Quality of Life Evaluation Using SRS-30 Score for Operated Children and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Background and objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (A.I.S.) is a disorder with a significant impact on health and self-image. This spinal deformity can affect between 2% and 4% of the adolescent population and may alter one’s quality of life. This study aims to assess the patient outcome, satisfaction, and quality of life following surgical treatment using the SRS-30 questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A number of 49 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis that had surgery were included in this study. They thoroughly completed the SRS-30 questionnaire before and after the surgery, based on which data analysis was carried on. Correlations between the test results and imagistic data (pre- and postoperative Cobb angle, correction rate of Cobb angle, number of instrumented spinal segments, and number of pedicle screws/laminar hooks used in the surgery) were performed. Results: Our results showed that 87.76% of the patients were girls, and the mean age at surgery was 14.83 years. Postoperatively, the Cobb angle improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The questionnaire domain “Satisfaction with management” improved dramatically after surgery, averaging 13.65 points (91% out of the maximum score). The average postoperative test score was 125.1 points. Statistically significant correlations were found between the correction rate and SRS-30 score improvement (p < 0.001), in total as well as per each domain of the survey, respectively. Comparing the questionnaire domains, “Self-image” was positively correlated with “Satisfaction with management” (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Better correction rate led to higher values of SRS-30 score. Additionally, the younger the age at surgery is, the higher the score. The number of instrumented spinal segments does not alter the quality of life. Overall, the most crucial factor influencing patient satisfaction after surgical treatment is self-image.

The Functional Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…The following parameters were correlated with the SRS-30 results: [1] patient age at the time of surgery; [2] the use of braces before surgery; [3] the main thoracic Cobb angle; [4] the main thoracic curve correction; [5] patient gender and [6] complications.…”

“…Additionally, the influence of the correction amount on functional outcomes of AIS is not well recognized. A weak correlation between curve of correction and functional outcomes was reported [4][5][6][7][8][9] . Also, another research showed a higher rate of complications after major corrections, comprising iatrogenic trunk imbalance [10] .…”

“…Male patients had higher postoperative satisfaction, due to higher "mental health" domain scores than females [2][3][4][5][6] . However, there is inconsistency in reported results.…”

“…Many factors influence AIS postoperative outcomes, including age, sociocultural factors, ethnicity and gender. Recognition of these factors before surgery may help in prediction of the treatment outcome [3][4] .…”

The Use and Complications of Halo Gravity Traction in Children with Scoliosis

“…Rapid correction of rigid curves can increase the risk of neurological complications [ 14 ], and traction can be a good orthopaedic technique for progressive deformity correction; scoliosis being one of the spine disorders for which it can be successfully applied, in an attempt to increase correction and minimize complications. An increase in patient satisfaction and quality of life was observed in cases with a high Cobb angle correction [ 15 ].…”