QF in AIS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The range of movement of the lumbar spine in those with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as assessed using quantitative fluoroscopy.
IRAS ID
307273
Contact name
Adrian Gardner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional helical deformity of the spine in children between the ages of 10-18. The cause is unknown. AIS is often an S-shaped curve with a curve both in the thoracic (chest) and lumbar (abdominal) spines. The lumbar spine gives humans the ability to flex and extend. It is also known that the fusion (combination of metal and bone) that occurs as part of scoliosis surgery leads to some loss of movement and this has been shown to be correlated with a lesser return to activity.
Quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) is the use of a fluoroscope (operating theatre x-ray machine) to take multiple x-ray views of the spine over a short period such that an understanding of the entire range of movement of the spine can be obtained. Using QF, a database of spinal movement in both those without any spinal pathology and those with chronic low back pain. Comparing these datasets has shown that the amount of motion level of the spine is different and moves at a different time during the full range of movement.
What is not known is how having AIS affects the range of motion of the spine and also how stiffening of the spine through fusion and instrumentation alters the range of motion of the spine.
This knowledge would allow doctors to better understand the effects of scoliosis, and a scoliosis operation, on those with AIS. This would help to understand better the effects of AIS on the individual and allow a more evidence based discussion around the effects of a scoliosis operation on an individuals mobility and range of movement.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0005
Date of REC Opinion
7 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion