A classification algorithm for prioritizing surgery in Pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis when Long

Matias Pereira-Duarte1,2, Antoine Dionne1, Julie Joncas2

  • 1Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.

Insights

This study identifies key factors like Risser sign, menarchal status, and sex to predict scoliosis progression in patients awaiting surgery. It proposes a classification to prioritize surgical intervention for faster-progressing cases.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Spine Surgery
  • Pediatric Deformity

Background:

  • Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) requires surgical intervention for severe curves.
  • Long surgical delays are common, necessitating prioritization strategies.
  • Predicting curve progression during the wait is crucial for timely treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify clinical factors predicting the rate of idiopathic scoliosis progression.
  • To develop a classification scheme for prioritizing patients for surgery during long wait times.
  • To aid clinical decision-making in pediatric spine surgery scheduling.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 214 patients scheduled for IS surgery (2004-2020).
  • Analysis of baseline clinical and radiographic data, including Risser sign, menarchal status, and Cobb angle.
  • Univariate and Regression Tree analysis to determine predictors of annual curve progression.

Main Results:

  • Risser sign, menarchal status, and sex were significant predictors of curve progression rate.
  • Three distinct patient groups identified: slow (3°/yr), moderate (8°/yr), and fast (15°/yr) progression.
  • Progression rates varied based on Risser sign, menarchal status, and sex.

Conclusions:

  • An evidence-based algorithm for surgical prioritization in pediatric idiopathic scoliosis was developed.
  • This classification scheme can be implemented in clinical practice to manage surgical waitlists.
  • Facilitates timely intervention for patients at high risk of rapid curve progression.
Abstract

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