Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of Lenke type-1 curve exhibit specific pedicle width pattern.

INTRODUCTION: Study aim was to find out if patients with Lenke type 1 curve exhibit smaller pedicles and specific pedicle width pattern compared with individuals with no scoliosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4,828 pedicle width measurements (T1-L5) in 61 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of Lenke type 1 curve, 61 control subjects, and 20 patients with Lenke type 5 curve, were retrospectively performed by an experienced neuroradiologist.

RESULTS: Among patients with Lenke type 1 curve, the differences between the width of right and left upper thoracic pedicles were statistically significant; smallest at right T4 (2.6 mm). At scoliotic apex, the pedicles on the concave (left) side were significantly smaller than those on the convex (right) side; smallest at left T7 (3.2 mm). Among patients with Lenke type 1 curve, 97% had pedicle width <4 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that patients with Lenke type 1 curve exhibit smaller pedicles and asymmetric pedicle width compared with control subjects.