Few published data are available on long-term outcomes of anterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The objective of this single-centre retrospective study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of one-stage anterior spinal fusion achieved using precontoured titanium anterior screw-plates.

Our hypothesis was that anterior instrumentation produced both good functional outcomes and good correction in the coronal and sagittal planes.

This procedure was performed in 111 patients between 1975 and 1993. Among them, those who underwent a comprehensive evaluation at least 15 years later were included. The SRS-30 questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess functional outcomes. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated on antero-posterior and lateral full-spine radiographs obtained pre-operatively, post-operatively, and at last follow-up.

The study included 35 patients, who were re-evaluated after a mean of 21 years (15-31 years). Mean pre-operative Cobb's angle was 44°, mean age at surgery was 14.7 years, mean SRS-30 score was 3.65/5, and mean ODI was 14.9%. At last follow-up, mean Cobb's angle was 14.7° and 25 patients exhibited coronal misalignment with a mean deviation of 12mm. In the sagittal plane, the mean sagittal vertical axis (SVA) measured using the C7 plumb line was -28mm, with 8mm of anterior translation compared to the post-operative value (36mm). The functional outcome assessed using the SRS-30 score correlated significantly with pelvic tilt and anterior SVA translation.

Anterior spinal fusion produces good long-term functional outcomes in AIS. Correction is both satisfactory and sustained. Anterior SVA translation over time may be associated with better functional outcomes.

IV (retrospective study).