OBJECTIVE: To evaluate caregiver satisfaction after spinal fusion in patients with cerebral palsy and scoliosis. METHODS: The chart data of 38 patients who underwent surgical treatment at Pequeno Príncipe Hospital between 2003 and 2009, with minimum follow-up period of one year, were reviewed. The following data were collected: age, gender, follow-up length, GMFCS, topographic classification of the lesion, surgical approach, and complications. From preoperative and postoperative radiograph reviews: Cobb angle in the coronal and sagittal planes, and pelvic obliquity. Each patient's closest caregiver answered a questionnaire, retrospectively, related to personal care, function, mobility, aesthetics, health and satisfaction, comparing their conditions before and after surgery. For statistical analysis the results were divided into two groups according to improvement. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.6 years (9-20) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up period was 33 months (12-75). The Cobb angle averaged 81º (46º-133º) preoperatively, postoperatively the mean was 27º (6º-62º). Pelvic obliquity was present in 18 (74%) patients before surgery. Complications occurred in 13 (37%) patients. There was an improvement in personal care in 36 patients (95%), and locomotion and function in 37 (97%). Aesthetic improvement occurred in 100% of cases. Time spent in a wheelchair increased for 79% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the surgical treatment of scoliosis for patients with cerebral palsy showed a high degree of satisfaction among members of their families. Our results are similar to other studies previously published in the literature.
Cerebral Palsy; Scoliosis; Spinal Fusion; Caregivers
