The incidence and early detection of spinal deformities. A study based on the screening of 16,104 schoolchildren.

Screening for spinal curvature (scoliosis and kyphosis) was carried out on children aged six to fourteen at schools in the Lazio region from 1972 to 1976 and this revealed a significant incidence of deformities. Out of 16,104 children examined, 1,163 (7.2 per cent) were affected by scoliotic or kyphotic curves. Of these, 56.5 per cent were scoliotic and 43.4 per cent were kyphotic. The female/male ratio in cases requiring orthopaedic or surgical treatment was 3.7:1. Of the total number of cases examined (16,104) the percentage of slight deformities requiring only physiotherapy or exercise treatment was 6.3 per cent (1,016 cases). 0.85 per cent (137 cases) required conservative orthopaedic treatment (plaster and corset), while 0.06 per cent (ten cases) required operation. This investigation is the first step towards the early diagnosis and treatment of vertebral deformities in Italy.