Optimizing surgical improvement of trunk asymmetry from idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary report

Following posterior segmental spinal instrumentation of 16 patients radiogr aphic Cobb measurement always improved, from an average of 64 degrees preop erative to 18 degrees postoperative (72% correction). In contrast, trunk co ronal plane and transverse plane symmetry indexes were improved in 88% and 82% of patients by an average of 55% and 47% respectively. Factors that may allow further optimization of trunk asymmetry reduction include lateraliza tion of spinal implant anchors and truncal destabilization by the appropria te number and location of rib osteotomies.