Impact of the Suspension of Elective Surgeries for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic^[*]

Abstract

Objectives This study evaluated the radiographic progressions of scoliotic curves higher than 40° in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). These subjects waited for the surgical procedure while elective surgeries were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to radiographic progressions, this study described the quality of life of these patients.

Methods This study is a retrospective cohort assessing 29 AIS patients with surgical indications registered in the Brazilian public healthcare service. We compared the scoliotic radiographic measurements in two moments: at the beginning of the interruption of elective surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic and when these procedures resumed.

Results When comparing the radiographic measurements before and after the suspension of assessments for elective surgeries, we observed a significant increase in main curve angles (p < 0.001), with variations ranging from 0 to 68° and a median value of 10°. In secondary curves, we observed an increase in angles from the proximal thoracic (p < 0.001) and lumbar (p = 0.001) regions. However, the increase in the main thoracic region was not significant (p = 0.317).

Conclusion The suspension of elective surgeries for AIS resulted in a significant increase in the radiographic values of patients' spine deformities. This increase harmed the quality of life of these subjects and their families.

Keywords

adolescent - scoliosis - elective surgical procedures - unified health system

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most frequent spinal diseases, with an incidence ranging from 0.5 to 10% in the world population.[1] The spinal instrumentation and fusion procedure for AIS correction is performed frequently in pediatric orthopedic patients. Nevertheless, only 10% of AIS patients require surgical correction.[2]

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) has difficulties meeting the demand for these major surgeries, which remain restricted to a few regional treatment centers in populous regions. Scoliotic curves higher than 40° with surgical indications constitute severe cases because they progress even after the end of skeletal maturity.[3] [4]

Brazil implemented public health measures against the pandemic after the first diagnosis of covid-19 in the country. However, the lack of availability of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital beds during this period overloaded the healthcare system, leading to restrictions. These factors resulted in the suspension of elective surgical treatments.[5] [6] [7]

The excessive delay for scoliosis surgery may require additional procedures, such as an anterior release, for satisfactory spinal curvature correction. Moreover, these subjects may need longer surgeries with a higher risk of complications (increased blood loss, neurological deficits, or unsatisfactory spinal curvature correction).[8]

This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic progression of the scoliotic curve in young patients awaiting surgery in a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The study occurred during the period of suspension of elective surgeries due to the covid-19 pandemic. In addition to the radiographic comparison of scoliotic curves, the patients underwent quality-of-life assessments.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated 29 patients with AIS (scoliotic curves higher than 40°) with surgical indication, all registered in the Brazilian public health service and awaiting surgery for scoliosis correction.

We evaluated the radiographic evolution of the scoliotic curves from the beginning of elective procedures interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic until their resumption. In addition, we analyzed the epidemiological data of the sample and other factors associated with the progression of their scoliotic curves. The Research Ethics Committee approved this study under the number 5039.

The scoliotic curve progression evaluation used anteroposterior (AP) and panoramic (P) total spine radiographs in orthostasis. We measured the curve according to the Cobb method[9] before the beginning of the pandemic in Brazil in March 2020. We compared these data with radiographs from the same patients shortly after the return of the elective surgery service in December 2021. The quality-of-life assessment employed the questionnaire proposed by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), that is, the Brazilian version of the SRSr-22 questionnaire for AIS.[10] [11]

We described categorical variables as absolute frequencies and percentages and numerical variables as mean, standard deviation (SD), median, quartiles, and minimum and maximum values. The Wilcoxon nonparametric tests for paired data compared radiographic measurements. The analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0 statistical software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) considering a significance level of 5%.

Results

The patients' age ranged from 11 to 23 years, with a mean value of 15.8 years (SD = 2.8 years). Twenty-five (86.2%) subjects were female, and 4 (13.8%) were male. A total of 6 (20.7%) patients had a family history of AIS ([Table 1]).

