Use of the scoliosis research society outcomes instrument to evaluate patient outcome in untreated idiopathic scoliosis patients in Japan: part I: comparison with nonscoliosis group: preliminary/limited review in a Japanese population

Determination of predictors associated with pain in non‑surgically treated adults with idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND

It is recognized that pain related to adult individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) substantially impacts individuals' daily activities and quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify the possible predictors of pain intensity in non‑surgically treated adults with IS.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 58 adults individuals with Lenke type 1 IS. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were recorded, and pain severity, curvature severity, trunk rotation angle, disability, spinal mobility, cosmetic deformity perception, and quality of life were assessed. Regression analyses with various models were performed to determine the predictors of pain severity and the best model was selected based on performance criteria.

RESULTS

Strong associations were found between pain severity with curvature severity, spinal mobility, trunk rotation angle, perception of cosmetic deformity, disability, and quality of life (p < 0.05). It was observed that Lasso regression was the best model based on the performance criteria considered. According to this model, the primary predictors of pain intensity in adult IS were determined as curvature severity, spinal mobility, trunk rotation angle, cosmetic deformity perception, back-related disability and quality of life, in order of importance.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with the findings of this study, which examined for the first time the determinants of pain intensity in adult individuals with Lenke type 1 IS, we suggest that mentioned possible factors affecting and determining pain should be taken into consideration when establishing evaluation and treatment programs.

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.

Impact of Brace-Related Stress on Brace Compliance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single-Center Comparative Study Using Objective Compliance Measurement and Brace-Related Stress

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the brace compliance and clinical background of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who demonstrate different degrees of psychological brace-related stress.

Methods

Forty-five patients initiating brace treatment with a Cobb angle between 25° and 45° were included. Patients receiving brace treatment for AIS were administered a questionnaire for brace-related stress (i.e., the Japanese version of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace [JBSSQ-brace]). Based on their scores, we allocated the patients into two stress groups: mild-stress (≥16 points) and below-moderate-stress (<16 points). We investigated the character of brace compliance and brace-related psychological stress in all patients and compared the demographics and brace compliance between both groups.

Results

Forty-one of 45 patients completed the study. The mean JBSSQ-brace scores were 18.7±5.1, 19.1±5.2, and 18.7±5.0 points at the 1-month, 4-month, and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. There was no significant change in JBSSQ-brace scores over one year after the brace prescription (P=0.332). There was no difference in-brace compliance between seasons during the first month of brace prescription (P=0.252). Both groups' overall brace compliance was comparable (below-moderate: 17.1±7.1 h/day vs. mild: 20.4±3.0 h/day; P=0.078). The mild-stress group showed better compliance than the below-moderate-stress group on weekdays (below-moderate: 17.0±6.9 h/day vs. mild: 20.5±2.8 h/day; P=0.048) and at nighttime (below-moderate: 82.3%±27.0%/nighttime vs. mild: 93.8%±12.4%/nighttime; P=0.008).

Conclusions

Overall, brace compliance was comparable among patients with different brace-related stress, but brace compliance during weekdays and nighttime was significantly better in the mild-stress group.

3D surface topographic measurements for idiopathic scoliosis are highly correlative to patient self-image questionnaires

PURPOSE

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a deformity of the spine that results in external asymmetry of the torso in the shoulder, waist, and rib hump. Several patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) including the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS) and SRS-22r self-image domain are used to measure the patient's self-perception. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between objective surface topographic measurements of the torso to subjective patient self-perception.

METHODS

131 AIS subjects and 37 controls participated in this study. All subjects completed TAPS and SRS-22r PROMS followed by whole body 3d surface topographic scanning. An automated analysis pipeline was used to compute 57 measurements. Multivariate linear models were developed to predict TAPS and SRS-22r self-image using each unique combination of 3 parameters and leave one out validation where the best combinations were selected.

RESULTS

Back surface rotation, waist crease vertical asymmetry and rib prominence volume were most predictive of TAPS. The final predicted TAPS values from leave one out cross validation was correlated to ground truth TAPS scores with an R value of 0.65. Back surface rotation, silhouette centroid deviation, and shoulder normal asymmetry were most predictive of SRS-22r self-image with a correlation of R = 0.48.

CONCLUSION

Surface topographic measurements of the torso are correlated to TAPS and SRS-22r self-image scores in AIS patients and controls, with TAPS exhibiting a stronger relationship, better reflecting the patient's external asymmetries.

Factors influencing of quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the lateral and horizontal deformity of the vertebral column which occurs idiopathically during adolescence. The aim of this study is to identify independent predictors of quality of life in AIS patients.

METHODS

In total, 31 adolescent patients diagnosed with AIS aged between 10 and 18 years old were included in the study. The scoliosis severity was determined for each patient according to the Cobb method, and their scoliosis perception using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, a pain assessment was conducted based on the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, and depression level according to the Children's Depression Scale. Multiple Linear Regression analysis was then performed in order to determine the independent determinants of health-related quality of life.

FINDINGS

According to the Linear Regression analysis results, children's depression scale, walter reed visual assessment scale, cobb, and anterior trunk rotation explained 52.7% of the variance as independent determinants of SRS-22.

INTERPRETATION

The study examined the determinants affecting the quality of life in AIS patients. The results of the study showed that scoliosis severity, perception of cosmetic deformity, degree of rotation, and depression level to be predictors of quality of life in AIS patients. "This trail registered with NCT05242601."

Does curve magnitude in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affect frequency and quality of sport participation? A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

This pilot study explores whether large adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves (≥ 45°) lead to decreased frequency and quality of sport participation, lower health-related quality of life (HRQL), and more pronounced shortness of breath (SOB) as compared to smaller curvatures (< 45°).

METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups based on their spinal curvature: Cobb angle < 45° (n = 31) and ≥ 45° (n = 21). We assessed feasibility outcomes including agreement to be approached, participation, recruitment rates and missing data. All participants completed five questionnaires to assess the frequency and quality of sport participation, HRQL and SOB outcomes. Estimates of effects 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 52 surgically untreated AIS patients between the ages of 10 and 18 (44 females, 8 males, mean age = 14.60). All feasibility threshold criteria were successfully met (100% agreement to be approached, 100% participation with n ≥ 12 in each group, and 94.2% of patients without missing data). AIS patients with large curvatures (≥ 45°) trended towards decreased frequency and quality of sport participation, more pronounced SOB and worse HRQL outcomes, as compared to patients with smaller curve sizes.

CONCLUSION

The study findings show that a study addressing sport participation in the setting of AIS is feasible. The size of curvature in AIS may have an impact on sport participation, HRQL and SOB, but larger studies are required.

State-of-the-art: outcome assessment in adult spinal deformity

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a diagnosis that encompasses heterogeneous disorders with an increasing prevalence. This increasing prevalence may be due to greater patient longevity or greater awareness of available treatments. Outcome assessment in ASD has evolved over the last 3 decades from physician-based assessments to a patient-centered perception of improvement. Outcome assessment that is reliable, accurate and responsive to change is especially important in ASD, as surgical treatment is known to carry a high cost and complication rate Glassman (Spine Deform 3:199-203, 2015); Glassman (Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 32: 2764-2770, 2007); Smith (J Neurosurg Spine 25:1-14, 2016). In an era of value-based care, diagnosis associated with such heterogeneity and high cost must provide sound evidence to support the cost versus outcome ratio. Numerous general health and disease specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been utilized in ASD. We discuss these instruments in detail in the following state-of-the-art review.

Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System is Equivalent to Scoliosis Research Society-22 in Assessing Health Status in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

This was a correlational study.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the range of pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores for patients treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and assess correlation with Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) domain scores.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patient reported outcome (PRO) measures are important metrics for measuring health status in diverse patient populations. PROMIS is increasingly being used in orthopedic practice. Existing literature compares PROMIS measures favorably to legacy measures in numerous adult orthopedic conditions. This study sought to define the range of PROMIS mobility, pain interference, and peer relationships scores for adolescents treated for AIS. Furthermore, correlations between these domains and equivalent domains in the legacy PRO, SRS-22, were determined.

