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Scoliosis Screening: A Review of Current Evidence, Worldwide Practices, and Recommendations for Implementation Across Canada

Teaser: 

Caitlyn Dunphy, MPT, 1 Marie Anne Keenan, BSc candidate,2 Hunter Cole David Arulpragasam, BSc candidate,3 Jean Albert Ouellet, MD, FRCS(C),4 Kevin Smit, MD, FRCS(C),5 Ron El-Hawary, MD, MSc, FRCS(C),6 Andrea Mary Simmonds, MD, MHSc, FRCS(C),7

1BC Children’s Hospital Orthopaedic Spine Clinic.
2University of Victoria, Research Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital.
3University of Toronto, Research Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital.
4McGill University Health Centre/ Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada.
5Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, CHEO, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Surgeon Scientist, CHEO Research Institute.
6Professor of Surgery (Orthopedics, Neurosurgery) Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, IWK Health.
7 Paediatric Spine & Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Orthopaedics.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: There is a lack of consensus about the merits of scoliosis screening and whether it is a beneficial strategy for both the patients and the healthcare system. With mounting concerns about long wait times across Canada for surgical correction of scoliosis, interest has grown in maximizing non-operative care. We have investigated the history of scoliosis screening and the controversies surrounding implementation of screening in a Canadian setting. We propose an optimal screening strategy.
Key Words: Scoliosis, scoliosis screening, early detection, conservative strategies.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

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Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
Screening can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis.
Early diagnosis of scoliosis increases opportunities for successful conservative treatment.
Conservative strategies may prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Scoliosis screening may improve access to care and reduce health care costs.
Early detection of scoliosis through school screenings is recommended for initiating timely and effective conservative treatments, such as bracing and physical therapy. This can significantly reduce the need for surgical interventions and associated healthcare costs.
A standardized, evidence-based screening protocol should be developed and implemented across all Canadian schools. This protocol should include clear guidelines on the use of screening tools, referral criteria, and follow-up procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy in detecting scoliosis.
School nurses, physical education teachers, and other relevant personnel should receive adequate resources and support for proper training in scoliosis screening.
Educational campaigns must raise awareness about the signs of scoliosis and the importance of school screenings for early detection among parents, teachers, and the general public.
Ongoing research and evaluation of the screening program should be conducted to assess its effectiveness, cost-benefit ratio, and impact on health outcomes.
Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and scoliosis advocacy groups is essential to create a comprehensive and sustainable screening program.
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Related Terms: Back Health, Scoliosis, scoliosis screening, early detection, conservative strategies

#41: The Future of Medicine, Part 3

Welcome to 3P: Pills, Pearls, and Patients where we will discuss current events in medicine, stories from real patient-physician encounters, and gain insight into what it's like being a physician in today's society.

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  Back to Pills, Pearls & Patients (3P)

Welcome to the next episode of the series on what does the future of medicine look like or hold? What are the innovations that have happened in medicine in the past few years? And indeed, how are these innovations going to continue?

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Dr. Marina Malak is a family physician in Mississauga, Ontario and a lecturer and faculty member at the University of Toronto. She is actively involved in medical advocacy, and is a board member of the Mississauga Primary Care Network. She is also a member of the National Committee of Continuing Professional Development at the College of Family Physicians of Ontario, and a member of the Research Ethics Board at Trillium Health Partners.

She is passionate about patient care; medical education; and promoting mental, physical, and emotional wellness. She enjoys reading, writing, public speaking, puzzles, doodling in her bullet journal, and creating drawings on Procreate.

#18: "The Many Faces of MAID" An Interview with Cynthia Clark

Welcome to everyone to the second in this series of discussions on this platform on MAID Medical Assistance in Dying.

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Dr. Michael Gordon recently retired after a fulfilling career as a geriatrician that spanned 56 years, 44 of which he spent working at the Baycrest Center in Toronto. He is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Gordon is a recognized ethicist and a thought leader on all topics of care of the elderly and end-of-life decisions. Currently, Dr. Gordon provides part-time professional medical consulting mainly in the domain of cognition and memory loss.

#40: The Future of Medicine, Part 2

Welcome to 3P: Pills, Pearls, and Patients where we will discuss current events in medicine, stories from real patient-physician encounters, and gain insight into what it's like being a physician in today's society.

Please note that while the first episode is available to listen to without registration, accessing additional episodes will require you to subscribe and log in.

  Back to Pills, Pearls & Patients (3P)

Welcome to episode two of our podcast series on The Future of Medicine. Today we're going to be talking a little bit about technology in the future of medicine.

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Dr. Marina Malak is a family physician in Mississauga, Ontario and a lecturer and faculty member at the University of Toronto. She is actively involved in medical advocacy, and is a board member of the Mississauga Primary Care Network. She is also a member of the National Committee of Continuing Professional Development at the College of Family Physicians of Ontario, and a member of the Research Ethics Board at Trillium Health Partners.

She is passionate about patient care; medical education; and promoting mental, physical, and emotional wellness. She enjoys reading, writing, public speaking, puzzles, doodling in her bullet journal, and creating drawings on Procreate.