MSCC, spinal cord hemorrhage, and cord swelling are associated with a poor prognosis for neurologic recovery. Extent of MSCC is more reliable than presence of canal stenosis for predicting the neurologic outcome after SCI.

Aims Spinal fusion remains the gold standard in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is gaining widespread interest, despite the limited data on its efficacy. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical efficacy of AVBT in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods All consecutive skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with AVBT enrolled in a longitudinal, multicentre, prospective database between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. All patients were treated by one of two surgeons working at two independent centres. Data were collected prospectively in a multicentre database and supplemented retrospectively where necessary. Patients with a minimum follow-up of two years were included in the analysis. Clinical success was set a priori as a major coronal Cobb angle of < 35° at the most recent follow-up. Results A total of 57 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 12.7 years (SD 1.5; 8.2 to 16.7), with 95% being female. The mean preoperative Sanders score and Risser grade was 3.3 (SD 1.2), and 0.05 (0 to 3), respectively. The majority were thoracic tethers (96.5%) and the mean follow-up was 40.4 months (SD 9.3). The mean preoperative major curve of 51° (SD 10.9°; 31° to 81°) was significantly improved to a mean of 24.6° (SD 11.8°; 0° to 57°) at the first postoperative visit (45.6% (SD 17.6%; 7% to 107%); p < 0.001)) with further significant correction to a mean of 16.3° (SD 12.8°; -12 to 55; p < 0.001) at one year and a significant correction to a mean of 23° (SD 15.4°; -18° to 57°) at the final follow-up (42.9% (-16% to 147%); p < 0.001). Clinical success was achieved in 44 patients (77%). Most patients reached skeletal maturity, with a mean Risser score of 4.3 (SD 1.02), at final follow-up. The complication rate was 28.1% with a 15.8% rate of unplanned revision procedures. Conclusion AVBT is associated with satisfactory correction of deformity and an acceptable complication rate when used in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Improved patient selection and better implant technology may improve the 15.8% rate of revision surgery in these patients. Further scrutiny of the true effectiveness and long-term risks of this technique remains critical. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1703–1708.

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Purpose To determine the mid-term clinical and radiographic impact of pedicle screw fixation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods A multicenter AIS database was retrospectively queried to identify 99 consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using an all pedicle screw construct with a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Radiographic and clinical parameters were reviewed at regular intervals up to 5 years. ResultsThe mean age was 14.4 ± 2.0 years with 79 % being female. The mean preoperative major curve was 51.7 ± 14.2°with a mean correction of 66 and 64 % at 2 and 5 years (p = 0.16). Pre-op thoracic kyphosis averaged 22.3 ± 12.9°and was 18.4 ± 10.6°at 5 years with no significant change from 2 years (p = 0.33). SRS total and domain scores demonstrated significant improvements at 2 years, which were slightly decreased at 5 years (p = 0.06). SRS scores of self-image (p = 0.99) and satisfaction (p = 0.18) were significantly improved after surgery with minimal change by 5 years. The change in SRS total scores from 2 to 5 years was attributed to differences in SRS scores of pain and mental health (p \ 0.05). Conclusions Intermediate follow-up of patients with AIS treated with an all pedicle screw construct demonstrates maintenance of their coronal, and sagittal plane correction between 2-and 5-year follow-up. At 5 years, improvements in SRS scores were consistent with 2-year values, except for a decline in pain and mental health scores.

This two center prospective case series reports outcomes at >2 years follow-up of anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) of 112 immature patients. AVBT led to satisfactory deformity correction with a 22% complication rate. Long-term follow up is necessary until we can understand the true value of this procedure.