[Observations on the ability to work surgically treated scoliosis patients during 1946-1966 (author's transl)]

Basing on follow-up observation of a group of 113 scoliosis patients who had undergone surgery during 1946 to 1966, the connection between scoliosis and ability to work is subjected to close scrutiny. The study shows that there is a connection between reduction in the ability to work and the scoliosis angle, the extent of stiffness and cardiopulmonary performance of the patients. We may well expect that improved results of surgery, as they are now obtained with the modern methods (Harrington), will result in improved physical ability and a less pronounced reduction in the patients' capacity for gainful employment.