Influence of thoracolumbar kyphosis on postoperative spinal alignment in patients with Lenke type 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the changes in thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) following correction surgery in patients with Lenke type 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to evaluate its influence on postoperative spinal alignment and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with Lenke type 5C AIS were included and followed up for a minimum of 5 years after surgery. First, the patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative TLK angle (Study 1; Kyphosis and Lordosis group). The patients were further classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of postoperative changes in TLK (Study 2; Changed and Maintained groups). Finally, the outcome variables were compared between these groups and analyzed for spinal alignment and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In Study 1, patients demonstrated a significant kyphotic change in the Lordosis group and a significant lordotic change in the Kyphosis group postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups when comparing the pre- and postoperative coronal and sagittal alignment. In Study 2, there were no statistically significant differences between the Changed and the Maintained groups in each spinal alignment pre- and postoperatively. Each domain of the Scoliosis Research Society 22-item questionnaire remained unchanged at 5 years postoperation. CONCLUSION: In many patients with Lenke type 5C AIS, TLK changed significantly and approached 0° after surgery. However, the magnitude of the preoperative TLK and the presence or absence of improvement did not affect postoperative spinal alignment. Furthermore, the patients had satisfactory clinical outcomes irrespective of TLK modification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

From PHQ-2 to SRS-22: how a depression screening tool relates to SRS scores in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) scores-a simple, validated depression screening tool-and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire scores in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: IS patients screened for depression with the PHQ-2 who completed the SRS-22 over a 2-year period were reviewed. If PHQ-2 scores were positive (> 3), the more comprehensive PHQ-9 was administered. Median SRS-22 scores between positive and negative PHQ screens were compared. Nonparametric correlation between PHQ and SRS-22 Mental Health (MH) domain was performed. The ability of the MH domain to discriminate between patients with positive versus negative screens and patients with moderate-severe depression risk versus no-mild risk was evaluated with ROC analysis. RESULTS: 521 patients were included. Patients with + PHQ-2 screens had significantly lower total and individual domain SRS scores, especially within the MH domain (4.0 vs. 3.2). For those with moderate-severe depression risk, total and individual domain scores were also significantly lower (MH domain, 4.0 vs. 3.0, p < 0.05). A weak, but significant correlation was observed between the PHQ and MH domain scores (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001). A cut-off of ≥ 3.6 on the MH domain demonstrated sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.86 for identifying patients at no-mild risk for depression. CONCLUSION: Recognizing mental health conditions is critical to successful IS treatment as psychosocial conditions can negatively affect treatment outcomes. IS patients scoring < 3.6 on the SRS-22 MH domain should be considered for depression screening due to an increased risk of moderate-severe depression.

Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life (QOL) after Paediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery and Comparison with the General Population.

QOL questionnaires assess patients' perception on surgical outcomes. We reviewed 1354 patients with spinal deformity. Four hundred and twenty-eight patients had >10 years of follow-up. The SRS-22r questionnaire was completed before surgery, at 6/12/24 months, 5-10 years and >10 years postoperatively. Patients with >10 years of follow-up completed the EQ-5D VAS/index and the VAS for back/leg pain. We used QOL data reporting in the general population of 20-29 and 30-39 years of age to compare against our patient cohort. Among the patients, 993 had AIS, 80 congenital scoliosis, 102 syndromic or secondary scoliosis, 105 Scheuermann kyphosis and 40 low-grade and 34 high-grade spondylolisthesis. SRS-22r total and domain scores improved from preoperative to follow-up in all diagnosis categories. At >10 years after surgery, patients with congenital scoliosis and Scheuermann kyphosis had better SRS-22r total/domain and EQ-5D (index/VAS) scores along with lower VAS back/leg pain scores compared to the other groups. Patients with congenital scoliosis and Scheuermann kyphosis had comparable SRS-22r total/domain, EQ-5D (index/VAS) and VAS back/leg pain scores to the general population in the 20-29 year category and better scores than the 30-39 year group. Patients with AIS, syndromic/secondary scoliosis and low/high-grade spondylolisthesis had reduced SRS-22r total/domain and EQ-5D (index/VAS) scores and higher VAS back/leg pain scores compared to the 20-29 year group but comparable scores to the 30-39 year group. Patients with spinal deformity reported improved QOL and high satisfaction after surgery which was maintained at >10 years of follow-up. Patients with congenital scoliosis and Scheuermann kyphosis had better QOL outcomes (comparable to the general population of similar age) as opposed to other types of scoliosis or lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.

