Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is a severe spinal deformity that can compromise thoracic development and pulmonary function if left untreated. While Mehta casting is widely used to manage deformity non-surgically in young children, its effects on spinal and thoracic growth remain underexplored. Methods: In this retrospective case series, 15 children with EOS underwent serial elongation–derotation–flexion (EDF) Mehta casting. Radiographic assessments were performed pre-treatment, post-casting, and at follow-up, including measurements of Cobb angle, rib–vertebral angle difference (RVAD), Th1–Th12 spinal length, coronal chest width (CCW), and space available for lung (SAL). Growth rates were estimated based on the duration of treatment. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine associations between baseline deformity and structural outcomes. Results: Serial casting reduced the mean Cobb angle by 22.2° and RVAD by 15.5°. During treatment, measurable increases were observed in Th1–Th12 length (mean: 2.93 cm), CCW (1.12 cm), SAL-L (2.60 cm), and SAL-R (2.98 cm). Estimated annual growth was significantly greater in children with lower initial Cobb and RVAD values. In contrast, total casting duration showed no consistent correlation with growth outcomes. Conclusions: Mehta casting is effective not only in correcting spinal deformity but also in supporting thoracic and axial growth in children with EOS. Early application in flexible, less severe curves may optimize structural outcomes and preserve thoracic development during early growth.
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm14124329
Authors: Jakub Adamczyk, Slawomir Duda, Wojciech Kacki, Barbara Jasiewicz, Tomasz Potaczek
Institution: Jagiellonian University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4411427260