Scoliosis, spinal fusion, and intrathecal baclofen pump implantation

Abstract

This article reviews the incidence, management, and complications of scoliosis in patients with cerebral palsy. Treatment of scoliosis in patients with cerebral palsy includes both nonoperative and operative management and often the decision to proceed with surgery is a multidisciplinary decision. Because of severe spasticity, many of these patients undergo intrathecal baclofen pump placement before, during, or after posterior spinal fusion. The complication rates can be high with intrathecal baclofen pump placement, but many patients can have significant benefit with this therapy.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Intrathecal baclofen pump; Scoliosis; Spinal fusion.