Casting for early onset scoliosis in resource limited setting.

PURPOSE: Early onset scoliosis (EOS) surgery with growth rods has complications. While casting is an alternative, special frames and training are often unavailable. Our study evaluates a simple, reproducible casting technique for EOS using universally available equipment without a special casting table.

METHODS

27 children with EOS underwent serial casting with a simple technique using two standing stools, a Cervical Sayre traction kit, and a metal plate. Casts were changed every three to four months. Pre, post, and follow-up Cobb angles and complications were recorded. Patients were grouped into congenital (CS) and non-congenital (NCS) EOS and compared.

RESULTS

27 children (mean age 4.15 years) with EOS underwent 116 casting procedures (mean 4.29 casts/patient). Significant curve correction (63.85° to 33.8°) was noted (p < 0.05). NCS had better correction than CS post-first cast (p < 0.05). Complications included three dermatitis and one mild respiratory distress.

CONCLUSION

The technique yielded results similar to those of traditional casting tables/frames and is ideal for resource-limited settings.