Table 1

Gender
Female	25 (86.2%)
Male	4 (13.8%)
Age (years old)
Mean (SD)	15.8 (2.8)
Median (Q1; Q3)	15.0 (14.0; 17.0)
Minimum and maximum values	11.0; 23.0
Age at menarche (years old) (n = 25)
Mean (SD)	12.2 (1.3)
Median (Q1; Q3)	12.0 (11.0; 13.0)
Minimum and maximum values	10.0; 15.0
Family member with AIS
No	23 (79.3%)
Yes	6 (20.7%)
Time between evaluations (months)
Mean (SD)	23.6 (7.1)
Median (Q1; Q3)	22.0 (18.0; 25.0)
Minimum and maximum values	15.0; 39.0

The interval between radiographic evaluations ranged from 15 to 39 months, with a median time of 22 months ([Table 1]). The Risser index defined the degree of skeletal maturity of the spine based on an AP pelvic radiograph. Before the elective surgery interruption, we observed the following Risser indices: 0 in 4 (13.8%) patients, 3 in 6 (20.7%) subjects, 4 in 7 (24.1%) patients, and 5 in 12 (41.4%) patients. After resuming elective surgeries, skeletal maturity was as follows: 2 (6.9%) subjects were Risser 3, 6 (20.7%) patients were Risser 4, and 21 (72.4%) patients were Risser 5. [Table 2] shows these analyses.

Table 2

Previous Risser index
0	4 (13.8%)
3	6 (20.7%)
4	7 (24.1%)
5	12 (41.4%)
Current Risser index
3	2 (6.9%)
4	6 (20.7%)
5	21 (72.4%)
Curve type/Main curve
Thoracic (Apex = T2–T11/T12 disc)	24 (82.8%)
Thoracolumbar (Apex = T12-L1)	2 (6.9%)
Lumbar (Apex = L1–L2 disc-L4)	3 (10.3%)
Lenke classification
Main thoracic	9 (31.0%)
Double thoracic	5 (17.2%)
Main double	11 (37.9%)
Triple curve	1 (3.4%)
Lumbar curve with rigid main thoracic curve	3 (10.3%)
Lumbar modifier
Type A	7 (24.1%)
Type B	7 (24.1%)
Type C	15 (51.7%)
Sagittal modifier
Negative	1 (3.4%)
Neutral	25 (86.2%)
Positive	3 (10.3%)
Treatment
No	24 (82.8%)
Brace	3 (10.3%)
Brace (irregularly used)	2 (6.9%)

We used the Lenke classification to determine the type of scoliotic curve.[4] The main curve was thoracic (apex = T2–T11/T12 disc) in 24 (82.8%) patients, thoracolumbar (apex = T12–L1) in 2 (6.9%) subjects, and lumbar (apex = L1–L2 disc-L4) in 3 (10.3%) patients.

According to Lenke classification, 9 (31.0%) patients were in the main thoracic type (LENKE 1), 5 (17.2%) were in the double thoracic type (LENKE 2), 11 (37.9%) were in the main double type (LENKE 3), 1 (3.4%) had a triple curve (LENKE 4), and 3 (10.3%) had a rigid lumbar and main thoracic curve (LENKE 6). This sample had no LENKE 5 patients ([Table 2]).

Regarding lumbar modifiers, 7 (24.1%) patients were typed A (median vertical sacral line [LSVM] passing between the pedicles of the lumbar apical vertebra), 7 (24.1%) patients were typed B (LSVM touching the pedicle of the apical vertebra), and 15 (51.7%) patients were typed C (LSVM medial to the pedicles of the lumbar apical vertebra).

Regarding the thoracic sagittal modifier, 1 (3.4%) patient had hypokyphosis, 25 (86.2%) subjects had a neutral spine, and 3 (10.3%) patients had thoracic hyperkyphosis ([Table 2]).

In this study, 24 (82.8%) patients had not undergone previous treatment. Three (10.3%) subjects used a brace correctly, and 2 (6.9%) patients used it irregularly ([Table 2]).

