# Scoliosis Surgery in a Patient With Advanced Friedreich's Ataxia—It Is Not Too Late

## TL;DR

A 38-year-old woman with advanced Friedreich's ataxia underwent scoliosis surgery and experienced significant improvements in pain and quality of life.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the potential benefits of scoliosis surgery in patients with advanced Friedreich's ataxia.

## Key findings

- The patient experienced marked pain relief after posterior corrective spondylodesis.
- Sitting tolerance and overall quality of life improved significantly post-surgery.
- The case suggests surgery can be beneficial even in late-stage Friedreich's ataxia.

## Abstract

Friedreich's ataxia is a multisystem disorder with scoliosis being the most common non‐neurological manifestation. While scoliosis surgery is typically performed in adolescent, ambulatory patients, few data exist on surgical outcomes in patients with advanced disease. We present a 38‐year‐old woman with late‐stage Friedreich's ataxia and pronounced thoracolumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle 48°) causing severe pain and limited sitting tolerance. After posterior corrective spondylodesis (T4‐ilium), she reported marked improvements in pain, sitting tolerance, function, and quality of life in the SF‐36 questionnaire. This case highlights the potential for substantial clinical and functional benefits from scoliosis surgery in patients with advanced Friedreich's ataxia.