A Study of Scoliosis among Adolescent Female Patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterised by a lateral bending or curvature of the spine. Aim of Study: To evaluate the prevalence, distribution and age of onset of adolescent scoliosis among female patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria. Study Design:  This was a retrospective epidemiological study of female scoliosis patients treated between 2005 and 2014. Data were obtained from patients medical records after due permission had been sought for and obtained from the hospital management. A total of 16,027 orthopaedic cases were analysed. Results: The prevalence of female adolescent scoliosis within the 10-year period was 0.27%. The peak age of presentation was 11-12 years, followed by 13-14 years. The prevalence rate varied from one year to the other. Thirty per cent (30%) of the presenting females were children of traders followed closely (20%) by children of teachers. Conclusion: Female adolescent scoliosis was not common at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu within the study period. In view of the public health importance of scoliosis in adolescent girls, screening tests should be done periodically to detect cases in time for effective management and orthotic rehabilitation.