In properly selected patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, selective fusion of either a main thoracic or lumbar curve resulted in spontaneous correction of the uninstrumented curve, according to recently published results. The results were maintained at least 10 years.

Researchers identified 51 patients who underwent selective fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, of which 21 were main thoracic curve fusions and 30 were thoracolumbar/lumbar curve fusions. Patients were followed for at least 10 years. The coronal and sagittal Cobb angles and coronal balance were evaluated with interval radiographs. Investigators cataloged and evaluated the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-24) scores. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used to compared radiograph outcomes and SRS-24 scores between preoperative and postoperative time points. Patient records were screened for recent curve progression more than 5° and then methodically assessed.