The SPINE Study

Full title

Scoliosis Patient Imaging Needs Evaluation: SPINE Study

Background

Scoliosis is when the spine twists and curves. Up to 5% of children aged 10 to 18 have scoliosis. The cause is unknown in 80% of children. This is called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Children with AIS can find their body appearance distressing. They may suffer from back pain, and in severe cases, from heart and breathing problems.

AIS is usually diagnosed using spine X-rays. X-rays are then taken regularly to see if the scoliosis worsens as the child grows. The doctor uses these X-rays to decide whether the child needs a back brace or, in severe cases, surgery.

X-rays use radiation. Some reports suggest that radiation can damage DNA, especially in children. Risk of DNA damage increases with increased radiation exposure. DNA damage can also pass onto future children of individuals exposed, causing health problems. There are other methods used to capture an image of the spine in AIS. Some of these methods use less or no radiation. These other methods are available in very few NHS hospitals. It is not clear how these methods compare to X-rays.

What we are doing

Through three packages of work, we will aim to:

Search the medical literature, summarising studies looking at different methods of reducing radiation in AIS imaging.
Interview policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients with AIS and their families/carers to gather opinions on AIS imaging practice and patient journeys.
Host a stakeholder event with policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients with AIS and their families/carers to share our findings, and hold small group discussions to look for areas of improvement and future research in AIS imaging.