Spinal fusions to the pelvis augmented by Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for neuromuscular scoliosis.

Eighteen patients with spinal deformity secondary to a neuromuscular disorder were treated with posterior fusion using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) to the pelvis. The mean frontal plane curve was 70 degrees preoperatively and 38 degrees postoperatively. The mean loss of correction was 3 degrees at an average follow-up of 28 months. Pelvic obliquity improved in nine patients from a preoperative mean of 22 degrees to 11 degrees at follow-up. Lumbar lordosis was maintained with preoperative and postoperative means of -36 degrees. Complications included perioperative hardware failure in one case and one late, deep infection. There were no neurologic complications, pseudarthroses, or rod breakage. Posterior spinal fusion with CDI to the pelvis is an effective treatment for patients with neuromuscular scoliosis.