Abstract
Study Design: This was a longitudinal-observational study, conducted in a local school. Objective: To determine effectives of Normalized-Scoliosis-Risk Weightage (NSRW) and Cumulative-Scoliosis-Risk Weightage (CSRW) in scoliosis case finding. Summary of Background Data: CSRW and NSRW were proposed to identify school-going children, who have a higher risk of acquiring scoliosis. Once identified, this high-risk population could be subjected to regular surveillance, thus easing burden from health-care teams. 169 students (55 boys; 114 girls) were studied; age range 5.75-9.73 years (mean standard deviation = 8.00 0.60 years). Methods: A mathematical model was proposed and tested to separate scoliosis-like conditions from true scoliosis. ‘Differential-Spinal-Function Testing’ (DSFT) was conducted, which consisted of four tests: visual (standing and sitting), forward bending (standing and sitting). Collected data were analyzed to decide effectiveness of NSRW and CSRW. Results: Total cases studied were divided into three categories: students having (i) both NSRW and CSRW equal to or above threshold (98 cases), (ii) one indicator equal to or above threshold, the other indicator below threshold (41 cases) and (iii) both indicators below threshold (30 cases), making a total of 169 (= 98 + 41 + 30). Scoliosis was indicted in 56 students (57.14%) of 1st category, 10 students (24.39%) of 2nd category and 6 students (20.00%) of 3rd category. Conclusions: If both indicators were equal to or above threshold, the student fell into the category of high risk, to be followed through till the end of growth period. When one of the indicators was equal to or above threshold and the other below threshold, the incumbent belonged to medium-risk category, to be followed through till the student reaches 16th birthday. If both indicators were below threshold, the student was classified as low-risk case. Such a youngster should be followed through till the individual reaches 11th birthday
