Return to Athletic Activity After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Analysis of Independent Predictors

Background: The cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is unknown and is currently believed to be multifactorial. AIS is a largely asymptomatic condition and many adolescents with AIS are involved with organized athletics and physical activity. To date, no data exist indicating predictors of return to physical activity after posterior spinal fusion for AIS. In this cohort study, adolescents who underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS were evaluated to determine what clinical, surgical, and demographic variables predicted rate of return play in organized athletics. Methods: Forty-two athletically active adolescents who underwent posterior spinal fusion for AIS at a single tertiary care academic orthopaedic institution by a single surgeon were analyzed for clinical, surgical, and demographic predictors of return to presurgical activity levels. Data were collected by chart review, patient interview, and completion of postoperative SRS-22 outcomes score. Results: At an average of 5.5 years follow-up, 25 patients (59.5%) had returned to sports at an equal or higher level of physical activity. Three variables were independently associated with return to athletic activity postoperatively. The relationship between distal level of fusion and rate of return to play demonstrated a statistically significant stepwise decline from T11 to L4. Lenke classification and final SRS-22 score were also predictive of return to activity. No complications related to return to play were reported. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, distal level of fusion, Lenke classification, and postoperative SRS-22 score were each independent predictors of rate of return to pre-operative level of athletic activity after posterior spinal fusion for AIS.