicular screws yields a coronal correction comparable to what is described in the literature for segmental concave-sided screws.