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 themain 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.