Introduction

• Defined as an irregular spinal curvature caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system.
• Neurogenic curves (relative to idiopathic curves) tend to be
  • more rapidly progressive
  • may progress after maturity
  • associated with pelvic obliquity
  • are longer and involve more vertebrae (may involve cervical vertebrae)
  • have a higher rate of pulmonary complications with surgery

Classification & Treatment

• Outcomes
  • surgical correction of spinal fusion is only treatment that has a documented beneficial impact on deformity
  • parents and caretakers report excellent improvement in the child's quality of life after deformity correction
  • Increased risk of wound complications with: 
    • Poor nutritional status (serum albumin <3.5 g/dL)
    • Immunocompromised status (WBC <1,500 cells/ucL)
    • Presence of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt
    • Severe spastic quadriplegia nonambulatory status with seizures