Measuring Outcomes in Children with Early-Onset Scoliosis

The field of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has experienced dramatic changes in the past 2 decades. Outcome measures have been better defined in an effort to assess results after management of this complicated pathology. Reasonable evidence has demonstrated that early fusion results in negative long-term pulmonary consequences. The traditional scoliosis outcome tools, such as radiographic measures, inadequately reflect outcomes in the area of EOS. Hence, other outcome tools have been used and developed to better assess EOS patients, such as health-related quality of life, thoracic deformity, lung function, and general health effects. These relationships can be conceptualized using the “framework model of health.” There are profound obstacles to improving research quality in this area, and these factors contribute to the variability in decision making in the treatment of EOS. Research in this area should be prioritized and incentivized to improve treatment methods and provide optimal care to these patients.