Baclofen pump implantation and spinal fusion in children: techniques and complications.
METHODS
Retrospective clinical and radiographic review of complications related to intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) and posterior spine fusion (PSF) in patients with cerebral palsy.


OBJECTIVE
To report the technical considerations and complications associated with ITB in patients undergoing PSF.


BACKGROUND
A common treatment for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy is ITB. This population also has a high incidence of severe spinal deformities requiring PSF.


METHODS
There were 4 groups: A, 26 patients with PSF before ITB; B, 11 patients who underwent PSF and ITB concurrently; C, 25 patients with PSF after ITB; and D, the control group: 103 patients with ITB only. Complications and infections were tabulated from a retrospective chart review and ongoing surveillance data. Multiple chi analyses were used to compare the number of patients who experienced complications and infections among the groups. The operative sequence and catheter management techniques for the various scenarios are described in detail in the text.


RESULTS
The outcome by group was as follows: group A had 5 catheter malfunctions and 2 infections at the pump site, group B had 2 catheter malfunctions, 1 hypermobile pump and 1 infection at the spinal site, group C had 3 catheter malfunctions, 1 infection at the pump site and 1 infection at the spinal site. The control group had 23 catheter malfunctions, 5 pump failures, 8 infections at the pump site, and 1 infection at the spinal site. Multiple chi analyses showed no difference in the number of infection or device/catheter complications among any of the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of ITB therapy complications is not increased despite PSF in any order of the procedures. There are technical details in each situation that require attention. With understanding of the appropriate techniques of catheter management, ITB pumps can be implanted and managed without an increased complication rate before, during or after spinal fusion surgery.
Borowski
Andrzej
A
Department of Orthopedics, Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Children's Clinic, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA.
Shah
Suken A
SA
Littleton
Aaron G
AG
Dabney
Kirk W
KW
Miller
Freeman
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*
D001418:Baclofen