Outcome of wisconsin instrumentation in idiopathic scoliosis-minimum 5-year follow-up

Wisconsin segmental spinal Instrumentation was developed by Drummond at al to provide rigid fixation for correction of spinal deformities without the risk of neurologic injury associated with ths passage of sublaminar wires. Up to this pclnt, there have bHon no outcome studies with fallow-up of longer than 2 years. Thirty-five pailerts with adolescent Idiopathic scoliosis treated by the Wisconsin procedure between 1984 and 1987 wore reviewed by radiographs, physical examination, and an outcam-e scalo. Minimum length of follow-up was 5 years with an average of 6-3 years. Curves were corrected from a moan of 59^o preoperatively to 324 postoperativaly (46%), and 36° at final follow-up (39%l. Wisconsin segmental spinal instrumentation did rot increase thoracic kyphosis. There was evidence of slight umbar flattening in long fusions, According to the criteria described, 92% had a successful outcome. Complications o? the procedure Included two wound infections (one superficial, one deep), one rod displacement, and two wire breakages. No pseudarthroses at neurologic complications wars Identified in this series. Wisconsin segmental spinal fnstrumontation safely achieves the objectives of partial correction, arthrodesis, and early return to function. The technique may still have a TDIO, particularly in the thoracic region, in sabctiva thoracic fusion of King type II curvas, rigid curves, and double thoracic curves.