Abstract
Introduction
In the past decades, there has been an increasing interest in quality of life assessment after treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis affects young patients many of them women that deal with the scoliosis and surgical treatment for the rest of their life. The effect of scoliosis correction on sexual function has yet to be assessed. The female sexual function index (FSFI) is a validated tool for the assessment of sexual function in women.
Materials and Methods
Women (over the age of 18) under the age of 40, who underwent uncomplicated posterior scoliosis correction for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, were assessed for sexual function via the FSFI. The scores retained were compared to the general population data in the following five categories: desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction and pain.
Results
A total of 22 women responded to the questioner. The average age was 28 (range: 19 to 38). Time from surgery was 8.2 years (range: 2 to 17 years). All patients underwent uncomplicated posterior spine fusion, without the need of secondary interventions. The Cobb angle correction in the surgery was 55 degrees (range: 40 to 70). The average FSFI score was 24.2 (range:17.5 to 29.1) (normal score over 26.5). Patients scored within the normal range in sexual desire, pain during intercourse, and lubrication. A decreased score was noted in sexual arousal, orgasms, and satisfaction, when compared to normal population values.
Conclusion
Female patients, who underwent correction of scoliosis due to AIS, have a decreased sexual function, many years after the surgery when compared to the general population. This is due to a decreased arousal, orgasms, and a decreased sexual satisfaction. A distinction still needs to be made if this is due to the scoliosis or the correction.
Yes
None declared