Gender-Related Factors Influence the Subjective Perception of Deformity in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Idiopathic Scoliosis.

The present study aims to depict the importance of gender-related factors in the subjective perception of spine deformity in adolescents undergoing posterior instrumented fusion for scoliosis. Patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSF) for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS) were recruited. The following data were recorded: gender, age, parents' civil status, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), body mass index (BMI), concomitant diseases, and history of neuropsychological disorders. Each patient underwent clinical and radiological evaluations according to the protocol used at our institution. All the patients were assessed before surgery using the following Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): the Italian version of the revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaire (SRS-22R), the Quality-of-Life Profile for Spinal Deformities (QLPSDs) questionnaire, and the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). The present study recruited 80 patients (male: 19, female: 61). A significant correlation was observed between BMI, TAS, and subjective perception scores. A worse deformity perception was observed in female patients and patients with divorced parents. Gender-related factors impact the subjective perception of spine deformity in patients undergoing PSF for AIS. Specific assessment and correction are needed to improve postoperative outcomes in these patients.

Reciprocal Change of Cervical Spine after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Lenke Type 1 and 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Reciprocal sagittal alignment changes after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) posterior corrective surgery have been reported in the cervical spine, but the evidence is not yet sufficient. Furthermore, much remains unknown about the effects of cervical kyphosis on clinical outcomes in AIS. Forty-five consecutive patients (4 males and 41 females) with AIS and Lenke type 1 or 2 curves underwent a posterior spinal fusion, and a minimum of 24-month follow-up was collected from our prospective database. We investigated radiographic parameters and SRS-22r. Before surgery, cervical kyphosis (cervical lordosis < 0°) was present in 89% and cervical hyperkyphosis (cervical lordosis < -10°) in 60%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or Lenke type between the hyperkyphosis and the non-hyperkyphosis groups. Although cervical lordosis increased significantly after surgery, cervical kyphosis was observed in 73% of patients 2 years after surgery. We found a significant correlation between Δthoracic kyphosis (TK) and Δcervical lordosis. Preoperative cervical kyphosis, ΔT1 slope, and ΔTK were independently associated factors for postoperative cervical hyperkyphosis. The cervical hyperkyphosis group had significantly lower SRS-22r domains. In AIS corrective surgery, restoring TK leading to a gain of T1 slope may lead to an improvement of cervical sagittal alignment. Remaining cervical hyperkyphosis after AIS surgery may affect clinical outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental dimensional assessment of young children at high genomic risk of neuropsychiatric conditions.

Background: Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion are at considerably increased risk of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. There have been very few studies investigating how this risk manifests in early childhood and what factors may underlie developmental variability. Insights into this can elucidate transdiagnostic markers of risk that may underlie later development of neuropsychiatric outcomes. Methods: Thirty two children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) (mean age = 4.1 [SD = 1.2] years) and 12 sibling controls (mean age = 4.1 [SD = 1.5] years) underwent in-depth dimensional phenotyping across several developmental domains selected as being potential early indicators of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric liability. Comparisons were conducted of the dimensional developmental phenotype of 22q11.2DS and sibling controls. For autistic traits, both parents and children were phenotyped using the Social Responsiveness Scale. Results: Young children with 22q11.2DS exhibited large impairments (Hedge's g ≥ 0.8) across a range of developmental domains relative to sibling controls, as well as high rates of transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits. Cluster analysis revealed a subgroup of children with 22q11.2DS (n = 16; 53%) in whom neurodevelopmental and psychiatric liability was particularly increased and who differed from other children with 22q11.2DS and non-carrier siblings. Exploratory analyses revealed that early motor and sleep impairments indexed liability for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes. Maternal autism trait scores were predictive of autism traits in children with 22q11.2DS (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.47, p = 0.046, n = 31). Conclusions: Although psychiatric conditions typically emerge later in adolescence and adulthood in 22q11.2DS, our exploratory study was able to identify a range of early risk indicators. Furthermore, findings indicate the presence of a subgroup who appeared to have increased neurodevelopmental and psychiatric liability. Our findings highlight the scope for future studies of early risk mechanisms and early intervention within this high genetic risk patient group.

