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Surgical treatment of pediatric AIS can improve quality of life
Recently published study data have shown quality-of-life categories, such as SF-36 and Scoliosis Research Society-30 scores, improved significantly after surgery in patients with pediatric adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
In prospective study of 33 patients undergoing treatment of AIS, patients were randomly assigned to one of two instrumentation groups (hybrid or pedicle screws alone), with the SF-36 and Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) surveys administered both before surgery and again at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Mean patient age was 15.6 years, and patients’ mean Cobb angle was 70.5°.
Researchers found both quality-of-life scores improved significantly from baseline to 1 year postoperatively, with the greatest changes observed in the self-image and satisfaction with management domains from the SRS-30 survey.
Although worsening pain and decreased function were observed in both surveys at the 3-month follow-up, significant improvement overall was seen from baseline at the 12-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also reported for total SRS-30 scores at 6 and 12 months, as well as for subscores in the general health, vitality and social functioning domains of the SF-36, according to the researchers.
Mean curve magnitude decreased to 30.5° postoperatively, for a final percent correction of 57.2%. According to the researchers, correction was similar in both instrumentation groups.
Two patients developed complications from surgery, with one patient presenting with bilateral vision loss immediately after the procedure and one developing an infection 8 months after surgery.
The researchers concluded postoperative improvement in SF-36 and SRS-30 scores were not associated with curve magnitude, percent curve correction or type of instrumentation used. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.