Abstract

Thirty patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity treated with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation were followed for 5 to 11 years. Fusion was extended to the pelvis in 21 patients. Mean frontal correction was 56% postoperatively and 51% at final follow-up. Thoracic kyphosis was reduced from an average 44° to 33° in nine patients; kyphosis of the entire spine in 21 patients was converted to a balanced sagittal plane. Average pelvic obliquity and torso decompensation improved from 24° to 13° and from 273 to 204 mm respectively. Complications included infection (10 cases) and loss of hardware fixation (4 cases) ; except for one infection, all complications presented in the pelvic fixation group. Surgery was considered to have improved quality of life and would be recommended in all cases. Surgical treatment of neuromuscular spinal deformity with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation allows a long-lasting correction and improves quality of life, but is associated with a significant complication rate.