Analysis of pedicle morphometry in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine characterized by abnormal development in the sagittal, coronal and axial planes. Spinal fusion using pedicle screw instrumentation is a widely used method for surgical correction in severe AIS curves. It is essential to understand the altered pedicle anatomy in order to accurately select the appropriate starting point, screw size and screw trajectory, thus reducing the risk of pedicle screw misplacement which may cause neurological, vascular or visceral injury. This study measured and analysed the complex pedicle anatomy in the AIS spine to provide important clinical information for spinal surgeons. This study found a statistically significant asymmetry in the pedicle morphometry of AIS patients. Knowledge of this anatomical variation is critical for scoliosis correction surgery using pedicle screws