Measuring recovery after scoliosis surgery

This is an international study that aims to determine if there is a decline in neurocognitive function in children having scoliosis surgery. The trajectory of the child’s neurocognitive function will be assessed using well validated psychometric testing at regular intervals; baseline, 2 weeks post-operatively, 6 weeks post-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. The following aspects of neurocognition will be assessed: reaction time, attention, inhibition, and memory including working memory. The incidence and time course of post-operative delirium will be assessed in the first 48 hours or until discharge after surgery. Blood will be sampled for biomarkers during the immediate peri-operative period, for future analysis. We aim to enroll 50 children aged between 10 and 16 years. Currently we have no data on which to base recommendations for when children should return to school, what to expect in terms of functioning at school or when to sit exams after surgery. This study targets what could plausibly be a high risk group – major surgery. The findings from this study should have an immediate impact on what we tell parents as well as being an example for similar studies for other surgeries. The study will also provide data to understand aetiology, potential risk groups and possible targets for future interventions.