Less invasive surgery in idiopathic scoliosis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has become popular during the last decade due to continuous evidence in favor of lesser soft tissue damage, faster recovery, higher patient satisfaction and reduced health costs. During the last years, surgical ambition for better results as well as most detailed knowledge of spinal anatomy, have resulted in the continuous and successful expansion of indications of MISS, covering already successfully a wide range of degenerative spinal pathologies as well as adult spinal deformities.

AIM: We describe here a case report of a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated by minimally invasive posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of an 18 years old female patient affected by AIS, Lenke type 1AN, with a 65 degree right thoracic curve and severe rib hump. Posterior pedicle screw instrumentation as well as corrective manoeuvres were performed exclusively by minimally invasive procedure, through three small midline skin incisions.

RESULTS: We obtained a good clinical and radiographical correction of scoliosis, which was maintained during the follow-up period. We also observed a limited intra-operative blood loss, a limited operative time, limited pain, earlier mobilization and limited hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive technique can be used for the surgical treatment of AIS, showing satisfying deformity correction and multiple perceived advantages, although long-term data are needed before this kind of surgery can be recommended for routine use.