title: Surgery of the spine in myelodysplasia. An overview.
abstract: Significant spinal deformity is particularly common in nonambulatory patients with myelodysplasia. Progressive deformity may be caused by congenital anomalies, paralytic collapse, hip contractures, or spinal cord tethering. Existing or projected functional impairment should be the principle indication for treatment. Surgical treatment is complicated by poor soft tissue coverage, associated contractures, lack of sensation, weak bone, and absence of posterior elements. Successful fusion can be achieved by circumferential (anterior and posterior) fusion and current rigid segmental instrumentation. The unique deformities and bony anatomy require individualized techniques to achieve fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Frim
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Emans
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery