Our Summary

This study looked at how reliable the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), a tool used to measure fear of movement or activity due to pain, is when used on pediatric patients undergoing surgery for scoliosis. The study involved 55 adolescents who completed the TSK before and after their surgery. The researchers found that the TSK was reliable when used to measure activity avoidance (fear of movement due to anticipated pain). However, it was less reliable when used to measure somatic focus (concentration on physical symptoms, like pain). The authors recommend that the TSK be validated in different populations and settings before it is widely used.

FAQs

  1. What is the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and how is it used in relation to scoliosis surgery?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding the reliability of the TSK?
  3. What do the authors recommend for further use of the TSK in measuring fear of movement in different populations and settings?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to address any fears or concerns about movement or pain before and after the surgery. It is important to communicate with your healthcare team about any fears or anxieties you may have, as they can provide support and guidance to help you through the process. Additionally, working with a physical therapist or other healthcare professionals to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan can help improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those who have a spinal curvature of 40-50 degrees or more, have progressive worsening of their curvature, have significant pain or discomfort, have difficulty breathing due to the curvature, or have neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may also be recommended for surgery.

Timeline

  1. Diagnosis of scoliosis: A patient is diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.
  2. Consultation with a spine specialist: The patient meets with a spine specialist to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery.
  3. Pre-operative assessments: The patient undergoes various pre-operative assessments, such as imaging tests and physical exams, to determine the severity of the scoliosis and assess their overall health.
  4. Surgery scheduling: The surgery date is scheduled, and the patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
  5. Scoliosis surgery: The patient undergoes scoliosis surgery, which may involve spinal fusion, instrumentation, or other techniques to correct the curvature of the spine.
  6. Hospital recovery: The patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery, during which time they may receive pain medication and physical therapy.
  7. Post-operative follow-up: The patient has regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and address any concerns or complications.
  8. Physical therapy and rehabilitation: The patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in their spine and surrounding muscles.
  9. Long-term monitoring: The patient continues to have regular check-ups with their surgeon to monitor the progression of their scoliosis and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in treating my specific case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after scoliosis surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  5. How will scoliosis surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider before deciding on surgery?
  7. How many scoliosis surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after scoliosis surgery?
  9. How will scoliosis surgery impact my growth and development, especially if I am still growing?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should make before and after scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ye DL, Plante I, Roy M, Ouellet JA, Ferland CE. Journal: Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2020;40(5):546-556. doi: 10.1080/01942638.2020.1720054. Epub 2020 Feb 7. PMID: 32028813