Feasibility of initial telemedicine follow-up after spinal fusion for AIS.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2026
Identifier
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-025-09496-3
Abstract
PURPOSE: Telemedicine is a convenient and preferable method of healthcare delivery for many patients. Our aim is to determine the feasibility of initial telemedicine follow-up after spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
METHODS: 68 consecutive patients from a single institution who underwent spinal fusion for AIS and had the first follow-up appointment via telemedicine were retrospectively reviewed and compared to a previously collected in-person follow-up cohort of 548 patients. The groups were compared based on their demographics and pathology and all 90-day complications were collected.
RESULTS: The cohorts had no difference in demographics, curve magnitude or levels fused. In the telemedicine group there was 1 superficial infection treated with oral antibiotics and 2 dressing reactions, one requiring treatment with topical steroids. Among the in-person group there were 5 deep infections requiring operative debridement. There were also 8 patients with peripheral nerve complications likely due to positioning, 3 misplaced screws, and 4 other complications. 11 patients in the in-person group and none of the telemedicine group required a secondary surgery within 90 days. There was no difference in overall 90-day complication rate between the two groups.
CONCLUSION: In this early telemedicine cohort of spinal fusion patients there were no complications requiring return to the operating room. There was a similar number of total 90-day complications among both groups. This small study suggests it is reasonable to continue to use telemedicine for patient and family convenience while continuing clinical investigations.
Journal Title
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Volume
35
Issue
1
First Page
32
Last Page
35
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Spinal Fusion; Scoliosis; Female; Male; Telemedicine; Adolescent; Feasibility Studies; Retrospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Postoperative Complications; Child
PubMed ID
41128873
Keywords
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Follow-up; Postoperative; Telemedicine; Virtual
Recommended Citation
Benvenuti M, Cook D, Birch C, Hogue G. Feasibility of initial telemedicine follow-up after spinal fusion for AIS. Eur Spine J. 2026;35(1):32-35. doi:10.1007/s00586-025-09496-3
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