The technique of scoliosis revision surgery utilizing L-rod instrumentation

J Pediatr Orthop. 1983 Nov;3(5):563-71. doi: 10.1097/01241398-198311000-00002.

Abstract

Operative treatment of failed scoliosis surgery requires an instrumentation that is readily adaptable to the multiple causes and sequelae of failed spinal surgery. A "modified L-rod" technique is described for segmental spinal instrumentation to treat failed scoliosis surgery. Nine patients underwent 10 scoliosis revision operations, with an average follow-up of 37.1 months. Three neuromuscular, five idiopathic, and one congenital scoliosis were revised. The average blood loss for the L-rod instrumentation was 2,960 ml, and the average operative time was 6.2 h. Four patients had attempted correction of their deformities, with 21.2% improvement. Five cases had triangular base-transverse bar pelvic fixation. None of the 10 revisions had pseudarthrosis at follow-up. No postoperative immobilization was used. Complications included one fracture of a fusion mass below the L-rods, penetration of the skin by a prominent wire with subsequent infection, minimal loss of correction in one case, and one broken wire without loss of correction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Orthopedic Fixation Devices*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reoperation
  • Scoliosis / surgery*
  • Spinal Fusion