PREVALENCE OF SEGMENTAL WIRE BREAKAGE USING COTREL-DUBOUSSET INSTRUMENTATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Study Design. This is a retrospective radiographic and medical record analysis of 77 patients. Objectives. To determine whether there is an increased prevalence of segmental sublaminar wire breakage associated with the knurled (diamond) pattern machined onto the Cotrel-Dubousset rod as opposed to a smooth rod. Summary of Background Data. Segmental fixation of vertebral segments with sublaminar wires is a common surgi cal technique, and the use of sublaminar wires with a knurled Cotrel-D ubousset rod theoretically could cause premature wire breakage. Method s. Sixty-six patients with idiopathic scoliosis had the Cotrel-Dubouss et (knurled rod) system and comprised the study group, and the Texas S cottish Rite Hospital system (smooth rod) was placed ind patients, who served as a control group. Serial radiographs alter 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were reviewed. All patients had augmentation of their scoliosis constructs with 16 gauge sublaminar wires in the lumbar spine. Minimu m follow-up period was 24 months. Results. No wire breakage was noted in any patient. Conclusions. There is no increased likelihood that the knurled rod pattern will cause wire breakage, provided a solid fusion is obtained.