Incidence of radiographic scoliosis in asymptomatic young Pakistani adults

Abstract

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common scoliotic deformity of young adults. Screening of AIS is performed as part of the routine preemployment examination for physically demanding positions. We attempted to establish the incidence of clinically overt scoliosis in an adolescent (16 years old) and young adult (21 years old) population.

Methods: We clinically and radiographically (X-rays) evaluated 85 applicants for physically demanding jobs in two age groups: those 16 versus those 21 years of age. Cobb's angles and kyphosis angles were measured for each group. These data were then categorized into three grades based on radiographically documented scoliotic curvatures.

Results: Most 16 years old demonstrated normal Cobb's angles (90.56%), but kyphosis angles of 20-30° (40.27%). For the 21 years old, most participants had normal Cobb's angles (93.75%), but exhibited higher than normal kyphosis angles (50%).

Conclusion: Most young adults ages 16-21 years applying for physically demanding work were "fit." However, the incidence of kyphosis was higher among the 21 years old population. Such screening for idiopathic scoliosis should be more stringently performed in younger patients applying for physically demanding work.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Scoliosis; Spine; X-ray.

Figure 1:

Posteroanterior radiograph demonstrating spinal curvature and a Cobb’s angle measurement of 9°.