Quality of Life Evaluation Using SRS-30 Score for Operated Children and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Background and objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (A.I.S.) is a disorder with a significant impact on health and self-image. This spinal deformity can affect between 2% and 4% of the adolescent population and may alter one’s quality of life. This study aims to assess the patient outcome, satisfaction, and quality of life following surgical treatment using the SRS-30 questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A number of 49 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis that had surgery were included in this study. They thoroughly completed the SRS-30 questionnaire before and after the surgery, based on which data analysis was carried on. Correlations between the test results and imagistic data (pre- and postoperative Cobb angle, correction rate of Cobb angle, number of instrumented spinal segments, and number of pedicle screws/laminar hooks used in the surgery) were performed. Results: Our results showed that 87.76% of the patients were girls, and the mean age at surgery was 14.83 years. Postoperatively, the Cobb angle improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The questionnaire domain “Satisfaction with management” improved dramatically after surgery, averaging 13.65 points (91% out of the maximum score). The average postoperative test score was 125.1 points. Statistically significant correlations were found between the correction rate and SRS-30 score improvement (p < 0.001), in total as well as per each domain of the survey, respectively. Comparing the questionnaire domains, “Self-image” was positively correlated with “Satisfaction with management” (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Better correction rate led to higher values of SRS-30 score. Additionally, the younger the age at surgery is, the higher the score. The number of instrumented spinal segments does not alter the quality of life. Overall, the most crucial factor influencing patient satisfaction after surgical treatment is self-image.

Keywords: Cobb angle; SRS-30 questionnaire; adolescent; adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (A.I.S.); patient self-image; quality of life; spinal deformity.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Comparison between the pre- and postoperative Cobb angle values. Confidence interval of 95% (CI 95%) for preoperative Cobb angle was between 57.8–65.9°, for postoperative Cobb angle, was between 21.8–28.8°, the absolute difference was between 33.9–39.3°, and the correction rate was between 56.1–64.1%, respectively. p-value was <0.0001. Category 1-Mean value, Category 2-Standard deviation, Category 3-CI (95%).

Figure 2

The average percentage of correction compared to different groups of Lenke’s classification.

Figure 3

Computed statistical power (a) and validation by prediction of study power (b) by sample size (n = 48) with β probability of type II error (false negative) and α probability of type I error (false positive).