BACKGROUND: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) affects patients' quality of life, yet there have been few reports of its morphology and epidemiological study in the southeast region of China. The aim of this study is to access the curve characteristics, prevalence, and factors associated with IS in Chaozhou city. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2018, in which scoliosis screening was conducted among 5497 primary school students in Chaozhou city. Then, a case-control study based on the screening involving 2547 children was followed for the exploration of the associated factors. The questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, postural habits, cognition and self-sensation of scoliosis, and physical conditions were addressed for the investigation. ORs with 95%CIs were calculated based on logistic regression analysis to evaluate the factors associated with scoliosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of IS among primary school students was 6.15% in Chaozhou city, with 4.04% for males and 8.71% for females. The average Cobb angle was 15° (range 8 to 37°). Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that female (OR=2.45), BMI (OR=0.67), having myopia (OR=1.49), self-sensation of scoliosis with symptoms (OR=5.52), insufficient sleep time (OR=2.65, 3.33), and less exercise time (OR=7.09, 7.29) were significantly associated with IS. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of IS among primary school students in Chaozhou was at an average level, and it was significantly higher in females than in males. Lower body mass, having myopia, insufficient sleep time, and lower physical activity were associated with IS.
Case-Control Studies ; Child ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Myopia/complications* ; Risk Factors ; Schools ; Scoliosis/physiopathology* ; Students

The purpose of this study is to reveal the protective effect of rib cage on scoliotic spine by comparing the different effect of rib cage on the stability of normal spine and Lenke1 scoliotic spine. Firstly, according to X-ray computed tomography (CT) image data, four spinal finite element models (SFEMs), including normal spine without rib cage (N1), normal spine with normal rib cage (N2), scoliotic spine without rib cage (S1) and scoliotic spine with deformed rib cage (S2), from the first thoracic vertebrae to the sacral vertebrae (T1～S) were established. Secondly, the natural vibration characteristics of the four SFEMs were obtained by modal analysis. Finally, the maximum vibration amplitudes of the four SFEMs under external excitation were obtained by steady-state analysis. As shown in results, compared with N1, the maximum deformation of N2 segment T4～T6 in the -axis (coronal axis), -axis (sagittal axis) and -axis (vertical axis) directions decreases by 38.44%, 53.80% and 33.72%, respectively. Compared with S1, the maximum deformation of S2 segment T4～T6 in the -axis direction, -axis direction and -axis directions decreases by 44.26%, increases by 32.80% and decreases by 49.23%, respectively. As it can be seen, for normal spine, the rib cage can improve the stability of the whole spine in three directions; for the Lenke1 scoliotic spine, the rib cage can reduce the vibration of the scoliotic spine in the -axis and -axis directions and improves the stability of the whole spine in the two directions, while in the -axis direction, for the serious severe anteversion of scoliotic spine, the deformed rib cage exacerbates the vibration of the scoliotic spine in this direction and destroys the stability of the scoliotic spine in the -axis direction. This study reveals the biomechanical characteristics of rib caged influence on the stability of the scoliotic spine and it has guiding significance for the study of daily protection methods and protective tools for scoliotic patients.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Rib Cage ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; Spine ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vibration

Scoliosis is a complex spinal three-dimensional malformation with complicated pathogenesis, often associated with complications as thoracic deformity and shoulder imbalance. Because the acquisition of specimen or animal models are difficult, the biomechanical study of scoliosis is limited. In recent years, along with the development of the computer technology, software and image, the technology of establishing a finite element model of human spine is maturing and it has been providing strong support for the research of pathogenesis of scoliosis, the design and application of brace, and the selection of surgical methods. The finite element model method is gradually becoming an important tool in the biomechanical study of scoliosis. Establishing a high quality finite element model is the basis of analysis and future study. However, the finite element modeling process can be complex and modeling methods are greatly varied. Choosing the appropriate modeling method according to research objectives has become researchers' primary task. In this paper, the author reviews the national and international literature in recent years and concludes the finite element modeling methods in scoliosis, including data acquisition, establishment of the geometric model, the material properties, parameters setting, the validity of the finite element model validation and so on.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Computer Simulation ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Spine ; pathology