METHODS

Pediatric PROMIS and SRS-22 were obtained at routine clinical visits for AIS at a tertiary care children's hospital from January 2017 to October 2017. Spearman correlations were performed to examine the associations between three pediatric PROMIS domains and the SRS-22 domains. Only patients who completed both PRO measures were included in the analyses. Radiographic measurements were performed at each visit assessing sagittal and coronal deformity and overall spinal balance.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen patients with a mean age of 14.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.1) years completed the assessments. The mean pediatric PROMIS domain scores included: mobility 50.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 36.2-65.6); pain interference 45.9 (IQR 28.9-62.9); peer relations 52.6 (IQR 38.3-64.9).PROMIS mobility was strongly correlated with SRS-22 function (r = 0.65; P < 0.001). PROMIS pain interference was strongly correlated with SRS-22 pain (r = 0.70; P < 0.001). PROMIS peer relations was moderately correlated with SRS-22 Mental Health (r = 0.41; P < 0.001) and self-image (r = 0.34; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In AIS patients pediatric PROMIS pain interference and mobility correlate strongly with SRS-22 pain and function domains, while PROMIS peer relationships demonstrates moderate correlations with SRS-22 mental health and self-image.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Health-related Quality of Life and Postural Changes of Spinal Alignment in Female Adolescents Associated With Back Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for chronic back pain and back pain at rest in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, particularly focusing on the psychological backgrounds of the patients and on postural changes of radiographical parameters for spinal alignment.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Back pain has been recognized as a relatively common condition in AIS. However, the effect of patients' psychological backgrounds and dynamic changes of spinal alignment on back pain are unclear.

METHODS

One hundred two consecutive female AIS patients (mean age, 14.1 yrs [range, 10-18]) who first visited our outpatient clinic between July 2013 and December 2017 were included. Using SRS-22r questionnaire, the presence of chronic back pain and back pain at rest and the scores of self-image and mental health were evaluated. Using full-length standing and supine posteroanterior radiographs, parameters related to curve profiles and coronal global balance were measured, and postural changes of these parameters were calculated. From full-length standing lateral radiographs, sagittal spinal and spino-pelvic alignment parameters were also measured. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for back pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of chronic back pain was 22.5% and that of back pain at rest was 25.5%. Poor self-image and mental health scores in SRS-22r were identified as risk factors for chronic back pain. Higher Risser grade, poor self-image score, large postural changes of apical vertebral translation at the main thoracic curve, and hyperlordosis in the lumbar spine were identified as risk factors for back pain at rest.

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress and large postural changes of spinal alignment played an important role in the occurrence of back pain. Physicians should pay more attention to mental healthcare of AIS patients as well as to radiographical assessments of curve severity for better health-related quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Care in an Underserved Inner-City Population: Screening, Bracing, and Patient- and Parent-Reported Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database.

OBJECTIVES

This preliminary investigation sought to identify the quality of care adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients from our large, underserved community had received before presenting at this institution's clinic.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

AIS affects 1% to 4% of children between ages 10 and 16. Barriers to health care for patients in underserved populations have not been well studied.

METHODS

Patients who visited a single surgeon's clinic for primary AIS between June 2016 and January 2017 were enrolled. Patients had 36-inch full-spine radiographs and completed a survey of demographics, prior AIS care received (screening, bracing, etc), socioeconomic parameters, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs; Scoliosis Research Society [SRS]-30 Questionnaire and Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire [BIDQ]). Parametric and nonparametric analyses were used and percentages and mean/median values were reported.

RESULTS

47 patients (age: 15 ± 3 years; 82.7% female) were included. Overall, 25.5% of patients reported a family history of scoliosis, and 42.6% had no prior knowledge of scoliosis. Per Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) recommendations, 15 patients required observation (main Cobb angle: <25°), 22 patients were eligible for bracing (25°-45°), and 10 patients were surgical candidates (>45°). In addition, 21.3% of all patients were never screened for scoliosis; of these, 50% had a main scoliosis curve >25°. Seventy percent of surgical candidates never wore a brace, and 59.3% of screened patients who were eligible for bracing were not braced at initial presentation. Patients who were left unbraced when eligible exhibited worse BIDQ scores (1.7 vs. 1.4, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

One of five children in our population was never screened for scoliosis, and nearly three of five children did not receive optimal care as recommended by SRS. AIS patients in our inner-city populations are potentially at risk of continuing to experience a significant disadvantage in health care access.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV case series.

Association between lay perception of morbidity and appropriateness of specialized health care use in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

In absence of school scoliosis screening programs (SSSP) in Canada, this study examined the relationships between the lay person's perception of morbidity and the appropriateness of referral in orthopedics. A cross-sectional study was conducted with all children consecutively referred in orthopedics for suspected scoliosis. The 831 participants were classified as Appropriate, Late, or Inappropriate referrals for the orthopedic setting. Perceived morbidity was operationalized by: the scoliosis detection originator, the perceptions of the seriousness of the condition and urgency to consult a physician, the perception of the general health, as well as Visible Back Deformity, Self-image, and Pain. Direct associations between the perceived morbidity and the appropriateness of referral were found in all scoliosis-specific measures; the most discriminant variable was Visible Back Deformity. Lay perceived morbidity is a good indicator of the objective morbidity, and thus reflects in the appropriateness of referral status. The important role of the lay persons in symptoms appraisal does not however insure appropriate referral. Searching for alternatives to SSSP would wisely include a health promotion and medical management program. Statement of Clinical Significance: Perceived morbidity by the lay persons is strongly associated with the objectively evaluated severity of scoliosis deformity. Therefore, in absence of SSSP, lay person awareness plays an important role in symptom recognition and search for care. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

Reliability and validity of a novel quality of life questionnaire for female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire-27: a multicenter, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

A progressive deformity associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) negatively affects a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) is the standard measurement tool for assessing HRQOL in patients with AIS, it is partially suboptimal for evaluating HRQOL in Japanese patients with AIS because of cultural differences. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel patient-reported outcome measure for Japanese female patients with AIS and to evaluate the reliability and validity of this questionnaire in comparison with the SRS-22 tool.

METHODS

We developed 27 questions based on the psychosocial problems in the daily life of young female patients with AIS in Japan, the Scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire-27 (SJ-27). To evaluate its reliability, the internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient between the SJ-27 and the SRS-22. To investigate the construct validity of the SJ-27, the correlation between the SJ-27 questions was assessed using Akaike's information criterion (AIC).

RESULTS

We analyzed 384 female patients with AIS. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.914 and 0.829 for the SJ-27 and the SRS-22, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient between the SJ-27 and the SRS-22 was 0.692 (p < 0.001). The AIC analysis indicated that the SJ-27 items are divided into five domains, indicating that the SJ-27 covered a wide range of health-related problems among female patients with AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the SJ-27 is a reliable and valid patient-reported outcome measure for evaluating HRQOL in female patients with AIS in Japan.

Measurement Properties of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire in Adolescent Patients With Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective validation of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire French-Canadian version (SRS-22fv) in adolescent patients with spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the measurement properties of the SRS-22fv.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS-22 is widely used for the assessment of health-related quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and other spinal deformities. Spondylolisthesis has an important effect on quality of life. The instrument was previously used in this population, although its measurement properties remained unknown. We aim to determine its reliability, factorial, concurrent validity, and its discriminant capacity in an adolescent spondylolisthesis population.

METHODS

The SRS-22fv was tested in 479 subjects (272 patients with spondylolisthesis, 143 with AIS, and 64 controls) at a single institution. Its reliability was measured using the coefficient of internal consistency, concurrent validity by the short form-12 (SF-12v2 French version) and discriminant validity using multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

The SRS-22fv showed a good global internal consistency (spondylolisthesis: Cronbach α = 0.91, AIS: 0.86, and controls: 0.78) in all its domains for spondylolisthesis patients. It showed a factorial structure consistent with the original questionnaire, with 60% of explained variance under four factors. Moderate to high correlation coefficients were found for specifically corresponding domains between SRS-22fv and SF-12v2. Boys had higher scores than do girls, scores worsened with increasing age and body mass index. Analysis of covariance showed statistically significant differences between patients with spondylolisthesis, patients with AIS, and controls when controlling for age, sex, body mass index, pain, function, and self-image scores. In the spondylolisthesis group, scores on all domains and mean total scores were significantly lower in surgical candidates and in patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis. Low to moderate ceiling effects were shown in function (1.1%), self-image (10.7%), and pain (13.6%).

CONCLUSION

The SRS-22fv can discriminate between healthy and spondylolisthesis subjects. It can be used in spondylolisthesis patients to assess health-related quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

A Normative Baseline for the Srs-22 From Over 1000 Healthy Adolescents in India: Which Demographic Factors Affect Outcome?

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to 1) establish a baseline for the SRS-22 in South East Asia and 2) evaluate the influence of patient demographics on the SRS-22.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have established a baseline for the SRS-22 in the US and described the impact of patient demographics. While the SRS-22 is used internationally, limited normative data are available.

