The relationship between function, self-perception, and spinal deformity: Implications for treatment of scoliosis in children with spina bifida.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of spinal deformity with physical function and self-perception in children with spina bifida. Ninety-eight eligible children with scoliosis and spina bifida were identified; 80 of them (82%) consented to participate. Spinal deformity was measured in many ways, including scoliosis, coronal balance, and pelvic obliquity. Measures of physical function included the Sitting Balance Scale, Jebsen Hand Scale, Hoffer Ambulation Scale, the Spine Bifida Spine Questionnaire, and the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK). Self-perception was determined with Harter's Self-Perception Profile. No relationship was found between spinal deformity and overall physical function (ASK). Of all aspects of spinal deformity, only coronal imbalance was significantly related to only one aspect of physical function (ie, sitting imbalance). No aspect of spinal deformity was related to self-perception. In conclusion, surgeons should be clear in their indications for surgery and recognize that in the short term the potential benefit of surgery may be, at best, to improve only sitting balance.