Scoliosis epidemiology is not similar all over the world: a study from a scoliosis school screening on Chongming Island (China)

Abstract

BackgroundSchool scoliosis screening has been carried out around the world. The screen program has never been performed on Chongming Island, the third largest island in China and characterized less population exchange with the rest of China. This study was designed to examine scoliotic parameters in children from Chongming Island and determine whether the parameters differed from those of the published data.MethodsA total of 6824 children (3477 boys and 3347 girls) aged from 6 to 17 were recruited. The screen included Adam’s test and scoliometer measurements. Posteroanterior radiographic evaluation was performed if trunk rotation was 5° or more.ResultsOne hundred seventy two were confirmed with Cobb angle of 10° or more; the prevalence was 2.52 %, higher in girls (3.11 %) than in boys (1.96 %) (p < 0.05). There was a weak positive correlation between prevalence and age. Majority curves were minor (from 10 to 19°). The most common thoracic curve was right curve (60.3 % of all thoracic curves), while the most common thoracolumbar (75.5 %) and lumbar curves (64.7 %) were left curves.ConclusionsThe prevalence of scoliosis on Chongming Island was 2.52 %. This study indicates that epidemiology of scoliosis has regional variation, and genetic differences may contribute such difference.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1140-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Faulty posture: Prevalence and its relationship with Body Mass Index and Physical Activity among female adolescents

“…For scoliosis examination a scoliometer, an effective and commonly used device for screening of scoliosis in the forward bending position (in which the person bends forward and the palms are pressed together between the knees), was used and the deviation was considered when it was ˃5 positive degrees [6,29]. Coelho et al indicated a maximum sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 90% at the Cobb angle of 10° [19].…”

“…One of the detectable disorders during school screening is scoliosis. In adolescents, its most common type is idiopathic scoliosis (80-90% of all cases of scoliosis), which can progress in the absence of treatment during the rapid growth phase of puberty, leading to significant abnormalities including pulmonary dysfunctions, reduced quality of life (QOL), heart failure, mental and psychological problems, back pain, and limitation in physical and motor activities [6,15,32].…”

“…In many countries it is prevalence has been scrutinized and several rates have been reported in various studies ranging from 0.25% in Turkey to 3.26% in Korea [6].…”

An Overview of the Current State of Pediatric Scoliosis Management

“…Using the 10°cut off suggested by the SRS, the prevalence still ranges widely throughout the world. In schoolchildren between the ages 6-17 years it ranges approximately between 0.13-2.52 %genetic differences are likely an explanation [21]. In the US, the prevalence for adults between 25-74 years is 8.3 % overall, with higher rates in the elderly and for women in general [22].…”

Efficacy of three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity with lateral curvature, sagittal hypokyphosis, and axial rotation of the spine. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees occurs in the general population with a frequency ranging from 2% to 5% during growth, and the origin of the disease is unknown [ 1 – 4 ]. It has been highlighted that impairment of esthetic appearance of a patient’s body is significantly related to the patient’s negative image and self-respect, and the disease may cause reduced bone strength and balance disorder, among other effects [ 5 – 7 ].…”