M.SC. thesis examination of normal joint movement values in patients with adolescent idiopatic scoliosis

Introduction: Scoliosis is the most common source of deformity in the vertebral column. Lateral curvatures of 10° or more in the frontal plane on direct radiographs taken in the lying position are defined as scoliosis. The resulting deformity is not only limited to the frontal plane, but a three-dimensional deformation occurs, including the axial and sagittal planes. Structural scoliosis of unknown etiology is classified as congenital, neuromuscular or idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a type of IC, occurs in the period from the onset of puberty to the closure of the growth plates. Along with deviation to the lateral in AIS, deformations occur in the sagittal and transverse planes. Materials and Methods: 83 patients who were diagnosed with AIS and met the inclusion criteria and 100 healthy individuals were included in this study, which aimed to examine normal joint movement values in individuals with AIS. After questioning the socio- demographic information of the individuals, it was measured and recorded using a 360- degree universal goniometer in the measurement of normal joint movements (NEH). Results: Significant differences were noted in some parameters of upper and lower extremity NEH span measurements according to the upper and lower extremity, spine and temporomandibular joint, curve status of individuals with AIS (p<0.05). At the same time, there was no statistically significant difference in some parameters of the NEH openings of the cervical region, temporomandibular joint, elbow, forearm, wrist, knee and ankle joints. Conclusion: As a result of the measurements we made on individuals with AIS and healthy individuals, we can say that rotation and lateral flexions of the spine create an xv asymmetry by affecting the movements of the extremity and trunk joint, and this asymmetry is related to the type and number of curvature. Keywords: Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Normal Joint Movement