Is Minimally Invasive Bipolar Technique a Better Alternative to Long Fusion for Adult Neuromuscular Scoliosis?

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To report the results for an alternative technique based on minimally invasive fusion-less surgery. This approach is original in that it corrects deformities by proximal and distal fixation, with reliable pelvic fixation through the use of iliosacral screws on osteoporotic bones.

METHODS

Adult cerebral palsy patients requiring spinal correction surgery were included prospectively between 2015 and 2019. The technique involved the use of a double-rod construct anchored proximally by four clawed hooks and distally by iliosacral screws, in a minimally invasive approach. Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity were measured before and after initial surgery and at final follow-up. Complications and functional results were reviewed. This group (P) was compared with a second group (R) of patients who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2015, for whom data were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were included in group P, and 15 in group R. The two groups were comparable for demographic data and deformity. At most recent follow-up (3 years for group P [2-6] and 5 years for group R [2-16]), neither correction nor surgical complications differed between the two groups. However, group P had 50% less blood loss and a lower medical complication rate than group R.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the effectiveness of this minimally invasive technique for neuromuscular scoliosis in adults. The results were similar to those obtained with the usual techniques, but with fewer medical complications. Confirmation of these results is now required for a longer follow-up period.