Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Selective versus hyperselective posterior fusions in Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes

  • Original Article
  • Published:
European Spine Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Recent literature has reported that the ]progression risk of Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) during adulthood had been underestimated. Surgery is, therefore, proposed more to young patients with progressive curves. However, choice of the approach and fusion levels remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the length of posterior fusion on clinical and radiological outcomes in Lenke 5 AIS.

Methods

All Lenke 5 AIS operated between 2008 and 2012 were included with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the length of fusion. In the first group (selective), the upper instrumented level (UIV) was the upper end vertebra of the main structural curve and distally the fusion was extended to the stable and neutral vertebra, according to Lenke’s classification. In the second group (hyperselective), shorter fusions were performed and the number of levels fused depended on the location of the apex of the curve (at maximum, 2 levels above and below, according to Hall’s criteria). Apart from the fusion level selection, the surgical procedure was similar in both groups. Radiological outcomes and SRS-22 scores were reported.

Results

78 patients were included (35 selective and 43 hyperselective). The number of levels fused was significantly higher in the first group (7.8 ± 3 vs 4.3 ± 0.6). None of the patients was fused to L4 in selective group. No correlation was found between length of fusion and complication rate. Eight patients had adding-on phenomenon among which 6 (75%) had initially undergone hyperselective fusions and had significantly higher postoperative lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt. In the adding-on group, LIV was located above the last touching vertebra (LTV) in 62.5% of the cases and above the stable vertebra (SV) in 87.5%. Patients in the selective group reported a significantly lower score in the SRS function domain.

Conclusion

Coronal alignment was restored in both groups. Hyperselective posterior fusions can be considered in Lenke 5 AIS, preserving one or two mobile segments, with similar clinical and radiological outcomes. However, selection of the LIV according to SV and LTV need to be accurately analyzed in order to avoid adding-on during follow-up.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Pesenti S, Jouve J-L, Morin C, Wolff S, Sales de Gauzy J, Chalopin A et al (2015) Evolution of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a multicenter study at 20 years’ follow-up. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 101:619–622

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Ilharreborde B, Morel E, Mazda K, Dekutoski MB (2009) Adjacent segment disease after instrumented fusion for idiopathic scoliosis: review of current trends and controversies. J Spinal Disord Tech. 22(7):530–539

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Danielsson AJ, Nachemson AL (2003) Back pain and function 23 years after fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study—part II. Spine 28(18):E373–E383

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Sanchez-Raya J, Bago J, Pellise F, Cuxart A, Villanueva C (2012) Does the lower instrumented vertebra have an effect on lumbar mobility, subjective perception of trunk flexibility, and quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated by spinal fusion? J Spinal Disord Tech 25(8):437–442

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Paonessa KJ, Engler GL (1992) Back pain and disability after Harrington rod fusion to the lumbar spine for scoliosis. Spine 17(8 Suppl):S249–S253

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Pérez-Grueso FS, Fernández-Baíllo N, Arauz de Robles S, García Fernández A (2000) The low lumbar spine below Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation: long-term findings. Spine 25(18):2333–2341

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Takayama K, Nakamura H, Matsuda H (2009) Quality of life in patients treated surgically for scoliosis: longer than sixteen-year follow-up. Spine 34(20):2179–2184

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Helenius I, Remes V, Yrjönen T, Ylikoski M, Schlenzka D, Helenius M et al (2002) Comparison of long-term functional and radiologic outcomes after Harrington instrumentation and spondylodesis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a review of 78 patients. Spine 27(2):176–180

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Ding R, Liang J, Qiu G, Shen J, Li Z (2014) Evaluation of quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with different distal fusion level: a comparison of L3 versus L4. J Spinal Disord Tech. 27(5):E155–E161

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Hall JE (1972) The anterior approach to spinal deformities. Orthop Clin North Am 3(1):81–98

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Yu B, Wang Y, Qiu G, Zhang J, Shen J, Li Q et al (2009) Comparison of correction outcomes after anterior or posterior approach with lowest and vertebra instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 89(37):2621–2625

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Matsumoto M, Watanabe K, Hosogane N, Kawakami N, Tsuji T, Uno K et al (2013) Postoperative distal adding-on and related factors in Lenke type 1A curve. Spine 38(9):737–744

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Koller H, Meier O, Hitzl W (2014) Criteria for successful correction of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in AIS patients: results of risk model calculations using target outcomes and failure analysis. Eur Spine J 23(12):2658–2671

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Kim S-S, Lim D-J, Kim J-H, Kim J-W, Um K-S, Ahn S-H et al (2014) Determination of the distal fusion level in the management of thoracolumbar and lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using pedicle screw instrumentation. Asian Spine J 8(6):804

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Li J, Hwang SW, Shi Z, Yan N, Yang C, Wang C et al (2011) Analysis of radiographic parameters relevant to the lowest instrumented vertebrae and postoperative coronal balance in Lenke 5C patients. Spine 36(20):1673–1678

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Nash CL, Moe JH (1969) A study of vertebral rotation. J Bone Jt Surg Am 51(2):223–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Bernstein RM, Hall JE (1998) Solid rod short segment anterior fusion in thoracolumbar scoliosis. J Pediatr Orthop Part B. 7(2):124–131

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Faro FD, Marks MC, Pawelek J, Newton PO (2004) Evaluation of a functional position for lateral radiograph acquisition in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine 29(20):2284–2289

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Lenke LG, Betz RR, Harms J, Bridwell KH, Clements DH, Lowe TG et al (2001) Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a new classification to determine extent of spinal arthrodesis. J Bone Jt Surg Am 83A(8):1169–1181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Berjano P, Cecchinato R, Damilano M, Morselli C, Sansone V, Lamartina C (2013) Preoperative calculation of the necessary correction in sagittal imbalance surgery: validation of three predictive methods. Eur Spine J 22(Suppl 6):S847–S852

