The Effect of Two Attending Surgeons on Patients With Large-Curve Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective, chart review.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of using two surgeons for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with AIS with large-magnitude curves (greater than 70°).

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies have shown that intraoperative risk factors can be reduced by having two surgeons operate simultaneously.

Hip reconstruction is more painful than spine fusion in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: Concerns about pain control in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are especially anxiety provoking for parents, given the fact that spasticity, communication issues, and postoperative muscle spasms are significant problems that make pain control difficult in these patients. A better understanding of the magnitude and quality of the pain these patients experience after our surgical procedures would better prepare the patients and their families. The purpose of this study is to quantify the amount of postoperative pain in children with CP undergoing hip reconstruction and spinal fusion.

Adjunctive Pain Control Methods Lower Narcotic Use and Pain Scores for Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion.

Study Design: This was a retrospective review of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF).

Objectives: To determine whether the use of adjunctive pain medications (bupivacaine pump, dexmedetomidine, and ketorolac) will reduce the need for opioids, reduce postoperative pain, and shorten length of hospital stay in patients with AIS undergoing PSF.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for AIS can cause significant postoperative pain.

Are We Undermedicating Patients With Neuromuscular Scoliosis After Posterior Spinal Fusion?

Study Design: Retrospective, matched study of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and patients with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing (PSF).

Objectives: To compare pain management, through measurement of the amount of narcotic used and pain scores, for patients with neuromuscular (NM) scoliosis undergoing PSF to a cohort of patients with AIS.

Summary Of Background Data: Posterior spinal fusion for children with severe NM scoliosis carries a high risk of complications.