Risk Factors for Complications Following Paediatric Neuromuscular and Syndromic Scoliosis Correction Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Paediatric neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis patients have multiple medical comorbidities that increase the risk of postoperative complications. There is a lack of consistent literature assessing the specific risk factors for complications following scoliosis correction surgery in this high-risk cohort. This review aims to systematically examine the existing literature and synthesise the risk factors for postoperative complications to better inform perioperative planning and patient management. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy identified existing literature from three databases (OVID Medline, Embase and Web of Science). A total of 1306 articles were identified, and 27 were deemed eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 21 290 patients were included across all the included studies. There were differences between definitions and reporting of risk factors and complications. There were 13 instances of conflicting findings between studies, and most risk factors were only assessed by one study for a specific complication. CONCLUSION: This review identified several potential risk factors for postoperative complications following neuromuscular scoliosis correction surgery. However, the existing literature is heterogeneous, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the most important risk factors.