METHODS

After approval from the local hospital and school board, 1200 adolescents (age 10-18 years) were asked to anonymously complete the SRS-22 in English. The following demographic factors were assessed: height, weight, age, gender, household income (range <$30K to >$200K), and household status (single/dual parent income). Participants with a prior spine history or active medical problems were excluded. Statistical analysis was done with a Pearson correlation followed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

One thousand nineteen unaffected adolescents completed the SRS-22 (mean age 14.4 ± 1.6 years). Demographics were as follows: gender (42%F, 58%M), household status (640 single/379 dual), height (157 ± 12 cm), weight (46 ± 11.2 kg), body mass index (BMI; 18.5 ± 3.6). SRS-22 score for all patients and by gender: Mean [4.0 ± 0.4, (F)4.0 ± 0.4, (M)3.9 ± 0.4, P < 0.0001], Activity [3.9 ± 0.4, (F)4.0 ± 0.5, (M)3.9 ± 0.6], Pain [4.3 ± 0.6; (F)4.4 ± 0.6, (M)4.2 ± 0.7, P < 0.001], Image [3.9 ± 0.6, (F)3.9 ± 0.6, (M)3.9 ± 0.6], and Mental [3.7 ± 0.6, (F)3.8 ± 0.6, (M)3.7 ± 0.6, P < 0.001]. Male gender was associated with worse pain (-0.15), mental health (-0.11), and overall SRS-22 score (-0.11). Age was correlated with a worse image (r = -0.17, P = < 0.000), while higher BMI was associated with less pain (0.07/0.02).

CONCLUSION

Younger age, female gender, and higher BMI correlated with a better SRS-22 score. Income and household status did not affect SRS-22. These findings contrast data gathered in the US but should be considered in conjunction with the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). This study establishes the first normative baseline for the SRS-22 in SE Asia and analyzed the effect of demographics on the outcome score.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Prediction of height increment using preoperative radiological parameters following selective thoracic fusion with alternate-level pedicle screw construct in Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

PURPOSE

This study aims to derive a formula to predict post-operative height increment in Lenke 1 and Lenke 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients using preoperative radiological parameters.

METHODS

This study involved 70 consecutive Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients who underwent scoliosis correction with alternate-level pedicle screw instrumentation. Preoperative parameters that were measured included main thoracic (MT) Cobb angle, proximal thoracic (PT) Cobb angle, lumbar Cobb angle as well as thoracic kyphosis. Side-bending flexibility (SBF) and fulcrum-bending flexibility (FBF) were derived from the measurements. Preoperative height and post-operative height increment was measured by an independent observer using a standardized method.

RESULTS

MT Cobb angle and FB Cobb angle were significant predictors ( p < 0.001) of height increment from multiple linear regression analysis ( R = 0.784, R² = 0.615). PT Cobb angle, lumbar, SB Cobb angle, preoperative height and number of fused segment were not significant predictors for the height increment based on the multivariable analysis. Increase in post-operative height could be calculated by the formula: Increase in height (cm) = (0.09 × preoperative MT Cobb angle) - (0.04 x FB Cobb angle) - 0.5.

CONCLUSION

The proposed formula of increase in height (cm) = (0.09 × preoperative MT Cobb angle) - (0.04 × FB Cobb angle) - 0.5 could predict post-operative height gain to within 5 mm accuracy in 51% of patients, within 10 mm in 70% and within 15 mm in 86% of patients.

Effect of surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis on the quality of life: a prospective study with a minimum 5-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the quality of life (QoL), functionality, and body image of subjects who had undergone surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) 5-12 years previously, and to identify the outcome predictors.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 87 patients for whom follow-up data were available out of a series of 91 patients who had surgery for AIS between 2002 and 2009. We assessed the preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and 5-year or more postoperative SF-36 and SRS-23 questionnaire scores. Longitudinal clinical and radiographic data also were evaluated. Changes in the patient-oriented outcomes were compared with age and sex-adjusted normative values. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify possible outcome predictors.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, patients had impaired QoL, functionality, and body image compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Surgery led to significant improvement of the SF-36 and SRS scores at the one-year and final control date, but the final scores on SF-36's physical indexes were lower than control subjects' scores. No clinically relevant differences with the normative values were detected in the final SRS scores. The height of the residual rib hump negatively predicted the total SRS and self-image scores; a more caudal level of fusion correlated with more postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent surgery for AIS a minimum of 5 years earlier had impaired self-reported physical QoL compared to control subjects, but they nevertheless performed better than before their surgery. Greater size of the residual hump and greater distal extension of the fusion area are negatively correlated with final self reported outcome.

Low back pain and patient-reported QOL outcomes in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without corrective surgery

Purpose

To reveal the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and association between LBP and patient-reported QOL outcomes (JOABPEQ and SRS-22r) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) without corrective surgery.

Methods

Ninety-eight female patients with AIS without corrective surgery who answered JOABPEQ, SRS-22r, and VAS for LBP were included. The scores of all subdomains in JOABPEQ and SRS-22r were calculated. From the standing radiographs, we measured the Risser grade and radiographic parameters regarding the curve magnitude, coronal and sagittal balance, and spinopelvic alignment. Furthermore, we recorded whether the patients were undergoing brace treatment at the time of visiting our outpatient clinic. The patients with VAS >30 mm (moderate or severe LBP) were designated as Group P; VAS ≤30 mm, Group N. All variables were compared between the groups.

Results

The prevalence of LBP (VAS >0 mm) was 34.7% and that of moderate or severe LBP was 16.2%. All subdomain scores in JOABPEQ and those for function and pain in SRS-22r were significantly smaller in Group P than Group N. The subdomain scores for self-image and satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management in SRS-22r did not differ between the groups. The age, Risser grade, radiographic parameters, and whether the patients were undergoing brace treatment did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of LBP was 34.7%, which was approximately three times higher than that previously reported in Japanese pupils without scoliosis. The patients with LBP demonstrated poorer QOL outcomes associated with LBP regardless of radiographic parameters, patients’ self-image and satisfaction with treatment.

Braces for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. The most common form is diagnosed in adolescence. While adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can progress during growth and cause a surface deformity, it is usually not symptomatic. However, in adulthood, if the final spinal curvature surpasses a certain critical threshold, the risk of health problems and curve progression is increased.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of bracing for adolescents with AIS versus no treatment or other treatments, on quality of life, disability, pulmonary disorders, progression of the curve, and psychological and cosmetic issues.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, five other databases, and two trials registers up to February 2015 for relevant clinical trials. We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles and conducted an extensive handsearch of grey literature.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled cohort studies comparing braces with no treatment, other treatment, surgery, and different types of braces for adolescent with AIS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven studies (662 participants). Five were planned as RCTs and two as prospective controlled trials. One RCT failed completely, another was continued as an observational study, reporting also the results of the participants that had been randomized.There was very low quality evidence from one small RCT (111 participants) that quality of life (QoL) during treatment did not differ significantly between rigid bracing and observation (mean difference (MD) -2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.69 to 3.49). There was very low quality evidence from a subgroup of 77 adolescents from one prospective cohort study showing that QoL, back pain, psychological, and cosmetic issues did not differ significantly between rigid bracing and observation in the long term (16 years).Results of the secondary outcomes showed that there was low quality evidence that rigid bracing compared with observation significantly increased the success rate in 20° to 40° curves at two years' follow-up (one RCT, 116 participants; risk ratio (RR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.50). There was low quality evidence that elastic bracing increased the success rate in 15° to 30° curves at three years' follow-up (one RCT, 47 participants; RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.20).There is very low quality evidence from two prospective cohort studies with a control group that rigid bracing increases the success rate (curves not evolving to 50° or above) at two years' follow-up (one study, 242 participants; RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.89) and at three years' follow-up (one study, 240 participants; RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.16). There was very low quality evidence from a prospective cohort study (57 participants) that very rigid bracing increased the success rate (no progression of 5° or more, fusion, or waiting list for fusion) in adolescents with high degree curves (above 45°) (one study, 57 adolescents; RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.07 in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis).There was low quality evidence from one RCT that a rigid brace was more successful than an elastic brace at curbing curve progression when measured in Cobb degrees in low degree curves (20° to 30°), with no significant differences between the two groups in the subjective perception of daily difficulties associated with wearing the brace (43 girls; risk of success at four years' follow-up: RR 1.40, 1.03 to 1.89). Finally, there was very low quality evidence from one RCT (12 participants) that a rigid brace with a pad pressure control system is no better than a standard brace in reducing the risk of progression.Only one prospective cohort study (236 participants) assessed adverse events: neither the percentage of adolescents with any adverse event (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.67) nor the percentage of adolescents reporting back pain, the most common adverse event, were different between the groups (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.10).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to the important clinical differences among the studies, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. Two studies showed that bracing did not change QoL during treatment (low quality), and QoL, back pain, and psychological and cosmetic issues in the long term (16 years) (very low quality). All included papers consistently showed that bracing prevented curve progression (secondary outcome). However, due to the strength of evidence (from low to very low quality), further research is very likely to have an impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect. The high rate of failure of RCTs demonstrates the huge difficulties in performing RCTs in a field where parents reject randomization of their children. This challenge may prevent us from seeing increases in the quality of the evidence over time. Other designs need to be implemented and included in future reviews, including 'expertise-based' trials, prospective controlled cohort studies, prospective studies conducted according to pre-defined criteria such as the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and the international Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) criteria. Future studies should increase their focus on participant outcomes, adverse effects, methods to increase compliance, and usefulness of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises added to bracing.

Quality of life in normal and idiopathic scoliosis adolescents before diagnosis: reference values and discriminative validity of the SRS-22. A cross-sectional study of 1,205 pupils

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The Scoliosis Research Society 22 Questionnaire (SRS-22) has shown to worsen with increasing deformity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, all the studies have been performed on patients who have already been diagnosed and in relatively small samples.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to evaluate a large sample of consecutive patients before diagnosis to develop reference values and check the discriminative validity and correlation with deformity of the SRS-22.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a cross-sectional study, with patients referred to a specialized outpatient scoliosis rehabilitation institute.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The recruited subjects were 1,205 consecutive adolescents, 75% females (13.7±1.9 years), before their first scoliosis evaluation. Five subgroups were 0°-10° Cobb (normal) and 11° to 20°, 21° to 30°, 31° to 40°, and greater than 40° (AIS).

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome measure is based on the SRS-22.

METHODS

The SRS-22 was used to examine the differences between the domains of the five subgroups and total scores, and it was correlated with Cobb degrees and curve location. We used one-way analysis of variance and Spearman rho test.

RESULTS

Apart from the self-image domain in both genders and all subgroups, all other scores were greater than 4 points with small standard deviations. Females showed significant differences among groups for all domains and total score (p<.05). In males, function, pain, and mental health did not show statistically significant differences among groups (p>.1). All differences found were less than the minimally clinically significant change (0.5 points). The correlations with the severity of deformity measures were very low (rs<0.289).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, deformity is apparently not a real issue for AIS before diagnosis made, treatment planned, and/or specialists interfere with their everyday life. Scoliosis Research Society 22 Questionnaire demonstrated some discriminative validity between small and large curves, but the differences found were small.

Score distribution of the scoliosis research society health-related quality of life in different subgroups of adolescent subjects unaffected by scoliosis in China

STUDY DESIGN

A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire performance in normal adolescents without scoliosis to establish a normative baseline useful for evaluating the discriminate validity of the SRS-22 in primary adolescent scoliosis; and (2) investigate impact of age and sex on SRS-22 in an adolescent population unaffected by scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS-22 questionnaire is widely used to measure health-related quality of life of patients with spinal disease including scoliosis and lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, normal data, which are very important, when comparing patients and nonpatients, are few, little, and there are few studies about factors that may affect SRS questionnaire performance.

METHODS

The adolescent population was from 14 schools located in 7 provinces. A total of 2008 adolescents (961 females, 1026 males, 21 unknown; mean age, 14.3 yr; range, 11-20) completed the simplified Chinese version of SRS-22 questionnaire and demographic questions. Surveys were stratified into 8 age-sex groups for analysis: male/female; 12 to 13.4, 13.5 to 14.9, 15 to 15.9, and more than 16 years of age. Post hoc testing and the Tukey least significant difference were used to compare differences between any 2 of the 4 age groups.

RESULTS

Self-image scores in males were higher than those in females (P < 0.01). Pain domain scores were significantly higher in males than those in females in the 13.5- to 14.9-year-old subgroup, whereas other subgroups showed no obvious differences. The function domain scores in males who were aged 15 to 15.9 years and those older than 16 years were significantly higher than those in females (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in mental health domain scores among age-sex subgroups, with the exception of the 13.5- to 14.9-year-old group.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to characterize the sex and age influence on the SRS-22 scores in normal population. Age and sex have an important effect on SRS-22 scores, so when using the instrument to assess health-related quality of life of patients with scoliosis or other spinal disease, we should consider the differences in patients with different age and sex.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Optimal management of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescence

Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the growing spine, affecting 2%-3% of adolescents. Although benign in the majority of patients, the natural course of the disease may result in significant disturbance of body morphology, reduced thoracic volume, impaired respiration, increased rates of back pain, and serious esthetic concerns. Risk of deterioration is highest during the pubertal growth spurt and increases the risk of pathologic spinal curvature, increasing angular value, trunk imbalance, and thoracic deformity. Early clinical detection of scoliosis relies on careful examination of trunk shape and is subject to screening programs in some regions. Treatment options are physiotherapy, corrective bracing, or surgery for mild, moderate, or severe scoliosis, respectively, with both the actual degree of deformity and prognosis being taken into account. Physiotherapy used in mild idiopathic scoliosis comprises general training of the trunk musculature and physical capacity, while specific physiotherapeutic techniques aim to address the spinal curvature itself, attempting to achieve self-correction with active trunk movements developed in a three-dimensional space by an instructed adolescent under visual and proprioceptive control. Moderate but progressive idiopathic scoliosis in skeletally immature adolescents can be successfully halted using a corrective brace which has to be worn full time for several months or until skeletal maturity, and is able to prevent more severe deformity and avoid the need for surgical treatment. Surgery is the treatment of choice for severe idiopathic scoliosis which is rapidly progressive, with early onset, late diagnosis, and neglected or failed conservative treatment. The psychologic impact of idiopathic scoliosis, a chronic disease occurring in the psychologically fragile period of adolescence, is important because of its body distorting character and the onerous treatment required, either conservative or surgical. Optimal management of idiopathic scoliosis requires cooperation within a professional team which includes the entire therapeutic spectrum, extending from simple watchful observation of nonprogressive mild deformities through to early surgery for rapidly deteriorating curvature. Probably most demanding is adequate management with regard to the individual course of the disease in a given patient, while avoiding overtreatment or undertreatment.

Effect of spinal deformity on adolescent quality of life: comparison of operative scheuermann kyphosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and normal controls

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective multicenter study and retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures and sagittal deformity in operative Scheuermann kyphosis (SK), operative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and normal populations.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

No study to date has evaluated patient reported HRQOL measures before surgery in operative patients with SK.

METHODS

HRQOL data were prospectively collected pretreatment for operative patients with SK using the SRS-22 outcomes instrument and visual analogue scale (VAS). Comparison was made with the SRS-22 from operative AIS and normal populations. Eighty-six patients with SK enrolled in the prospective study were compared with 184 patients with AIS from a prospective database and 31 normal controls. To study the correlation between T5-T12 kyphosis magnitude and SRS-22 score, patients with AIS and SK were pooled together to create a larger continuum of kyphosis. Analysis of covariance, Pearson correlation analysis, and Bonferroni pairwise comparisons were used to determine statistical differences between group demographics, HRQOL indicators, and radiographical variables.

RESULTS

Patients with SK had significantly lower scores in all domains of the SRS-22 than patients with AIS. Patients with SK with a thoracolumbar apex reported significantly lower mean scores in the pain domain than those with a thoracic apex. Significant negative correlations were found between all domains of the SRS-22 and T5-T12 kyphosis-the self-image domain demonstrated the highest correlation (r = 0.37). VAS score in the SK population correlated negatively to the pain, self-image, and mental health domains.

CONCLUSION

Increasing sagittal plane deformity as a result of SK has a significant impact on HRQOL as determined by the SRS-22 outcome instrument. In this study, patients with SK reported significantly decreased (worse) scores in all subdomains of the SRS-22 compared with patients with AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.

What is the effect of surgery on the quality of life of the adolescent with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A review and statistical analysis of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

Review and statistical analysis of studies evaluating the effect of surgery on the health-related quality of life of adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, using Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Apply published minimum clinical important differences (MCID) values for the SRS22r questionnaire to the literature to identify what areas of health-related quality of life are consistently affected by surgery and whether changes are clinically meaningful.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The interpretation of published studies using the SRS outcomes has been limited by the lack of MCID values for the questionnaire domains. The recent publication of these data allows the clinical importance of any changes in these studies to be examined for the first time.

