ASSESSMENT OF LIFE QUALITY IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SEVERE SPINAL DEFORMITIES

Abstract

Objective. To assess a subjective component of the quality of life in adolescents with severe spinal deformities of different genesis for improving the efficacy of rehabilitation processes.

Material and Methods. Eighty adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with safe opportunities for intellectual development were examined. Thirty patients had idiopathic, and 20 – dysplastic scoliosis. The control group included 30 healthy adolescents. The intellectual level was determined in scoliotic patients with Slosson’s test. A standard interview and SF-36 questionnaire were used.

Results. Health status and pain syndrome significantly decrease physical activity of patients with severe deformities, reduce their vital activity, thus forming negative notions of perspective of treatment and future recovery. Patient’s satisfaction with their health status and physical activity, dominant emotional status which precludes solution of everyday problems, all these render a decisive influence on patient satisfaction with different aspects of their vital activity, and determine the quality of life as a whole.

Conclusion. Adolescents with severe spinal deformities have lower level of life quality when compared with healthy age-matched children. Efficacy of medical rehabilitation of orthopedic patients could significantly influence both physical and psychological health components, and determine objective and subjective aspects of life quality of scoliotic adolescents.