The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Decade-Long Progress of a Patient with Early Onset Scoliosis Treated with Serial Casting, Traditional Growth Rods and Posterior Spinal Instrumentation with Fusion – a Case Report

Document Type : CASE REPORT

Authors
Kashfullah Khalid
Mohd Hisam Muhamad Ariffin
Azmi Baharuddin
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
10.22038/abjs.2025.87025.3954
Abstract
Early-onset scoliosis poses unique challenges for spinal and paediatric surgeons, as well as clinicians. Without intervention in paediatric patients, the spinal curvature may worsen, leading to abnormal thoracic cage growth, leading to abnormal lung development and poor respiratory tolerance. Treatment aims to correct the deformity while preserving the spinal mobility during growth. This is important because the growing spine will allow the child to achieve optimal height, a healthy thoracic cage, and cardiopulmonary system development. We can divide treatment modalities into observation, serial casting, bracing, and surgery. We are presenting a decade long progress report of a patient who initially underwent treatment with serial casting, growing rods, and definitive fixation for early-onset scoliosis. We strive to illustrate the complexities of early-onset scoliosis treatment by progressing from bracing to the application of a growth-friendly rod system, and finally to definitive posterior instrumentation.
        Level of evidence: IV
Keywords
Early-onset scoliosis
serial bracing
growth rods
rod failure
spinal fusion
Subjects
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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 14, Issue 2
February 2026
Pages 159-164

  • Receive Date 09 April 2025
  • Revise Date 31 January 2026
  • Accept Date 23 June 2025