Early signs of scoliosis in preschool children

The high incidence of postural deviations in child population, estimated at 20%, is not only a concern, but also a public health problem. This study aimed to identify signs of scoliosis in children in preschool age from Londrina, Brazil. The study included 377 children aged between 5 and 6 years, of both sexes. The postural exam was divided in: (1) obtaining anthropometric data, the frontal pelvic balance and Adams test; (2) in case of a positive response to Adams test, a computerized photogrammetry was performer subsequently. The prevalence of early signs of scoliosis was of 26.3% in the population evaluated. However, they were characterized as scoliotic attitude, since the highest angle identified was 7.33° and the median ranged from 3.2° to 5.6°. Also, the scoliotic attitude may be related to growth, since an association was identified between the positive response to the Adams test and pelvic asymmetry in the frontal plane, and the majority of the curvatures were of the "C" type. Based on the results, there was a high prevalence of scoliotic attitude, indicating the need for postural monitoring programs for children in pre-school, to control the growth and resolution or worsening of the early signs of scoliosis.