Epidemiological study of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Eastern China

Objective: Previous epidemiological studies of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in mainland China have had diverse results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the epidemiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on a representative sample city, Wuxi, in eastern China. Methods: Primary and secondary school students aged 10-16 years were enrolled in the study. Physical examination and Adam's forward bending test, combined with scoliometer measurements were performed at school-based screening. Students with an angle of trunk inclination of 5° or more were referred for whole-spine X-ray. The threshold for confirmed diagnosis was a Cobb angle of 10° or more. Results: A total of 79,122 students were screened. The overall prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Wuxi City was estimated as 2.4%. Girls had a higher prevalence in each age subgroup compared with boys. Higher prevalence was found in individuals with lower body mass index. Mild and moderate curves were the most common types in our study. Conclusion: The prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in this region was slightly higher. Medical resources should be considered for children with lower body mass index and high risk of scoliotic progression. Measurement with a scoliometer would be suitable for mild-to-moderate scoliotic deformities, while alternative methods should be developed for those with severe deformities or higher body mass index.