The evolution of pre-operative SRS scores over time in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: To determine if preoperative Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has declined in the past two decades for patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), as measured by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) questionnaire. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on AIS patients that underwent surgery at a single institution between 2002 and 2022. Patients were included if they completed an SRS questionnaire preoperatively. A multivariate linear regression was performed with the SRS domains as the dependent variables. The independent variables were surgery year, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, Lenke type, and major Cobb angle. A second regression was performed where the SRS scores for AIS patients were dichotomized as being above or below normal based on a threshold set at two standard deviations below the mean SRS scores of a healthy adolescent population. The binary SRS scores were used as the outcome of interest in a second regression. RESULTS: A total of 1380 patients (79.2% female, mean age 14.9 ± 2.0 years old) were included for analysis. Surgery year had a negative association with Pain (coefficient = - 0.03, p < 0.0001), Activity (coefficient = - 0.02, p < 0.0001), Mental Health (coefficient = - 0.01, p < 0.0001), and Total score (coefficient = - 0.01, p < 0.0001), indicating declining HRQoL over time. Similarly, AIS patients became more likely to fall below 2SD of the healthy adolescent means in Pain (OR: 1.061, p < 0.0001), Appearance (OR: 1.023, p = 0.0301), Activity (OR: 1.044, p = 0.0197), and Total score (OR: 1.06, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Over the past two decades, patients with surgical AIS have experienced a significant decline in various HRQoL domains preoperatively.

Does spinal deformity affect adolescents' quality of life before we tell them it should?

PURPOSE: The Scoliosis Research Society 22r Questionnaire(SRS-22r) is the standard for assessing health-related quality of life(HRQoL) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Here we investigate whether patients' perceptions of their HRQoL are influenced by knowledge of scoliosis and counseling by an orthopedic surgeon. METHODS: Patients ages 10-18 years referred for their first visit with an orthopaedic surgeon for scoliosis were enrolled from 9/30/19 to 10/22/20. Patients completed the SRS-22r pre- and post-visit. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the SRS-22r scores. RESULTS: 52 patients participated in the study at a mean age of 14.3 years (95% CI 13.8-14.8 years) with an average major curve magnitude of 23.2 degrees (95% CI 19.4-27.0 degrees). SRS-22r scores were not correlated to curve magnitude pre- or post-visit. The SRS-22r Satisfaction with care domain exhibited a small increase from pre- to post-visit (pre: 3.3, post: 3.6). All other SRS-22r domains and total scores did not exhibit clinically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Among new adolescent referrals for scoliosis, it is unlikely that counseling by a surgeon influences perceptions of HRQoL as measured by the SRS-22r. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effectiveness of the Boston Brace in the Treatment of Paediatric Scoliosis: A Longitudinal Study from 2010-2020 in a National Spinal Centre.

