Cotrel Dubousset and Wisconsin segmental spine instrumentation: comparison of results in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis King Type II.

When introduced, the Wisconsin segmental spine instrumentation (WSSI) and the Cotrel Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) were promoted as technical advances for the correction of spinal deformities. Both systems provide acceptable correction and greatly reduce the need for postoperative immobilization. A retrospective study of a homogeneous group of 53 adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis with King Type II curves who had reached skeletal maturity at follow-up was conducted to compare and analyze the results of these two systems. Thirty-six of these patients had been operated on using WSSI and 17 had been operated on using CDI. CDI and WSSI were found to be equally effective in treating King Type II curves. No difference was found between the two groups in the fusion rates, spinal balance, time required for surgery, or amount of curve correction. The answer to the question of which system is "better" depends on the surgeon's experience and familiarity with the equipment.