METHODS

A literature search was undertaken to locate suitable studies that were then analyzed. Statistically significant differences from baseline to 2 years postoperatively were ascertained by narratively reporting the analyses within included studies. When possible, clinically significant changes were assessed using 95% confidence intervals for the change in mean domain score. If the lower bound of the confidence intervals for the change exceeded the MCID for that domain, the change was considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

The numbers of cohorts available for the different analyses varied (5-16). Eighty-one percent and 94% of included cohorts experienced statistically significant improvements in pain and self-image domains. In terms of clinical significance, it was only self-image that regularly improved by more than MCID, doing so in 4 of 5 included cohorts (80%) compared with 1 of 12 cohorts (8%) for pain. No clinically relevant changes occurred in mental health or activity domains.

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that surgery can lead to clinically important improvement in patient self-image. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the limited evidence for improvements in domains other than self-image after surgery. Surgical decision-making will also be influenced by the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Comparison of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with normal controls: a review and statistical analysis of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

Review and statistical analysis of studies evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To apply normative values and minimum clinical important differences for the SRS-22r to the literature. Identify whether the HRQOL of adolescents with untreated AIS differs from unaffected peers and whether any differences are clinically relevant.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The effect of untreated AIS on adolescent HRQOL is uncertain. The lack of published normative values and minimum clinical important difference for the SRS-22r has so far hindered our interpretation of previous studies. The publication of this background data allows these studies to be re-examined.

METHODS

Using suitable inclusion criteria, a literature search identified studies examining HRQOL in untreated adolescents with AIS. Each cohort was analyzed individually. Statistically significant differences were identified by using 95% confidence intervals for the difference in SRS-22r domain mean scores between the cohorts with AIS and the published data for unaffected adolescents. If the lower bound of the confidence interval was greater than the minimum clinical important difference, the difference was considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 21 included patient cohorts, 81% reported statistically worse pain than those unaffected. Yet in only 5% of cohorts was this difference clinically important. Of the 11 cohorts included examining patient self-image, 91% reported statistically worse scores than those unaffected. In 73% of cohorts this difference was clinically significant. Affected cohorts tended to score well in function/activity and mental health domains and differences from those unaffected rarely reached clinically significant values.

CONCLUSION

Pain and self-image tend to be statistically lower among cohorts with AIS than those unaffected. The literature to date suggests that it is only self-image which consistently differs clinically. This should be considered when assessing the possible benefits of surgery.

Converting Scoliosis Research Society-24 to Scoliosis Research Society-22r in a Surgical-Range, Medical/Interventional Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Cohort

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective questionnaire administration study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the ability to translate total and domain scores from Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-24 to SRS-22r in a surgical-range, medical/interventional adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Conversion of SRS-24 to SRS-22r is demonstrated in an operative cohort of patients with AIS, but not in a medical/interventional patient population.

METHODS

We simultaneously administered SRS-24 and SRS-22r questionnaires to 75 surgical-range, medical/interventional AIS patients and compared them. We performed analysis by regression modeling to produce conversion equations from SRS-24 to SRS-22r.

RESULTS

The total SRS-24 score for these medical/interventional AIS patients was 92.5 ± 9.45 (mean, 3.9 ± 0.39), and the total SRS-22r score was 93.5 ± 9.63 (mean, 4.3 ± 0.44). The correlation between these 2 groups was fair (R² = 0.77) and improved to good when mental health or recall questions were removed. The correlation was also fair for total pain domains (R² = 0.73). However, there was poor correlation for general self-image (R² = 0.6) and unacceptable for post-treatment self-image (R² = 0.01), general function (R² = 0.52), activity function (R² = 0.56), and satisfaction (R² = 0.53). Compared with a published population of operative AIS patients, R² values for total SRS-24 scores, pain, general self-image, activity function, and satisfaction were similar (p > .05). The R² values for general function and combined general and activity function were significantly different between the operative and medical/interventional cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Scoliosis Research Society-24 can be converted to SRS-22r scores with fair accuracy in the surgical-range, medical/interventional AIS patient population for total score, and total pain domains. The SRS-24 translates unacceptably to the SRS-22r in self-image, function, and satisfaction domains. The SRS-24 to SRS-22r conversion equations are similar to operative AIS patients, except for the function domain. Caution should be used when interpreting results based on translation of SRS-24 to SRS-22r values.

Discriminative validity of the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire among five curve-severity subgroups of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Previous studies of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) 22 discriminative validity have lacked sufficiently matched study groups and were limited to a comparison with three or fewer subgroups of disease severity.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the discriminative validity of SRS-22 by assessing the questionnaire's ability to discriminate among five groups of pretreatment adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with increasing curve severity.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively administered surveys.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty-six SRS-22 questionnaires were issued to two AIS pretreatment patient populations: 67 nonoperative and 219 preoperative. Study subjects were separated into five subgroups depending on the major Cobb angle (nonoperative 0°-19° and 20°-40° and preoperative 41°-50°, 51°-60°, and >60°). Each group (n=31) was matched for age (within 1 year) and sex (23 females and 8 males), resulting in a total of 155 study subjects. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistically significant differences (p<.05) between the five subgroups' domains and total scores.

RESULTS

Significant differences between study groups were found within two of the four domains (pain and image) and the total score. Both nonoperative groups (0°-19° and 20°-40°) demonstrated significantly less pain than the preoperative group (41°-50°) and significantly better self-image than all three preoperative groups. Both nonoperative groups' total scores were significantly higher than all three preoperative groups' scores, with the exception of the 20° to 40° subgroup versus the >60° subgroup. No significant differences were found between groups within the same planned treatment category.

CONCLUSIONS

The SRS-22 questionnaire demonstrated good discriminative validity between small nonoperative curves and larger surgical curves within the pain, image, and total domains. However, SRS-22 lacked the ability to differentiate between small intervals of curve magnitude, suggesting a limitation to the questionnaire's discriminative capacity. The discriminative validity of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) 22 has not been clearly defined. Our analysis of 155 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients evaluates the instrument's discriminative validity among five age- and sex-matched curve-severity subgroups. The SRS-22 questionnaire lacked the ability to differentiate between small intervals of curve magnitude, suggesting a limit to the questionnaire's discriminative capacity.

Outcome in early adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after deformity correction: assessed by SRS-22, psychometric and generic health measures

The purpose of this study was to examine the health status of early adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis using depression-anxiety scales, a generic Quality-of-Life Inventory as well as the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire to search for the most comprehensive approach for the measurement of outcomes. Thirty-seven early adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis were analyzed within 6-12 months of the postoperative time period. There was no statistically significant correlation between the total score of SRS-22 and the total scores of the pediatric quality-of-life inventory. However, the total scores of SRS-22 were positively correlated with the self-esteem level and negatively correlated with the depression level and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children scores. In early adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis deformity correction, SRS-22 may be inadequate in terms of mental health and physical activity parameters to evaluate overall quality of life.

Culture and ethnicity influence outcomes of the Scoliosis Research Society Instrument in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE

To report preoperative differences in the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument (SRS-30) between multiple US ethnicities and native Japanese and Korean children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS-24 was developed in a US cohort with AIS. Comparative studies using the SRS-24 between US and Japanese patients showed differences, suggesting that culture might affect functional outcome.

METHODS

Preoperative SRS-30 outcomes were collected from 1853 children with AIS from 6 different ethnic groups: US white (1234), black (213), Hispanic (78), and Asian (29), as well as native Japanese (192) and Koreans (107). Analysis of covariance of 4 SRS-30 domains (pain, appearance, activity, and mental) was compared between groups adjusting for differences in age, sex, major curve magnitude, and body mass index. Pairwise comparisons of the 4 SRS-30 domains were adjusted for multiple comparisons, using Bonferroni correction. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Significant differences between ethnicities were found in all domains (P < 0.001). Whites reported more pain than Japanese or Koreans (Japanese = 4.52, Korean = 4.47, white = 4.04). Korean and Japanese patients had the lowest appearance scores (Japanese = 2.89, Korean = 2.73, US Asian = 3.55, Hispanic = 3.11, black = 3.47, white = 3.29). Koreans also had the lowest activity (Korean = 3.64, Japanese = 4.24, US Asian = 4.07, Hispanic = 4.02, black = 4.06, white = 4.16), mental (Korean = 3.70, Japanese = 4.23, US Asian = 4.05, Hispanic = 3.75, black = 4.03, white = 3.94), and total scores (Korean = 3.63, Japanese = 3.92, US Asian = 4.02, Hispanic = 3.75, black = 3.92, and white = 3.84).

