The comparison of the results after spinal fusion with or without iliac screw insertion in the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular scoliosis leads to a wide range of spinal disorders which disturb the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and radiological results of posterior spinal fusion with and without extending the instrumentation to iliac bones in treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis. METHODS: Medical records and radiographies of 36 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent posterior instrumentation between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed. Age and body mass index at time of surgery, underlying diagnosis, gender, postoperative infection rates, perioperative and postoperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery, complication rates were identified for each patient retrospectively. SF-36 physical questionnaire was applied to all patients. Surgery was performed in each patient and included posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws from the proximal thoracic spine (T2 or T3) to S1 (Group A) or extension of distal instrumentation to pelvis by bilateral iliac screws (Group B). RESULTS: A total of 23 patients in group A were compared with 13 patients in group B. Median age was 14 (9–38) years for group A and 16 (12–25) years for group B. Median follow-up period was 20 (12–66) months. Preoperative median Cobb angles were 66(°) and 60(°) and postoperative Cobb values were 33(°) and 31(°) in group A and B respectively. Median Cobb angle reduction was 40(°) and 34(°) for group A and B. We are able to see in this study that the usage of illiac screws do not increase implant failure and help achieve better functional results. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the extention of instrumentation to the pelvis with illiac screws can be beneficial in terms of functional and complicational incidences. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic study.