When comparing the radiographic measurements in both evaluations ([Table 3], [Fig. 1]), we observed a significant increase in the main curve angles (p < 0.001), ranging from 0 to 68°, with a median value of 10°. Regarding secondary curves, there was an increase in angles from the proximal thoracic (p < 0.001) and lumbar (p = 0.001) regions. However, in these cases, the increase in the main thoracic region was not significant (p = 0.317). The proximal thoracic region angles ranged from 0 to 20°, with a median value of 3° (1^st quartile, 0°, and 3^rd quartile, 5°). For the lumbar region, angles ranged from 0 to 38°, with a median value of 5° (1^st quartile, 0°, and 3^rd quartile, 8°). [Table 4] shows individual curves for each patient at both time points.

Fig. 1 Angle measurements in both evaluations of patients with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis awaiting surgical correction (n = 29).

Table 3

Angles	Time		Range	p value
	1st evaluation	2nd evaluation	(2nd – 1st evaluation)
Main curve
Mean (SD)	60.9 (12.8)	75.0 (18.8)	14.1 (16.4)	< 0.001
Median (Q1; Q3)	60.0 (52.0; 68.0)	75.0 (60.0; 87.0)	10.0 (2.0; 20.0)
Minimum and maximum values	40.0; 95.0	44.0; 126.0	0.0; 68.0
Proximal thoracic
Mean (SD)	25.5 (8.0)	29.6 (10.7)	4.0 (5.4)	< 0.001
Median (Q1; Q3)	28.0 (20.0; 30.0)	30.0 (23.0; 35.0)	3.0 (0.0; 5.0)
Minimum and maximum values	14.0; 41.0	14.0; 60.0	0.0; 20.0
Main thoracic (n = 4)
Mean (SD)	37.5 (12.6)	42.0 (19.7)	4.5 (9.0)	0.317
Median (Q1; Q3)	40.0 (30.0; 45.0)	40.0 (30.0; 54.0)	0.0 (0.0; 9.0)
Minimum and maximum values	20.0; 50.0	20.0; 68.0	0.0; 18.0
Lumbar (n = 25)
Mean (SD)	39.5 (16.3)	46.8 (17.2)	7.3 (9.9)	0.001
Median (Q1; Q3)	30.0 (28.0; 55.0)	45.0 (30.0; 60.0)	5.0 (0.0; 8.0)
Minimum and maximum values	20.0; 70.0	24.0; 75.0	0.0; 38.0

