Orthopaedic Complications of Lumboperitoneal Shunts

Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts performed for communicating hydrocephalus have been reported to lead to neurologic deficits in the lower limbs and spinal deformities as a result of arachnoiditis. A chart review of 375 children who underwent LP shunts between 1960 and 1981 at The Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto was undertaken. Of the 375 charts reviewed, evidence of shunt-induced neurologic deficits was seen in 63 patients. Thirty-four patients had back pain with or without sciatica, 45 patients had hamstring tightness, and 40 patients had foot deformities. Forty-nine patients had lumbar hyperlordosis, lordoscoliosis, and scoliosis. These deformities are postulated to be the result of arachnoiditis involving the conus medullaris and lower lumbar roots.