Gender difference in health-related quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients between the 2nd and 5th year of bracing treatment using scoliosis research society-22 questionnaire

Background: Offering brace for moderately suffering adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients is a recognized intervention to control further curve progression, and the treatment period varies from each patient. Some AIS patients required to wear longer than expected with different clinical reasons. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of AIS patients who have undergone bracing from the 2nd year to 5th year has not been discussed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HRQOL of patients who have undergone bracing between their 2nd to 5th year of treatment using Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-six AIS patients who were under brace treatment completed SRS-22 questionnaire at their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th year on brace. Five SRS-22 domain scores (function, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction with management) collected longitudinally were compared among the 4-time points. Gender-specific analysis was performed to look for any difference between boys and girls. Results: Mean numbers of months among visits were 8.99 (between 2nd and 3rd), 8.42 (between 3rd and 4th), and 7.89 (between 4th and 5th). Function, pain, and satisfaction with management scores were significantly decreased in the 3rd year during bracing and increased steadily afterward. Gender-specific analysis showed female patients experienced similar changes in function, pain and satisfaction at the 3rd year. Conclusions: Function, pain, and satisfaction scores were much affected at the 3rd year and recovered afterward. Gender difference was found and the same significant changes were found in female patients but not in male patients.