Hydration properties of the lumbar intervertebral discs in AIS after surgical correction:five years follow-up and comparison with an age-matched control group

We compared disc hydration properties of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and 5 years after spinal fusion with an age-matched control group. We conducted a prospective MRI follow-up of 23 patients. Disc and nucleus volumes were reconstructed on T2 weighted sequence. In the scoliotic group, vd and vn were lower than control group, hydration ratio (Vn/Vd) was lower. After surgery, subjacent discs rehydrated. AIS induces a loss of IVD hydration. Surgical correction can reverse homeostasis disturbances related to spinal deformity.