Progresión de la escoliosis idiopática tras la madurez ósea

Objectives. This study has a dual purpose: first, to know the evolution of idiopathic scoliosis after bone maturity; and second, to determine factors implicated in its progression. Patients and methods. A retrospective analysis of 90 patients with idiopathic scoliosis greater than 30° was conducted during 17 years (1982-1998). Three radiographs were made in every case (1^st consulting, at bone maturity, and at the end of the follow-up). We had analyzed the correlation between angular value and the following parameters: age, gender, curve pattern, back pain, pregnancy. Results. The mean follow-up was 9.27 ± 3.36 years. A total of 16.70 % of curves had progressed more than 5° with a mean angle increase of 11° and a mean annual progression of 1.04°/year. We had not found significant relation between progression and gender, age, gestation or curve pattern. Curves greater than 40° have pain more frequently. And those that progressed had increased risk (five times) to have pain. Fifty percent of painful curves belong to pregnant women. Conclusions. One of 6 curves had progressed. We did not find factors related to this progression. There was a significant relation between progression and pain. The appearance of pain was associated with angulation and gestation. Although we found less progression than in previously reports, it seems to be useful to follow-up idiopathic scoliosis greater than 30° (every five years) after bone maturity.