Robert B Winter1. 1. Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA. jwinhaven@aol.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to demonstrate the life-saving benefit of spine fusion for progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. A follow-up of this duration (73 years) has never been previously reported. RESULTS: The properly treated patient is alive and well 73 years after surgery, but the brother whose curve was ignored died of cor pulmonale at age 45. CONCLUSIONS: Properly done spine fusion can save the life of children with progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to demonstrate the life-saving benefit of spine fusion for progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. A follow-up of this duration (73 years) has never been previously reported. RESULTS: The properly treated patient is alive and well 73 years after surgery, but the brother whose curve was ignored died of cor pulmonale at age 45. CONCLUSIONS: Properly done spine fusion can save the life of children with progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis.