Orthopedics - HARMS Study Group: Prospective Database Registry Study of Scoliosis in Children with Cerebral Palsy

What is the goal of this study?

1. To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes for posterior versus anterior surgical approaches.

2. To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes for unit versus custom rod implants.

3. To determine if spinal fusion surgery improves health related quality of life in patients with cerebral palsy (pre to post operatively and compared to nonoperative).

4. To assess reliability of neuromonitoring.

5. To determine if differences exist between patients that undergo spinal fusion and patients that do not and understand the caregiver’s reasons for choosing non-operative treatment.

6. To determine risk factors for post-operative infection and the influence infection has on outcomes.

7. To evaluate the natural history in patients with Cerebral Palsy who have developed scoliosis and are moving towards surgical intervention.

Who can join the study?

• Patients 8-21 years old with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing spinal fusion surgery

What will happen if my child takes part in this study?

• Patients enrolled at preoperative visit
• Data collected at preoperative visit, surgery, postoperative visit, and all subsequent visits
• Deidentified patient data will be entered into the Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation’s database
• Families complete study questionnaires, including the CP Child and Health Utilizations Instrument, at preoperative visit and 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up visits

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact orthoresearchteam@seattlechildrens.org