Ischemic neurological injury is the most feared complication of spinal deformity surgery.In recent years, more attention has been paid to ischemic neurological injury during spinal deformity surgery including causes, risk factors, and prevention. The direct and indirect causes of ischemic neurological injury contains ligature of the segmental arteries, perioperative bleeding and excessive stretching or shortening of the spinal cord.Those patients at greatest risk for paraplegia following diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis, unilateral vessel ligation, perioperative hypotension, and extensive anterior and posterior surgery. Keeping reasonable mean arterial pressure and multimodal intraoperative monitoring may effectively prevent ischemic neurologic injury during surgery for spinal deformity.
Arteries ; Humans ; Ischemia ; physiopathology ; Kyphosis ; surgery ; Ligation ; Monitoring, Intraoperative ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Paraplegia ; Risk Factors ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spinal Cord Injuries

INTRODUCTIONThis retrospective review aimed to examine the relationship between preoperative pulmonary function and the Cobb angle, location of apical vertebrae and age in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To our knowledge, there have been no detailed analyses of preoperative pulmonary function in relation to these three factors in AIS.

METHODSA total of 38 patients with thoracic or thoracolumbar scoliosis were included. Curvature of spinal deformity was measured using the Cobb method. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were used to evaluate preoperative pulmonary function. Statistical methods were used to analyse the relationship between preoperative pulmonary function and the factors that may contribute to poor pulmonary function.

RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 16.68 ± 6.04 years. An inverse relationship was found between the degree of the Cobb angle and FVC as well as FEV1; however, the relationships were not statistically significant (p = 0.057 and p = 0.072, respectively). There was also a trend towards a significant negative correlation between the thoracic curve and FVC (p = 0.014). Patients with larger thoracic curves had lower pulmonary function. A one-year increase in age significantly decreased FVC by 1.092 units (p = 0.044). No significant relationship between age and preoperative FEV1 was found. The median FVC was significantly higher in patients with affected apical vertebrae located at levels L1-L3 than at T6-T8 or T9-T12 (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONLung function impairment was seen in more severe spinal deformities, proximally-located curvature and older patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; physiology ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Male ; Preoperative Period ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Severity of Illness Index ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role that post-operative difference value of pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) played on loss of correction, implant failure and health-related quality of life during follow-up in degenerative scoliosis patients.

METHODSRetrospective review of 62 patients (average age (57 ± 10) years, 11 male and 51 female patients) with degenerative scoliosis who underwent one stage posterior surgical instrumentation in the affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2005 to December 2011. The mean follow-up duration was 4.2 years. Long-cassette standing upright sagittal radiographs were obtained before and after operation and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index were collected. Based on post-operative PI-LL, patients were divided into two groups: group A (-9° < post-operative PI-LL<9°) and group B (post-operative PI-LL < -9°or post-operative PI-LL>9°). Independent t test and χ(2) test were performed for statistical analysis. For all statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTSNo difference was observed in terms of loss of correction between two groups during follow-up. More implant failure were observed in group B (15.63% vs. 6.7%, χ(2) = 21.85, P = 0.012). In addition, patients with better PI-LL matching came with better visual analogue scale (3.9 ± 2.4 vs. 5.2 ± 3.3, F = 0.089, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONWorse quality of life and increased risk for implant failure during follow-up may be related to mismatched PI-LL.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lordosis ; complications ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Pelvis ; Postoperative Period ; Posture ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; complications ; physiopathology ; Spine ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo establish rabbit model of scoliosis induced with stable asymmetric lumbar loads.

METHODSScoliosis was induced in 10 two-month-old New Zealand rabbits using 316L stainless steel springs placed between the unilateral transverse processes of L2 and L5. Serial radiographs were documented before and at 1, 4, 8, 9 and 12 weeks after the operation. At weeks, the rabbits were randomly divided into SR group (n=5) with the spring removed and SK group (n=5) without spring removal.

RESULTSAll the rabbits survived the experiment with Cobb angle all greater than 10 degree at the end of the experiment. Significant changes were found in the Cobb angles and kyphotic angles at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the Cobb angle, the kyphotic angle and the length of the spring were similar between SR and SK groups (P>0.05), and in the 4 weeks following spring removal in SR group, the Cobb angle and the kyphosis decreased significantly compared with those in SK group (P<0.05). Micro-CT showed that the BV/TV of the concave side was greater than that of the convex side. The length of the spring did not show obvious changes during the experiment (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAsymmetric lumbar loading is a convenient, time-saving, and highly reproducible approach for establishing rabbit models of scoliosis.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Rabbits ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; Spine ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc and their impact on spinal flexibility in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).