Bracing can reduce curve progression in order to prevent or delay scoliosis surgery in growing children. Brace treatment is effective in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), but there is less evidence of its efficacy in early-onset or non-idiopathic scoliosis. We assessed the outcome of bracing at the end point of treatment, including the patients' perception of clinical results. We reviewed 480 patients treated using Boston brace from 2010-2020 (70% female); 249 patients completed bracing (52%) and 118 patients (47.4%) did not require surgery, with 83% having idiopathic scoliosis. Brace success was considered scoliosis below 50° at the end of bracing, with the patient skeletally mature. A total of 131 patients required scoliosis surgery after bracing (64% had idiopathic scoliosis; adolescents 57% and juveniles 43%). All patients had a minimum two-year follow-up after bracing or after scoliosis correction, with the quality of life assessment questionnaires. A total of 98 out of 182 patients with idiopathic scoliosis did not require surgery (54%). Thoracic scoliosis improved with bracing by a mean of 3.4° and thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis by a mean of 6.8°. A total of 85 patients with AIS (64%) but only 9 patients with JIS (20%) did not need surgery. In the AIS group, 97 patients had scoliosis of 20-40°; 71 of these patients (73.2%) did not require scoliosis correction at the end of bracing. In total, 84 patients with idiopathic scoliosis had surgery at a mean of 14 years (surgery was delayed by a mean of 3.2 years). In total, 20 of 67 patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis did not need surgery (30%). Thoracic scoliosis improved with bracing by a mean of 8.4° and thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis by a mean of 0.8°. A total of 47 patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis required surgery at a mean of 13.1 years (surgery was delayed by a mean of 5.2 years). Multivariate regression analysis showed that idiopathic scoliosis, AIS, closed triradiate cartilage, post-menarche status, higher Risser grade and smaller scoliosis angle at initial presentation predicted brace success. Patients reported good function and self-image, reduced pain and high satisfaction after treatment in both the bracing-only and the bracing followed by surgery groups.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Middle-Aged and Older Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Who Underwent Spinal Fusion: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Purpose To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on middle-aged and older patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent spinal fusion. Methods The subjects were 252 AIS patients who underwent spinal fusion between 1968 and 1988. The surveys were performed before the COVID-19 pandemic (a primary survey in 2014) and during the pandemic (a secondary survey in 2022). The self-administered questionnaires were mailed to the patients. We analyzed 35 patients (33 females and two males) who replied to both surveys. Results The pandemic had low impacts on 11 patients (31.4%). Two patients reported refraining from seeing a doctor because they were concerned about going to the clinic or hospital, eight reported that the pandemic impacted their work, and five reported fewer opportunities to go out (based on multiple-choice answers). Twenty-four patients reported that their lives were unaffected by the pandemic. No significant differences were detected between both surveys for Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) in any domains (function, pain, self-image, mental, or satisfaction). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires revealed a significant worsening of the survey during the pandemic compared with the survey before the pandemic. There was no significant difference in the impact of the pandemic between the ODI deterioration group (27.8%) and the ODI stable group (35.3%). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had a low impact on 31.4% of middle-aged and older patients with AIS who underwent spinal fusion. The impact of the pandemic did not significantly differ between the groups with ODI deteriorations and the groups with stable ODI. The pandemic had a smaller impact on AIS patients at a minimum of 33 years after surgery.

Health-related quality of life in patients 40 years after diagnosis of an idiopathic scoliosis.

AIMS: Only a few studies have investigated the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with an idiopathic scoliosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall HRQoL and employment status of patients with an idiopathic scoliosis 40 years after diagnosis, to compare it with that of the normal population, and to identify possible predictors for a better long-term HRQoL. METHODS: We reviewed the full medical records and radiological reports of patients referred to our hospital with a scoliosis of childhood between April 1972 and April 1982. Of 129 eligible patients with a juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 91 took part in the study (71%). They were evaluated with full-spine radiographs and HRQoL questionnaires and compared with normative data. We compared the HRQoL between observation (n = 27), bracing (n = 46), and surgical treatment (n = 18), and between thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves. RESULTS: The mean time to follow-up was 40.8 years (SD 2.6) and the mean age of patients was 54.0 years (SD 2.7). Of the 91 patients, 86 were female (95%) and 51 had a main thoracic curve (53%). We found a significantly lower HRQoL measured on all the Scoliosis Research Society 22r instrument (SRS-22r) subdomains (p < 0.001) with the exception of mental health, than in an age-matched normal population. Incapacity to work was more prevalent in scoliosis patients (21%) than in the normal population (11%). The median SRS-22r subscore was 4.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.3 to 4.4) for TL/L curves and 4.1 (IQR 3.8 to 4.4) for thoracic curves (p = 0.300). We found a significantly lower self-image score for braced (median 3.6 (IQR 3.0 to 4.0)) and surgically treated patients (median 3.6 (IQR 3.2 to 4.3)) than for those treated by observation (median 4.0 (IQR 4.1 to 4.8); p = 0.010), but no statistically significant differences were found for the remaining subdomains. CONCLUSION: In this long-term follow-up study, we found a significantly decreased HRQoL and capacity to work in patients with an idiopathic scoliosis 40 years after diagnosis.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):166-171.

Impact of Physical Flexibility Changes on Respiratory Function after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery.

Introduction: Corrective scoliosis surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) increases thoracic volume but does not improve respiratory function (RF). This study evaluates the effect of physical flexibility (PF) improvement after scoliosis surgery on RF. Methods: This study reviewed the records of 61 consecutive patients with AIS (56 female and 5 male; mean±standard deviation age: 14.8±2.2 years, range: 11-20 years) who had undergone posterior spinal fusion (PSF) of the thoracic curve. PF evaluated as finger-floor distance (FFD) was measured preoperatively and one year after surgery. After dividing the cohort into the PF improvement group and the PF nonimprovement group, RF changes at two years postoperative were statistically compared. Using logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of a PF improvement on % forced vital capacity (%FVC) two years after surgery. Results: The rate of patients with increased FVC, %FVC, and forced expiratory volume 1.0 second two years after surgery was 79%, 51%, and 80%, respectively. The PF improvement group exhibited a significantly higher gain in %FVC versus the PF nonimprovement group (P=0.043). Moreover, PF improvement significantly prevented a %FVC decrease (odds ratio 8.43, 95% confidence interval 1.92-59.70; P<0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 11.86 (P<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with diminished PF after PSF for AIS may be less likely to achieve postoperative %FVC improvement. As increased postsurgical %FVC had a positive effect on physical function, treatment strategies that focus on maintaining and increasing PF are desirable from an RF viewpoint.

The Potential Role of Dysregulated miRNAs in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), affecting 2-4% of adolescents, is a multifactorial spinal disease. Interactions between genetic and environmental factors can influence disease onset through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression. Recent evidence reported that, among all clinical features in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS), scoliosis can occur with a higher incidence than in the general population. Methods: A PubMed and Ovid Medline search was performed for idiopathic scoliosis in the setting of 22q11.2DS and miRNA according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Four papers, accounting for 2841 individuals, reported clinical data about scoliosis in individuals with 22q11.2DS, showing that approximately 35.1% of the individuals with 22q11.2DS developed scoliosis. Conclusions: 22q11.2DS could be used as a model for the study of AIS. The DGCR8 gene seems to be essential for microRNA biogenesis, which is why we propose that a possible common pathological mechanism between scoliosis and 22q11.2DS could be the dysregulation of microRNA expression. In the current study, we identified two miRNAs that were altered in both 22q11.2DS and AIS, miR-93 and miR-1306, thus, corroborating the hypothesis that the two diseases share common molecular alterations.

Young Patients' Satisfaction Following the Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior spinal instrumented fusion remains the mainstay treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with acceptable post-operative patient satisfaction. However, in Saudi Arabia, patient satisfaction after surgical management for AIS has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of this study was to determine patient satisfaction and quality of life using the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r, the most recent version) questionnaire after surgical correction of AIS in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that included patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumented fusion for AIS from January 1995 through December 2015. We included 115 patients (both males and females) in our study. We used the Arabic version of the SRS-22r questionnaire that was completed through telephonic interviews. Data collected were then analyzed using SPSS Statistics, version 23. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients at the time of surgery was 15.0 ± 2.6 years and the average time from surgery to interview was 9.4 ± 4.7 years. A positive response was recorded in all domains including pain, function, mental health, and self-image. Furthermore, 76.5% of the patients were satisfied with their management outcome and 81.7% of the patients reported no complications. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of AIS improved the quality of life of our patients that was assessed using the Arabic version of the SRS-22r questionnaire. Apart from overall patient satisfaction, positive responses were recorded in all four domains of the SRS-22r questionnaire.

Subjective perception of spinal deformity after selective versus non-selective fusion of Lenke 1C curves.

PURPOSE: To assess the self-image perception and the Quality-of-Life (QoL) in female adolescents, with Lenke 1C scoliosis curves, treated with selective versus non-selective posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSF). METHODS: Patients undergoing PSF for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS) were recruited and divided into two groups: patients managed with selective thoracic fusion (STF) were included in Group A, whereas patients treated with non-selective fusion (N-STF) in Group B. Each patient completed the Italian version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22R questionnaire (SRS-22R), the Quality-of-Life Profile for Spinal Deformities questionnaire (QLPSD) and the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), before surgery and at 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven female patients (mean age 16.38) were included in this study. 80 patients underwent STF, while 77 patients received N-STF. At 24-month follow-up, patients managed with N-STF showed better SRS-22R self-image mean score (p = .012), SRS-22R satisfaction mean score (p = .033), QLPSD body image mean score (p = .005), but worse SRS-22 function mean score (p = .006) and QLPSD back flexibility mean score (p = .007), compared with patients who underwent STF. In terms of self-image perception, patients undergoing STF showed significantly worse SAQ total mean score (p = .002), SAQ appearance mean score (p = .001) and SAQ expectation (p = .001). We found a significant correlation between SAQ appearance mean score and SRS-22R self-image (R = - 0.721), SRS-22 mental health (R = - 0.8), QLPSD psychosocial functioning (R = 0.7) and QLPSD back flexibility (R = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Although the STF of Lenke 1C curves provides better functional outcomes, in the present study, female patients receiving STF revealed a worse perceived body image, compared with patients treated with N-STF, at 24-month follow-up. Particular attention should be addressed to the preoperative patient's mental health and body image perception, when choosing between STF and N-STF.

