The prevalence of scoliosis in pupils aged 9-16 in Arak: 2011-2012

Noticing the particular importance of timely detection of scoliosis due to its progression over the time and associated complications such as non-symmetric appearance, movement restrictions, and sometimes disturbance in cardiac or respiratory function, this screening study was designed to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis in pupils aged 9-16 in Arak. In this cross-sectional study, 984 students aged 9-16 years in Arak, Iran, who were randomly selected by clustering method, were screened for scoliosis by Adams test and suspected pupils were examined by orthopedics and PA X-ray was applied for them. For diagnosis confirmation, the Cobb angle was calculated and angle>6 was considered as scoliosis. Based on the results, the prevalence of scoliosis was 1.52% and 1.21% in female students and 3.21% in male students. The Cobb angle of about 67% of the cases was less than 10 which indicated minor scoliosis. The results of the present study necessitate school-based scoliosis screening so that early detection of the disease allows for implementation of a suitable treatment program which can prevent the development of the disease and the financial burden of surgery and its complications.