The Vertebral Growth after Lateral and Posterolateral Hemivertebrae Excision in preschool age Children

Objective. To study the dynamics of vertebrae adjacent to the removed hemivertebra growth depending to the extensions of instrumentaition and osteoplastic fusion. Material and Methods. The growth of fused vertebra was studied by X-ray measurements (roentgenometry) in 39 patients divided into groups depending on a level of hemivertebra and a type of surgery. Thirty five patients were operated on at the age under 5 years, and 4 – older than 5. The long-term results were followed up in 35 patients during the first growth-spurt period, in 7 patients during the growth-plane period, and in 5 patients during the second growth-spurt. Results. Growth of the fused vertebrae after hemivertebra excision decreased less than 10 % in compared with theoretically estimated one. The less number of vertebral motion segments involved in the anterior and/or posterior fusion did growth of the blocked vertebrae closer to the normal. The vertebral growth is not influenced by the extension of instrumented fixation. Conclusion. Comprehensive approach to excision technique of hemivertebrae in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine of young children provides favorable conditions for spine growth.