How much residual deformity is acceptable according to SRS-22r and satisfaction scores after posterior spinal fusion for Lenke type 1 and 2 curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, it has become possible to predict postoperative correction and residual deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery based on the technique used and extent of fixation. However, the recommended degree of correction has not yet been established. In this study, the authors aimed to clarify the extent to which a residual postoperative deformity would be acceptable according to Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r and satisfaction scores after AIS surgery. METHODS: Overall, 92 patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion for Lenke type 1 or 2 AIS were retrospectively included. The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) cutoff values for each SRS-22r domain were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to obtain predictive values of treatment satisfaction 2 years after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with deformity parameters and demographic data as explanatory variables, and achieving the PASS cutoff value of each SRS-22r domain and treatment satisfaction were objective variables. Cutoff values were calculated using ROC analysis. RESULTS: The PASS cutoff values for SRS-22r domains were 3.69 (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.86) for self-image, 4.25 (AUC 0.82) for mental health, and 4.22 (AUC 0.82) for the subtotal. The residual main thoracic Cobb angle was not remarkably related to SRS-22r or treatment satisfaction. The residual thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) Cobb angle was significantly associated with treatment satisfaction, with a cutoff value of 12.5° (AUC 0.75). The parameters of deformity that were significantly associated with achieving the PASS cutoff value for self-image were the TL/L Cobb angle and main thoracic apical vertebral translation, although their respective AUCs were < 0.7. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS, the residual postoperative TL/L Cobb angle was significantly associated with achieving the PASS cutoff values for self-image and treatment satisfaction. Satisfaction with treatment was more likely when the TL/L Cobb angle was ≤ 12.5°.

Relevant impact of surgery on quality of life for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis : a registry-based two-year follow-up cohort study.

AIMS: To determine the value of scoliosis surgery, it is necessary to evaluate outcomes in domains that matter to patients. Since randomized trials on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are scarce, prospective cohort studies with comparable outcome measures are important. To enhance comparison, a core set of patient-related outcome measures is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of AIS fusion surgery at two-year follow-up using the core outcomes set. METHODS: AIS patients were systematically enrolled in an institutional registry. In all, 144 AIS patients aged ≤ 25 years undergoing primary surgery (median age 15 years (interquartile range 14 to 17) were included. Patient-reported (condition-specific and health-related quality of life (QoL); functional status; back and leg pain intensity) and clinician-reported outcomes (complications, revision surgery) were recorded. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analyzed using Friedman's analysis of variance. Clinical relevancy was determined using minimally important changes (Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r), cut-off values for relevant effect on functioning (pain scores) and a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS; Oswestry Disability Index). RESULTS: At baseline, 65 out of 144 patients (45%) reported numerical rating scale (NRS) back pain scores > 5. All PROMs significantly improved at two-year follow-up. Mean improvements in SRS-22r function (+ 1.2 (SD 0.6)), pain (+ 0.6 (SD 0.8)), and self-image (+ 1.1 (SD 0.7)) domain scores, and the SRS-22r total score (+ 0.5 (SD 0.5)), were clinically relevant. At two-year follow-up, 14 out of 144 patients (10%) reported NRS back pain > 5. Surgical site infections did not occur. Only one patient (0.7%) underwent revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Relevant improvement in functioning, condition-specific and health-related QoL, self-image, and a relevant decrease in pain is shown at two-year follow-up after fusion surgery for AIS, with few adverse events. Contrary to the general perception that AIS is a largely asymptomatic condition, nearly half of patients report significant preoperative back pain, which reduced to 10% at two-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):265-273.

