Affiliations: Department of Orthopedics of Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Ali Akin Ugras, M.D., Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, 34093 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +90 212 5294400/1346; Fax: +90 212 5896229; E-mail: akinugras@gmail.com
Abstract: The study was intended determine the prevalence of scoliosis and to assess the cost-effectiveness of a school screening program for scoliosis in Turkey. A total of 4259 children (2057 females and 2022 males aged 10–14 years old) were screened. Thirty-nine children had a positive forward bending test. The prevalence of scoliosis was 25 per 1000 in the screened population. The ratio of girls to boys with scoliosis was 2.5:1. A minor curve was detected in 72.7% of children with scoliosis (Cobb angle of 10–20 degrees), and a major curve was found in 27.3% (Cobb angle >20 degrees). The cost of screening was found to be 47 cents per child, but the cost per case of scoliosis was determined to be $236.81. School screening for scoliosis seems to be cost-effective in Turkey.
