Ponte Osteotomies With Pedicle Screw Instrumentation in the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study designReview of prospective database.ObjectivesTo report the results of Ponte osteotomy with pedicle screw instrumentation for major thoracic adolescent idiopathic (AIS) curves.Summary of background dataPonte osteotomy for achieving coronal and sagittal correction of major thoracic curves in AIS with pedicle screw instrumentation is a widespread technique, but results have not been well described.MethodsReview of 87 consecutive AIS patients with Lenke 1–4 curves who underwent Ponte osteotomies and pedicle screw instrumentation by 2 surgeons at a single institution. Surgical details, blood loss, and complications were recorded. We evaluated coronal and sagittal radiological measurements and Scoliosis Research Society–22 (SRS-22) questionnaire scores over 2-year follow-up.ResultsThe mean preoperative thoracic coronal Cobb angle was 57° ± 9.7°, fulcrum flexibility was 47.2%, and lateral Cobb angle was 17.8° ± 4°. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL), expressed as percent estimated blood volume, was 35.8 ± 20.5 mL. There was significant improvement in coronal thoracic Cobb angle, percent correction, and apical vertebral translation over 2-year follow-up (p < .05). In hypokyphotic curves, there was a significant increase in lateral thoracic T5–T12 kyphosis from 8.1° to 18.3° (p < .001). In hyperkyphotic curves, mean lateral thoracic T5–T12 kyphosis improved from 45° to 26° (p < .001). Median SRS-22 domains were higher after treatment (p < .05). Complications included significant hypotension (1), EBL greater than 75% estimated blood volume (2), and wound infection needing drainage (2). There were neuromonitoring signal changes in 7 patients but no significant neurological complications.ConclusionsIn this case series of major thoracic AIS curves treated with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation and Ponte osteotomies, there was an improvement in the coronal and sagittal radiological parameters. A prospective controlled study is needed to determine whether pedicle screw instrumentation and Ponte osteotomies influence outcomes and complications.