Evaluation of trunk asymmetry in school children and adolescent

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aim to determine the frequency of structural and nonstructural scoliosis in children and evaluate the relationship between sportive activity and nonstructural scoliosis.METHODS: Three hundred and fourteen (314) children and adolescents (149 boys and 165 girls) between the ages of 8-16 were evaluated with forward bending test and the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was measured with scoliometer. Children were grouped by their participation or nonparticipation in sports. Those with ATR≥7 were referred to our clinic. The bending test was performed in both standing and sitting forward bending position. Radiographic and leg length inequality were also evaluated.RESULTS: Girls were significantly asymmetrical compared to boys (X2 =7.685; P=0.021). In 10 children, with the scoliometer readings were 7° or more. 8 screened-positive children participated in the hospital-based diagnostic stage. Structural scoliosis was found in 4 subjects. Nonstructural scoliosis was found to in other 4 subjects. Out of 4 subjects with nonstructural scoliosis 3 subjects were found to participate in high-intensity sports for more than 5 years.CONCLUSIONS: Trunk asymmetry can be a sign of structural scoliosis or it can be detected in cases related to functional disorders. Especially in athletic population, repetitive asymmetric motion patterns can cause an increase in the frequency of this nonstructural scoliosis. It may be important for physicians – especially sports physicians – to evaluate adolescent athletes with trunk asymmetries in terms of functional disorders