Supervisors info:
Λυρίτης Γεώργιο, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρικής Σχολής ΕΚΠΑ
Δοντά Ισμήνη Νίκη, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρικής Σχολής ΕΚΠΑ
Χρονόπουλος Ευστάθιος, Αν. Καθηγητής, Ιατρικής Σχολής ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Objectives: To evaluate the age-dependent changes of the body, in 60 post-menopausal women, approaching the subject of adult scoliosis.
Methods: The participating patients underwent an X-ray evaluation of the spine in the ‘Radiology Department’ of ‘K.A.T.’ hospital in Athens. Simultaneously, a thorough personal anamnesis was obtained from each individual. The whole process of recruitment took place over a year. The acquired X-rays were further assessed, via the use of ‘SCODIAC’ software – evaluating the Cobb’s angle, Ferguson’s angle, the vertebrae’s rotation and the overall torsion of the spinal cord. The evaluated individuals were sorted out based on their age in four distinctive sub-categories.
Results: Throughout the current study, observations were made regarding the ‘B.M.I.’ index, the state of osteoporosis and the form as well the type of scoliosis alteration. The mean value of their biological age was 70,5 years of age and the mean value of their menopause age was 50 years of age. In regards to the ‘B.M.I.’ , 23% were classified as ‘obese’, 52% were classified as ‘overweight’ while 25% fell into the category of ‘normal weight’. The mean value of ‘B.M.I.’ was 27.45 Kgr/m2. A quite small number of patients (28%), were not screened for osteoporosis. In addition, 22% of the evaluated subjects, seemed to suffer from osteoporosis, 38% presented osteopenia and 12% they were classified as ‘normal’. The ratio of individuals suffering from a case of degenerative scoliosis, was 27% for the 1st sub-category, 67% for the 2nd sub-category, 86% for the 3rd sub-category and 67% for the 4th sub-category respectively. Consequently the average of the overall torsion was 23.9o, 19.5o, 23.7o and 32,1ο. Correspondingly the average of the subjects without any participation in ‘exercise’ was 47%, 40%, 86% and 67% in the 4th category. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women presenting primary or secondary osteoporosis alongside high ‘B.M.I.’ index and/or low levels of physical activity, are prone to cumulative degeneration of the spine resulting in clinical and sub-clinical scoliosis.
Keywords:
Post-menopausal women, Adult scoliosis, Anterior/posterior spine screening, ‘SCODIAC’ software, Degeneration of spine.
