Funding outcome

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature with rotation of the spine. In 80% of scolioses, the cause is unknown, and the diagnosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). AIS affects 2-2.5% of adolescents. Large curves (40-45°) may cause poor self-image, worsen in adulthood, and limit lung function. Surgery is recommended for large curves. Posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSIF) surgery is the most common surgery due to its effectiveness and low complication rate. This surgery fuses the affected vertebrae in a straightened position. However, the fused spine may have decreased mobility. Better spine flexibility before surgery helps predicts the correction available and allows planning fusion of fewer vertebrae to correct the curves, which can ensure better post-op flexibility. In Alberta, the wait time for surgery often exceeds 6 months. The curves worsen while waiting. Surgery plans become more extensive after this long wait. Families wish to prevent deterioration and optimize their child's condition before surgery. Scoliosis-specific exercises have shown promise reducing curve progression in smaller curves. Scoliosis-specific flexibility exercises may also improve spine flexibility, surgical curve correction, help improve appearance and retain more unoperated vertebrae. This study will test if exercises can maximize spine flexibility before AIS surgery to improve the curve correction, perceived appearance and quality of life after surgery compared to the standard of care, which is simply waiting. We also hope to minimize the number of levels fused. Twenty patients with no treatment on the waitlist for AIS surgery, will be compared to 20 patients receiving 18 supervised flexibility exercises sessions with home exercises over 6 months. Flexibility measurement with non-invasive 3D Ultrasound imaging and quality of life questionnaires will be collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months while waiting before surgery, and after the surgery.