Novel intervertebral space release for the treatment of moderate and severe degenerative scoliosis

To investigate the clinical effectiveness and feasibility of novel intervertebral space release without Smith-Petersen osteotomy/pedicle subtraction osteotomy/Ponte osteotomy in the treatment of adults with moderate to severe degenerative scoliosis. The data of 49 patients with moderate to severe degenerative scoliosis treated with a novel intervertebral space release and balance correction technique from January 2010 to January 2016 and followed up until January 2021 were collected based upon pre-designated inclusive and exclusive criteria for retrospective analyses. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and coronal Cobb angle were employed for the assessment of clinical symptoms and scoliosis correction improvements. Forty-nine patients were followed for a median time of 5.2 (1-11) years. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was significantly increased from 9.45 +/- 3.33 preoperatively to 19.65 +/- 4.58 postoperatively (P<.001), and the coronal Cobb angle was significantly improved from 39.95o +/- 9.04o preoperatively to 8.28o +/- 4.21o (P<.001) after 1 year. There were no major complications occurred in patients. The novel intervertebral space release and balance correction at the original lesion and maximal unbalance site without vertebral osteotomy showed a promising clinical profile and may be considered as an alternative for the treatment of moderate to severe degenerative scoliosis.