Is the SRS-22 instrument responsive to change in adult scoliosis patients having primary spinal deformity surgery?

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to prospectively analyze responsiveness of the SRS-22 to change at 1 and 2 years following primary surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A number of efforts have been directed at validation of the SRS-22 instrument in the setting of adolescent and adult spinal deformity. However, few have extensively analyzed the ability of the instrument to detect change (brought on by surgical treatment) in adult scoliosis patients.

METHODS: A multicenter prospective series of consecutive adult scoliosis patients (all primary/no revisions) were administered SRS-22, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)and Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaires preoperation and 1 and 2 years postoperation. Fifty-six patients had preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and 2-year postoperative data.

RESULTS: The greatest changes from preoperation to 2-year postoperation were the SRS self-image domain followed by SRS total, SRS pain, and ODI scores. SRS pain and function scores significantly (P < 0.05) improved from 1-year to 2-year postoperation. There were not substantial differences in the outcome measures according to age or curve type. All outcome measures except SF-12 mental health showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement from baseline to 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Based on these 3 outcome tools, the greatest responsiveness to change was demonstrated by the SRS self-image domain followed by SRS total, then SRS pain, then ODI. This suggests that the SRS tool is more responsive than ODI, which is more responsive than SF-12 to change brought on by primary surgical treatment of adult scoliosis patients. Surgical treatment in adult scoliosis significantly improved pain, self-image, and function based on the health-related quality of life measures used in this study.