Outcome assessment after the surgical correction of scoliosis using the Cotrel-Dubousset method.

Background. The goal of our study was to assess the outcome of the surgical treatment of scoliosis using the Cotrel- Dubousset method. Material and methods. The study population consisted of 30 girls, aged 13-19 years, with right-sided thoracic scoliosis, grades II, III and IV. All these subjects were operated using the Cotrel-Dubousset method. The research program included measurements of the primary scoliosis angle (Cobb's angle), the vital capacity (VC) of the lungs, chest mobility, and body height. Examinations were performed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and one year after surgery. Results. Comparison of the Cobb's angle before, directly after, and a year after surgery showed that the Cotrel-Dubousset method caused significant correction of scoliosis. The mean VC was below normal before surgery, and despite some improvement remained below physiological values one year later. Chest mobility examinations found that respiratory mobility was adequate before surgery. The mean body height increase one year after surgery was statistically significant. Based on the Risser test performed before surgery we found that ossification was still in progress in the majority of patients one year later. Conclusions. Surgical treatment using the Cotrel-Dubousset method had a significant impact on the correction of scoliosis, as measured by Cobb's angle. The operation did not, however, cause a significant increase of VC in girls with lateral, primarily thoracic scoliosis. A large increase in height was observed in the operated patients. This may have been evoked by significant correction of the scoliosis.