Is it possible to return to skiing following long-construct spinal deformity surgery?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Spinal Surgery
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Alpine skiing demands physical attributes potentially impacted by long spinal fusions for adult spinal deformity (ASD).
• Patients with ASD often have concerns about their ability to return to skiing (RTS) after surgery.
• Limited data exists to guide surgeons in advising patients on RTS post-spinal fusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rate and outcomes of return to skiing (RTS) in adult spinal deformity patients post-spinal fusion to the pelvis.
• To assess changes in skiing performance and pain levels in patients who returned to skiing.
• To identify potential predictive factors for RTS after corrective spinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 26 adult spinal deformity patients who underwent spinal fusion to the pelvis (T10 or higher) and were recreational skiers were retrospectively analyzed.
• Data collected included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, self-assessed ski ability, slope difficulty, runs completed, days skied annually, pain during skiing, and satisfaction.
• Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Predictive factors for RTS were evaluated.

Main Results:

• 42.3% of patients returned to skiing at an average of 2.6 years post-surgery.
• Returning skiers maintained or improved in self-assessed ability, slope comfort, runs per day, days per year, and experienced less pain while skiing.
• Significant improvements were observed in VAS pain scores, SRS-22, and ODI scores from baseline to final follow-up (p < 0.01 for all).

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first in-depth analysis of RTS after corrective spinal surgery for ASD.
• Nearly half of the patients successfully returned to skiing, with most reporting maintained or enhanced performance and reduced pain.
• Adult spinal deformity patients can anticipate similar or improved skiing performance and quality of life after spinal fusion surgery.