The Outcome of Hemivertebrectomy through a Posterior Only Approach in Lumbar Congenital Scoliosis

Hemivertebra is one of the common causes of congenital scoliosis. In cases with curve progression، resection of the hemivertebra through a combined anterior and posterior approach (CAPA) is one of the usual treatment modalities which is associated with high morbidity. Recently، hemivertebra resection through a posterior only approach (POA) is introduced. In the current study، we are reporting our experience with a single posterior approach. Ten patients with lumbar CS who had undergone hemivertebra resection through a POA with transpedicular instrumentation and short segment fusion، between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. The main and the compensatory scoliotic curves and kyphotic curves were measured and compared before surgery and by the 16. 1±10 months follow-up. Fusion was obtained in all of the patients. The mean drop in the main، compensatory and kyphotic curves were 39. 6±6. 6 to 11. 3±5 degrees، 12. 9±5. 1 to 7. 8±3. 4 degrees and 15. 6±8. 1 to 2. 7±8. 2 degrees، respectively (p<. 05). The mean correction was 72. 5±9% for main، 37. 7±34. 3% for the compensatory and 90±51% for the kyphotic curve. There was no patient with perioperative neurovascular or general complications. No patient needed mechanical ventilation; however، allogenic blood transfusion was performed for 2 patients. The short-term follow-up of hemivertebra resection through a POA with transpedicular instrumentation and short segment fusion shows to be a safe and effective treatment for CS resulting from one level hemivertebra.