The correction of spinal deformity in idiopathic torsional dystonias.

The torsional dystonias constitute a group of motion disorders of unknown etiology with variable onset, progression, and severity that frequently result in spinal curvature. Four patients with this uncommon disorder, with curves averaging 70 degrees (range, 55 to 95 degrees), underwent surgical correction for progressive spinal deformity. All of them had improvement in function postoperatively, but there was a high rate of postoperative complications.