Analysis of the prevalence of asymmetry and muscle tone disorders in the first year of life among youth with idiopathic scoliosis: A retrospective case-control study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Not much is known about developmental motor disorders in the first year of life of children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the occurrence of asymmetry or muscle tone disorders in the first year of life in adolescents with IS and their healthy counterparts. METHODS: The parents of adolescents with IS and without scoliosis completed a survey on the occurrence of asymmetry, abnormal muscle tone, and physiotherapy in their children in the first year of life. Pearson’s chi square test and Cramer’s coefficient were used. RESULTS: The final analysis included 527 surveys completed by parents of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (150) and without scoliosis (377). A significantly higher frequency of asymmetry (p= 0.001) and muscle tone disorders (p= 0.001) was noted in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The results also revealed a significant association between scoliosis and asymmetry (p= 0.001), as well as muscle tone (p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Developmental asymmetry or improper muscle tone in the first year of life could be considered a potential factor in the development of scoliosis; however, this hypothesis should be confirmed in future studies. Infants diagnosed with developmental disorders require systematic observation.