Anterior instrumentation and fusion (scoliosis)

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 1 Sep 2021

Anterior instrumentation and fusion is a surgical procedure used in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to correct vertebral curvature. This technique is preferred to posterior instrumentation and fusion in skeletally immature patients with a Lenke 5C thoracolumbar or lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curve because it deals better and more effectively with the "drive shaft" phenomenon. 

The indications for the procedure are limited to skeletally immature Lenke type 5C thoracolumbar or lumbar curves.

The spine is straightened by pivoting generally between T11 and L3, then fixed with a dual rod system. Thoracoplasty may or may not be performed. 

The first cases of vertebral curvature correction with anterior instrumentation and fusion date back to the early 1970s, with operations, carried out by Dwyer and Zielke.

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