Ahmet Gülmez

Aim: Posterior spinal instrumentation using segmental pedicle screw systems is a widely accepted surgical technique for the treatment of non-degenerative structural scoliosis because of its ability to achieve effective three-dimensional deformity correction and provide biomechanical stability. This study aimed to evaluate the early radiological and functional outcomes of posterior spinal instrumentation in patients with non-degenerative structural scoliosis.Material and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation for non-degenerative structural scoliosis between January 2025 and May 2026. Demographic, radiological, and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles were compared, and deformity correction rates were calculated. Early postoperative functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at the 3-month follow-up. Results: Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 15.28 ± 3.29 years were included. In patients with available preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements, the mean Cobb angle decreased significantly from 58.42 ± 18.54° preoperatively to 13.29 ± 11.06° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean deformity correction rate was 78.78 ± 13.31%. At the 3-month follow-up, the mean VAS and ODI scores were 3.96 ± 1.99 and 25.28 ± 10.00, respectively. Adult patients demonstrated significantly higher ODI scores than pediatric patients (p = 0.042). Perioperative complications occurred in three patients (12.0%).Conclusion: Posterior-only segmental pedicle screw instrumentation achieved a mean deformity correction rate of nearly 80%, providing satisfactory early radiological correction and favorable short-term functional outcomes.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) develops as a result of compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment can limit the progression of symptoms. Various surgical approaches and strategies have been described in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of open-door laminoplasty for the treatment of CSM. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent expansive open-door laminoplasty secured with titanium miniplates. Thirty-four patients with CSM who were followed up postoperatively for more than 12 months were included in the study.The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association(mJOA) score was used to assess the degree of myelopathy.We evaluated cervical sagittal alignment with C2-C7 Cobb angle, the ambulatory status with the Nurick grade, and measured postoperative neck pain with the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The mean mJOA score was 11(range 6-15) preoperatively, and 13.5 (range 9-16) postoperatively with an average 55% recovery rate (range 0-75)(p <0.001).The mean Nurick grade was 2(range 1-3) preoperatively and 1 (range 0-3) postoperatively (p <0.001).The median cervical lordoticangle increased from 7.5° preoperatively to 12.5° postoperatively (p = 0.044).K-line (+) patients' mean mJOA scores significantly increased from 10.8 ±1.7 to 13.3±1.7postoperatively (p <0.001).The mean preoperative VAS reducedfrom 2.66±1.4 to 1.59±1.4 postoperatively (p <0.001). Open-door laminoplasty technique is an effective surgical procedure that can be used safely to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Our findings suggest that it can limit the progression of symptoms and alter the poor prognosis in CSM.