Regional disparity in epidemiological characteristics of adolescent scoliosis in China: Data from a screening program

Abstract

ObjectiveWe investigated regional disparities in rates of scoliosis among adolescents in western and eastern China and the dominant factors underlying these disparities.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from a school scoliosis screening program conducted in two typical areas: Yangpu District of Shanghai (eastern China) and Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County of Gansu Province (western China), during October 2020 to February 2021. Participants included adolescents aged 12–16 years (4,240 in Shanghai and 2,510 in Gansu Province). School scoliosis screening data were obtained on age, sex, height, weight and BMI, and region as well. We screened angles of trunk rotation in level of proximal thoracic (T1–T4), main thoracic (T5–T12), and lumbar (T12–L4) by the forward bend test with scoliometer. An angle of trunk rotation ≥5° was used as the criterion to identify suspected scoliosis.ResultsThe proportion of suspected scoliosis was lower in Shanghai (6.9%) than in Gansu (8.6%). Angle of trunk rotation tended to increase with age in Shanghai, peaking at 15 years, but decreased with age in Gansu, and bottomed at 15 years. The angle of trunk rotation in the proximal thoracic, main thoracic, and lumbar part of the spine appeared to be larger in Gansu adolescents and in Shanghai female adolescents. Age was a relevant factor in angle trunk rotation in regression models and interacted with region as well.ConclusionWe found regional and age- and sex-related disparities in rates of suspected scoliosis.

Variations in the prevalence of scoliosis by age, sex, geographic region, and subtype among Chinese children: A systematic review and modelling study

“…Furthermore, our study found the highest prevalence of IS in Northwest China, which aligns with the findings of an epidemiological study published in 2022 in China [42], which revealed a higher prevalence of adolescent scoliosis in the western region (Gansu province) than in the eastern region (Shanghai province) [42]. This regional difference may be attributed to variations in socioeconomic development levels.…”

Prevalence and plasma exosome-derive microRNA diagnostic biomarker screening of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province, China

“…This survey conducted through the SSS found that the overall prevalence of IS among 7- to 19-year-olds in Yunnan Province is 1.10%, which is slightly higher than the national prevalence rate (1.02%). However, it falls within the range of prevalence rates observed in different provinces in China (ranging from 0.11% to 2.64%) ( 9 , 10 , 34 , 35 ). Research indicates that the prevalence of AIS is associated with various factors, such as ethnicity, altitude of residence, and socioeconomic status ( 6 , 35 ).…”

“…The prevalence is higher in females than in males, with female-to-male ratios ranging from 1.5 to 11 ( 7 , 8 ). In China, the prevalence of AIS is reported to be between 0.11% and 2.6%, with most data originating from economically developed eastern and southern regions, while there is limited reporting of AIS prevalence in western China ( 9 , 10 ). Yunnan, located on the southwestern border of China and situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is home to 26 different ethnic groups, making it the province with the most diverse national minority in China.…”

Incidence and Importance of Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…The onset age of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is 9–10 years for girls and 11–12 years for boys. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis, with a global prevalence ranging from 2 to 3% to 5.2% [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. AIS is classified according to the Cobb angle value and the location and orientation of the pathological curve [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”