Objective: To evaluate the surgical results of selective thoracic fusion (STF) for scoliosis associated with syringomyelia.

Methods: From January 2001 to January 2009, 93 cases of scoliosis associated with syringomyelia were retrospectively reviewed. There were 11 cases who underwent STF and were followed up more than 2 years, which included 8 female and 3 male, the mean age was 14.9 years (9 - 21 years). Curve type, coronal and sagittal Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation apical vertebral translation, flexibility, trunk shift were recorded and analyzed.

Results: There were 9 double curves and 2 triple curves, the Lenke type of thoracolumbar/lumbar curve included Lenke A in 2 cases, Lenke B in 7 cases and Lenke C in 2 cases. The average coronal Cobb angle of thoracic curve before and after surgery were 62.6° and 19.0° respectively, and the average correction rate was 69.6%. The average coronal Cobb angle of thoracolumbar/lumbar curve before and after surgery were 36.1° and 11.6° respectively, and the average spontaneous correction rate was 67.9%. The followed up time ranged from 24 to 48 months (mean 29.5 months), the average loss of correction rate was 6.8%. Only one trunk decompensation was noted at final follow-up. Pedicle screw nut loosening occurred in one patient and this patient underwent revision surgery, no neurological complication was noted at final follow-up.

Conclusions: STF could be safely performed in scoliosis associated with syringomyelia. Thoracolumbar/lumbar curve in these patients has similar spontaneous correction ability compared with idiopathic scoliosis patients. The satisfactory result could be achieved according to the STF criteria for IS.