Sagittal Plane Analysis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis after VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) Anterior Instrumentations

Radiographic sagittal plane analysis of VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) anterior instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This is retrospective study. To report, in details about effects of VATS anterior instrumentation on the sagittal plane. Evaluations of the surgical outcome of scoliosis have primarily studied in coronal plane correction, functional, and cosmetic aspects. Sagittal balance, as well as coronal balance, is important in functional spine. Recently, scoliosis surgery applying VATS has been increasingly performed. Its outcome has been reported several times; however, according to our search of the literature, the only one study partially mentioned. The study population was a total of 42 cases of idiopathic scoliosis patients (8 male, 34 female). Their mean age was 15.6 years (13 to 18 years). The 18 cases were Lenke IA type, 16 cases were Lenke IB type, and 8 cases were Lenke IC type. The preoperative Cobb's angle was 54.5 ± 13.9°. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years and implanted, on average, at the 5.9 level (5 to 8 levels). The most proximal implant was the 4th thoracic spine, and the most distal implant was the 1st lumbar spine. Whole spine standing PA and lateral radiographs were taken before surgery, 2 months after surgery, and at the last follow up (range 24-48 months, mean 35 months). The C7 plumbline proximal junctional measurement (PJM), distal junctional measurement (DJM), thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis angles were measured and compared. In all cases, follow-ups were possible and survived till the last follow up. The Cobb's angle in coronal plane at the last follow up was 19.7 ± 9.3° and was corrected to 63.8% on average. The preoperative C7 sagittal plumbline before surgery was -13.9 ± 29.1 mm, the final follow up was -9.9 ± 23.8 mm, and the average positive displacement was 4 mm. Thoracic kyphosis was increased from preoperative 18.2 ± 7.7° to 22.4 ± 7.2° on average at the last follow up, and the increase was, on average, 4.2°. The PJM angel was increased from 6.2 ± 4.3° preoperative to 8.8 ± 3.7° at the last follow up, and the increment was, on the average, 2.6°. The DJM angle before surgery was 6.8 ± 5.1° and 6.7 ± 4° at the last follow up, and did not change noticeably. Preoperative lumbar lordosis was 42 ± 10.7° and 43.5 ± 11.1° after surgery. Similarly, it did not change greatly. The scoliosis surgery applying VATS displaced the C7 sagittal plumb line by 4 mm to the anteriorly, increased thoracic kyphosis by 4.2°, and increased PJM by 2.6°. DJM and lumbar lordosis, before and after operation, were not significantly different. Although the surgical technique of VATS thoracic instrumentation is difficult to make the normal thoracic kyphosis, an acceptable sagittal balance can be obtained in Lenke type I adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using VATS.