Intrasacral rod fixation for pediatric lumbopelvic fusion.

PURPOSE: This paper reports the authors' 19 years experience with pediatric intrasacral rod fixation.

METHODS

After insertion of two cannulated screws in S1 with and an original template guiding them into the anterior third of the endplate, two short fusion rods were inserted into the sacrum according to Jackson's technique distally to S3. In neuromuscular scoliosis, pelvic obliquity was reduced by connecting the proximal and distal constructs, distraction or compression, and in situ rod bending. In children with high-grade spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral kyphosis was reduced by rotation of the sacrum and in situ bending.

RESULTS

There were no direct neurological or vascular injuries. The main complication was infection (7%). No pseudarthrosis or significant loss of correction at the lumbosacral junction was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrasacral rod fixation appears to be safe and reliable for lumbopelvic fusion in pediatric patients.