Efficacy of distal pedicle screw fixation as a caudal foundation in VEPTR growing rod constructs for early onset scoliosis

Purpose Surgical treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) is challenging. Stable and robust foundations are vital. We have assessed a small cohort of patients with a rib-based proximal fixation and a pedicle screw-based distal foundation for a distraction based growing rod system. Method This is a single center study in a tertiary spinal deformity unit with a catchment population of over 6 million. We performed a retrospective radiographic evaluation of 15 patients with EOS treated with Vertical Expandable Titanium Prosthetic Rib (VEPTR) implant between 2007 and 2017. The review of medical records and imaging data was performed to identify growth of the spine and complications with pedicle screws. Results There were ten male and five female patients with an average age at index surgery of 4yrs 11 months. Mean length of follow-up was 6 yrs 9 months. Serial radiographs revealed improvements in mean Cobb angle of 12 degrees, T1-T12 height of 29 mm and T1-S1 height of 48 mm with no deterioration in distal LIV tilt angle. We report that none of these patients had any complications related to their pedicle screws including cut-out. Conclusion We report a technique which is efficacious and provides a mechanically robust distal fixation for VEPTR lengthening in early onset scoliosis.