Segmental spinal instrumentation for neuromuscular spinal deformity

Seventy-six consecutive surgical cases of paralytic neuromuscular spinal deformity were retrospectively analyzed. Posterior arthrodesis with segmental spinal stabilization with Luque L-rods, sometimes preceded by anterior release, was done in all cases. The infection rate of 14.5% was observed to be markedly higher in patients with myelodysplasia. Deep placement of the rods lateral to the spine and well beneath full-thickness skin is recommended to reduce the incidence of this complication.