ABSTRACT
Objectives This study evaluated the radiographic progressions of scoliotic curves higher than 40° in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). These subjects waited for the surgical procedure while elective surgeries were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to radiographic progressions, this study described the quality of life of these patients. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort assessing 29 AIS patients with surgical indications registered in the Brazilian public healthcare service. We compared the scoliotic radiographic measurements in two moments: at the beginning of the interruption of elective surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic and when these procedures resumed. Results When comparing the radiographic measurements before and after the suspension of assessments for elective surgeries, we observed a significant increase in main curve angles ( p < 0.001), with variations ranging from 0 to 68° and a median value of 10°. In secondary curves, we observed an increase in angles from the proximal thoracic ( p < 0.001) and lumbar ( p = 0.001) regions. However, the increase in the main thoracic region was not significant ( p = 0.317). Conclusion The suspension of elective surgeries for AIS resulted in a significant increase in the radiographic values of patients' spine deformities. This increase harmed the quality of life of these subjects and their families.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the radiographic progressions of scoliotic curves higher than 40° in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). These subjects waited for the surgical procedure while elective surgeries were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inadditiontoradiographicprogressions, this studydescribed the quality of life of these patients. Methods This study is a retrospective cohort assessing 29 AIS patients with surgical indications registered in the Brazilian public healthcare service. We compared the scoliotic radiographic measurements in two moments: at the beginning of the interruption of elective surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic and when these procedures resumed. Results When comparing the radiographic measurements before and after the suspension of assessments for elective surgeries, we observed a significant increase in main curve angles ( p < 0.001), with variations ranging from 0 to 68° and a median valueof10°.Insecondary curves, weobserved anincreaseinangles fromthe proximal thoracic ( p < 0.001) and lumbar ( p = 0.001) regions. However, the increase in the main thoracic region was not significant ( p = 0.317). Conclusion The suspension of elective surgeries for AIS resulted in a significant increase in the radiographic values of patients' spine deformities. This increase harmed the quality of life of these subjects and their families.
Resumo Objetivos Neste estudo foram avaliadas as progressões radiográficas das curvas escolióticas, acima de 40 graus em pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA). Os indivíduos analisados aguardavam o procedimento cirúrgico, em período de suspensão das cirurgias eletivas, durante a pandemia de covid-19. Além das progressões radiográficas, nestapesquisafoi descritaaqualidadedevidadestes pacientes. Métodos O artigo refere-se a um estudo de coorte retrospectivo, que avaliou 29 pacientes com EIA com indicação cirúrgica, todos cadastrados no serviço público de saúde brasileiro. As medidas radiográficas escolióticas dos pacientes foram comparadas em dois momentos: no início do período da interrupção de cirurgias eletivas, devido à pandemia de covid-19, e logo após a liberação destas. Resultados A partir da comparação das medidas radiográficas entre as avaliações pré e pós suspensão das cirurgias eletivas, observamos o aumento significativo dos valores angulares da curva principal (p < 0,001), com variações entre 0 e 68°, e mediana de 10°. Em relação às curvas secundárias, observamos um aumento dos valores angulares da região torácica proximal (p < 0,001) e lombar (p = 0,001). Entretanto, o aumento da região torácica principal não foi considerado significativo (p = 0,317). Conclusão A suspensão das cirurgias eletivas, para a correção da EIA resultou em um aumento significativo no valor radiográfico das deformidades das colunas dos pacientes, fator que promoveu um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida de pacientes e familiares.