Scoliosis Clinical Trial
About the Disease
Scoliosis is a spine-related disorder that affects 2 - 4% of the population worldwide. Tests to confirm the disease are limited to x-rays and visual examination. In the past, no predictive test to establish the likelihood of the progression of scoliosis existed; until know. Now with the development of the Scolio-Px™ AIS Prognostic Test, the use of new minimally invasive surgical procedures will be a real option for patients.
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What is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine characterized by a progressive sideways twisting and rotation of the spine, ribs and pelvis. The degree of curvature in scoliosis can range from quite mild, 10 degrees, to severe cases of curvature greater than 45 degrees. In addition to its structural manifestations, scoliosis can severely impair neurological, hormonal, and nutritional systems especially as the degree of the curve worsens. Untreated severe scoliosis can cause death by interfering with cardiac and respiratory functions. Scoliosis predominately occurs in women, with a reported prevalence of 2 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for 80 percent of diagnosed Scoliosis cases.
What diagnostic tests and therapeutics are available for scoliosis?
Scoliosis is generally diagnosed between ages 9 – 13 during school screenings or pediatrician visits. To confirm the disease, patients are generally seen by Orthopedic surgeons who order x-rays to determine the severity of the curvature. Mild cases of scoliosis are generally carefully observed by orthopedic specialists through repeated x-ray screenings and clinical visits. If the curve continues to progress, patients are often required to wear a brace. However, compliance is very low among adolescents, the primary patient population. Surgery is required for spinal curves greater than 45 degrees or curves that do not respond to bracing. The goals of surgery are to stop a curve from progressing during adult life and to diminish spinal deformity. Unfortunately, current surgical approaches (implants and vertebral fusions) all decrease the function of the back.
How will genetic research help?
We have established a core team of physicians and scientists as well as state-of-the-art gene analysis technologies to identify the dysfunctional genes that cause scoliosis. With the insights made possible through genetic discoveries, we are dedicated to finding the underlying causes and biological pathways of scoliosis. Through genetic research we hope to determine the molecular cause for the disease and to develop diagnostic and prognostic tests for improved scoliosis treatment.
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