What impact does spinal deformity correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis make on quality of life?

STUDY DESIGN

: Literature review.

OBJECTIVE

: To identify scientifically sound studies that have reported changes in quality of life (QOL) after spinal deformity correction in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to discuss these findings.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

: Few studies have been published. Most are retrospective cohort studies and lack both preoperative and postoperative data for the outcome in terms of QOL.

METHODS

: A review of existing literature with the emphasis on spinal fusion for AIS and outcome as measured by health-related QOL was performed.

RESULTS

: Thirteen studies of various quality were found after reviewing the papers. Only 3 of them contained both preoperative and postoperative data on QOL, using the SRS-22/-24. They all reported a statistically significant improvement in some of the domain scores. The clinical implications of these findings are unclear, as the minimal clinically important differences for SRS-22/-24 have not yet been established.

CONCLUSION

: Weak evidence (Level IV) exists in the literature that spinal deformity correction for AIS does not significantly impact QOL in short-term or mid-term. The interpretation of this must be that there were no serious adverse events after surgery.