Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a large consecutive series of pediatric patients affected by neuromuscular scoliosis treated with Unit Rod instrumentation.
Methods: Retrospective review of 160 children treated with Unit Rod instrumentation between 2003 and 2010. This review analyzed complications, radiographic outcome, time surgery, average blood loss, hospital staying and functional outcome of patients and parents after surgery. The follow-up of 80 patients is at more than 5 years.
Results: Scoliosis was corrected from a mean of 56° range 21° to 76° Cobb (68 %). Pelvic obliquity was corrected from a mean of 24° to 5° (74 %). Major complications are not related to the technique but to the pathology.
Conclusion: Unit Rod instrumentation is a common standard technique, is considerably less expensive than the other system, and remains a good indication for the treatment of the spinal deformity in children affected by neuromuscular disease.