COSTOPLASTY IN ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS - OBJECTIVE RESULTS IN55 PATIENTS

Costoplasty can reduce the important cosmetic deformity of rib promine nce in scoliosis but there are few objective reports of correction. We recorded the results of three objective methods of assessing back sha pe before and after short-segment costoplasty in 55 patients. We showe d that significant improvement was maintained over a two-year follow-u p period. Primary costoplasty at the time of scoliosis surgery (n = 35 ) achieved greater proportional correction than secondary costoplasty performed after fusion of the spine (n = 20). The rib segments removed at primary surgery provided enough bone for the autogenous graft; har vesting from the pelvis was unnecessary.