Aim: Spinal deformity can lead to various negative health outcomes, including back pain, depressive symptoms, and significant economic burden. The causal relationship and direction between neurological abnormalities and spinal deformity remain controversial. This study aims to investigate the potential association between childhood cerebral disease and an increased risk of spinal deformity development.
Scientific Rationale: The etiopathogenesis of spinal deformity is multifactorial, encompassing genetic abnormalities, neuromuscular factors, biomechanical influences, bone metabolism, hormonal factors, and lifestyle factors. However, no single factor has been conclusively established as a direct cause of spinal deformity. Over the years, a growing body of evidence suggests that changes in the central nervous system are present in spinal deformity patients. Nonetheless, differentiating whether these observations are primary etiological factors or secondary to spinal deformity remains challenging.
Project Duration: The proposed research project is expected to span a duration of three years.
Year 1
1. Project Planning and Protocol Development (Months 1-4):
2.Data Collection and ALSPAC Access (Months 5-9):
3.Preliminary Data Analysis and Pilot Studies (Months 10-12):
Year 2
1.Main Data Analysis (Months 1-8):
2.Results Interpretation and Manuscript Preparation (Months 9-12):
Year 3:
1.Publication and Dissemination (Months 1-6):
2.Project Evaluation and Future Directions (Months 7-12):
Public Health Impact: This study offers a perspective to guide the early-stage prevention, etiological diagnosis, and treatment of scoliosis. General pediatricians, hospitalists, orthopedic surgeons, researchers, in optimizing health recovery strategies for children affected by scoliosis.