Table 4

Awaiting list of scoliosis patients
Number	Gender	Age	Time between evaluations	Curve type/Main curve	Lenke classifications	Difference in main curve angle	Difference in secondary curve angle	Current Risser index	Previous Risser index
1	F	15	3 years, 3 months	Left lumbar	6CN	T11–L3 = 20°	C7–T4 = 0 / T4–T10 = 18°	5	3
2	F	21	1 year, 10 months	Right thoracic	1C–	T5–T11 = 0	T1–T5 = 0 / T12–L4 = 0	5	5
3	F	16	1 year, 3 months	Right thoracic	1CN	T5–T12 = 0	C7–T5 = 0/ T12–L4 = 0	5	5
4	M	20	2 years	Right thoracic	3CN	T7–T12 = 10°	T2–T7 = 0 / T12–L4 = 0	5	4
5	F	23	2 years, 11 months	Right thoracic	1CN	T6–T12 = 5°	T1–T5 = 0 / T12–L4 = 0	5	5
6	F	13	2 years, 10 months	Right thoracic	4C+	T5–T12 = 68°	T1–T5 = 16° / L1–L5 = 38°	5	0
7	F	15	1 year, 6 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T5–T11= 10°	T1–T5 = 3° / T11–L4= 7°	4	4
8	F	21	2 years, 11 months	Left lumbar	6BN	T12–L4 = 2°	T2–T5 = 0 / T5–T12 = 0	5	5
9	F	15	2 years, 5 months	Right thoracic	1BN	T5–L1 = 8°	T2–T5 = 5° / L1–L5 = 5°	5	4
10	M	15	2 years, 1 month	Right thoracic	1BN	T5–T12 = 25°	T2–T5 = 3° / T12–L5 = 10°	4	0
11	F	15	1 year, 5 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T5–T11 = 23°	T2–T5 = 4° / T11–L4 = 16°	4	3
12	F	11	1 year, 10 months	Right thoracic	3A+	T4–T10 = 43°	T2–T4 = 8° / T10–L5 = 8°	4	3
13	M	17	1 year, 4 months	Right thoracic	2AN	T7–L2 = 12°	T2–T7 = 4° / L2–L5 = 0	5	5
14	M	15	1 year, 9 months	Right thoracic	2BN	T5–T12 = 18°	T1–T5 = 11° / T12–L4 = 0	4	5
15	F	15	1 year, 5 months	Right thoracic	1BN	T9–L3 = 0	T4–T9 = 0 / L3–L5 = 0	5	4
16	F	17	1 year, 11 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T4–T11 = 7°	T1–T4 = 0 / T12–L5 = 0	5	5
17	F	14	2 years, 11 months	Right thoracic	2BN	T6–L2 = 48°	T2–T7 = 13° / L2–L5 = 24°	4	3
18	F	17	1 year, 10 months	Right thoracic	1AN	T6–L1 = 5°	T1– T7 = 0 / L1–L5: 5°	5	5
19	F	14	1 year, 6 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T6–T11: 1°	T1– T5 = 2°/T12–L4 =3°	5	4
20	F	13	1 year, 11 months	Right thoracic	1AN	T6–L1 = 12°	T1–T6 = 10° / T11–L4 = 6°	5	3
21	F	13	1 year, 4 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T3–T10 = 2°	C7–T3 = 0 / T10–L4 = 0	5	4
22	F	13	2 years	Right thoracic	3AN	T4–T12 = 35°	C7–T4 = 7°/ T12–L5 = 28°	3	0
23	F	14	1 year, 6 months	Right thoracic	1AN	T6–T12 = 2°	T1–T6 = 3° / T12–L4 = 5°	5	5
24	F	17	1 year, 8 months	Right thoracic	2AN	T5–T12 = 11°	T2–T6 = 20° / L1–L5 = 8°	5	4
25	F	19	3 years, 1 month	Right thoracic	3BN	T5–T11 = 10°	T1–T5 = 3° / T11–L4 = 0°	5	5
26	F	16	1 year, 7 months	Right thoracic	3CN	T4–T11 = 0	T1–T4 = 0 / T11–L4 = 4°	5	5
27	F	15	1 year ,7 months	Right thoracic	2CN	T10–L3 = 6°	T1–T6= 0 / T6–T10 = 0	5	5
28	F	13	1 year, 7 months	Right thoracic	3C+	T7–T12 = 20°	T1–T7= 5° / T12–L5 = 15°	3	0
29	F	15	1 year, 9 months	Left lumbar	6CN	T12–L3 = 5°	T1–T6= 0 / T6–T12 = 0	5	3

At the quality of life assessment, the average SRS scores were 16.4 (SD = 4.5) in the function/activity domain, 16.2 (SD = 5.2) in the pain domain, 11.1 (SD = 4.0) in the self-image/appearance domain, 15.1 (SD = 4.5) in the mental health domain, and 7.4 (SD = 1.6) in the treatment satisfaction domain, with a subtotal score of 58.8 (SD = 15.1) and a total score of 66.2 (SD = 15.9). [Table 5] shows the information on the quality of life of AIS patients.