CONCLUSION

Culture and ethnicity influence SRS-30 outcomes in AIS. Whites reported more pain than Japanese and Koreans. Japanese and Koreans had the lowest appearance scores. Koreans additionally were distinguished by the lowest activity, mental, and total scores. These cultural and ethnic differences must be taken into account when counseling patients with AIS and studying functional outcomes.

Converting SRS-24, SRS-23, and SRS-22 to SRS-22r: establishing conversion equations using regression modeling

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional mail questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the feasibility of translating total and domain scores from Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-24, SRS-23, and SRS-22 to SRS-22r.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Three successive editions of the original SRS-24 health-related quality-of-life questionnaire have resulted from efforts to improve its psychometric properties and validate its use in patients down to 10 years of age. This resulted in the need to establish, if possible, conversion equations to the last and most thoroughly validated version, SRS-22r.

METHODS

A consolidated questionnaire of 49 questions that incorporated the various questions in the four questionnaires was mailed to a consecutive series of 235 patients who had received primary posterior or anterior instrumentation and arthrodesis to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Regression modeling was used to establish conversion equations from the SRS-24, SRS-23, and SRS-22 to the SRS-22r.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one of the 235 patients (51%), aged 23.3 ± 4.52 years (range 14.2-34.6 years), returned the questionnaire at 8.6 ± 4.00 years (range 2.3-15.9 years) following surgery. Estimation of SRS-22r questionnaire and nonmanagement domains total scores and mean scores from SRS-22 and SRS-23 scores is excellent (R2 scores of 0.97-0.99) and good for SRS-24 scores (R2 scores of 0.80-0.82, improving to 0.86 and 0.87 after minimal domain reconfiguration). Estimation of SRS-22r individual domain total scores and mean scores from SRS-22 and SRS-23 is good to excellent (R2 scores of 0.81-0.99). Minimal domain reconfiguration improves conversion from SRS-24 pain from R2 = 0.71 to 0.76, which are both fair; SRS-24 function from R2 = 0.69 and 0.74 to 0.83, from poor and fair to good; and SRS-24 satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management from R2 = 0.64 to 0.80, from poor to good. Conversion of SRS-24 self-image is poor (R2 = 0.60) despite the correlation being statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

With one exception, SRS-24, SRS-23, and SRS-22 questionnaire, nonmanagement domains, and individual domain total scores and mean scores can be translated to SRS-22r scores with fair to excellent accuracy, which is further improved in some instances by minimal domain reconfigurations. The sole exception is SRS-24 self-image, which translates poorly.

Validation of the Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the reliability and validity of an adapted Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Translation/retranslation of the English version of SRS-22 was conducted, and all steps of the cross-cultural adaptation process were performed. The Korean version of the SRS-22 questionnaire and the previously validated Short Form-36 (SF-36) outcome instruments were mailed to 102 patients who had been treated surgically for idiopathic scoliosis. Eighty-two patients responded to the first mailing of questionnaires and 64 of the first-time responders returned their second survey. The average age of the 64 patients (56 females and 8 males) was 18.3 years. Reliability assessment was determined by estimating Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing SRS-22 domains with relevant domains in the SF-36 questionnaire using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80-0.89) for function/activity, pain and mental health, and good consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.50-0.79) for the remaining domains. The ICC of all domains demonstrated excellent test/retest reproducibility. Considering concurrent validity, 3 domains showed excellent correlation, 9 domains good, 25 domains moderate, and 3 domains poor.

CONCLUSION

The adapted Korean version of the SRS-22 questionnaire was successfully translated and showed acceptable measurement properties, and as such, is considered suitable for treatment outcome assessments in the Korean-speaking patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Demographic factors affect Scoliosis Research Society-22 performance in healthy adolescents: a comparative baseline for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to: (1) evaluate the influence of variable demographic factors on the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 performance and (2) evaluate SRS-22 performance in normal adolescents without scoliosis to establish a comparative baseline for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS-22 instrument has been used widely to evaluate patients with scoliosis but no study has characterized how variable patient demographics in normal, unaffected individuals may influence SRS-22 scores.

METHODS

Healthy adolescents at a high school clinic and at referring pediatricians' private offices were asked to anonymously complete the SRS-22 instrument: 22 questions scaled 1-5 (highest). Additional questions assessed household income, race (white, Hispanic, African-American, other), gender, household status (single vs. dual parent), and body mass index. ANOVA and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify statistically significant factors (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Four hundred fifty unaffected adolescents completed the SRS-22 (62% female, 38% male; mean age 16 (range, 9.3-21.8), mean body mass index 22.8 (range, 13.5-47.5). Mean SRS-22 performance was 4.1 ± 0.5 (Activity: 4.0 ± 0.6; Pain: 4.3 ± 0.6; Image: 4.2 ± 0.6; Mental: 3.8 ± 0.8, Mean: 4.1 ± 0.5). Whites scored higher in the activity domain than Hispanic and other ethnicities, while African Americans scored higher in the pain domain than Hispanics (P < 0.05 for both). From the lowest income range to 125,000 dollars/yr, household income had a positive effect on the activity, image and mean SRS-22 score (P < 0.05 for all). Males scored higher than females in the mental health domain and mean SRS-22 (P < 0.0001). Dual parent versus single parent households had higher activity and mean SRS-22 scores (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

We report that male gender, dual parent household, white race and increased household income were predictive of higher SRS-22 scores in healthy adolescents without scoliosis. The impact of these factors represents a meaningful clinical difference in SRS-22 performance.

Identification of Scoliosis Research Society-22r Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire domains using factor analysis methodology

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional mail questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

Examination of the underlying construct validity of the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Questionnaire using factor analysis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The original SRS-24 HRQoL questionnaire has undergone a series of modifications in an effort to further improve its psychometric properties and validate its use in patients from 10 years of age until well into adulthood. The SRS-22r questionnaire is the result of this effort. To date, the underlying construct validity of the original English version has not been analyzed by factor analysis.

METHODS

A questionnaire including all questions on the SRS-24, -23, -22, and -22r questionnaires (49 total questions) was mailed to a consecutive series of 235 patients who had received primary posterior or anterior instrumentation and arthrodesis. Domain structure of the SRS-22r questions was analyzed using iterated principal factor analysis with orthogonal rotation.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one (51%) of the patients, age 23.34 +/- 4.52 years (range, 14.16-34.57 years), returned the questionnaire at 8.63 +/- 4.00 years (range, 2.32-15.94 years) following surgery. Factor analysis using all 22 questions resulted in 3 factors with many shared items because of significant collinearity of the satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management questions with the others. After 18 iterations, factor analysis using the 20 nonmanagement questions revealed 4 factors that explained 98% of the variance. These factors parallel the assigned domains of the SRS-22r questionnaire. Three questions (2 self-image and 1 function) were identified that had high loading in 2 factors. However, internal consistency was best when 2 of the questions (1 self-image and 1 function) were retained in their assigned SRS-22r domains and the third decreased self-image internal consistency by only 0.01%. The internal consistencies (Cronbach alpha) of the assigned SRS-22r nonmanagement domains were excellent or very good: function 0.83, pain 0.87, self-image 0.80, and mental health 0.90. For the management domain it was good: 0.73.

CONCLUSION

Factor analysis of the SRS-22r HRQoL confirms placement of the 20 nonmanagement domain questions in the assigned 4 domains, all with excellent or very good internal consistency.

Braces for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. While AIS can progress during growth and cause a surface deformity, it is usually not symptomatic. However, in adulthood, if the final spinal curvature surpasses a certain critical threshold, the risk of health problems and curve progression is increased. Braces are traditionally recommended to stop curvature progression in some countries and criticized in others. They generally need to be worn full time, with treatment extending over years.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of bracing in adolescent patients with AIS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following databases (up to July 2008) were searched with no language limitations: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (from January 1966), EMBASE (from January 1980), CINHAL (from January 1982) and reference lists of articles. An extensive handsearch of the grey literature was also conducted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies comparing braces with no treatment, other treatment, surgery, and different types of braces.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included two studies. There was very low quality evidence from one prospective cohort study with 286 girls that a brace curbed curve progression at the end of growth (success rate 74% (95% CI: 52% to 84%)), better than observation (success rate 34% (95% CI:16% to 49%)) and electrical stimulation (success rate 33% (95% CI:12% to 60%)). There is low quality evidence from one RCT with 43 girls that a rigid brace is more successful than an elastic one (SpineCor) at curbing curve progression when measured in Cobb degrees, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the subjective perception of daily difficulties associated with wearing the brace.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very low quality evidence in favour of using braces, making generalization very difficult. Further research could change the actual results and our confidence in them; in the meantime, patients' choices should be informed by multidisciplinary discussion. Future research should focus on short and long-term patient-centred outcomes, in addition to measures such as Cobb angles. RCTs and prospective cohort studies should follow both the Scoliosis Resarch Society (SRS) and Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) criteria for bracing studies.

