Awareness of Current Surgical Practice for Congenital Scoliosis and Optimal Timing of Treatment Among Physicians and Patients' Families in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a developmental spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, affecting one in 1,000 births. The mainstay of treatment involves either observation or surgery in significant curve progression. The optimal timing of surgical intervention is debated, with early intervention preferred. Therefore, understanding physicians' and patients' families' perspectives is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes in CS.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the awareness and knowledge of physicians and patients' families regarding current, as well as new surgical practices and the optimal timing of treatment for CS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed through social media platforms and neurosurgery clinics. Levels of awareness were assessed by a knowledge-scoring system.

RESULTS

The study involved 403 participants, primarily patients' families (85.1%, N = 343) and physicians (14.9%, N = 60). The results show that physicians had a significantly higher correct response than patients' families regarding the ideal age for surgical correction of CS, the timing of surgical intervention whether before or after maturity, and the role of conservative management, as evident from statistically significant p-values of <0.001, 0.031, and <0.001, respectively. On the contrary, patients' families excelled in understanding interventions irrespective of symptomatic status if Cobb's angle is 40 degrees or above, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.031. Both groups exhibited a good level of overall knowledge, as evidenced by mean awareness scores of 12.18 and 11.64, respectively. Additionally, physicians had a statistically significant higher level of awareness compared to patients' families, with a p-value of (0.014). However, both groups demonstrated poor knowledge of the latest techniques, including distraction-based magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs), growth-guided modern Luque trolleys, and posterior dynamic deformity correction (ApiFix).

CONCLUSION

The mean awareness score of both physicians and patients' families indicates a good level of knowledge. However, both groups exhibited poor knowledge in relation to the optimal timing of treatment and new surgical techniques.