Decrease of self-concept in adolescent patients with mild to moderate scoliosis after conservative treatment.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Psychology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treatment decisions often prioritize Cobb angle magnitude.
• The psychological impact of treatment choices for AIS requires consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effect of conservative treatment on self-concept in patients with mild to moderate scoliosis.
• To compare self-concept changes between conservative and surgical treatments for AIS.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 65 patients with AIS.
• Patients were divided into three groups: conservative treatment (20°-40° Cobb angle), conservative treatment (40°-50° Cobb angle), and surgical treatment (40°-50° Cobb angle).
• Self-concept was assessed using the Children's Self-Concept Scale at baseline and after 1 year.

Main Results:

• Initial self-concept scores were higher in the 20°-40° Cobb angle group compared to the 40°-50° groups.
• Surgically treated patients (40°-50° Cobb angle) showed a significant increase in self-concept over 1 year.
• Conservatively treated patients in both 40°-50° Cobb angle groups experienced a significant decrease in self-concept.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment for moderate AIS (40°-50° Cobb angle) is not ideal for patient mental health and self-concept.
• Surgical intervention may be more beneficial for self-concept in patients with moderate to severe AIS.