Does a Preoperative Mental Health Diagnosis Affect Pain Management in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Surgery?

Background: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are typically treated surgically with posterior spinal fusion (PSF) when the curve continues to progress beyond 45 to 50 degrees. In adult patients, studies have shown that preoperative psychiatric diagnoses are associated with poorer clinical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. This study aims to address whether a preoperative mental health disorder affects outcomes in pediatric patients with AIS treated with PSF.