Scoliosis and pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Spine Surgery
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity affecting many women of childbearing age.
• The impact of pregnancy on pre-existing scoliosis, particularly curve progression, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk of idiopathic scoliosis curve progression in women after skeletal maturity during pregnancy.
• To evaluate the effects of scoliosis on pregnancy and delivery outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 355 women with idiopathic scoliosis (Risser Grade 4) before 1975.
• Comparison of curve progression between 175 pregnant patients (Group A) and 180 non-pregnant patients (Group B).
• Evaluation of pregnancy and delivery outcomes in Group A.

Main Results:

• Curve progression (>5 degrees) occurred in 25% and (>10 degrees) in 10% of patients in both groups.
• Pregnancy timing and pre-pregnancy curve stability did not affect progression risk.
• Spinal fusion prevented progression in the unfused spine; pseudarthrosis did not increase progression risk.
• No significant scoliosis-related complications during pregnancy; delivery difficulties in 4 patients.
• Cesarean section rate was half the national average and not linked to maternal scoliosis.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy does not appear to accelerate idiopathic scoliosis curve progression in skeletally mature women.
• Scoliosis generally has minimal impact on pregnancy and delivery, with low rates of complications.