Is physical capacity correlated with health-related quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

BACKGROUND: There have been no report about the association between physical capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic structural scoliosis (AIS). This study aims to investigate the correlation between dynamic cardiopulmonary capacity and quality of life in AIS patients. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 63 patients. Correlations between cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores were evaluated using Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: Fifty-four female patients [mean age: 14.1 (range, 10-19) years] and 9 male patients [15.9 (range, 14-19) years] with AIS (Cobb angle: 28°-86°) were included. Significant correlations were found between the peak oxygen uptake normalized by body weight and the SRS-22 scores in female patients, as reflected by the function (r=0.511, P<0.001), pain (r=0.418, P=0.002), mental health (r=0.536, P<0.001) and subtotal (r=0.618, P<0.001) scores. Significant correlations were also found between oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold normalized by body weight and the SRS-22 scores in female patients, as reflected by the function (r=0.404, P=0.002), pain (r=0.455, P=0.001), and subtotal (r=0.501, P<0.001) scores, along with respiratory exchange ratio reflected by subtotal (r=0.464, P<0.001) score. CONCLUSIONS: The physical capacity and capacity for the exercise intensity and endurance correlated with quality of life among patients with AIS. Exercise may better the quality of life of patients with AIS.

Associations between curve severity and revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 and scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire-27 scores in female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a multicenter, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures are widely utilized to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the association between HRQOL and curve severity is mostly unknown. The aim of this study is to clarify the association between HRQOL and curve severity, and to determine the optimal cutoff values of patient-reported outcomes for major curve severity in female patients with AIS. METHODS: Female patients with AIS treated conservatively were recruited. The patients' HRQOL outcomes were examined using the revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r) and the Scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire-27 (SJ-27). The correlations of the SRS-22r and SJ-27 scores with the major Cobb angle were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis. The association between HRQOL issues in the SJ-27 and the major Cobb angle was evaluated by calculating Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values of the SRS-22r and SJ-27 scores for the major Cobb angle were determined by AIC analysis. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 306 female patients with AIS. The SRS-22r and SJ-27 scores were significantly correlated with the major Cobb angle. Questions in the SJ-27 regarding discomfort when wearing clothes showed a lower AIC value in patients with severe scoliosis. The optimal cutoff values were a SRS-22r score of 3.2 for the discrimination of severe scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥48°), and a SJ-27 score of 32 for the discrimination of moderate scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥33°). CONCLUSION: Discomfort when wearing clothes was the most important HRQOL problem caused by severe scoliosis. The SRS-22r and SJ-27 scores are useful for the discrimination of clinical status in female patients with severe scoliosis or moderate scoliosis.

Determining the association between the radiographic parameters and the SRS-22 scores in Chinese female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: does curve pattern matter?

Background: The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 outcomes have been shown to be correlated with radiographic parameter of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A recent study suggested that curve patterns might play a role in assessing the influence of deformity on patient's reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between radiographic parameters and SRS-22 questionnaire outcomes in female patients with adolescent AIS among the Chinese population based on five curve patterns.Patients and Methods: The radiographic data and SRS-22 questionnaires of 259 female AIS patients were reviewed. Radiographic measurements included: Cobb angle of the major curve, T1 tilt angle, apical vertebral rotation, apical vertebral translation (AVT), thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis. Curve patterns included single thoracic (T), single thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL), double thoracic (DT), double major (DM), and triple major (TM). The correlation between radiographic measurements and each domain in SRS-22 was determined by Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results: The curve magnitude and AVT of the major curve were found to be significantly correlated with the self-image domain in all cases (Cobb angle: r = -0.426, p = 0.002; AVT: r = -0.281, p=0.006) and in all curve patterns except for TM. Compared to other groups, the TM group had a significantly larger major curve than the DT group and TL group (p ≤ 0.004). In TM group, the self-image scores were lower than TL group (p =0.018), and the function scores were lower than that in T, TL (p < 0.001) and DM groups (p =0.013). In the DT group, the T1 tilt was significantly correlated with the self-image domain (r = -0.376, p =0.004). In the T group, coronal curve magnitude was significantly correlated with function domain (r = -0.397, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings suggested curve patterns should be considered in evaluating the correlations between radiographic parameters and SRS-22 outcomes in patients with AIS.