A meta-analysis of the clinical effectiveness of school scoliosis screening.
METHODS
A meta-analysis that systematically reviewed the evaluation studies of a scoliosis screening program reported in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the best current evidence on the clinical effectiveness of school screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.


BACKGROUND
The use of school scoliosis screening is controversial, and its clinical effectiveness has been diversely reported.


METHODS
Data sources included 3 databases, namely, PubMed, Google scholar, CINAHL database, and the references from identified reviews and studies. Studies were included if: (1) they adopted a retrospective cohort design; (2) were screened using either the forward bending test (FBT), angle of trunk rotation, or Moiré topography; (3) reported results of screening tests and radiographic assessments; (4) screened adolescents only; (5) reported the incidence of curves with a minimum Cobb angle of 10 degrees or greater; and (6) reported the number of referrals for radiography. Reviews, comments, case studies, and editorials were excluded.


RESULTS
Thirty-six studies, including 34 from the 775 initially identified studies and 2 from the references, met the selection criteria. The pooled referral rate for radiography was 5.0%, and the pooled positive predictive values for detecting curves > or =10 degrees , curves > or =20 degrees , and treatment were 28.0%, 5.6%, and 2.6%, respectively. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies. Meta-regression showed that programs using the FBT alone reported a higher referral rate (odds ratio [OR] = 2.91) and lower positive predictive values for curves > or =10 degrees (OR = 0.49) and curves > or =20 degrees (OR = 0.34) than programs using other tests. Only one small study followed students until skeletal maturity and reported the sensitivity of screening; however, the specificity was not reported. No severe publication bias was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the FBT alone in school scoliosis screening is insufficient. We need large, retrospective cohort studies with sufficient follow-up to properly assess the clinical effectiveness of school scoliosis screening.
Fong
Daniel Yee Tak
DY
Department of Nursing Studies, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Lee
Chun Fan
CF
Cheung
Kenneth Man Chee
KM
Cheng
Jack Chun Yiu
JC
Ng
Bobby Kin Wah
BK
Lam
Tsz Ping
TP
Mak
Kwok Hang
KH
Yip
Paul Siu Fai
PS
Luk
Keith Dip Kei
KD
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011859:Radiography; D011871:Radiology / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*