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Lamartina C, Berjano P, Petruzzi M, Sinigaglia A, Casero G, Cecchinato R et al (2012) Criteria to restore the sagittal balance in deformity and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Eur Spine J 21(Suppl 1):S27–S31

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Vialle R, Levassor N, Rillardon L, Templier A, Skalli W, Guigui P (2005) Radiographic analysis of the sagittal alignment and balance of the spine in asymptomatic subjects. J Bone Jt Surg Am 87(2):260–267

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Lonjon G, Ilharreborde B, Odent T, Moreau S, Glorion C, Mazda K (2014) Reliability and validity of the French–Canadian version of the scoliosis research society 22 questionnaire in France. Spine 39(1):E26–E34

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Wang Y, Bünger CE, Zhang Y, Wu C, Li H, Hansen ES (2013) Distal adding-on in Lenke 1A scoliosis: how to more effectively determine the onset of distal adding-on. Spine 38(6):490–495

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Helgeson MD, Shah SA, Newton PO, Clements DH, Betz RR, Marks MC et al (2010) Evaluation of proximal junctional kyphosis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis following pedicle screw, hook, or hybrid instrumentation. Spine 35(2):177–181

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Kim Y-C, Lenke LG, Bridwell KH, Hyun S-J, You K-H, Kim Y-W et al (2016) Results of revision surgery for proximal junctional kyphosis following posterior segmental instrumentation: minimum 2-year post-revision follow-up. Spine 41:E1444–E1452

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Marty-Poumarat C, Scattin L, Marpeau M, Garreau de Loubresse C, Aegerter P (2007) Natural history of progressive adult scoliosis. Spine 32(11):1227–1234 (discussion 1235)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Jackson RP, McManus AC (1994) Radiographic analysis of sagittal plane alignment and balance in standing volunteers and patients with low back pain matched for age, sex, and size. A prospective controlled clinical study. Spine 19(14):1611–1618

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Chang DG, Yang JH, Suk SI, Suh SW, Kim YH, Cho W et al (2016) Importance of distal fusion level in major thoracolumbar and lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by rod derotation and direct vertebral rotation following pedicle screw instrumentation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001998

    PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Yang C, Zhao Y, Zhai X, Li J, Zhu X, Li M (2016) Coronal balance in idiopathic scoliosis: a radiological study after posterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (Lenke 5 or 6). Eur Spine J. doi:10.1007/s00586-016-4844-2

    Google Scholar 

  31. Lee CS, Ha J-K, Hwang CJ, Lee D-H, Kim TH, Cho JH (2016) Is it enough to stop distal fusion at L3 in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with major thoracolumbar/lumbar curves? Eur Spine J 25(10):3256–3264

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Sudo H, Ito M, Kaneda K, Shono Y, Abumi K (2013) Long-term outcomes of anterior dual-rod instrumentation for thoracolumbar and lumbar curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a twelve to twenty-three-year follow-up study. J Bone Jt Surg Am. 95(8):e49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Green DW, Lawhorne TW, Widmann RF, Kepler CK, Ahern C, Mintz DN et al (2011) Long-term magnetic resonance imaging follow-up demonstrates minimal transitional level lumbar disc degeneration after posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine 36(23):1948–1954

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Xu X-M, Wang F, Zhou X-Y, Liu Z-X, Wei X-Z, Bai Y-S et al (2015) Sagittal balance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a radiographic study of spinopelvic compensation after selective posterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar (Lenke 5C) curves. Medicine (Baltimore) 94(45):e1995

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. La Maida GA, Zottarelli L, Mineo GV, Misaggi B (2013) Sagittal balance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: radiographic study of spino-pelvic compensation after surgery. Eur Spine J 22(S6):859–867

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Yang X, Liu L, Song Y, Zhou C, Zhou Z, Wang L et al (2015) Pre- and postoperative spinopelvic sagittal balance in adolescent patients with Lenke Type 5 idiopathic scoliosis. Spine 40(2):102–108

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Potter BK, Lenke LG, Kuklo TR (2004) Prevention and management of iatrogenic flatback deformity. J Bone Jt Surg Am 86A(8):1793–1808

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Green DW, Lawhorne TW, Widmann RF, Kepler CK, Ahern C, Mintz DN et al (2011) Long-term magnetic resonance imaging follow-up demonstrates minimal transitional level lumbar disc degeneration after posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine 36(23):1948–1954

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Cochran T, Irstam L, Nachemson A (1983) Long-term anatomic and functional changes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by Harrington rod fusion. Spine 8(6):576–584

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Robert Debré Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Diderot University, 48 Boulevard Serurier, 75019, Paris, France

    B. Ilharreborde, E. Ferrero, A. L. Simon & K. Mazda

  2. Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Pellegrin University Hospital, Place Amelie Raba-Leon, 33076, Bordeaux, France

    A. Angelliaume & Y. Lefèvre

  3. Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Purpan University Hospital, Place du Docteur Baylac, 31059, Toulouse, France

    F. Accadbled & J. Sales de Gauzy

Authors
  1. B. Ilharreborde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. Ferrero
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Angelliaume
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Y. Lefèvre
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. F. Accadbled
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. A. L. Simon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. J. Sales de Gauzy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. K. Mazda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. Ilharreborde.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

All authors declared that they have no potential conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ilharreborde, B., Ferrero, E., Angelliaume, A. et al. Selective versus hyperselective posterior fusions in Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes. Eur Spine J 26, 1739–1747 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5070-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5070-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation