Effectiveness of FED therapy in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents – a retrospective analysis

Introduction. Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are key factors in reducing its advancement. One of the new non-surgical treatment options is the FED method, which combines spinal fixation, elongation, and derotation by using a specific therapeutic device. Aim. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of a 12-month FED-based treatment in teenagers with idiopathic scoliosis. Materials and methods. A retrospective review of 63 (54 girls and 9 boys) 9–17-year-old patients with type I or II idiopathic scoliosis, based on the King-Moe classification, was performed. Cobb angle changes were assessed on the basis of pre- and post-therapy period X-rays. Other variables considered were age, sex, type of scoliosis, and skeletal maturity (Riser sign). Results. Analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in Cobb angle after one year of FED therapy. The outcome of the treatment was not significantly related to the sex of the patient or the type of scoliosis. Conclusions. FED therapy is considered an efficacious conservative treatment method for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. The organized and multifaceted characteristics of this approach render it a viable alternative to various physiotherapeutic strategies aimed at addressing spinal deformities.