Effect of Surgical Treatment of Scoliotic Curvature on the Spine and Upper Limbs

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the surgical treatment of scoliotic curvature effects and sagittal radiographic parameters of the spine and upper limbs after surgical treatment with direct vertebral rotation (DVR) associated with type 1 osteotomy in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Material and Methods: 41 patients with AIS were evaluated and compared before and after surgery. Scoliosis was confirmed by a radiographic of the spine. The radiographic parameters evaluated were: Cobb angles (proximal and distal thoracic), segmental kyphosis (T5-T12), total kyphosis (T1-T12), cervical lordosis (C2-C7), distance from the center of gravity of the skull to C7 (Cervical VAS), measurement of T1 slope (T1), neck slope, IT slope (AP), angle of the upper chest opening and plumb line C7-S1 (SVA C7-S1). Statistical analysis compared the pre- and post-surgical effects of sagittal cervical and shoulder parameters. Results: After the surgical procedure, significant reductions were observed for the following parameters of spine measurement: proximal and distal thoracic Cobb angle, with a correction of 68% of the main thoracic curve. The measurements of the inclination of the T1 profile and the inclination of the neck also improve after surgery. Regarding the shoulders, there was a reduction in T1 AP slope and intercoracoid angle after surgery. The other radiographic parameters did not show significant differences. Conclusion: Surgical treatment with direct vertebral rotation (DVR) associated with type 1 osteotomy promoted better sagittal radiographic parameters of the thoracic Cobb angles, T1 inclination of the cervical spine, neck inclination, and better shoulder symmetry. Level of Evidence II; Prospective study.