Table 5

Function/activity
Mean (SD)	16.4 (4.5)
Median (Q1; Q3)	16.0 (14.0; 19.0)
Minimum and maximum values	8.0; 25.0
Pain
Mean (SD)	16.2 (5.2)
Median (Q1; Q3)	16.0 (11.0; 21.0)
Minimum and maximum values	8.0; 25.0
Self-image/appearance
Mean (SD)	11.1 (4.0)
Median (Q1; Q3)	9.0 (8.0; 14.0)
Minimum and maximum values	5.0; 21.0
Mental health
Mean (SD)	15.1 (4.5)
Median (Q1; Q3)	15.0 (12.0; 19.0)
Minimum and maximum values	6.0; 22.0
Subtotal
Mean (SD)	58.8 (15.1)
Median (Q1; Q3)	60.0 (46.0; 65.0)
Minimum and maximum values	28.0; 89.0
Treatment satisfaction
Mean (SD)	7.4 (1.6)
Median (Q1; Q3)	8.0 (6.0; 8.0)
Minimum and maximum values	4.0; 10.0
Total
Mean (SD)	66.2 (15.9)
Median (Q1; Q3)	68.0 (52.0; 73.0)
Minimum and maximum values	32.0; 97.0

Discussion

The main motivation for this study was the concern with the high number of patients waiting for elective surgeries and the potential increase in the angle of their scoliosis curve during the covid-19 pandemic. Our service suspended surgeries requiring postoperative care in intensive care unit (ICU) from March 2020 to December 2021.

Other studies had this same concern since the reduction in the number of elective orthopedic surgeries ranged from 48.5 to 79%.[6] [7] However, until now, no study has addressed the interruption of surgeries for deformity corrections, specifically AIS.

This study evaluated patients awaiting AIS correction surgery in a public hospital. The epidemiological data obtained were similar to other Brazilian research of the same nature, consisting of adolescents (11–23 years old), mostly female.[3] [12]

In contrast with Lima Junior et al.,[3] the most prevalent Lenke classification was 3, with double main curves predominance. In addition, there were no Lenke 5 curves. The thoracic sagittal and lumbar modifiers were consistent with the literature.[3]

We detected significant increases in the main curve angles, ranging from 0 to 68°, with an average of 14.1°. Similarly, Bressan-Neto et al.[12] observed differences in radiographic parameters, indicating a progression of the scoliotic deformity, when comparing the evaluations at the time of surgical indication and the procedure date. These authors reported an average increase of 18.6° in the Cobb angle of the main deformity.[12]

The excessive delay for scoliosis surgery, especially in public services, was a cause for concern by other authors. Ahn et al.[9] demonstrated that a delay greater than 4 months resulted in the need for additional surgeries, such as anterior release to obtain satisfactory correction of the curvature of the spine. Moreover, surgeries were longer and had a higher risk of complications. According to this research, the scoliotic curve increased, on average, 14.1° during the surgery suspension period. This increase must be followed-up until the surgical procedure because of the reported complications. In our study, the time between radiographic evaluations ranged from 15 to 40 months, with a median of 22 months. This interval occurred because of health restrictions leading to the suspension of elective surgeries and the decreased availability of hospital beds.

The literature showed a significant drop in the number of referrals of patients to reference services in deformity treatment during the covid-19 pandemic.[13] The restrictions promoted by the public health services result in anxiety and prolonged suffering for patients and families, negatively impacting their quality of life.[8] In our sample, we observed a lower quality of life, with the worst scores related to the self-image and mental health domains.

Conclusions

This study concludes that, during the pandemic, the suspension of surgeries in AIS patients resulted in a significant increase in spine deformities and a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is critical to consider these findings, especially in the current post-covid-19 pandemic period, to improve public health strategies and optimize elective surgeries for AIS correction.

Conflito de Interesses

Os autores declaram não haver conflito de interesses.

^* Study developed at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Municipal Universitário de Taubaté, Taubaté, SP, Brazil.

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Publication History

Received: 01 June 2022

Accepted: 29 July 2022

Article published online:
14 October 2022