Abstract
Introduction
Different Instrumentation systems has been developed for the surgical correction of Adolescent idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with different deformity correction techniques.
Material and Method: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare top loading to side-loading instrumentation systems used in the surgical treatment of AIS looking at the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes as well as the cost difference between different systems. Thirty matched surgically treated female patients were assigned to 2 groups, group one were treated using a top loading system and in group 2 a side-loading spinal instrumentation system was used. The groups were evaluated for curve magnitude, percent correction, functional outcome using the scoliosis research society questionnaire-30.
Results
both groups were similar in their demographic data, preoperative clinical and functional variables. The cost of instrumentation was significantly higher in group 2. At 2 years follow up: both groups have significant improvement in all domaines of Scoliosis Research Society score-30. Group 1 had a better (not significant) correction of the rib hump and both groups had similar percent correction of the main curve.
Conclusion
The surgical treatment of AIS with side loading systems was significantly more expensive but had statstically similar functional and radiographic results to the top loading system. The top loading system achieved better correction of the rib hump.