Minimally invasive options in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion is the gold standard of surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This procedure is conventionally performed open, through a posterior midline approach. Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MIS) has been found to be associated with decreased blood loss, shorter duration of hospital stays, earlier mobilization, and decreased analgesic requirements in other areas of spinal surgery. In the treatment of patients with AIS, these principles can be applied via a posterior MIS approach and an anterior thoracoscopic approach. This article aimed to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of MIS for AIS surgery. We will describe the rationale for the use of posterior MIS for AIS, a description of the surgical technique and a discussion of the current evidence for its use. We will also describe the indications, surgical technique, and evidence for MIS anterior spinal fusion as a definitive procedure for AIS and for non-fusion convex growth modulation procedures.

Topics & Concepts