RADIOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE SURGICAL WAITING LIST FOR THE TREATMENT OF SPINAL DEFORMITY

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implications of long waiting times on surgery lists for the treatment of patients with scoliosis. Methods: Radiographs of 87 patients with scoliosis who had been on the waiting list for surgery for more than six months were selected. Two surgeons answered questionnaires analyzing the radiographs when entering the waiting list and the current images of each patient. Results: Data from 87 patients were analyzed. The mean waiting time for surgery was 21.7 months (ranging from seven to 32 months). The average progression of the Cobb angle in the curvature was 21.1 degrees. Delayed surgery implied changes in surgical planning, such as greater need of instrumentation, osteotomies, and double approach. Conclusions: Long waiting lists have a significant negative impact on surgical morbidity of patients with scoliosis, since they increase the complexity of the surgery. Level of evidence: IV. Type of study: Descriptive study.

摘要：
研究目的：本研究旨在评估手术等待名单过长对脊柱侧凸（scoliosis）患者手术治疗的影响。
方法：选取87例脊柱侧凸患者的脊柱X线片，该类患者的手术等待时长均超过6个月。由两名外科医师针对患者入组等待手术名单时的影像学资料与当前随访影像完成问卷分析。
结果：本研究共分析87例患者的临床资料。患者的平均手术等待时长为21.7个月（7~32个月）。脊柱侧凸Cobb角（Cobb angle）的平均进展幅度为21.1°。手术延迟会导致手术方案发生变更，例如需更多使用内固定器械、截骨术以及双入路手术方式。
结论：过长的手术等待名单会对脊柱侧凸患者的手术相关并发症发生率产生显著负面影响，因其会提升手术操作复杂度。
证据等级：IV级
研究类型：描述性研究