Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis With Onset Before the Age of 10 Years

Study DesignConsecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis and diagnosis before age 10 were invited to a clinical follow-up (FU) at least 10 years after treatment with brace or surgery.ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of life and back problems in adulthood.Summary of Background DataInformation on long-term outcome relating to health issues, back problems, and quality of life after treatment is sparse in this patient group.MethodsOne hundred twenty-four patients, 69% of the original group, underwent radiography, spirometry, and answered questionnaires on back problems and quality of life. Sixty-seven patients were braced and 57 patients surgically treated. Results were compared with a population-based control group (n = 130) and with patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).ResultsNineteen patients (15%) had onset before age 6. The mean age at present FU was 41 years, time until FU mean 26 years, and curve size mean 36°. Ninety percent of the patients were working. Overall, 77% reported back pain, but analgesic use was sparse and 88% had normal back function as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. Quality of life as measured by the SF-36 showed no differences from national norms except for a slight reduction in physical role. Back pain and back function were at the same level as in patients with AIS of the same age and curve sizes. The Scoliosis Research Society quality of life questionnaire (revised version, SRS-22r) scores were similar for both groups except for satisfaction with management, which was lower among braced patients, 3.4 versus 4.0 (p = .0017). The dyspnea grading was strongly correlated to the SRS-22r Total score and the physical composite summary score/SF-36 in all the groups.ConclusionsMost braced and surgically treated patients had quality of life at normal level, or just slightly below for physical function. Despite frequent back pain, back function was not severely affected. Dyspnea appears to affect quality of life negatively.Level of EvidenceIII.