Evaluation of Prognostic Factors in Quality of Life of Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Spinal Fusion by the Posterior Approach

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors in the treatment of patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion by the posterior approach. Methods: The study included 48 patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (43 females and 5 males) who underwent spinal fusion by the posterior approach, with an average age at diagnosis of 12 years, and clinical signs of Risser between 3 and 4 at the time of surgery. Clinical and radiographic measurements were performed, the participants answered the SRS-30 questionnaire, and the analysis of the medical record data was performed in two occasions during the preoperative period and at the end of two years of follow-up. Results: All satisfaction measures showed statistically significant change after the procedure (p<0.05) with respect to the radiographic characteristics, except for the lumbar apical vertebral translation (p=0.540) and Cobb L1-L5 (p=0.225). Conclusion: In general, it was found that patients who received surgical treatment were more satisfied with their appearance than those who underwent conservative treatment.

Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients With Scoliosis Submitted to Conservative Treatment

“…Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that can occur in varying degrees, bringing consequences and impacts to the lives of those affected and, thus, interfering in the quality of life of these individuals. 6 From the results obtained in this study, we observed agreement with scientific publications regarding the epidemiological data for scoliosis, since there was a higher prevalence of the disease in females, as well as greater involvement in the adolescent age group. These findings are justified by the fact that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type, accounting for up to 85% of cases, with onset usually after 10 years of age, and its predilection for females is explained by the fact that bone development occurs earlier among girls.…”

“…In addition, complaints about appearance and behavioral and psychological changes are observed in all individuals with scoliosis. 6 In our study, the most affected quality of life domain was that of activity, followed by mental health. Regarding function, it is important to infer that the physical problem, the pain, and, in more advanced cases, the impairment of pulmonary and cardiac activity are relevant factors that hinder the participation of these individuals in social and physical activities, limiting their daily activities.…”

“…These findings are justified by the fact that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type, accounting for up to 85% of cases, with onset usually after 10 years of age, and its predilection for females is explained by the fact that bone development occurs earlier among girls. 6 Regarding the previous assertion, one study sought to explain this early bone development by correlating AIS with growth hormone level and showed that girls with this diagnosis had higher hormone levels. It also observed that children with precocious growth hormone activity or those who undergo treatment based on this hormone may begin to develop AIS.…”