Scoliosis

This spine related disorder affects one to two percent of the population world wide. Tests to confirm the disease are limited to x-rays and visual examination. No predictive tests to establish the likelihood of the progression of scoliosis are currently available. Development of a prognostic test will complement new minimally invasive surgical procedures for scoliosis to confirm not only the likelihood of developing scoliosis but also the level of severity of the condition to allow earlier surgical intervention to prevent curvature of the spine.

About the Disease

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 the cardiac or respiratory function. Scoliosis predominately occurs in women, with a reported prevalence of 2 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men. Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for 80 percent of diagnosed scoliosis cases.

What diagnostic tests and therapuetics are available for scoliosis?

Scoliosis is generally diagnosed between ages 10 and 12 during school screenings or pediatrcian visits. To confirm the disease, patients are generally seen by orthopedic surgeions who order X-rays to determine severity of the curvature. Non-severe cases of scoliosis are generally carefully observed by orthopedic specialists through periodic X-ray screenings. 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?

Axial Biotech has established a core team of physicians and scientists as well as state-of-the-art gene analysis technologies to identify the dysfunctional genes that may cause scoliosis. With insights made possible through genetic discoveries, Axial Biotech is dedicated to finding the underlying causes and biological pathways of scoliosis. Through genetic research we hope to develop diagnostic and prognostic tests for improved scoliosis treatment.