Quality of Life and Perception of Visual Deformity in Adolescents with Mild Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among the degree of spinal curvature, the perception of visual deformity, quality of life, the severity of pain in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis.Materials and Methods:Cases with an established diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis having Cobb angles ranging between 10 and 25 degrees were included in the study. Their sociodemographic data were recorded. Additionally, the degree of curvature was determined by the Cobb method, visual deformity perceptions by Walter Read Visual Assessment scale (WRVAS), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, (SRS-22), and pain evaluations by visual analog scale.Results:The study sample comprised 72 patients (48 female, and 24 male cases) with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The mean age (14.59±18.4 years), Cobb angle (20.77±3.57°) were determined as indicated. Mean scores of the SRS-22 HRQoL questionnaire (3.86±0.68), and WRVAS (12.58±2.85) were also recorded. A statistically significant positive correlation was detected between Cobb angles, and WRVAS scores (r=0.290 p=0.042). Statistically significant negative correlations were detected between Cobb angles, SRS-22 pain (r=-0.294, p=0.012), and SRS-22 spinal function (r=-0.238 p=0.044) scores, between SRS-22-General body image and WRVAS total scores (r=-0.260 p=0.027); and between SRS-22 mental health and WRVAS body curvatures (r=-0.233 p=0.049).Conclusion:This study reminds us that mild AIS affects vertebral alignment as well as quality of life, and perceived body alignment.

Keywords

• adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• health-related quality of life
• perception of visual deformity