Safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive scoliosis surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective case series of 84 patients

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate a prospective series of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) technique with a minimum follow-up more than 1 year. We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data of 84 patients with AIS treated with MIS technique using two or three coin hole size incisions and a muscle-splitting approach. The clinical and radiological data such as the correction of deformity, coronal and sagittal profile and record of the perioperative morbidity of the patients were analyzed. The mean primary Cobb angle was corrected from 59.8° preoperatively to 18.6° postoperatively with a mean correction of 68.9% (p < 0.001). The mean kyphosis at T2 to T12 was maintained within normal range with an increase from 31.2° preoperatively to 35.3° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The 30-day perioperative complication rate was 7.14% with one deep infection and five cases of hemothorax. The mean operation time was 312.8 min; mean estimated blood loss was 846.6 ml (range 420–2800); and mean length of stay was 8.5 days (range 5 to 14). All data of postoperative SRS-22 questionnaire were significantly improved (p < 0.001). MISS used for AIS provides adequate correction in both planes and acceptable rate of perioperative complications, with a low estimated blood loss and short length of stay. Considering all the positives, the application of MISS technique for AIS seems meaningful and can become a valid alternative to posterior approach in the routine use. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.