OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of combined thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior correction for Scheuermann's kyphosis.

METHODSSixteen patients with a diagnosis of Scheuermann's kyphosis were selected to undergo thoracoscopic anterior spinal release, disc excision, and fusion in conjunction with instrumented posterior correction and spine fusion. Cobb angle of the kyphosis were measured before the operation and during the follow-up period to evaluate the correction. Pre- and post-operative Oswestry disability Index (ODI) were collected to evaluate the pain relief.

RESULTSAll 16 patients underwent successfully corrections. The mean preoperative kyphosis (Cobb) was 78.8 degrees (70 degrees-92 degrees), the mean postoperative kyphosis (Cobb) was 40.5 degrees (36 degrees-47 degrees), and the last follow-up evaluation of the kyphosis was 41.7 degrees (36 degrees-50 degrees ). All patients obtained satisfied pain relief. The mean preoperative ODI was 37.3 (0-72), and the mean postoperative ODI was 6.4 (0-30).

CONCLUSIONCombined thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior correction is a good method for the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; surgery ; Male ; Radiography ; Scheuermann Disease ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery ; Thoracoscopy ; Treatment Outcome