MRI: Longitudinal MRI examination of the thoracic and lumbar spine (T2, T2w, sCT)
Scolioscan: 3D ultrasound of the spine
Skeletal maturity assessment: At one timepoint, a Hand radiograph is taken for digital skeletal maturity assessment
Study summary
Rationale: Despite several decades of research, the exact etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unclear. In AIS, spine curvature begins with and progresses during the adolescent growth spurt. Previous studies are only performed on populations with already established scoliosis and normal spinal growth (of bone and IVD tissue) during adolescence has also not been defined. Growth pattern differences may exist between scoliotic and nonscoliotic subjects. Previous studies support the hypothesis that AIS is a spinal deformity that starts with decompensation in the IVD and is linked to sagittal spinal alignment. However, to understand its cause and pathogenic mechanism, the changes to the adolescent spine must be assessed longitudinally during the growth period coinciding with the period prior to and during the onset of AIS. Ideally this should include a cohort who do and do not develop AIS and their assessment must be minimally harmful, without radiation exposure. Certain populations are at increased risk for scoliosis development (i.e. girls with family members with scoliosis and 22q11.2DS patients). New imaging modalities (boneMRI, 3D spinal ultrasound) allow for non-radiographic monitoring of spinal growth.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
8 Years
Max age
11 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
Cohort 1:
* Female,
* 8, 9 or 10 years old
* An older sibling, twin or parent diagnosed with AIS
Cohort 2:
* Diagnosed with 22q11.2DS
* Girls: 8, 9 or 10 years old.
* Boys: 9, 10 or 11 years old.
All
* No clinical signs of scoliosis at inclusion (physical examination by forward bending test and Bunnell Scoliometer assessment with a cut-off value of 7°.
* Written informed consent of parents/legal representatives.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindications for MR imaging
* Early-onset scoliosis or other spinal deformities
* Other syndromes or neuromuscular disease associated with scoliosis
* Clinical signs of \>1cm leg length discrepancy
* Other diseases or injuries, that are related to abnormal spinal growth, posture, activity levels, or scoliosis development.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Girls: Baseline MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Girls: 11year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Girls: 12year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Girls: 13year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Girls: 15year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Boys: Baseline MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Boys: 12year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Boys: 13year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Boys: 14year MRI images
Spinal MR Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine — Boys: 16year MRI images
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
We use cookies to analyse site traffic and improve your experience. With your consent, we may also use cookies for advertising. You can change your choice at any time.
