Abstract Scoliosis is a common sequela, affecting up to 64% of cerebral palsy (CP) patients, with incidence and severity correlating with higher Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, CP-associated curves are typically long, C-shaped, and progressive, often causing pelvic obliquity, restrictive pulmonary disease, and impaired sitting balance. Evaluation requires a comprehensive history, physical examination, and radiographic assessment, with attention to nutritional status, hip contractures, and head control, all of which influence outcomes. Conservative management, including bracing and seating adaptations, may provide trunk support but is limited in halting curve progression, particularly in non-ambulatory patients. Surgical options include growth-friendly constructs (traditional growth rods, MAGnetic Expansion Control rods, or Shilla techniques) for skeletally immature patients, and posterior spinal fusion, often extending to the pelvis, for definitive correction. Preoperative multidisciplinary optimization, meticulous intraoperative technique, and postoperative intensive care are critical to mitigate complications such as blood loss, baclofen withdrawal, respiratory failure, proximal junctional kyphosis, and surgical site infection. Despite complication rates, long-term studies demonstrate significant improvement in caregiver-reported outcomes following surgical intervention, particularly in comfort, sitting tolerance, and ease of care. Ultimately, treatment of scoliosis in CP requires individualized, family-centered planning, balancing surgical risks against potential gains in function and quality of life.
Thai et al. (Fri,) studied this question.