脊柱侧弯成青少年健康“第三大威胁” 青春期是治疗窗口期

Core Viewpoint - The increasing prevalence of scoliosis among children in China has become a significant health threat, with over 5 million affected and an annual increase of approximately 300,000 cases, necessitating better awareness and treatment options [1][3][8]. Group 1: Current Situation and Awareness - Many parents are unaware of scoliosis, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment, as evidenced by numerous families seeking help at hospitals [3][4]. - Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, with a curvature exceeding 10 degrees requiring intervention [3][4]. - The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, accounting for 75%-80% of cases, primarily affecting adolescent females [3][4]. Group 2: Treatment Challenges - Treatment options are often confusing and inconsistent, with parents spending significant amounts on ineffective therapies [4][6]. - The lack of a clear understanding of the causes of idiopathic scoliosis complicates screening and treatment standards, leading to a chaotic market with unqualified treatments [4][6]. - Effective treatment for moderate scoliosis includes brace therapy, which has a success rate of 72% when worn for at least 20 hours a day [7]. Group 3: Importance of Early Detection - Early detection during the critical growth phase of adolescence is crucial, as 84% of cases may worsen if not addressed promptly [8][9]. - Schools are increasingly incorporating scoliosis screening into routine health checks, but implementation varies, especially in remote areas [8][9]. - Parents can perform simple at-home checks to identify potential scoliosis, emphasizing the need for timely medical evaluation if abnormalities are observed [9]. Group 4: Multidisciplinary Approach - The Beijing Children's Hospital has established a summer camp focusing on scoliosis, integrating expertise from various disciplines, including orthopedics, psychology, and nutrition [6][7]. - The camp aims to educate families about scoliosis management and provide psychological support to alleviate anxiety related to the condition [7][8].