The utilization of the closed multiaxial screw in the modified Shilla growth-guidance technique for the treatment of early onset scoliosis: a preliminary report

This article aims to introduce a novel growth-guidance technique for early onset scoliosis (EOS) surgery, utilizing closed multiaxial screws (CMAS) as an alternative to Shilla trolley screws. We report clinical and radiographic outcomes from five EOS patients treated between 2021 and 2024, who underwent active apex correction using CMAS. This method provided an effective alternative for anchoring in the cephalad and caudad regions. Our analysis shows a significant reduction in the major coronal Cobb angle from an average of 71.2 to 19.6° postoperatively, with a 22.8% increase in truncal height maintained at the final follow-up. Importantly, no neurological changes were observed, and patients were braced for the initial 3 months after surgery. In conclusion, CMAS offers a user-friendly and effective alternative for growth guidance in EOS treatment, demonstrating reliable outcomes.