Analysis of the prevalence of asymmetry and muscle tone disorders in the first year of life among youth with idiopathic scoliosis: A retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Not much is known about developmental motor disorders in the first year of life of children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (IS).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the occurrence of asymmetry or muscle tone disorders in the first year of life in adolescents with IS and their healthy counterparts.

METHODS

The parents of adolescents with IS and without scoliosis completed a survey on the occurrence of asymmetry, abnormal muscle tone, and physiotherapy in their children in the first year of life. Pearson's chi square test and Cramer's coefficient were used.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 527 surveys completed by parents of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (150) and without scoliosis (377). A significantly higher frequency of asymmetry (p= 0.001) and muscle tone disorders (p= 0.001) was noted in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The results also revealed a significant association between scoliosis and asymmetry (p= 0.001), as well as muscle tone (p= 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Developmental asymmetry or improper muscle tone in the first year of life could be considered a potential factor in the development of scoliosis; however, this hypothesis should be confirmed in future studies. Infants diagnosed with developmental disorders require systematic observation.