Rh-BMP-2 for L5–S1 arthrodesis in long fusions to the pelvis for neuromuscular spinal deformity in the pediatric age group: analysis of 11 patients

Purpose Neuromuscular scoliosis is a challenging pathology to treat with high incidence of complications and failure of surgical fusion. Surgical correction can entail long fusion constructs extending to the pelvis. We report our experience in the use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) to augment L5–S1 arthrodesis in long segment fusions in pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. Methods Retrospective review of 11 pediatric patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity (mean, age 13.7 years; range, 10–20 years) who underwent long (mean, 15 levels; range, 10–18 levels) spinal instrumentation and fusion to the pelvis at a single institution from 2007 to 2012 with an average follow-up of 34 months (range, 11–62 months). Results Of the 11 patients, one had pseudoarthrosis at L5–S1. The average coronal Cobb angle measured 59° before surgery and 42° immediately after surgery. The average preoperative thoracic kyphosis and lumbar sagittal lordosis measured 34 and 59°, respectively. Immediately after surgery, the thoracic and lumbar angles measured 28 and 39°, respectively. At last follow-up, the average coronal Cobb angle was maintained at 43° and the thoracic and lumbar sagittal angles were 28 and 44°, respectively. An average of 14.2 mg of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rh-BMP-2) was used for each case. Conclusions L5–S1 arthrodesis may be effectively achieved in long fusions for pediatric neuromuscular spinal deformity with posterolateral fusion supplemented with rh-BMP-2. This surgical strategy may be associated with lower complication rates, decreased blood loss, and shorter operative times than circumferential fusion, which is particularly important in this complex fragile patient population.