Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Spinal fusion surgery is the recommended treatment in the United States for scoliosis measuring beyond 50°. However, pain and disability are long-term concerns many patients face. This study intended to evaluate results of wearing a scoliosis activity suit in patients with a history of spinal fusion surgery.
Methods: A retrospective collection of patient data was obtained and compared to data obtained from people who did not participate in the treatment. Data from both groups had been collected at 6 months following a specific list of inclusion criteria. These data included radiographic Cobb angle, quadruple numerical pain rating scores (QVAS), and SRS-22r questionnaire.
Results: Post-fusion patients wearing the scoliosis activity suit achieved significant improvements in Cobb angle, QVAS scores, and SRS-22r scores at 6 months as well as compared to the control group. Harrington rod fusion patients tended to improve more than patients with newer pedicle screw instrumentation.
Conclusion: The scoliosis activity suit may be a clinically useful therapy in adult post-fusion scoliosis patients seeking pain management strategies aside from commonly recommended pharmacological management. The scoliosis activity suit improved the Cobb angle in Harrington rod patients, and increased the quality of life for all fusion patients when compared to controls after 6 months of use.