• Leonard Basobas, Steven Mardjetko, Kim Hammerberg, and John Lubicky.
• Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Des Plaines, IL, USA.
• Spine. 2003 Oct 15; 28 (20): S245-8.

Study DesignA retrospective cohort study was conducted.ObjectiveTo evaluate the results of anterior spinal fusion with anterior instrumentation alone in selected patients with neuromuscular scoliosis.Summary Of Background DataTraditionally posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation has been done, usually to the pelvis, to achieve correction of neuromuscular scoliosis. However, certain selected patients might benefit from shorter fusion segment to preserve some motion and yet still achieve good correction of the curve. This may serve to improve or preserve various functional abilities that might be adversely affected by a long fusion.MethodPatients who had anterior spinal fusion (ASF) with anterior instrumentation (AI) alone were selected from an entire group of patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity who had surgery at Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago since January of 1988. The charts and radiographs of these patients were examined and various radiographic parameters were measured pre- and after surgery and at final follow-up. Additionally, functional level of the patients included, ambulatory status was obtained from the medical records.ResultsIn these 21 patients excellent results were obtained with regard to primary and secondary curve correction as well as the pelvic obliquity without significant deterioration at final follow-up. Ambulatory status was not changed after surgery. This cohort of patients had various neuromuscular diseases. However, the majority of them had myelomeningocele. Few complications occurred which resulted in the reoperation of several patients who had progression of the curve around the instrumented segment which itself remained unchanged when the complication was recognized. One infection occurred requiring irrigation and debridement.ConclusionsIn selected patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, even that associated with pelvic obliquity, excellent correction and maintenance correction can be obtained fusing a relatively short segment of the spine with ASF and AI rather than a long construct posteriorly to the pelvis. Maintenance of the correction of the primary curve as well as the pelvic obliquity was maintained over the period of follow-up. This approach for selected patients should be offered as a way of limiting the extend of the surgery, preserving motion segments and maintaining orenhancing functions such as activities of daily living.

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