Our Summary

This research paper looks at the association between obesity and the outcomes of scoliosis surgery in children. The researchers analyzed hospital data from 2015 to 2019 for children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent a specific type of scoliosis surgery. They divided the children into two groups: obese and non-obese.

They found that the obese group was more likely to have complications such as surgical site infections (SSI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to the non-obese group. Obese children were also more likely to have a non-routine discharge from the hospital.

When they adjusted for other factors, obesity was still positively associated with these complications and an extended hospital stay. They also found that the cost of care for obese patients was significantly higher than for non-obese patients.

The researchers concluded that these results should be used to help doctors and families make decisions about scoliosis surgery in obese children. They suggest that it may be beneficial to help children lose weight before surgery to minimize these risks.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the research on scoliosis surgery in obese children?
  2. What complications were obese children more likely to have after scoliosis surgery compared to non-obese children?
  3. Did the study suggest any strategies to minimize the risks associated with scoliosis surgery in obese children?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient with pediatric scoliosis who is obese that losing weight before surgery may help reduce the risk of complications such as surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and acute kidney injury. Additionally, losing weight may also help decrease the length of hospital stay and overall cost of care. It is important to discuss weight management strategies with your healthcare provider before undergoing surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, pediatric scoliosis surgery is typically recommended for patients who have a severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or other complications. In particular, patients who have not responded well to other treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may be candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients who have progressive scoliosis or a curvature that is likely to worsen with growth may also be recommended for surgery.

In the context of the research discussed above, obese children with idiopathic scoliosis may also be recommended for surgery, but healthcare providers should be aware of the increased risk of complications associated with obesity. It may be important to address weight management prior to surgery to minimize these risks and improve outcomes. Ultimately, the decision to recommend surgery for pediatric scoliosis patients should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual patient’s condition, risk factors, and overall health.

Timeline

Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and assessments
  • Patient and family consult with healthcare providers to discuss treatment options
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative physical therapy or bracing
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or lose weight if obese

After pediatric scoliosis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the curvature of the spine
  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for complications
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues follow-up care with healthcare providers
  • Patient may need to make long-term lifestyle changes to maintain spinal health and prevent future complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery, particularly for obese children?
  2. How does obesity impact the outcomes of scoliosis surgery in children?
  3. Are there any specific pre-operative measures that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with obesity in pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  4. How will my child’s weight and obesity status impact their recovery and long-term outcomes after scoliosis surgery?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative care guidelines or recommendations for obese children undergoing scoliosis surgery?
  6. What are the costs associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery for obese children, and how does this compare to non-obese patients?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options or considerations for obese children with scoliosis that may be less invasive or carry fewer risks?

Reference

Authors: Merckling M, Koltenyuk V, Jarin I, Parisier E, Leong J, DelBello D, Patel H. Journal: Spine Deform. 2025 Jan;13(1):43-48. doi: 10.1007/s43390-024-00975-z. Epub 2024 Oct 7. PMID: 39373953