Surgical treatment with the technique of Galveston-Luque of spine deformities associated with the prune belly syndrome.

Abstract

In prune belly syndrome (PBS), spine deformities, particularly scoliosis, are the most frequent accompanying orthopedic problem (18%). We give a detailed description of two cases with prune belly-associated spine deformities. A combined anterior-posterior fusion procedure with posterior correction and stabilization according to the Galveston-Luque technique was carried out in both patients. In one patient insufficiency of the pelvic fixation developed with loss of balance. Reoperation was performed. In the second patient correct alignment and balance was achieved, breakage of both metal rods occurred over time. The PBS represents a model of how scoliosis may emerge. The lack of the abdominal musculature subsequently leads to congenial imbalance, which may cause lordo-scoliotic deformity. The operative treatment of spine deformities in the PBS in the presented technique is efficient. In great deformities balance is difficult to achieve and maintain especially in the lumbo-sacral junction.