Orthopaedic nursing
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Orthopaedic nursing · Mar 2018
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Prior to Spinal Fusion for Patients With Gross Motor Function Classification System IV-V Cerebral Palsy.
Patients with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV-V cerebral palsy (CP) have significant spasticity and frequently develop scoliosis. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps are effective in managing spasticity. The effect of ITB therapy on the postoperative course following spinal fusion in patients with GMFCS IV-V CP has not been described. This study sought to compare postoperative recovery, including complications, in patients using ITB therapy with those with no ITB therapy. ⋯ There was no significant difference in length of stay, pain scores, or pain/spasticity medication use between groups after spinal fusion, but there was a significantly lower incidence of complications in the ITB therapy group.