PREVALENCE OF SCOLIOSIS IN AL-MEDINA AL-MUNAWARA

Prof. Dr. Osama Ahmed M. Amin Reem Alshenaifi, Wafa Alharbi, Reem Alkabli, Lujain Alharbi , Tahani Alharbi , Aisha Alshanqity, Mariam Aljehani, Afnan Alfridy, Mawaddah Alfouti, Afnan Alshareef , Bashaer Alrehaili , Alshaima Kolaib 

ABSTRACT

Background: Prevalence of scoliosis in literatures has a wide range among different countries, increased in north countries and decreased closed to the equator. Screening for scoliosis has been practiced worldwide for many years and has provided valuable knowledge about prevalence, etiology and the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis. In the Middle East, no one country developed that screening. The aim of the present study was to describe the point prevalence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in KSA. Methodology: All participating medical students fulfilled an educational course to improve their knowledge about AIS and learn the screening procedure including the Adam Forward Bending Test and measurement of gibbus using a scoliometer. A Total of 376 females at Alrashed mall, Almadinah ALmonawarah were subjected to study. Female were asked to participate in answering question by interview. Wight, height, Blood presser, random blood glucose, neck circumference, hip circumference and waist circumference were measured. Results: The prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis defined as a positive Adam Forward Bending Test, gibbus > 7°. The overall prevalence rate of scoliosis (> 7 degrees or more) was 19%. It was 20.9% (49 of 186 participants) among the age group 6-26 years, 16% in 27-47 years and 17.9% among the age group 48-68 years. East Medina showed the greatest prevalence 24.3%. There was a positive but very weak correlation between scoliosis and age. Conclusion: The prevalence of scoliosis in Almadinah ALmonawarah was 19%. As delayed referrals of patients with high-risk curves can lead to increased morbidity we recommend a screening program to schoolchildren. According to these results, epidemiological regional variability, possibly with genetic basis, can be considered.

Keywords: prevalence, etiology and the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis.