Beyond Curve Correction: Patient- and Surgery-Related Determinants of PROMs in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis clinical and surgical management can significantly impact patients’ quality of life, especially in the pediatric population. However, limited research has explored how multiple patient- and surgical-related variables can influence postoperative experiences. This single-center, prospective cohort study, analyzed data from 125 scoliosis patients aged 11 to 18 undergoing corrective spine surgery. We explored associations between prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes, assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-30 questionnaire at 4 different time points (preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively), and retrospectively collected patient- and surgery-related variables, including curve severity and correction, body mass index, brace use, pre-existing mental health diagnoses, length of instrumentation, and postoperative complications. Findings showed that curve correction over 50% improved postoperative pain outcomes, while greater curve severity preoperatively impacted self-image. Moreover, mental health history and body mass index significantly influenced postoperative mental health and satisfaction domains. Patient partners informed variable selection, reinforcing the importance of lived experience in study design and conceptualization. Results reinforce the need for patient-centered care in pediatric scoliosis treatment and illustrate the significance of patient-reported outcomes in capturing meaningful patient experiences through surgical processes.