Parents and patients group to raise awareness of scoliosis and the importance of scoliosis screening, early detection and timely treatment of AIS and adult scoliosis. Scoliosis Early Detection Coalition (SEDC)
Vision statement: The availability and access for young people to early detection/screening of scoliosis and other spinal disorders in Ontario and eventually nationally.
1. Who we are: People with scoliosis, parents of children and adolescents with scoliosis, practitioners, and other parties interested in having early detection/screening of scoliosis in young people reinstated.
2. What is scoliosis screening: The Adams Forward Bend Test is a 30-second screening test of the spine and a diagnostic test for scoliosis. It involves placing a scoliometer, a small, non-invasive device, on a person’s back, while they bend as far as possible at the waist, with straight legs, arms hanging, and palms touching. This device measures the angle of trunk rotation. In addition to the scoliometer, one can also measure this angle using an App available on smartphones.
4. Background:
The United States (USA) introduced school-based scoliosis screening (SSS) in 1963. In Canada, it was established in the 1970s; however, screening was discontinued due to recommendations made by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination, and a1985 Quebec study by Morais and colleagues, who questioned the cost of mass screening for scoliosis. Over the last 15 years, our understanding of scoliosis and its treatment options have changed (e.g., Dr. Jean-Philippe Pialasse, Laval University and Dr. Eric Parent, University of Alberta). The rate of success for using bracing as a treatment was recently measured at 75%, specifically preventing curve progression and the need for surgery. Mandatory early scoliosis detection is found in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, while some countries have a voluntary program, such as Greece, Italy and Spain. The Curvy Girls Support Group of Ottawa (CGO) has been working to increase the awareness of scoliosis and towards improving scoliosis detection for young people in the Ottawa region by approaching schools, hospitals, public health agencies and practitioners. However, this work has not led to the introduction of a standardized early detection/screening program across the province. We believe a provincially-mandated policy or program is required to ensure consistent and widespread detection of scoliosis early enough to maintain curves at a manageable degree and preventing surgery and other long-term back issues related to more severe scoliosis and other spinal conditions. Early screening and prevention will also contribute to health care system savings if costly surgeries can be avoided. Dr. Pialasse has also called for mandatory, early scoliosis screening across Quebec with the help of province’s chiropractors.
5. Our initiative: We would like to engage individuals, partners, colleagues associations, organizations, and anyone interested in joining our efforts to reinstate mandatory screening for scoliosis. Contact Information:
231 McCleod Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K2P 0Z8
Email: scoliosiscoalition@gmail.com
Telephone: 613 233-1235
Fax: 613 233- 9710
