Analysis of results of treatment without-of-spine-based implants in patients with multiple congenital anomalies of the spine and thorax

Aim. Treatment of patients with multiple congenital anomalies of the spine is a complex problem, demanding both correction and stabilization to be performed as early as possible without disturbing the growth of the spinal column. To achieve the latter, different instrumentation, such as rib-based distractors, may be useful. Little is known this treatment of congenital spine deformities. We aimed to investigate the results of treatment in our patients with the use of out-of-spine-based metal implants. Material and methods. During 2012–2016, there were 44 procedures performed in 20 patients at an age of 2 years to 12 years. In 13 cases, the deformity was located in the thoracic spine and in the thoracolumbar regions in 7 cases. We used bifocal rib-rib connections in 18 procedures, and a rib-spine connection in 26 cases. Results were evaluated based upon the amount of achieved correction after each procedure, amount of stages of treatment, and complication rates. Results. The mean curve magnitude was 68.7°. The mount of staged procedures varied from 3 to 7. The mean amount of achieved correction was 15.1°. In all cases, deformity was lower than at the beginning of the treatment. The complication rate was 15.9%. Conclusion. We assume that out-of-spine-based metal implants may be used in treatment of patients with multiple congenital spine and thorax anomalies, as this technique allows effective correction and stabilization of the deformity, as well as increases the volume of the hemithorax.