Nonambulatory status and a preoperative curve magnitude (≥ 60°) are directly associated with an increased risk for major complications and indirectly associated with increased length of stay. As such, we recommend operative intervention in neuromuscular scoliosis before curve progression to ≥ 60°. Level of Evidence. Level III.

Intrathecal morphine in the moderate dose range of 9 to 19 microg/kg (mean 14 microg/kg), provides safe and effective postoperative analgesia in the immediate postoperative period for patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing PSF and SSI. Higher doses did not result in significantly better analgesia and had a greater frequency of respiratory depression requiring PICU admission.

Level IV, prognostic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Traction UGA offers flexibility equivalent to supine bending for structural MT and TL/L curves, and flexibility comparable with push-prone for nonstructural TL/L curves. Traction UGA also shows both structural and compensatory curves on the same radiograph, and ultimately may provide a better estimate of spinal balance.

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Exostoses or osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors in children. The proximal femur is affected in approximately 30% of individuals and may lead to growth disturbances, acetabular dysplasia, and possible subluxation. Intraarticular lesions may also occur but are rarer. We present 2 cases of intraarticular exostoses that were successfully treated by surgical dislocation of the hip and complete excision of the lesion. However, despite successful excision, both hips are still abnormal because of the long standing inherent growth disturbance and residual acetabular dysplasia and may still require further surgery.

III.

Level IV; case series.