A Study of Scoliosis among Adolescent Female Patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterised by a lateral bending or curvature
of the spine.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the prevalence, distribution and age of onset of adolescent scoliosis
among female patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria.
Study Design: This was a retrospective epidemiological study of female scoliosis patients treated
between 2005 and 2014. Data were obtained from patients medical records after due permission had
been sought for and obtained from the hospital management. A total of 16,027 orthopaedic cases
were analysed.
Results: The prevalence of female adolescent scoliosis within the 10-year period was 0.27%. The
peak age of presentation was 11-12 years, followed by 13-14 years. The prevalence rate varied from
one year to the other. Thirty per cent (30%) of the presenting females were children of traders
followed closely (20%) by children of teachers.
Conclusion: Female adolescent scoliosis was not common at the National Orthopaedic Hospital,
Enugu within the study period. In view of the public health importance of scoliosis in adolescent girls,
screening tests should be done periodically to detect cases in time for effective management and
orthotic rehabilitation. Scoliosis among females was prevalent but not common at the National
Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. It is suggested that periodic screening tests be performed to
detect cases early. This will make for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Here lies the public health
importance of adolescent scoliosis.