S rod fixation to the sacrum in patients with neuromuscular spinal deformities

A new form of pelvic fixation has been designed for use in patients with ne uromuscular spinal deformities to overcome the problems imposed by the Galv eston technique, One end of a Luque rad is prebent into an S shaped configu ration and placed over the sacral ala supplying firm fixation across the lu mbosacral junction without crossing the sacroiliac joint. It fixes firmly a gainst the sacral ala by distracting against a hook or screw in the lumbar spine. A 12 year retrospective review of 67 patients with severe neuromuscu lar spinal deformities was accomplished, All surgeries were performed by on e surgeon, All patients had good deformity correction with an average follo wup of 6 years and 2 months, Complications included: recurrence of pelvic o bliquity (one patient), skin breakdown over hardware (one patient), migrati on of hardware at sacrum (two patients), and rod breakage (five patients). The S rod is recommended for all patients with neuromuscular spinal deformi ties who require instrument fixation to the pelvis. Its ease of insertion a nd decreased operative time allow for a safe and dependable alternative fix ation to the sacrum without crossing the sacroiliac joint.