Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) operated by a single neurosurgeon. METHODS: A total of 139 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent corrective surgery by a single neurosurgeon were investigated between January 2011 and January 2024. Segmental instrumentation with pedicle screws was utilized for deformity correction. Demographic information, structural type of curve using Lenke classification, degree of correction achieved, total numbers of fusion levels, complications, and clinical/radiographic results were evaluated. RESULTS: Most patients were adolescent girls (105 vs. 34) with an average age of 15.9 vs. 16.0, respectively. The average duration of follow-up was 4.5 years (0.1-13.0). Nine patients (6.6%) had levoscoliosis, and the remaining 130 had dextroscoliosis. Chiari malformation with syringomyelia was incidentally diagnosed in four patients (2.8%). Of the patients having Chiari malformation, two (50%) had levoscoliosis. The mean number of fused levels was 11.2. The mean value of the Cobb angle of the major structural curvature was 63.4° (43°-125°). The major structural curve's average percentage of correction was 78.8%. The final postoperative SRS-22 average score significantly improved to 4.3±0.4 compared with the preoperative score of 3.8±0.5 (p<0.001). After the surgery, there were no observed cases of neurological deficits or need for screw repositioning. Revision fusion extension surgery was performed on one patient to treat postoperative shoulder imbalance. CONCLUSION: Patients with AIS treated by a neurosurgeon had acceptable clinical and radiographic results. However, AIS surgery necessitates a fundamental comprehension of pediatric spinal deformities, which is crucial. Furthermore, spine surgeons should be careful with patients who have levoscoliosis.