Epidemiological Patterns of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in a Spinal Center in Curitiba

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the profile of the population with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated at a center specializing in spine surgery in Curitiba-PR. Methods: Prospective multicenter study, being analyzed, at the moment, only data from the center in question. All patients referred from the basic health service for evaluation of deformity underwent panoramic radiography of the total spine to evaluate the curvature using the Cobb method, evaluation of skeletal maturity using the Risser classification, and the classification of scoliosis using the Lenke classification. Clinical photographs of all patients and an assessment of the quality of life using the SRS-30 questionnaire were also taken. Results: Thirty patients with scoliosis and a mean age of 14.63 ± 3 years were evaluated. Prevalence of female:male 1.5:1. Patients had a mean Cobb of 45.96°, and most were close to Risser 4 skeletal maturity (48.3%). 60% had a thoracic curve (Lenke 1), and 13.3% had a double curve (Lenke 3 or 6). 63.3% of cases had a delay in medical care, taking an average of 18 months between referral and consultation with a specialist. 60% of patients were referred for surgical treatment after the first appointment. Conclusion: The population sample of this center follows the literature. A Cobb >40° in the first consultation with a specialist and a high referral rate to surgery suggest the failure of early diagnosis and the need for public policies for better knowledge and assistance for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Level of Evidence IV; Descriptive Epidemiological Study.