Analysis of the effectiveness of two-stage and one-stage surgical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in children using various methods for deformity mobilization

Introduction. The correction potential of modern systems is limited by the natural mobility of scoliotic deformities, which sometimes require multiple discectomy and osteotomy. Choosing the optimal method of treatment for scoliosis in the thoracic and lumbar regions is difficult due to the variety of approaches and options available for osteotomies. There is no single algorithm for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, making it necessary to develop a differentiated approach and treatment strategies. Purpose of the study. To optimize the choice of surgical treatment tactics for children with idiopathic scoliosis based on a compa­rative analysis of the use of one-stage and two-stage surgical treatment. Materials and methods. The study subjects were ninety four patients with idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke type 1–4), operated on between 2017 and 2023. They were divided into three groups: group I (control) — 30 patients underwent one-stage dorsal correction with G1 osteotomy, group II — 31 patients who received two-stage treatment, and group III — 33 patients who underwent a one-stage correction with apical G2 osteotomy. Depending on the initial thoracic kyphotic angle, subgroups were defined as A (hypokyphosis), B (normokyphosis) and C (hyperkyphosis). The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results. The frontal balance in all examined patients was in a state of relative compensation, both before surgical treatment and in the postoperative period. When comparing the results in patients from the second and third groups, we found no significant differences (p > 0.05). The second group showed a higher degree of correction of the main arch of spinal deformity (p < 0.05) in the frontal plane compared to the control and third group patients. When analyzing the results of thoracic kyphosis formation, we obtained reliable results in formation more significant indices in patients after surgery in Group II (subgroups A and B), for whom a two-stage applied surgical method was supplemented with anterior release and halo pelvic traction. In Group III (subgroup C), we obtained significant results in thoracic kyphosis indices when using single-stage surgery performed from the dorsal approach supplemented with G2 osteotomy. Conclusion. The condition of the sagittal profile, including the severity of thoracic kyphosis, is an important criterion for choosing the tactics of surgical treatment of scoliotic deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Two-stage treatment, including ventral release and halo-pelvic traction, is recommended for rigid deformities of the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, under conditions of initial normal kyphosis or hypokyphosis. Severe deformities with initial hyperkyphosis should be corrected preferably in a single stage using posterior surgery, supplemented by G2-osteotomy. The use of G2-osteotomies in patients with initial normal- or hypokyphoses is impractical due to the risk of neurological complications, development of pseudoarthroses, and increase in volume of perioperative bleeding.