Internal thoracoplasty. A new procedure.

Abstract

The efficacy of performing a thoracoplasty from within the thoracotomy during anterior surgery for scoliosis was investigated. Patients were prospectively studied to determine the possible complications and morbidity of the procedure, and were compared to a similar group of patients that previously underwent same-day anterior and posterior procedures for scoliosis, but without thoracoplasty. Description of the technique is presented. The seven study patients had uneventful intra- and post-operative courses. For the posterior procedure (CD instrumentation), only morselized rib graft was used, obviating the need for iliac graft. There was no greater rate or additional types of complications in the study group compared to the control group, except one additional day of thoracotomy tube retention. When same day anterior and posterior procedures are to be performed for scoliosis, internal thoracoplasty is indicated, as a source of autogenous bone and for cosmesis.