Prevalence of scoliosis in female students 11-15 years of age in Ahwaz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of scoliosis in school-going children of different age groups for correct diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. METHODS In 2004, we screened 1400 children from secondary schools in Ahwaz City, Southwestern Iran, for scoliosis. We carried out random sampling and used the necessary equipment for measurement and examination. RESULTS Our results indicate that the prevalence of scoliosis was 2% among all the candidates. However, the prevalence of scoliosis among 12-year-old children was 42.9%, while, among 11 and 15-year-old children was 3.6%, showing that the prevalence of scoliosis was higher in children 12-year-olds compared with 11 and 15-year-olds. Among all the candidates, 12 had deformities, such as, lordosis and kyphosis. Our data showed a significant difference between scoliosis and deformity (p<0.001). We also report that there was no significant relationship between hand dominance, and the weight of healthy persons compared with scoliosis subjects. CONCLUSION The correct diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of adolescence can prevent the spread of scoliosis.