Study of bone strength in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the bone strength of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Methods A total of 68 AIS patients and 20 healthy subjects were recruited. Speed of sound (SOS), Z-score and percentile of distal radius of normal subjects and AIS patients were measured using the quantitative ultrasound. Results Compared with normal controls, AIS had significantly lower average SOS, Z value and percentile. No significant difference was found among different curve patterns and gender of AIS patients. There was a positive correlation between SOS and age in AIS patients. However, there was no correlation between SOS and maximal Cobb angle in AIS patients. Conclusions AIS patients have lower bone strength generally. The bone strength has a positive correlation with the age, but no correlation with the curve pattern and gender in AIS patients. Key words: Adolescent; Idiopathic; Scoliosis; Bone strength