# Neuromuscular Scoliosis as a Rare Manifestation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Child

## TL;DR

A child with Guillain-Barré syndrome developed severe scoliosis, which was successfully treated with a minimally invasive spinal correction technique.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of neuromuscular scoliosis following childhood GBS and demonstrates the effectiveness of a fusionless minimally invasive treatment approach.

## Key findings

- A nine-year-old boy with GBS developed a 71° thoracic scoliosis curve.
- A minimally invasive technique reduced the curve to 32° with a 54.93% correction.
- The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and maintained spinal alignment after one year.

## Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune polyneuropathy that may lead to long-term neuromuscular deficits, though the development of scoliosis as a late complication is rare, especially in children. We present the case of a nine-year-old boy with progressive thoracic scoliosis following a severe episode of GBS diagnosed at 18 months of age, which resulted in persistent flaccid paralysis, bilateral hip dislocation, and long-term tracheostomy-assisted respiratory support. Radiographs revealed a 71° thoracic curve, and the patient underwent correction using a minimally invasive bipolar fixation (MIBF) fusionless technique that incorporated iliosacral connectors, lumbar pedicle screws, and thoracic hooks, enabling future lengthening. Postoperative imaging showed a reduction of the curve to 32°, achieving a 54.93% correction, and the patient experienced an uncomplicated recovery with stable alignment at one-year follow-up. This case highlights the potential for neuromuscular scoliosis to develop after childhood GBS and supports the use of fusionless minimally invasive techniques in managing spinal deformity in young, medically complex patients.