Controversies in Spine - Anterior versus posterior instrumentation for thecorrection of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis

Traditionally, thoracic idiopathic scoliosis has been treated by posterior instrumentation and fusion, which is still the gold standard. However, ante rior instrumentation and fusion became a viable option for these patients d uring the 1990s and are gaining acceptance. Currently, controversy still ex ists regarding the indications for the anterior approach, and the benefits of the anterior versus posterior approach remain unsettled. Therefore, this topic was considered ideal for noted experts on both sides to present thei r opinions, with Dr. Harry Shufflebarger promoting posterior instrumentatio n and Dr. Randy Belt encouraging anterior instrumentation. The efforts of t hese two outstanding and dedicated scoliosis specialists to educate the rea ders of Spine regarding their viewpoints are appreciated.