School-Based Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in South Bengaluru, India: A Cross-Sectional Study for Early Detection and Intervention.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the growing spine that often remains undetected because early stages are usually asymptomatic. Early identification enables timely conservative intervention and may reduce progression risk. Published data on AIS prevalence in urban Indian school populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of suspected AIS among school-going adolescents in South Bengaluru, India, and to promote awareness regarding early detection and non-surgical management. A cross-sectional school-based screening study was conducted among adolescents aged 11-14 years across six schools (three private and three government). Following ethical approval, parental consent, and student assent, screening included visual postural assessment, Adams Forward Bend Test, and Scoliometer measurements. An angle of trunk rotation (ATR) ≥7° was considered screen-positive scoliosis, while 5-6° was categorized as at-risk. Twelve evaluators underwent structured training to ensure consistency. A total of 1,076 students participated (76% response rate; 55.5% female). Screen-positive findings (ATR ≥7°) were identified in 17 students (1.6%), while 72 students (6.7%) were categorized as at-risk. Screen-positive prevalence was higher in females (2.01%) than males (1.04%), and higher in private schools (1.98%) than government schools (0.37%). School-based scoliosis screening is feasible and clinically valuable for early detection of suspected AIS in Indian adolescents. Wider implementation may facilitate timely conservative management and reduce delays in diagnosis.