METHODSRetrospective analysis of 66 patients (average age 58.4 years, 10 males and 56 females) with DLS was conducted from May 2008 to February 2014. For all patients, pre-operative standing X-ray film, Bending X-ray films and thoracolumbar MRI were taken. Cobb's angle was measured in each X-ray film and intervertebral angle was measured in both standing and Bending X-ray films. All discs were graded according to Pfirrmann degeneration grades on T2 weighted saggital MRI imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the correlation between intervertebral disc degeneration with the whole spine flexibility and segmental flexibility.

RESULTSFor all 66 subjects, the average Cobb's angle of pre-operative and bending X-ray film was 36° ± 13°, 21° ± 11°, respectively. The average flexibility was 45% ± 15% in our study. Totally 268 discs were graded, including gradeI8, II 68, III 83, IV 91, V 18. In the main curve, there was significant correlation between the average degree of disc degeneration and the whole spine flexibility(r = -0.727, P < 0.01). There was significant correlation between the grade of segmental disc degeneration and segmental flexibility (P < 0.01) . The apical intervertebral disc had the most degeneration (P < 0.01) and worst flexibility (P < 0.01) , compared with other discs in the main curve.

CONCLUSIONSThe degree of intervertebral disc degeneration is closely correlated with spinal flexibility in DLS. The more the disc degeneration is, the worse the spinal flexibility becomes.

Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; physiopathology ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; physiopathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Posture ; physiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; Spine ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate if the growth patterns of the spine and pelvis are consistent in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with single thoracic curves.

METHODSForty-eight thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (T-AIS) female patients and 48 healthy age-matched adolescents were recruited consecutively between December 2011 and October 2012. Radiographic parameters including height of spine (HOS), length of spine (LOS), height of thoracic spine (HOT), length of thoracic spine (LOT), height of pelvis (HOP), width of pelvis (WOP) and width of thorax (WOT) were measured on the long-cassette posteroanterior standing radiographs. In addition, ratios including HOS/HOP, LOS/HOP, HOT/HOP, LOT/HOP, LOS/LOT, WOT/WOP were also calculated. Independent t-test was performed to compare the radiographic parameters and ratios between the two groups.

RESULTSCompared to the age-matched healthy adolescents, T-AIS patients had a significantly higher LOS and LOT (t = -2.364 and -1.495, P = 0.020 and 0.043) and smaller HOS and HOT (t = 2.060 and 3.359, P = 0.042 and 0.001). Yet, all of HOP, WOP and WOT showed no significant difference between T-AIS patients and healthy adolescents. Similarly, LOS/HOP and LOT/HOP were significantly higher in T-AIS patients as may be expected with an average LOS/HOP of 2.26 ± 0.14 in normal controls.In addition, LOS/LOT in normal controls had a trend of increase with age which was different from the stable LOS/LOT in T-AIS patients, indicating an increased growth of thoracic vertebra compared to lumbar vertebra.

CONCLUSIONSCompared to the age-matched healthy adolescents, T-AIS patients have an abnormal growth characteristics with longer spine. The growth of pelvis and thorax show no significant differences between T-AIS patients and healthy adolescents.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Pelvis ; diagnostic imaging ; growth & development ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging ; growth & development ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the values of surface electromyography (sEMG) in the treatment of adolescent idiophathic scoliosis (AIS) with non-surgical therapy.

METHODSFrom October 2011 to May 2012, the data of 33 patients with AIS underwent traditional spinal balanced therapy were analyzed. There were 14 males and 19 females with an average age of (15.40 +/- 3.01) years,ranging in Cobb angle from 13 degrees to 40 degrees, course of disease more than 3 months. X-rays showed 21 cases were type C and 9 cases were type S. Preoperative and postoperative 6 months, Cobb angle, the ratio of averaged electromyography paramete (AEMG), security of treatment were observed.

RESULTSThirty cases (90.9%) accomplished the treatment and detection. No harmful effects to vital sign was found and no fracture, dislocation, apopsychia, infection of pin hole was found. There was positive correlation between the ratio of AEMG and Cobb angle (P = 0.003). The ratio of AEMG decreased after treatment,and indicated the improvement of myosthenic otherness.

CONCLUSIONsEMG can be used as a objective examination in evaluating difference of muscle electricity activity on both concaved and convex sides for patients of AIS, so it is a qualified objective examination for effectiveness evaluation and assessment aggravation risk, and has great value in clinic.

Adolescent ; Child ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Male ; Musculoskeletal Manipulations ; Postural Balance ; Scoliosis ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Spine ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult