Correlation between supine flexibility and postoperative correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Background The preoperative flexibility of the scoliotic spine is a key aspect of surgical planning, as it provides information on the rigidity of the curve, the extent of structural changes, the levels to be fused and the amount of correction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether supine flexibility can be used to predict postoperative correction in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by determining the correlation between these two characteristics. Methods A total of 41 AIS patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled for analysis. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs and preoperative CT images of the entire spine were collected and used to measure supine flexibility and the postoperative correction rate. T tests were used to analyse the differences in supine flexibility and postoperative correction rate between groups. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis was performed, and regression models were established to determine the correlation between supine flexibility and postoperative correction. Thoracic curves and lumbar curves were analysed independently. Results Supine flexibility was found to be significantly lower than the correction rate but showed a strong correlation with the postoperative correction rate, with r values of 0.68 for the thoracic curve group and 0.76 for the lumbar curve group. The relationship between supine flexibility and postoperative correction rate could be expressed by linear regression models. Conclusion Supine flexibility can be used to predict postoperative correction in AIS patients. In clinical practice, supine radiographs may be used in place of existing flexibility test techniques.

The Influence of Increased Pedicle Screw Diameter and Thicker Rods on Surgical Results in Adolescents Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…Also, the flexibility of the spine assessed on bending films is the main factor influencing the achievement of correction, as well as the loss of correction [42].…”

Time-dependent biomechanical evaluation for corrective planning of scoliosis using finite element analysis – A comprehensive approach

“…Zhang et al [ 30 ] investigated the response of scoliosis under orthotic treatment in the form of braces for patients suffering from moderate AIS. It was observed reduction in Cobb angle can be achieved after donning the braces.…”

Dual Growing Rods and the Apical Control Technique for Treating Congenital Early-Onset Scoliosis

“…Our result showed relatively lower SRS-22 scores in patients with CEOS than those previously reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 27 . The nature of CEOS itself may be one factor affecting quality of life, as it is often accompanied with other skeletal and extraskeletal abnormalities 28 . In addition, repetitive surgical procedures were shown to cause psychological dysfunction and lower quality-of-life scores in patients with EOS 29 .…”