Preliminary Results of the Bipolar Technique in the Treatment of Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Abstract

Objective To present the preliminary results of the bipolar technique for the surgical treatment of neuromuscular spine deformities. Methods Five patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (cerebral palsy – 3 patients, spinal amyotrophy – 1 patient, and genetic syndrome – 1 patient) underwent surgical treatment using the bipolar technique and were evaluated 12 months after the operation. Results General care and the ability to sit improved in all patients. The main curve ranged from 64.7 to 84.1 degrees (mean 70.58 ± 7.1) in the preoperative period and from 2.6 to 50.3 degrees (mean 25.50 ± 16.0) in the postoperative period with 64% correction. Corrections of pelvic obliquity (85%), T4-T12 kyphosis (43%), the Pisa angle (69%) and the sacroclavicular angle (60%) were observed 12 months following surgery. Postoperative infection (2 patients) and pneumonia (1 patient) were the complications observed. Conclusion The bipolar technique presented good clinical and radiological results associated with low morbidity in the treatment of neuromuscular spine deformities. Level of evidence IV; Case series.

Autofusion in growing rod surgery for early onset scoliosis; what do we know so far?

“…This method is designed to circumvent work in the intermediate zone, effectively minimizing the risk of fibrosis and spontaneous fusion. This approach has demonstrated favourable clinical and radiological outcomes with minimal associated morbidity in the management of neuromuscular spine deformities [ 46 ]. However, additional research is warranted to further explore its efficacy and potential benefits.…”