Ultra-long-term follow-up of pediatric spinal deformity problems: 23 patients with a mean follow-up of 51 years

Early spine fusion for deformity produced far better results than delayed fusion. A solid fusion at the end of growth remained unchanged. Degenerative changes outside the fusion area were rare and seldom required further surgery. In summary, 23 patients with a mean follow-up of 51 years after treatment are presented. Early fusion was far superior to delayed or nonsurgical treatment.