Analysis of the STIF Technique for Spino-Pelvic Fixation: Clinical Results in 19 Patients with Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Abstract

The STIF (spinopelvic transiliac fixation) technique for lumbosacral fusion was developed by the authors as an alternative to the Luque-Galveston technique. The results observed in this initial series of 27 neuromuscular scoliosis patients treated with the STIF technique are reported. With a minimum of 24 months of radiographic follow-up in 19 patients, the percentage of correction of scoliosis curvature and pelvic obliquity was superior to that reported in the literature. The rates of complications and pseudarthrosis in this series are typical for this patient population. The STIF technique facilitates compression across the sacroiliac joints, which promotes sacroiliac joint fusion and can provide a stable base for curvature correction and lumbosacral fusion. Despite the severe coronal and sagittal plane curves in this group of patients, total operative time also compares favorably to that reported in the literature. The STIF technique requires a well-developed posterior iliac apophysis, which may not be present in younger pediatric patients.