ABSTRACT
Spinal surgery in the child with cerebral palsy is a challenging undertaking. The procedures are technically demanding and require a total awareness of the complications that can occur during and after the surgery to avoid a poor outcome. The patients are frequently medically fragile, often with extensive previous medical and surgical histories. Family and social histories become important, and the surgeon needs to take into account possible postoperative care requirements and the environment to which the patient may be returned after surgery. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful to assure optimization of medical and social parameters prior to surgery, typically involving pediatricians, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, physical therapists, and social workerswhen necessary.
