Minimizing Complications in Scoliosis Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The Effect of Two Surgeons on Blood Loss and Operative Time in Cerebral Palsy (CP) Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT02547090

Enrollment

Registered

2015-09-11

Start date

2012-02-29

Completion date

2015-03-31

Last updated

2015-09-11

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy

Brief summary

Background: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) carries a high risk of complications and mortality. Complication rates have been reported as high as 45%, and infection rates typically reported at 15%. Efforts to improve efficiency by reducing operative time and blood loss could decrease these risks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of utilizing two attending surgeons on blood loss, operative time, and complications in this population. Methods: This is a prospective, matched cohort analysis with a consecutive series of patients with CP who underwent PSF, with two attending surgeons, in 2012. These are matched with a control group that had a single-surgeon team (operative dates 2008-2010), assisted by a resident, PA, or RN-FA. The groups are compared using paired Student T-tests and chi square tests (significance set a p\<0.05).

Interventions

PROCEDUREThe use of two attending surgeons during posterior spinal fusion

Patients in the experimental group received posterior spinal fusion with two attending surgeons. Patients in the control group received posterior spinal fusion with one attending surgeon and one first assist, which could be a resident, PA, or nurse.

Study design

Observational model

CASE_CONTROL

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

No minimum to 18 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Cerebral palsy * neuromuscular scoliosis requiring posterior spinal fusion (\>50 degree Cobb) * PSF from 2008-2012 at Phoenix Children's Hospital * GMFCS IV or V

Exclusion criteria

* Diagnosis other than CP * GMFCS I-III * Previous spine deformity surgery

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Complications due to PFS surgery	Post-operative hospital stay (up to 12 days)

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Surgical time	intraoperative
Estimated blood loss	intraoperative
Length of Stay	During hospitalization (up to 12 days)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026