Using Radiation-free Ultrasound for Screening Scoliosis Among School Children in Hong Kong to Reduce Unnecessary X-ray Exposure

Introduction Scoliosis is a three dimensional spinal deformity, in the coronal plane, sagittal and transverse planes. The conventional method for assessment of severity of scoliosis is by measuring the Cobb angle on x-ray radiographs of the whole spine. The drawback with x-ray radiography is that it involves radiation. In light of this, a radiation-free ultrasound imaging system, the Scolioscan, has been developed for quantitative assessment of spinal deformity.

This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of Scolioscan for screening scoliosis among school children in Hong Kong.

Benefit and harm The results of this study will carry significant impacts in that if Scolioscan is proven to be accurate for screening scoliosis among school children, it can be incorporated in the algorithm for screening scoliosis with the intention of reducing unnecessary x-ray exposure.

Scolioscan is a radiation-free ultrasound system.

Procedures

1. This is a longitudinal study on school children screened for scoliosis at the Student Health Service Centres of Department of Health. If the subject and the guardians agree to participate in the study, ultrasound scanning of the spine using the Scolioscan will be performed. No additional visit is required beyond the routine practice. Clinical assessment of apical rotation of the spine with the subjects bending forward will also be measured using a Scoliometer at the first clinic visit and subsequent clinic follow- up visits at Prince of Wales Hospital. Specialist care for the back problem and scoliosis will be continued at Prince of Wales Hospital as needed.
2. Subjects will be identified at the Student Health Service Centres of Department of Health, Hong Kong. Those who fulfill the recruitment criteria and their guardians will be given full explanation of the study and be invited to participate in the study.

During the scanning procedure with the Scolioscan, clients will be asked to stand steadily in different postures, namely erect, right side-bending and left side-bending within the comfort level of the clients. Ultrasound gel will be applied on the back and ultrasound images will be taken along the spine. The scanning itself may last for 1 minute for each posture.