A new semirigid implant for instrumentation of scoliosis: preliminary report

A new set of pedicle screws, lamina and pedicle hooks, longitudinal rods an d a titanium cable was developed to overcome the increasingly obvious hazar ds of overly rigid spinal instrumentation. Results of the first 12 consecut ive scoliosis patients with this new system are reported, with an average f ollow-up time of 18 months. No major complications occurred. The average co rrection of the deformity was well within the range of more rigid systems. The new Dorsal Dynamic Spondylodesis (DDS) system proved to be easy to use, fast, powerful, safe, versatile, and biomechanically sound. Reduction of s tress-shielding effects and protection of adjacent segments can be expected , and the system warrants future application in selected prospective cases with long-term follow-up.