Health-related quality of life outcomes in adolescent Scheuermann's kyphosis patients treated with posterior spinal fusion: A comparison with age- and sex-matched controls

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess the health-related quality of life and radiographic outcomes of surgically treated adolescent Scheuermann's kyphosis patients after minimum of 2-year follow-up and to compare the health-related quality of life with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-two consecutive adolescents (mean age = 16.7 years) undergoing posterior spinal fusion for Scheuermann's kyphosis were included and matched by age and sex with two healthy controls. The health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Scoliosis Research Society-24 questionnaire. Radiographic parameters were measured for comparison preoperatively and at 6 months and 2-year follow-ups. The health-related quality of life parameters were compared with healthy controls at 2 years of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean maximal thoracic kyphosis improved from 79° (range = 75°-90°) to 55° (range = 45°-75°) (<em>p</em> < 0.001), and the mean lumbar lordosis was reduced from 71° (range = 51°-107°) to 52° (range = 34°-68°) (<em>p</em> < 0.001) after 2 years postoperatively. Incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) was 18%. The scores of the Scoliosis Research Society-24 improved, with statistical significance observed in pain and self-image domains from preoperative to 2-year follow-up (<em>p</em> = 0.002 in both domains). The self-image and function were significantly lower in the operated patients at their 2-year follow-up visit compared to controls (<em>p</em> = 0.023 for self-image and <em>p</em> < 0.001 for function).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Instrumented posterior spinal fusion improves the health-related quality of life of Scheuermann's kyphosis patients during the 2-year follow-up. The greatest improvement is observed in pain and self-image domains. The health-related quality of life in pain and activity domains reaches the level of healthy individuals, while function and self-image remain at a statistically lower level.</p>