Dissecting the effects of spinal fusion and deformity magnitude on quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of scores from the Scoliosis Research Society outcomes instrument (SRS-24 questionnaire).

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the isolated effects of spinal fusion and deformity magnitude on quality of life in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Significant improvements in 2-year postoperative SRS-24 questionnaire scores have been reported despite the loss of spinal motion due to instrumentation and arthrodesis. As deformity reduction may influence patient perception, it has been difficult to isolate the effect of spinal fusion on quality of life after scoliosis surgery.

METHODS

SRS-24 scores were compared between 3 cohorts of AIS patients (preoperative, postoperative, and nonoperative) using an ANOVA (P < 0.05) to determine the isolated effects of spinal fusion and deformity magnitude. Preoperative SRS-24 scores were collected from a group of patients with preoperative major Cobb angles greater than 40 degrees (n = 194). Postoperative SRS-24 scores were collected from patients with preoperative major Cobb angles greater than 40 degrees and 2-year postoperative major Cobb angles between 20 degrees and 40 degrees (n = 196). Finally, SRS-24 scores were collected from a nonoperative group of patients with major Cobb angles between 20 degrees and 40 degrees (n = 112).

RESULTS

Spinal fusion was found to have a negative isolated effect on the Activity domain (-0.3) and on the Total score (-0.2) (P = 0.001) of the SRS-24 questionnaire (score range: 1-5). A smaller deformity magnitude, on the other hand, was found to have a significantly positive isolated effect on all 4 preoperative domains (P < 0.001) and on the Total score (P < 0.001). The combined effect of surgery (spinal fusion and deformity correction) was found to be significantly positive for the Total score (P < 0.001) and for the domains of Pain, Self-Image, and Function (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Spinal fusion has an isolated negative effect on AIS patients' quality of life (Total score) mostly due to a decrease in scores of the Activity domain. The overall positive effect of surgery depends on the individual effects of spinal fusion (slight reduction in quality of life) and deformity reduction (modest improvement in quality of life).

Reliability and validity of adapted French Canadian version of Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22) in Quebec

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective validation study of a cross-cultural adaptation of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Outcomes Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a French Canadian version of the SRS Outcomes Questionnaire and to empirically test its response in healthy adolescents and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients in Québec.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS Outcomes Questionnaire is widely used for the assessment of health-related quality of life in AIS patients.

METHODS

French translation and back-translation of the SRS-22 (SRS-22-fv) were done by an expert committee. Its reliability was measured using the coefficient of internal consistency, construct validity with a factorial analysis, concurrent validity by using the short form-12 and discriminant validity using ANOVA and multivariate linear regression, on 145 AIS patients, 44 patients with non clinically significant scoliosis (NCSS), and 64 healthy patients.

RESULTS

The SRS-22-fv showed a good global internal consistency (AIS: Cronbach alpha = 0.86, NCSS: 0.81, and controls: 0.79) and in all of its domains for AIS patients. The factorial structure was coherent with the original questionnaire (47.4% of explained variance). High correlation coefficients were obtained between SRS-22-fv and short form-12 corresponding domains. Boys had higher scores than girls, scores worsened with age, and with increasing body mass index. Mean Total, Pain, Self-image, and Satisfaction scores, were correlated with Cobb angle. Adjusted regression models showed statistically significant differences between the AIS, NCSS, and control groups in the Total, Pain, and Function scores.

CONCLUSION

The SRS-22-fv showed satisfactory reliability, factorial, concurrent, and discriminant validity. This study provides scores in a significant group of healthy adolescents and demonstrates a clear gradient in response between subjects with AIS, NCSS, and controls.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis - to operate or not? A debate article

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) represents a rare condition with a potentially detrimental impact on young patients. Despite vast clinical research and published treatment guidelines and algorithms, the optimal therapeutic choice for these patients remains highly controversial. While advocates of early surgery emphasize the benefits of surgical deformity correction with regard to physical and psychological outcome, the opponents base their arguments on the high risk of complications and a lack of documented subjective long-term outcome. In the present paper, the authors were invited to debate the opposite positions of "pro" versus "contra" surgical treatment of AIS, based on the currently available evidence and published guidelines.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) - an indication for surgery? A systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

Historically, the treatment options for AIS, the most common form of scoliosis are: Exercises, in-patient rehabilitation, braces and surgery. While there is evidence in the form of prospective controlled studies that Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (SIR) and braces can alter the natural history of the condition, there is no review on prospective controlled trials for surgical treatment. The aim of this review was to perform a systematic search of the Pub Med literature to reveal the evidence on scoliosis surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review has been performed using the Pub Med database. Literature has been searched for the outcome parameter; 'rate of progression' and only prospective controlled studies that have considered the treatment versus the natural history have been included.

RESULTS

No controlled study, not in the short, mid or long term, searched within the review, has been found to reveal evidence to support the hypothesis that the effects of surgery as a treatment option for AIS is superior to natural history.

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence has been found in terms of prospective controlled studies to support surgical intervention from the medical point of view. In the light of the unknown long-term effects of surgery and in concluding on the lack of evidence already found that surgery might change the signs and symptoms of scoliosis, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is long overdue. Until such a time that such evidence exists, there can be no medical indication for surgery. The indications for surgery are limited for cosmetic reasons in severe cases and only if the patient and the family agree with this.

Rate of complications in scoliosis surgery - a systematic review of the Pub Med literature

Background

Spinal fusion surgery is currently recommended when curve magnitude exceeds 40–45 degrees. Early attempts at spinal fusion surgery which were aimed to leave the patients with a mild residual deformity, failed to meet such expectations. These aims have since been revised to the more modest goals of preventing progression, restoring 'acceptability' of the clinical deformity and reducing curvature.

In view of the fact that there is no evidence that health related signs and symptoms of scoliosis can be altered by spinal fusion in the long-term, a clear medical indication for this treatment cannot be derived. Knowledge concerning the rate of complications of scoliosis surgery may enable us to establish a cost/benefit relation of this intervention and to improve the standard of the information and advice given to patients. It is also hoped that this study will help to answer questions in relation to the limiting choice between the risks of surgery and the "wait and see – observation only until surgery might be recommended", strategy widely used. The purpose of this review is to present the actual data available on the rate of complications in scoliosis surgery.

Materials and methods

Search strategy for identification of studies; Pub Med and the SOSORT scoliosis library, limited to English language and bibliographies of all reviewed articles. The search strategy included the terms; 'scoliosis'; 'rate of complications'; 'spine surgery'; 'scoliosis surgery'; 'spondylodesis'; 'spinal instrumentation' and 'spine fusion'.

Results

The electronic search carried out on the 1^st February 2008 with the key words "scoliosis", "surgery", "complications" revealed 2590 titles, which not necessarily attributed to our quest for the term "rate of complications". 287 titles were found when the term "rate of complications" was used as a key word. Rates of complication varied between 0 and 89% depending on the aetiology of the entity investigated. Long-term rates of complications have not yet been reported upon.

Conclusion

Scoliosis surgery has a varying but high rate of complications. A medical indication for this treatment cannot be established in view of the lack of evidence. The rate of complications may even be higher than reported. Long-term risks of scoliosis surgery have not yet been reported upon in research. Mandatory reporting for all spinal implants in a standardized way using a spreadsheet list of all recognised complications to reveal a 2-year, 5-year, 10-year and 20-year rate of complications should be established. Trials with untreated control groups in the field of scoliosis raise ethical issues, as the control group could be exposed to the risks of undergoing such surgery.

Cross-cultural comparison of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument between American and Japanese idiopathic scoliosis patients: are there differences?

STUDY DESIGN

A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE

To report a preliminary evaluation of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument (SRS-24) and determine whether differences in baseline scores exist between American and Japanese patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Because the SRS outcomes instrument was primarily introduced for the American population, baseline scores in the Japanese population might differ from the American population. A comparative study using the SRS instrument between American and Japanese patients with idiopathic scoliosis has not been reported.

