The preoperative curve magnitude less than or equal to 60 degrees and non-ambulatory status could increase the risk for major complications during neuromuscular scoliosis surgery, according to an article published in Spine.
Researchers examined 131 young patients, the majority of which had cerebral palsy. The patients either underwent posterior spinal fusion and segmental spinal instrumentation (67 percent) or anterior spinal fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation (33 percent).
Non-ambulatory status and preoperative curve magnitude were associated with an increased prevalence of major complications. The non-ambulatory patients were nearly four times more likely to have major complications, compared with the ambulatory patients. A preoperative major curve was a more accurate indicator for increased complication risk.
The increased risk of complication was indirectly related to a longer hospital length of stay.
Read the abstract about complications after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Treatment of Cervical Spine
- Study: Spine Surgery Better for Diabetic Patients With Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Study: Asymmetric Pelvic Bones in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy patients Affects Spine Surgery Technique
Researchers examined 131 young patients, the majority of which had cerebral palsy. The patients either underwent posterior spinal fusion and segmental spinal instrumentation (67 percent) or anterior spinal fusion with segmental spinal instrumentation (33 percent).
Non-ambulatory status and preoperative curve magnitude were associated with an increased prevalence of major complications. The non-ambulatory patients were nearly four times more likely to have major complications, compared with the ambulatory patients. A preoperative major curve was a more accurate indicator for increased complication risk.
The increased risk of complication was indirectly related to a longer hospital length of stay.
Read the abstract about complications after surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Treatment of Cervical Spine
- Study: Spine Surgery Better for Diabetic Patients With Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Study: Asymmetric Pelvic Bones in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy patients Affects Spine Surgery Technique