SCOLIOSIS SCREENING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME
City Osteopathy Integrated Health last month launched a scoliosis screening community service programme . The purpose of the programme is to identify spinal deformity in students from international schools in Hong Kong so that treatment can be started immediately to reduce the development of scoliosis in a growing spine . Their physiotherapists or osteopaths examine the participants every six to 12 months during the risk years ( age 9-16 ). Through early detection more optimal treatment can be obtained . Parents of international school students can arrange a free screening for their children on a Saturday at City Osteopathy Integrated Health in Central . The City Osteopathy Integrated Health team would also like to work with international schools to provide free in-school scoliosis screening to their students every year . See www . cityosteopathy . com
Scoliosis screening
Scoliosis screening needs to be done by medical specialists . A child will be screened from the back , front , and side in a standing position and also in a bent-over position to enable the screener to identify a possible spinal deformity . For the visual screening , the screener stands 1-2 metres from the tape mark on the floor and observes the child for certain asymmetries which are detailed in a standardised check-list . If deemed appropriate , the screener may measure the child ’ s leg length in a standing position to identify leg length discrepancy . The screener may also use a scoliometer , a small devise used to measure spinal rotation . This will be performed in a bent-over position known as the “ Adams Forward Bend Test ”.
Treatments of scoliosis
Early detection , timely intervention and ongoing monitoring can help reduce the progression and impact of scoliosis in a growing spine . For mild curves , which are the great majority , conservative treatment using personalised home exercise therapy can be very beneficial . For growing children , a regular check-up every four-to-six months is recommended to detect curve progression . For moderate curves , a more frequent monitoring may be needed and may require further intervention . X-ray imaging and referral to an orthopaedic specialist may be required .
Screening in local schools
In-school screening for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis is already underway in local schools in Hong Kong , but international schools are not covered by this programme . However , according to medical studies , the prevalence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is higher among Caucasians ( 8.1 %) and Afro-Americans ( 9.5 %) than Hong Kong Chinese ( 2.8 %), therefore the need for in-school screening of international schools is higher . In some countries the need for scoliosis screening has long been recognised by law .
Katherine Gatherer studied BSc ( Hons ) Physiotherapy in the UK and more recently became a Fellow of Applied Functional Science at the prestigious Gray Institute in the USA . She applies 3D movement approach to her assessment and treatment .
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