The minimally invasive technique to correct deformity in scoliosis is not a familiar concept among spine surgeons but is interesting, as this innovative surgery, if it proves successful, will have the advantages of the minimally invasive technique in the final outcomes and will be the future of scoliosis surgery. We operated on 18 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients using a newly designed technique which utilizes two or three 1-inch midline incisions to insert pedicle screws with a rod, facet fusion and de-rotation maneuver to correct the deformity. Post-operative complications were minimal and the results of the deformity corrections were comparable to the open scoliosis surgery in the follow up. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery observed in all cases include cosmetically fainter scars, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, early mobilization and minimal need of analgesics for pain.
Even though many challenges were faced in executing this procedure, the goal of inventing this novel approach was accomplished. We feel this technique is a good alternative to open surgery in certain curve types of AIS but large scale studies are needed in the future to recommend its routine use.
