title: Controversy. Fusion of L5-S1 in adult scoliosis.
abstract: Correction of adult scoliotic deformities often involves long segment fusions into the lower lumber spine. The risks of late complications from excluding L5-S1 from the fusion include subsequent lumbosacral instability and pain and must be weighed against the additional risks and complications of routinely including L5-S1 in these long fusions. Dr. Holt and his colleague are emphatic that fusion of L5-S1 should be avoided at all costs; Dr. Horton believes that long-term follow-up results suggest the benefits of including this level may outweigh the added risks and offers a more tempered opinion.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Muldowny
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D012447:Sacrum / Q000601:surgery*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*