METHODS

Two comparable groups of 100 idiopathic scoliosis patients before spinal fusion were separated into American (A) and Japanese (J). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for gender (A: 9 men/91 women vs. J: 13 men/87 women), age (A: 15.0 +/- 2.4 vs. J: 14.9 +/- 3.8), main curve location (A: 77 thoracic/23 lumbar, J: 76 thoracic/24 lumbar), main curve Cobb angle (A: 50.5 +/- 5.2 vs. J: 51.1 +/- 8.7), and thoracic kyphosis (A: 20.9 +/- 14.3 vs. J: 19.9 +/- 12.1) (P > 0.05, for all comparisons). Patients were evaluated using the first section of the SRS-24 which was divided into 4 domains: total pain, general self-image, general function, and activity. SRS-24 scores were statistical compared in individual domains and questions using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

American patients had significantly lower scores in pain (P < 0.0001, A: 3.7 +/- 0.8 vs. J: 4.3 +/- 0.4), function (P < 0.01, A: 3.9 +/- 0.6 vs. J: 4.2 +/- 0.5), and activity (P < 0.0001, A: 4.5 +/- 0.8 vs. J: 4.9 +/- 0.3) domains compared with Japanese patients. Japanese patients had significantly lower scores in the self-image (P < 0.0001, A: 4.0 +/- 0.7 vs. J: 3.5 +/- 0.5) domain. With regard to individual questions, there were significant differences in the scores between the 2 groups for all questions except 5 and 13 (P < 0.05, for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

SRS-24 scores in the Japanese idiopathic scoliosis population differed from that of the American population. Japanese patients had less back pain, a negative self-image regarding back deformity, higher general physical function, and daily activity. It is highly probable that patient's perceptions differ due to cultural differences, which affect SRS-24 scores so a cross-cultural comparison of the SRS instrument content is necessary in the future.

The reliability and concurrent validity of the Scoliosis Research Society-22r patient questionnaire compared with the Child Health Questionnaire-CF87 patient questionnaire for adolescent spinal deformity

STUDY DESIGN

This is a clinic-based cross-sectional study involving 2 health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaires.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the score distribution and reliability of the spinal deformity specific Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) questionnaire and the established generic Child Health Questionnaire-CF87 (CHQ-CF87), and to assess the concurrent validity of the SRS-22r using the CHQ-CF87 in an adolescent spine deformity population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Different questionnaires are commonly thought to be necessary to assess the HRQL of adolescent and adult populations. But since spinal deformities usually begin in the second decade of life, longitudinal follow-up with the same HRQL is desirable. The SRS-22r HRQL has recently been validated for score distribution and internal consistency in a spinal deformity population ranging in age from 7 to 78 years.

METHODS

The SRS-22r and CHQ-CF87 HRQLs were completed by 70 orthopedic spinal deformity outpatients 8 to 18 years of age, of whom 54 returned mailed retest questionnaires at an average of 24 days later.

RESULTS

The ceiling effect averaged 27% for the SRS-22r and 36% for the CHQ-CF87. Respective values for internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) were 0.81 and 0.82, and for test-retest reproducibility the intraclass correlations (ICC) were 0.73 and 0.61. Concurrent validity was r > or = 0.68 or more for relevant function, pain, and mental health domains. The SRS Self-Image and particularly the Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction with Management domains did not correlate well with any CHQ-CF87 domains (r = 0.50 and 0.30, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In a spinal deformity population 8 to 18 years of age, the score distribution and reliability, internal consistency, and reproducibility of the SRS-22r were at least as good as the CHQ-CF87. The SRS-22r function, pain, and mental health domains were concurrently valid in comparison to relevant CHQ-CF87 domains, but the SRS-22r self-image and satisfaction/dissatisfaction domains were not, thereby providing health-related quality-of-life information not provided for by the CHQ-CF87.

Self-report outcome measures for low back pain: searching for international cross-cultural adaptations

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the available cross-cultural adaptations of low back pain (LBP) self-report outcome measures and the psychometric testing that has occurred for each adaptation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Self-report measures are commonly used in clinical practice and in research studies. Most existing questionnaires were developed in English, and it is not clear how many have been adapted to other languages.

METHODS

Two different searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and LILACS were performed. The first search identified questionnaires specifically designed for patients with LBP. The second search combined the name of the questionnaire with 35 different languages in order to locate cross-cultural adaptations of the questionnaire. Data on the psychometric testing of the translated questionnaires were extracted.

RESULTS

Forty questionnaires were identified, only 15 of which had been adapted to a new language. Only 19 of the 35 different languages we searched for were represented in the search results. From 1400 possible adaptations, only 61 have been completed. Psychometric testing of the adapted questionnaires was quite variable and in general suboptimal with testing usually restricted to an assessment of reliability and construct validity.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear need for further cross-cultural adaptation of LBP self-report measures and for greater attention to the quality of psychometric evaluation of adapted questionnaires. Without appropriately adapted measures, the clinical management of LBP patients who do not speak English is potentially compromised.

Evaluation of postoperative residual spinal deformity and patient outcome in idiopathic scoliosis patients in Japan using the scoliosis research society outcomes instrument

STUDY DESIGN

This study clarifies the correlation between the components of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument (SRS-24) and the radiographic parameters after surgery in Japanese idiopathic scoliosis patients.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the correlation between the magnitude of back deformity after scoliosis surgery and the components of the SRS-24.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patient outcomes for Japanese scoliosis patients using the SRS-24 have not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Idiopathic scoliosis patients (n = 81) who were treated with surgery and followed up for more than 2 years were evaluated. Radiographic examination included Cobb angle, rotation angle of apical vertebrae, and translation of the C7 vertebra from the center sacral line on the coronal plane. In addition, the score of one new question regarding postoperative scar was investigated and compared with that of the individual SRS-24 domains.

RESULTS

A comparison of the SRS-24 and radiographic results revealed a significant inverse correlation between total pain and the postoperative correction of the rotation angle in the thoracic curve (rs = 0.27; P < 0.05). General self-image was inversely correlated with the Cobb angle (rs = -0.23; P < 0.05) and the rotation angle (rs = -0.30; P < 0.01) in the thoracic curve. Self-image after surgery was positively correlated with the correction degree of the thoracic Cobb angle (rs = 0.27; P < 0.05); 60% of patients had some concerns regarding postoperative scar, and the concerned patients demonstrated significantly lower scores in the pain and general self-image domains (P < 0.05) than the unconcerned patients did.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a greater Cobb angle or rotation angle in the thoracic curve had a negative self-image. Self-image improved after surgery by greater correction of the thoracic Cobb angle. Thoracic scoliotic deformity with prominence should be substantially reduced by the surgical treatment to improve satisfaction rates and self-image regarding back appearance. Additionally, physicians should pay more attention to patients' concern regarding their postoperative scars to obtain better outcomes.

Validation of a Japanese version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire among idiopathic scoliosis patients in Japan

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional observational study to determine the response distribution, internal consistency, and construct, concurrent, and discriminative validities of The Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) Patient Questionnaire translated into Japanese as compared with the other language versions.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Japanese version of SRS22.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SRS-22 was translated into several languages but yet not into Japanese.

METHODS

The Japanese SRS-22 and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 were simultaneously administered to 114 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4-factor structure, though several items were not loaded as theoretically expected. The originally constructed Japanese SRS-22 subscales and the English version showed similar response distribution. Internal consistency was fair but lower than that of the English version. The concurrent validity of the translated version, except for the self-image subscale, was supported using Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 subscales as a reference. The function scale differed significantly by curve angle magnitude and treatment status. The self-image score was the highest in patients under observation when curve angle was < 40 degrees, while postsurgical patients marked the highest scores when the angle > or = 40 degrees, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese SRS-22 is valid and may be useful for clinical evaluation of Japanese scoliosis patients, though the self-image subscale may need further assessment.

A review of quality of life and psychosocial issues in scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Recent literature regarding the psychological impact of scoliosis was reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of scoliosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL), psychosocial functioning, and body image to improve patient outcomes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Adolescents and adults with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have been known to score lower than healthy controls on HRQL measures. However, HRQL instruments may not adequately capture psychological distress experienced by patients.

METHODS

Research papers concerning HRQL and psychosocial factors in patients with scoliosis were reviewed.

RESULTS

Studies of psychosocial health and body image have revealed that functioning in these domains may affect compliance behavior and satisfaction with treatment outcomes among adolescent patients. Psychosocial and body image disturbance is less marked in patients with good social or family functioning, or patients who exercise regularly or are psychologically healthy. Adults with scoliosis generally display fewer psychological problems than adolescents. However, adults with scoliosis may experience psychosocial limitations due to poor physical health or body image disturbance. Support group membership can improve psychosocial health in adults with scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent patients with scoliosis may experience psychosocial difficulties, especially while undergoing treatment for scoliosis. Interventions aimed at managing psychosocial or body image disturbances may help to ameliorate the potentially negative impact of scoliosis on these facets of life.