Software Application for Scoliosis Assessment

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Original Editors - Aya Alhindi

Top Contributors - Sabah Abdlnaser Hassan Ali, Aya Alhindi, Fatma Mostafa, Omnia Mustafa, Afaf Tahoon, Mayar Othman and Jana Fouad  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Scoliosis refers to a complex deformity of the spine in three planes. It is diagnosed by measuring the angle of curvature of the spine (a Cobb angle of at least 10°) in the frontal plane and the axial rotation in the horizontal plane, as well as being characterized by spinal deformities in the sagittal plane [1]. There are many different types of scoliosis that may present at different points across the lifespan. With respect to adult populations,  described three main types of scoliosis: type I—primary degenerative scoliosis; type II—progressive idiopathic scoliosis in an adult patient; or type III—(a) secondary degenerative scoliosis in response to idiopathic or other forms of scoliosis or primary deformity/anomaly located in the spine, trunk or extremities or (b) any systemic condition that may affect bone metabolism (e.g. osteoporosis) combined with asymmetrical arthritis or vertebral fracture. [2]. Idiopathic scoliosis, defned as a > 10° curvature of the spine in the frontal plane, is one of the most common spinal deformities. Ninety per cent of all idiopathic scoliosis occurs during adolescence with a prevalence of 1–2%[3]

Contributing Factors to Scoliosis[edit | edit source]

There is no conclusive correlation has been found between scoliosis and adopting poor postures or carrying heavy backpacks. However, prolonged incorrect sitting posture or the heavy weight of  backpacks may cause paravertebral muscle fatigue and increased ligament pressure, which increases the risk of developing scoliosis. Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence to support this association [4].

Moreover, a potential relationship between strabismus and scoliosis has recently been identified. Patients with strabismus are much more likely to develop dorsal scoliosis because they have altered visual-spatial perception and asymmetrical postural responses[5]. Adolescents are more likely to develop scoliosis if they suffer from back pain for more than 3 hours per day, have developmental dysmorphism, or participate in a high-risk sport (such as gymnastics).[6]

Schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable to scoliosis due to environmental factors such as school furniture, prolonged sitting, excess weight, asymmetrical backpack support, and daily habits. In the context of daily habits, children are increasingly using cell phones, video games, and desktop computers, which may encourage sedentary behavior. Sedentary behavior is associated with a variety of diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders that may cause inappropriate postures in students, as well as causing discomfort.[7]

Traditional Assessment[edit | edit source]

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Software Application Assessment[edit | edit source]

The advancements of ICT technology as well as the portability and simplicity of smartphones have encouraged the shift of measurement and collection of data in the health sector from being doctor-centered to a patient-centered approach in a way benefiting both the doctor and the patient.[8] The scoliosis assessment using software applications has facilitated the remote monitoring of patients' scoliotic curve, saving doctors time and money. Moreover, they permit the patient to obtain immediate feedback on the accuracy and efficiency of the prescribed rehabilitation program by keeping track of the scoliotic curve progression. In addition, apps can enhance the reliability of screening and consistency of Cobb's angle measurement.[8] While a radiological examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of scoliosis, using software will minimize radiation exposure and cut down on the number of medical visits.

ScolioTrack

ScolioTrack is a mobile-based application that can operate on both Android and IOS. The app can assess the patient's angle of trunk rotation (ATR) while simultaneously recording age, height, weight, and back photos for future comparisons and follow-up. It has a "Grid view mode" allowing for immediate observation of any visible back deformity, such as rib humps, hip protrusion, body alignment, or spinal deviation. Compared to radiological tests, ScolioTrack has proven to be safer, simpler, and less expensive.

Features:

  • Its simplicity allows for self-tracking the spinal curve progression.
  • It shows a high degree of accuracy providing professionals with a suitable tool for monitoring multiple patients.
  • It allows storage of scoliosis measurements for follow-up.
  • It also keeps the patient updated about the latest trends in scoliosis and provides answers to some of the most often-asked concerns about the topic.

Reliability[edit | edit source]

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Validity[edit | edit source]

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Resources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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  1. ↑ Illés, Tamás S., et al. “The Third Dimension of Scoliosis: The Forgotten Axial Plane.” Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, vol. 105, no. 2, Apr. 2019, pp. 351–359.
  2. ↑ McAviney J, Roberts C, Sullivan B, Alevras AJ, Graham PL, Brown BT. The prevalence of adult de novo scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Spine Journal. 2020 May 22;29(12):2960–9.
  3. ↑ Lenz M, Oikonomidis S, Harland A, Fürnstahl P, Farshad M, Bredow J, et al. Scoliosis and Prognosis—a systematic review regarding patient-specific and radiological predictive factors for curve progression. European Spine Journal. 2021 Mar 26;30(7):1813–22.
  4. ↑ Scaturro D, Costantino C, Terrana P, Vitagliani F, Falco V, Cuntrera D, et al. Risk Factors, Lifestyle and Prevention among Adolescents with Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis: A Cross Sectional Study in Eleven First-Grade Secondary Schools of Palermo Province, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Nov 24;18(23):12335.
  5. ↑ Pan XX, Huang CA, Lin JL, Zhang ZJ, Shi YF, Chen BD, et al. Prevalence of the thoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents candidates for strabismus surgery: results from a 1935-patient cross-sectional study in China. European Spine Journal: Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society [Internet]. 2020 Apr 1;29(4):786–93.
  6. ↑ Scaturro D, Costantino C, Terrana P, Vitagliani F, Falco V, Cuntrera D, et al. Risk Factors, Lifestyle and Prevention among Adolescents with Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis: A Cross Sectional Study in Eleven First-Grade Secondary Schools of Palermo Province, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Nov 24;18(23):12335.
  7. ↑ de Assis SJC, Sanchis GJB, de Souza CG, Roncalli AG. Influence of physical activity and postural habits in schoolchildren with scoliosis. Archives of Public Health. 2021 Apr 29;79
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 1. Bottino L, Settino M, Promenzio L, Cannataro M. Scoliosis management through apps and software tools. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023 Apr 14;20(8):5520.
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