Spinal loop rectangle and sub laminar wiring as a technique for scoliosis correction

BACKGROUND: Most literature popularizes the efficacy of third generation instrumentation in the surgical correction of spinal deformities. A cheap and effective scoliotic deformity correction method is reviewed in this article. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of spinal loop rectangle and sub laminar wires as a modality for spinal deformity correction and its co-relation with patients' satisfaction and clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty six patients of scoliotic spinal deformities with various etiologies (congenital-4, idiopathic- 25, neurofibromatosis-3, neuromuscular-2 and ‘syndromic’-3) with ages ranging from 8 to 23 years underwent corrective posterior spinal arthrodesis with stainless steel Hartshill loop rectangle and sublaminar wires. Clinicoradiological evaluation was done at an average follow-up of 6 ½ years (min-2 ½, years). Along with clinicoradiological outcome, patient satisfaction (as per the SRS 24), was accounted. RESULTS: Average preoperative Cobb's angle were 73.25° in the entire group and 66.48° in the idiopathic group. Average percentage correction was 64.34% in the entire group and the (average degree of correction was 47.13). In the idiopathic group, the respective values were 69.19% and 46°. Loss of correction in the whole group was 2.2° at two year follow up. Sagittal profiles, truncal balance were well corrected too; minimal complications were seen. Patient satisfaction results were encouraging in 36 patients as per – SRS24). About 80.2% patients were ready to undergo the same surgery if required. (SRS24). CONCLUSION: Segmental spinal fixation with locally made spinal loop rectangle and sublaminar wires is comparable as a modality to correct scoliotic spinal deformities.