Comparative analysis of early versus late surgical intervention for lumbosacral hemivertebra: a minimum 2-year follow-up retrospective study.

Background context: Lumbosacral hemivertebra (LSHV) is a complex and unique congenital spinal deformity characterized by early severe trunk imbalance and progressive compensatory curve. Previous studies have proved the efficiency of posterior LSHV resection. However, the optimal timing for surgical intervention of LSHV still remains controversial. Few studies compare the surgical outcomes in patients of different age groups.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of posterior-only LSHV resection surgery timing on clinical and radiographic results.

Study design: Retrospective analysis.

Patient sample: We retrospectively analyzed 58 LSHV patients undergoing posterior-only LSHV resection with short-segment fusion at our institution between 2010 and 2020, with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years.

Outcome measure: The following data were observed for all cases: patient demographics, clinical outcomes measured by operating time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and Health-Related Quality of Life, radiographic parameters included Cobb angles, trunk shift and sagittal spinal parameters.

Methods: From 2010 to 2020, a consecutive series of 58 LSHV patients treated by posterior LSHV resection with short segmental fusion were investigated retrospectively, with a 7.5-year average follow-up period. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the timing of surgery: Group E (≤6 years old, representing the early-surgery) and Group L (>6 years old, representing the late-surgery). Radiographic assessments included pre- and postoperative measurements of main scoliosis, compensatory scoliosis, trunk shift, and sagittal balance parameters. Operative data, perioperative complications and SRS-22 questionnaires were also collected.

Results: Compared to Group L, Group E exhibited a lower intraoperative blood loss (p<.001), higher final main curve correction rate (p=.037), smaller postop compensatory curve (p=.031), higher sagittal vertical axis correction rates at immediate postop (p=.045) and last follow-up (p=.027), and lower implant failure complications incidence (p=.006).

Conclusions: This study suggested that early surgical intervention in LSHV patients can achieve better correction outcomes, while reducing blood loss and postoperative complications in a large-scale cohort.