Spinal Fusion in Patients with GMFCS IV or V Cerebral Palsy: Durable Correction and Lasting Quality of Life Improvements

Background: Understanding outcomes of spinal fusion (SF) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) beyond the short term is important to determine efficacy and durability. This study examined complications, unplanned returns to the operating room (UPROR), and radiographic and clinical outcomes after SF in children with CP. Methods: Patients with GMFCS IV or V CP who had been followed for a minimum of 5 years after SF were identified in a prospective multicenter database and analyzed. The major Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity (PO) were recorded. Data regarding complications and any UPROR were collected prospectively. The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) questionnaire was completed preoperatively and at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE), repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA), and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: One hundred and eighty-nine patients (mean age, 13.4 ± 2.7 years; 94 male and 95 female; 45% White, 24% Hispanic, 16% Black, and 4% Asian as self-reported) were included in the study. The preoperative Cobb angle (82.8° ± 23.0°) was improved at 2 years (29.9° ± 16.2°; p < 0.001), and the improvement was maintained at 5 years (30.2° ± 17.0°; p = 0.284). The preoperative PO (27.4° ± 15.6°) was improved at 2 years (9.7° ± 9.1°; p < 0.001), and the improvement was maintained at 5 years (9.9° ± 9.8°; p = 0.997). There were 46 patients (24.3%) with major complications and 25 patients (13.2%) who required UPROR, mostly within the first year. The probability of remaining free of major complications and of having no UPROR at 5 years was >75% and >87%, respectively. Improvements in CPCHILD scores were observed at 2 years and remained improved at 5 years compared with baseline. RM-ANOVA demonstrated no significant differences in the change in scores over time in patients with complications or UPROR compared with those who did not. Those with complications or UPROR showed no evidence of a major decline in CPCHILD scores. Conclusions: SF resulted in durable radiographic correction and sustained improvements in caregiver-reported quality of life over a minimum of 5 years. Patients with major complications or UPROR showed no deterioration in CPCHILD scores. These findings support SF as an effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients with GMFCSIV or V CP. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.