Prevalence and determinants of idiopathic scoliosis in primary school children in Beitang district, Wuxi, China.

Abstract

To study the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in children aged 6-13 years and the corresponding predictors in China, based on a representative sample from Beitang District, Wuxi. A total of 11,024 primary school students aged 6-13 years were enrolled. Students who had an angle of trunk inclination (ATI) ≥ 5° (determined by the forward bending test (FBT) combined with a scoliometer) were referred to our clinic for X-ray examination. Their diagnosis was confirmed by Cobb angles of ≥ 10°. Data reflecting demographics (e.g. age, sex, etc.) and clinical characteristics (i.e. Cobb angle) were collected.  Approximately 2.6% of the children were screened positive (determined by ATI). Four boys and 7 girls had a definite positive diagnosis, suggesting an idiopathic scoliosis prevalence of 0.22%. The mean Cobb angle of those diagnosed was 13.2 ± 5.9°. The highest prevalence was found in girls aged 12-13 years. Predictors identified in weighted and unweighted bivariate logistic regression were being female, use of single-shoulder bags, and more time using a computer.  A relatively low overall prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis was found in primary school children of Beitang District, Wuxi, China. In future screening more attention should be paid to females, those who use single-shoulder bags, and those who spend more time using a computer.