Spine fusion in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

Curve flexibility tends to be higher than for idiopathic curves

Most curves tend to be long, C-shaped thoracolumbar curves

The primary surgical goal for correction is to obtain fusion in a position that will maintain sitting balance and prevent decline of pulmonary function

Curve magnitude correlates strongly with ambulatory status

Anterior release/fusion with posterior fusion are typically required for adequate surgical correction