Posterior Vertebral Body Tethering: A Preliminary Study of a New Technique to Correct Lenke 5C Lumbar Curves in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Vertebral body tethering has been approved for adolescent scoliosis correction. The usual approach is anterior, which is relatively easy for the thoracic spine, but becomes much more challenging for the lumbar curves, with a higher rate of complications. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the first results of a new posterior vertebral body tethering (PVBT) technique using pedicle screws through a posterolateral Wiltse approach. Twenty-two patients with 5C idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke classification) were included in this retrospective study, with a follow up of 2 years after surgery. The lumbar and thoracic curves were measured pre-operatively (POS), at first standing (FS) and at 2 years (2Y). Complications were also analysed. A significant improvement of 30.7° was observed for lumbar curve magnitude between POS and 2Y. Both the thoracic kyphosis and the lumbar lordosis remained stable. Thirteen complications were noted: three led to posterior arthrodesis, three needed a revision with a good outcome, and the seven others (overcorrections, screw breakage or pull-out) achieved a good result. PVBT seems an effective technique for the management of type 5 C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The complication rate seems high but is probably secondary to the learning curve of this new technic as it concerns only the first half of the patients.