Abstract
Objective: Assessment of the outcome for spinal surgery in early onset deformity.
Design: Prospectively collected data on surface topography and respiratory function was analysed.
Subjects: Patients who underwent anterior and posterior spinal surgery before the age of 10 years for non-congenital deformity with special regard to cosmesis and respiratory function.
Outcome measures: Surface topography and respiratory function.
Results: In 10 children with pre-operative surface topography, surgery produced only an apparent reduction in the spinal angle. In the larger group, N=25, who have serial topography post-operatively (mean topographic follow-up 3.5 yrs, SD 1.55), the Suzuki hump sum (a measure of rib hump and back asymmetry) had increased significantly by a mean of 6.9 (SD 14.3, t=2.424, P=0.023). Respiratory function declined. Cobb angles varied in stability but usually increased initially. Trunk balance was maintained.
Conclusion: Surgery in early onset spinal deformity offers mechanical correction of deformity and a promise of no further progression, while also intending to preserve respiratory function into adult life, thus reducing morbidity and early mortality. Initial findings suggest that this is not so: while Cobb angle and trunk balance may be stabilised, the rib hump continues to increase and respiratory function to decline.
Abstracts prepared by Mr. A. J. Stirling, FRCS, and Miss A. Weaver. Correspondence should be addressed to Miss A. Weaver at the Research and Teaching Centre, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK
BritSpine 2002, the second combined meeting of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons, the British Cervical Spine Society, The British Scoliosis Society and the Society for Back Pain Research, took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham UK between 27th February and 1st March 2002. The following presentations and posters were given and displayed.
