Williams, J Bone Joint Surg Am 2014 - Development and Initial Validation of the Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis (C-EOS)

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Development and Initial Validation of the Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis (C-EOS)

Williams, Vitale, et al.·J Bone Joint Surg Am·2014·306 citations·Consensus statement

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Background

Early-onset scoliosis is a heterogeneous condition, with highly variable manifestations and natural history. No standardized classification system exists to describe and group patients, to guide optimal care, or to prognosticate outcomes within this population. A classification system for early-onset scoliosis is thus a necessary prerequisite to the timely evolution of care of these patients.

Methods

15 experienced surgeons participated in a nominal group technique designed to achieve a consensus-based classification system for early-onset scoliosis.
A comprehensive list of factors important in managing early-onset scoliosis was generated using a standardized literature review, semi-structured interviews, and open forum discussion.
3 group meetings and 2 rounds of surveying guided the selection of classification components, subgroupings, and cut-points.
Initial validation of the system was conducted using an interobserver reliability assessment based on the classification of a series of 30 cases.

Results

Nominal group technique was used to identify 3 core variables (major curve angle, etiology, and kyphosis) with high group content validity scores.
Age and curve progression ranked slightly lower.
Participants evaluated the cases of 30 patients with early-onset scoliosis for reliability testing.
The mean kappa value for etiology (0.64) was substantial, while the mean kappa values for major curve angle (0.95) and kyphosis (0.93) indicated almost perfect agreement.
The final classification consisted of a continuous age prefix, etiology (congenital or structural, neuromuscular, syndromic, and idiopathic), major curve angle (1, 2, 3, or 4), and kyphosis (–, N, or +) variables, and an optional progression modifier (P0, P1, or P2).

Conclusions

Utilizing formal consensus-building methods in a large group of surgeons experienced in treating early-onset scoliosis, a novel classification system for early-onset scoliosis was developed with all core components demonstrating substantial to excellent interobserver reliability. This classification system will serve as a foundation to guide ongoing research efforts and standardize communication in the clinical setting.

Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.

Development and Initial Validation of the Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis (C-EOS).

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Development and Initial Validation of the Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis (C-EOS)

Williams, Vitale, et al.·J Bone Joint Surg Am·2014·306 citations·Consensus statement

|

Background

Early-onset scoliosis is a heterogeneous condition, with highly variable manifestations and natural history. No standardized classification system exists to describe and group patients, to guide optimal care, or to prognosticate outcomes within this population. A classification system for early-onset scoliosis is thus a necessary prerequisite to the timely evolution of care of these patients.

Methods

15 experienced surgeons participated in a nominal group technique designed to achieve a consensus-based classification system for early-onset scoliosis.
A comprehensive list of factors important in managing early-onset scoliosis was generated using a standardized literature review, semi-structured interviews, and open forum discussion.
3 group meetings and 2 rounds of surveying guided the selection of classification components, subgroupings, and cut-points.
Initial validation of the system was conducted using an interobserver reliability assessment based on the classification of a series of 30 cases.

Results

Nominal group technique was used to identify 3 core variables (major curve angle, etiology, and kyphosis) with high group content validity scores.
Age and curve progression ranked slightly lower.
Participants evaluated the cases of 30 patients with early-onset scoliosis for reliability testing.
The mean kappa value for etiology (0.64) was substantial, while the mean kappa values for major curve angle (0.95) and kyphosis (0.93) indicated almost perfect agreement.
The final classification consisted of a continuous age prefix, etiology (congenital or structural, neuromuscular, syndromic, and idiopathic), major curve angle (1, 2, 3, or 4), and kyphosis (–, N, or +) variables, and an optional progression modifier (P0, P1, or P2).

Conclusions

Utilizing formal consensus-building methods in a large group of surgeons experienced in treating early-onset scoliosis, a novel classification system for early-onset scoliosis was developed with all core components demonstrating substantial to excellent interobserver reliability. This classification system will serve as a foundation to guide ongoing research efforts and standardize communication in the clinical setting.

Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.

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