Functional and radiographic outcomes after surgery for adult scoliosis using third-generation instrumentation techniques.

Study Design: Retrospective radiograph and chart review of 28 patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis undergoing primary corrective surgery. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed before surgery, after surgery, and at a 2-year follow-up assessment. A self-perceived outcome questionnaire was administered to the study patients at a minimum 2-year follow-up assessment.

Objective: To assess patient outcomes after surgery for adult scoliosis using traditional radiographic parameters along with a self-perceived outcomes questionnaire.

Summary Of Background Data: The clinical and radiographic results and the outcomes for the surgical treatment of adult idiopathic scoliosis have not been established in the literature with respect to the use of modern third-generation instrumentation techniques. Most studies reviewing the surgical treatment of adult idiopathic scoliosis look primarily at Harrington instrumentation techniques.

Methods: Records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively for all the patients (n = 54) undergoing primary corrective surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis between December 30, 1994 and December 30, 1997. Of the 54 patients reviewed, 28 (52%) met the following inclusion criteria: age exceeding 20 years, primary surgery, fusion above the sacrum, availability of medical records along with preoperative, postoperative, and 2-year follow-up radiographs. Additionally, a self-perceived outcomes questionnaire was administered to these patients at a minimum 2-year follow-up assessment.

Results: All the patients were women (28/28). The indications for surgery were pain and progression in 54% (15/28) and pain in 29% (8/28) of the patients. The average preoperative major curve measurement was 65 degrees (range, 38-98 degrees ). The average postoperative major curve measurement was 24 degrees (range, 5-59 degrees ), for a correction of 64%. The average follow-up curve measurement was 27 degrees (range, 3-60 degrees ), for a correction of 61%. Whereas 71% of the cases were anteroposterior, 29% were posterior only. There was one intraoperative complication among the 28 patients and four postoperative complications in 3 of the 28 patients. The self-perceived outcome questionnaires were available for 83% (23/28) of the patients. Definite or probable relief of symptoms was reported in 74%(17/23). Improved ability to sleep was reported in 61% (14/23), and ability to return to their usual job was reported in 57% (13/23). Satisfaction with the results of surgery was reported in 87% (20/23).

Conclusions: Surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis using third-generation instrumentation techniques provides significant clinical improvement, scoliosis correction, maintenance of sagittal alignment, and patient satisfaction, with an acceptable complication rate.