Effect of direct vertebral body derotation on the sagittal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose We sought to clarify the effect of applying derotation maneuvers in the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) on the sagittal plane. Methods We retrospectively queried a large, multicenter, prospectively collected database for patients who underwent surgical correction of AIS. All patients had at least 2 years of follow-up and documentation as to whether or not a derotation maneuver was performed during surgery. All patients underwent posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw constructs. Patients who underwent concurrent anterior procedures were excluded. Results A total of 323 patients were identified, of whom 66 did not have direct vertebral body derotation (DVBD) maneuvers applied during the deformity correction. The remaining 257 had a vertebral body derotation maneuver performed during their surgical correction. Although no significant differences were identified between the two groups when comparing pre-op and post-op thoracic kyphosis using T2-12 and T5-12 endplates, the absolute change in angulation measured fromT2-12 was significantly different between the two groups. Postoperatively, the derotation group had a mean decrease in thoracic kyphosis of 5.1 ± 15.3° as compared to 10.8 ± 18.9° in the control group, P = 0.03. Conclusion Although patients in both groups had decreased mean thoracic kyphosis postoperatively, application of DVBD in the correction of scoliosis did not additionally worsen the sagittal profile.