Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that compared the cost-effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatments for Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis (ASLS), a common spinal deformity in adults. The study looked at patients who had been treated for at least five years, and took into account the costs of surgery, non-surgical treatments, medications, and the impact on the patient’s ability to work. It also measured patients’ quality of life in terms of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY).

Out of 226 patients, 195 were included in the study (73 received non-surgical treatment and 122 received surgical treatment). After five years, 24% of the patients who had surgery needed additional surgeries. The total cost for the surgical group was $111,451 and they gained an average of 2.3 QALYs. For the non-surgical group, the total cost was $29,124 and they gained an average of 0.4 QALYs.

The study concluded that surgical treatment for ASLS is cost-effective and improves quality of life, becoming favorable at year three, which is one year earlier than a previous study suggested.

FAQs

  1. What is the focus of this research paper about Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis (ASLS)?
  2. How does the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment compare to non-surgical treatment for ASLS according to the study?
  3. According to the study, when does surgical treatment for ASLS become favorable in terms of cost-effectiveness and quality of life improvement?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the medical team, including physical therapy exercises and restrictions on certain activities to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome. It is also important for the patient to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those who have severe curvature of the spine, significant pain and discomfort, difficulty breathing, neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the legs, and/or progression of the curvature despite non-surgical treatments. Surgery is usually recommended for patients with curves greater than 40-50 degrees, as well as for patients who are still growing and have a high likelihood of progression. Additionally, surgery may be recommended for adults with scoliosis who experience significant pain and disability that affects their quality of life.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and physical examinations to determine the severity of the curvature of their spine. They may also undergo non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, or pain management to alleviate symptoms.

After scoliosis surgery, the patient will typically spend several days in the hospital recovering and may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. They will also need to follow a strict post-operative care plan, including restrictions on physical activity and regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon. Over time, the patient will gradually return to their normal daily activities and may experience improvements in pain and mobility.

Overall, the goal of scoliosis surgery is to correct the curvature of the spine, reduce pain, and improve the patient’s quality of life. With proper care and rehabilitation, many patients are able to resume their normal activities and experience long-term benefits from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?

  2. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the spinal deformity?

  3. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery and what kind of post-operative care will be required?

  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?

  5. What kind of long-term effects or limitations can I expect after scoliosis surgery?

  6. How soon after surgery can I return to normal activities, including work and exercise?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive procedures that could be effective for my scoliosis?

  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after surgery and what should I expect during these appointments?

  9. Will scoliosis surgery have any impact on my ability to have children in the future?

  10. What are the chances of needing additional surgeries in the future after undergoing scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Glassman SD, Carreon LY, Shaffrey CI, Kelly MP, Crawford CH 3rd, Yanik EL, Lurie JD, Bess RS, Baldus CR, Bridwell KH. Journal: Spine Deform. 2020 Dec;8(6):1333-1339. doi: 10.1007/s43390-020-00154-w. Epub 2020 Jul 6. PMID: 32632890