Spine
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A prospective, functional assessment based on physical ability and independence in daily activities was performed of patients who had severe physical handicaps and spinal deformities and were undergoing scoliosis surgery. ⋯ Corrective spinal surgery in patients with severe physical handicap should be performed early to preserve function and should not be dictated solely by the severity of the curvature. Improvement in the patient's level of independence may not necessarily occur after truncal stabilization. Cosmetic results in these patients with severe disabilities were extremely gratifying to the patients and their caregivers.