ABSTRACT
The concept of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) was just evolving after Prof Dickson from Leeds coined the term in the early 1990s. This classification was based on the functional abilities of the child connected with their lung and thorax growth. There is an increase in the alveolar growth and number in the first year of life that reaches its maximum by the age of 8 years. The use of growing instrumentation may delay definitive fusion and may help to maintain pulmonary health. The initial results of treatment of progressive EOS with Luque Trolley alone at this centre were disappointing, so an apical convex epiphysiodesis was added. The progressive structural changes alter the curve response to incremental distraction. The idea behind growth rods in treating EOS is to correct spinal curvature and permit skeletal growth. Luque Trolley was abandoned due to high incidence of complications, spontaneous fusion, and inadequate spinal growth.
