Limited long-segment fusion for degenerative lower lumbar scoliosis: a special kind of scoliosis

Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of limited long-segment fusion for a special kind of scoliosis: degenerative lower lumbar scoliosis without severe thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods A total of 43 patients with degenerative lower lumbar scoliosis who underwent spinal surgery at our hospital from June 2003 to September 2012 were included in this retrospective study. The apical vertebrae included L3 and L4, the end vertebra was L2 or L3, and the T10-L2 kyphosis angle was <20 degrees. The limited long-segment fusion group (upper end vertebrae L2) included 19 patients, and the long-segment fusion group (upper end vertebrae T9-11) included 24 patients. The radiographic parameters and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were compared between the two groups pre-operatively and at the last follow-up evaluation. Results The differences in the lumbar Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis angle, pelvic tilt angle, sacral slope angle, T10-L2 kyphosis angle, proximal junctional kyphosis angle, and ODI scores between the two groups pre-operatively and at the last follow-up evaluation were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The limited long-segment fusion group did not exhibit post-operative proximal junctional kyphosis. Conclusions Limited long-segment fusion is effective for patients with degenerative lower lumbar scoliosis without severe thoracolumbar kyphosis.