New strategies and decision making in the management of neuromuscular scoliosis.

The outcome of spinal fusion in neuromuscular scoliosis demonstrates a consistently high satisfaction rate among parents and caretakers. It is somewhat more difficult to determine the functional benefits in individual patients, especially in those with the most severe involvement. Even in those children, a predicted 70% survival rate at 11 years has been documented following surgery. Scoliosis is common in children with neuromuscular diseases, especially cerebral palsy. Most of these children need stabilization to enhance their quality of life by improving sitting ability. Studies continue to show a high family satisfaction and caregiver satisfaction following spine reconstructive surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis and other spine deformities.