Luque Instrumentation

Suk, Se Il; Baek, Goo Hyun; Lee, Choon Seong

Abstract

Luque introduced new posterior spinal instrumentation by segmental sublaminar wiring for spinal deformity in 1976. This system initially developed for the treatment of paralytic scoliosis, but now its application was extended to treatment of other types of scolisis, spinal fractures and spondylolysthesis. Advantages of this system in scoliosis are better correction force and secure internal fixation enabling early ambulation without external support. Disadvantages include longer operation time, possibilities of epidural bleeding and dural laceration. Luque instrumentation in thoracic and lumbar spine fracture is an effective means of obtaining following goals: provide reduction, maintenance of alignment, restoration of stability, prevention of deformity, low pseudarthrosis rate and early mobilization without external support. Luque instrumentation were carried out in 5 cases at Dept. of O.S. at SNUH from Oct. 1983 to Feb. 1984 with excellent results. The average follow-up period was 7.4 months and there was no complication. Two cases of unstable thoracic and lumbar spine fractures were treated with Luque instrumentation with fusion. The use of double sublaminar wiring with Luque rods, two levels above and two levels below on area of fracture provided early stabilization to allow rehabilitation without external immobilization. Three cases of paralytic scoliosis underwent Luque instrumentation by a modification of the Galveston technique with fusion. Average preoperative curve was 110°(ranged from 101° to 126°). Immediate postoperative correction was 58.7°(46.6%) and average 7 months-following result was 56.3°(48.3%). Operation time averaged 6hr 7min and blood loss was averaged 12 pints. Those patients required instrumentation from the pelvis to middorsal segment, in an effort to control the curve and associated pelvic tilting. In early follow-up the author obtained remarkable correction in paralytic curves, and the pelvic obliquity were well corrected with a pelvis and provid ing with better sitting balance.