Does an Internal Thoracoplasty Correct and Prevent a Reassertion of the Rib Cage Deformity After Spine Surgery for an Adolescent Idiopathic Thoracic Scoliosis Greater Than 70 Degrees

Study DesignProspective observational study.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of internal thoracoplasty and anterior spine release combined with posterior spinal instrumentation in correcting and preventing a reoccurrence of the rib cage deformity in adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis >70 degrees.Summary of Background DataThe rib cage deformity rather than the lateral curvature of the spine is usually the major cosmetic deformity in severe adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. This can be difficult to treat and assess the effect of surgery.MethodsThe Integrated Shape Imaging System was used to assess rib cage deformity before surgery and during follow-up for more than 2 years in 37 patients with an adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (Lenke 1) >70° (mean 81°) treated by internal thoracoplasty and anterior spine release combined with posterior spinal instrumentation using a hybrid construct.ResultsThe mean Cobb angle was reduced from 81° to 30° (63% correction). The rib cage deformity was improved in 30 patients (81%) because of a combination of both a reduction of the convex rib hump and an elevation of the concave rib depression. However, the effect on patients with an angle of thoracic inclination <16° was not as reliable. One year after surgery, additional improvement of the chest deformity had occurred in 9 patients. In none of the 37 patients was there any further progression of the rib cage deformity.ConclusionAn internal thoracoplasty was effective in improving and/or stabilizing the rib cage deformity as well as achieving good correction of the scoliosis in patients with adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis and severe deformity.