Temporary use of shape memory spinal rod in the treatment of scoliosis

NiTinol shape memory alloy is characterized by its malleability at low temperatures and its ability to return to a preconfigured shape above its activation temperature. This process can be utilized to assist in scoliosis correction. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of intraoperative use of shape memory alloy rod in the correction of scoliosis. From May 2002 to September 2006, 38 scoliosis patients (ranging from 50° to 120°; 22 cases over 70°) who underwent shape memory alloy-assisted correction in our institute were reviewed. During the operation, a shape memory alloy rod served as a temporary correction tool. Following correction, the rod was replaced by a rigid rod. The mean blood loss at surgery was 680 ± 584 ml; the mean operative time was 278 ± 62 min. The major Cobb angle improved from an average 78.4° preoperatively to 24.3° postoperatively (total percent correction 71.4%). In 16 patients with a major curve 70° and flexibility of 25.6%, the deformity improved from 94.1° preoperatively to 30.1° postoperatively (percent correction, 68.1%). Only one case had a deep infection. There were no neurologic, vascular or correction-related complications such as screw pullout or metal fracture. The study shows that the intraoperative use of a shape memory rod is a safe and effective method to correct scoliosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1514-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.