Experiences with Poliomyelitic Scoliosis After Fusion and Correction

¹ Warm Springs Foundation, Warm Springs

1. In a series of seventy-eight patients with poliomyelitic scoliosis treated by spine fusion, the final results were as follows: 9 per cent became worse; 47 per cent showed no change: and 44 per cent were improved. The average follow-up period in this series was four and one-twelfth years.

2. In forty-four patients (56 per cent) there appeared to be a pseudarthrosis. Only 14 per cent of these patients had pain, however, and only 18 per cent were re-operated upon. About 45 per cent of the defects remained visible roentgenographically for as long as ten years.

3. In all patients the greatest loss of initial correction occurred at least six months after sitting and standing was resumed, and in most patients it occurred after a year.

4. It is recommended that in the treatment of patients with paralytic scoliosis, iliac or thin tibial grafts be used, that four months of recumbent immobilization be considered sufficient, and that the patient wear a rigid cellulose-acetate jacket for at least two years after the upright position is permitted.

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