Journal of Spine

Pelvic Fixation: A 4-Year Comparison of Two Different Fixation Methods for Non-ambulatory Patients with Neuromuscular Scoliosis Treated with Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods

Abstract

Annika Stuecker*

Neuromuscular scoliosis is a severe spinal deformity often seen in patients with underlying neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal muscular atrophy. Non-ambulatory patients with NMS are particularly challenging to treat due to their limited mobility, poor muscle control, and overall weakened physical condition. Traditional surgical treatments for scoliosis, such as spinal fusion, are not always suitable for these patients, especially in growing children. This has led to the development of magnetically controlled growing rods which allow for non-invasive adjustments to accommodate spinal growth. However, the method of pelvic fixation in these patients remains a topic of ongoing debate. This article compares two different pelvic fixation methods over a four-year period in non-ambulatory patients with NMS treated with MCGRs.