Back pain and disability according to early onset scoliosis etiology in children younger than 10 years

Karina A. Zapata, Devan Devkumar, Yuhan Ma, Chan Hee Jo, Brandon A. Ramo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To determine caregiver-reported back pain prevalence, disability, pain interference, and associations with curve magnitude in early onset scoliosis (EOS) using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) measures. Methods: A single-center, retrospective review was performed in children below 10 years of age according to EOS etiology. Caregiver-reported back pain prevalence, ODI, PROMIS Pain Interference, Mobility, and Anxiety measures, and curve magnitude were recorded as part of routine clinic appointments. Results: A total of 1212 patients with EOS (588 idiopathic, 295 congenital, 217 neuromuscular, 112 syndromic) ages 6.6 ± 2.7 were included; 23% had caregiver-reported back pain. Neuromuscular EOS patients had the highest prevalence of back pain (29%). ODI scores were higher in neuromuscular (48%) and syndromic (35%) patients than congenital (20%, p < 0.05) and idiopathic (16%, p < 0.01) patients. Neuromuscular patients also had higher PROMIS Pain Interference scores (53.3) compared to idiopathic (41.6, p < 0.001) and syndromic (45.0, p = 0.016) patients. A higher curve was associated with the presence of back pain (39° vs. 30°, p < 0.001) and had positive correlations with ODI scores (r = 0.38, p < 0.001) and PROMIS Pain Interference scores (r = 0.34, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Approximately one in five children with EOS under the age of 10 have caregiver-reported back pain, with the neuromuscular EOS type exhibiting higher pain prevalence, interference, and disability scores. Larger curve magnitude is associated with an increased prevalence of caregiver-reported back pain, increased disability, and increased pain interference. Level of Evidence: 3 – case–control study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)481-488
Number of pages8
JournalSpine deformity
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2024

Keywords

  • EOS
  • ODI
  • PROMIS
  • Spine deformity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Back pain and disability according to early onset scoliosis etiology in children younger than 10 years'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this