Evaluation of shoulder balance through growing rod intervention for early-onset scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN:: Retrospective clinical study. OBJECTIVE:: To compare the single and dual growing rod techniques with an emphasis on shoulder balance in the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:: In the literature, there exist not much data about shoulder balance through growing rod intervention using either single or dual rods for progressive scoliosis in patients of young age. METHODS:: A total of 20 patients with early-onset scoliosis who were treated surgically using growing rod techniques (11 patients: single rod group, 9 patients: dual rod group) were analyzed radiographically. Radiographical measures of shoulder balance (difference of coracoid process height, clavicula-tilt angle, and clavicula-rib cage intersection point) and scoliosis of both groups that were obtained in the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up period underwent statistical analysis in comparison with each other. RESULTS:: Both single and dual growing rod techniques improved the deformity correction, maintained the correction and allowed spinal growth in the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Single rod technique had a higher incidence of rod breakage. Both techniques effected the shoulder levels similarly. CONCLUSIONS:: When evaluated separately, single rod technique does improve shoulder balance significantly. For a more definitive evaluation, a comparison study having more patients in both groups is essential.