Adolescent screening for orthopedic problems in high school

• Published in: Public health (London) 2002-01, Vol.116 (1), p.30-32
• Main Authors: Nussinovitch, M, Finkelstein, Y, Amir, J, Greenbaum, E, Volovitz, B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Child; Female; Humans; Israel - epidemiology; Male; Mass Screening - utilization; Musculoskeletal Diseases - diagnosis; Musculoskeletal Diseases - epidemiology; Orthopedics; Pediatrics; Physical Examination; School Health Services; Spinal Curvatures - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0033-3506
• DOI: 10.1016/s0033-3506(02)90056-9

The effectiveness of orthopedic screening programs for school-age children are still controversial. We conducted a prospective study in order to determine the frequency of undiagnosed orthopedic problems in an adolescent population. To determine the frequency of undiagnosed orthopedic problems in an adolescent population discovered through routine physical examinations carried out by a general pediatrician in a school clinic. We examined 2380 adolescents attending a public high school over a 5 y period in order to determine the frequency of undiagnosed orthopedic abnormalities in this age group. Previously undiagnosed orthopedic findings, especially spinal deformities were found in 14.8%. Scoliosis was detected in 1.6% of the entire group with a threefold predominance of girls over boys. Few cases were progressive and needed surgery. Extra spinal orthopedic findings were found in 2.9% of the patients. Screening programs can identify previously undetected orthopedic abnormalities in the school-age population. We conclude that screening programs for school age children coupled with subsequent follow-up procedures are worthwhile.