Prevalence of scoliosis in female students 11-15 years of age in Ahwaz, Iran

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of scoliosis in school-going children of different age groups for correct diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis.

METHODS: In 2004, we screened 1400 children from secondary schools in Ahwaz City, Southwestern Iran, for scoliosis. We carried out random sampling and used the necessary equipment for measurement and examination.

RESULTS: Our results indicate that the prevalence of scoliosis was 2% among all the candidates. However, the prevalence of scoliosis among 12-year-old children was 42.9%, while, among 11 and 15-year-old children was 3.6%, showing that the prevalence of scoliosis was higher in children 12-year-olds compared with 11 and 15-year-olds. Among all the candidates, 12 had deformities, such as, lordosis and kyphosis. Our data showed a significant difference between scoliosis and deformity (p<0.001). We also report that there was no significant relationship between hand dominance, and the weight of healthy persons compared with scoliosis subjects.

CONCLUSION: The correct diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of adolescence can prevent the spread of scoliosis.