Level ­of ­occupation ­in ­patients ­surgically­ treated ­for ­adolescent idiopathic­ scoliosis

Abstract

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a condition that affects healthy people. The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of occupation of patients who underwent surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Methods:­ Retrospective study performed at one institution. Fifty patients were retrospectively evaluated. Variables: age, gender, residence, education, learning difficulties, occupation, difficulties to obtain a job and whether they have or not a welfare plan.Results:­ Forty-eight patients were women (96%), 68% were between 20 and 25 years old. 52% live at Gran Buenos Aires (26 patients), 24% live in ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (12 patients) and 24% live in the rest of the country. Forty percent did not complete college studies (20 patients), 12% did (6 patients). Twelve percent finished higher education (6 patients), 8% did not (4 patients). Twenty-two percent did not complete high school education (11 patients), while 2% did (1 patient). Four percent of the patients did not finish primary school (2 patients). Currently 54% is employed, while 46% do not have a job. Sixteen patients experienced difficulties in finding a job (8 patients) and 84% did not (42 patients). Disabilities benefits were requested by 10% of the patients, and all of them received them.Conclusion: From the population interviewed, 54% are currently employed, while 46% are not (27 and 23 patients, respectively). We do not suggest welfare assistance for patients who have undergone an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.