[Scoliosis outcome in cerebral palsy patients with total body involvement: a descriptive study of 61 children and adults, with or without spinal fusion].

INTRODUCTION

The literature is controversial about how to manage scoliosis in cerebral palsy patients with total body involvement. Spinal fusion is admitted as the only means to stop the evolution of the curve but remains associated with many complications.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this descriptive study was to formulate hypotheses concerning the interest of spinal fusion in this population.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 61 patients aged 4 to 48 years (mean 24 years, median 20 years) with severe scoliosis (Cobb score>40 degrees ). Each patient had undergone recent X-ray of the spine and hips and a clinical exam. Data were collected on orthopaedic and functional status, health level (pulmonary, digestive, nutrition, skin parameters), pain, and subjective quality of life (sQoL).

RESULTS

Data were collected for all 61 patients (35 females, 26 males), 16 underwent spinal fusion at a mean age of 16.5 years (prevalence of 32.0%). No significant difference was found between patients with a spinal instrumentation and others in variables tested. A difference might be present with functional level, but only results from a longitudinal study would be conclusive. Pain was prevalent (19.7%), not treated sufficiently (only 50% receive treatment), and contributes to poor sQoL (p<0.042). Among the other data collected, nutritional level has the greatest influence on general health status (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic spinal fusion cannot be generalized for this population of patients with cerebral palsy and total body involvement. However, health status and quality of life could be improved with better care of nutritional problems and pain.