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The effect of spinal range of motion on functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after posterior spinal fusion surgery

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Abstract

Objective

Spinal fusion, which is widely used in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), limits the movements of the vertebral column. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between spinal mobility in the postoperative period with functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in individuals with AIS.

Methods

Thirty patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery 1 to 3 years ago were included in the study. A universal goniometer was used to measure a spinal range of motion (ROM), functional reach test for functional balance, Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) for quality of life, and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) for perception of appearance.

Results

Surgical fusion length was significantly correlated with movements in the sagittal and transverse planes (r =  − 0.383–[− 0.608]; p =  < 0.001–0.037). Except for spinal left rotation, there was a significant positive correlation between functional balance level and ROM results (r = 0.374–0.523; p = 0.003–0.42). The SRS-30 total score correlated significantly with all other ROM measures except for rotations (r = 0.434–0.574; p = 0.00–0.016). SAQ total data correlated significantly with all ROM measurements (r =  − 0.553–[− 0.395]; p = 0.002–0.031).

Conclusions

In AIS, limitation of movement in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes is observed after fusion surgery. Spinal ROM is affected by the level of fusion performed at surgery. Postoperative spinal limitation of motion adversely affected functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance. We believe that comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that improve postoperative range of motion and increase functionality are important for optimal postoperative recovery.

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The data that support the findings of this study are available upon request from the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey

    İrem Çetinkaya

  2. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Haliç University, 5. Levent Mahallesi, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Cd. No: 14 / 12, Istanbul, Eyüpsultan, 34060, Turkey

    İrem Çetinkaya

  3. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Tuğba Kuru Çolak

  4. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Prof. Dr Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz

  5. Advanced Spine Surgery Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Emsey Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mehmet Aydoğan

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  1. İrem Çetinkaya
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Correspondence to İrem Çetinkaya.

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Çetinkaya, İ., Kuru Çolak, T., Korkmaz, M.F. et al. The effect of spinal range of motion on functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after posterior spinal fusion surgery. Ir J Med Sci 193, 1307–1312 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03563-8

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