Feasibility of initial telemedicine follow-up after spinal fusion for AIS

Telemedicine is a convenient and preferable method of healthcare delivery for many patients. Our aim is to determine the feasibility of initial telemedicine follow-up after spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

68 consecutive patients from a single institution who underwent spinal fusion for AIS and had the first follow-up appointment via telemedicine were retrospectively reviewed and compared to a previously collected in-person follow-up cohort of 548 patients. The groups were compared based on their demographics and pathology and all 90-day complications were collected.

The cohorts had no difference in demographics, curve magnitude or levels fused. In the telemedicine group there was 1 superficial infection treated with oral antibiotics and 2 dressing reactions, one requiring treatment with topical steroids. Among the in-person group there were 5 deep infections requiring operative debridement. There were also 8 patients with peripheral nerve complications likely due to positioning, 3 misplaced screws, and 4 other complications. 11 patients in the in-person group and none of the telemedicine group required a secondary surgery within 90 days. There was no difference in overall 90-day complication rate between the two groups.

In this early telemedicine cohort of spinal fusion patients there were no complications requiring return to the operating room. There was a similar number of total 90-day complications among both groups. This small study suggests it is reasonable to continue to use telemedicine for patient and family convenience while continuing clinical investigations.