Are there Posturographic Parameters, which Could Predict the Progression of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Introduction: Vision, proprioception and vestibule are involved in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study was to determine if some posturographic parameters could predict the progression of AIS just at the first screening when the spine deformation is very mild. Materials and Methods: 82 subjects with AIS were followed during a 5-year period of time. At the first screening, just at the diagnosis time, clinical and radiological examination and posturographic tests were performed. These last tests included static tests with and without sensory conflicts, dynamic and dynamised tests. The population was followed establishing 2 groups: Group P included 26 subjects with progressive AIS (Cobb angle increased greater than 5° during a 6 month-period of time), Group NP included non progressive AIS at skeletal maturity (31 subjects). Comparison of posturographic parameters at the first screening was performed to seek some significant differences between P and NP Groups. Results: At the first screening, no significant differences were highlighted between the 2 groups in regard of age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, skeletal maturity, scoliosis type, and Cobb angle. We showed significant differences in static tests in eyes-opened condition, in slow dynamic test in eyes-opened condition and in sensory organization tests. Conclusion: Situations soliciting proprioceptive and vestibular cues, especially in conflict, showed significant differences between the 2 groups P and NP. Complex posturographic tasks are more discriminant. Significance: If predictive thresholds could be found further, these posturographic tests could predict the AIS progression and could allow to treat evolutive AIS very early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]