Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · 1994 · 92 citations · 0 references
MedicineOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopedic SurgeryPain ManagementPain MedicineSpine SurgeryCerebral PalsyPatient StabilizationSpinal AlignmentSpinal DisordersSpinal StabilitySpine DisordersCerebral Palsy OrthopaedicsCerebral Palsy Orthopedic CareCerebral Palsy-associated ScoliosisMedication Resource UtilizationMedication Utilization EvaluationMedication Utilization PatternsScoliosis Outcomes AssessmentStabilization Of The Spine
A homogenous population of 37 institutionalized patients with scoliosis and severe cerebral palsy was evaluated to assess the impact of spinal stabilization on comfort, function, health, and ease of nursing care. Through a prospective care-burden study, a 34-month retrospective analysis, and a healthcare worker questionnaire, 17 fused patients with a mean current scoliosis of 35 degrees were compared with 20 nonfused patients with a mean scoliosis of 76 degrees. No clinically significant differences were noted in pain or pulmonary medication utilization or therapy, decubiti, function, or time for daily care. Nevertheless, the majority of healthcare workers believed that the fused patients were more comfortable.