A prospective study of acute radiculopathy after scoliosis surgery

We have prospectively studied 45 patients undergoing scoliosis surgery (48 procedures) for evidence of postoperative acute radiculopathy. Posterior spinal fusion was performed in 42 patients (Cotrel Dubousset 28, Harrington rod with wires 9, Hartshill rectangles 5); anterior spinal fusion in 5 (Webb Morley) and an anterior release procedure in 5. Fourteen patients (29%) had sensory and/or motor signs of radiculopathy post-operatively, with moderate to severe symptoms in 10 and mild symptoms in 4. The radiculopathies were considered traumatic in 7 patients, in whom radiculopathy correlated with placement of a hook or passage of a sublaminal wire. In the remaining 7 patients, traction was considered the likely mechanism of injury; in these there was a significant association with the degree of postoperative correction of the scoliosis where it was substantially beyond the preoperatively demonstrated flexible range (p = 0.008). A system of intraoperative electromyographic monitoring for possible prevention of this complication is described. Radiculopathy is a common complication of scoliosis surgery.