Vestibular Functions of Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Assessment and Comparative Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate vestibular function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (IS).

We examined 20 patients with IS and 20 healthy controls. The examination involved assessment of the perception of subjective visual vertical (SVV) in static and dynamic conditions, posturography (6 conditions: eyes open/closed, firm/foam surface, tandem stand), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. Results of the tests were compared between the groups.

In SVV, there was no significant difference in static conditions. However, in dynamic conditions, the deviation was significantly greater in patients than in controls (P < .05). Posturography parameters of patients were significantly greater (P < .05) when standing on a foam surface with eyes open. In this condition, patients had greater center of foot pressure sway area and sway velocity. The patients and controls also differed in terms of sway path, sway velocity, and maximal amplitude in the medial-lateral direction. In VEMP testing, 38% of patients with IS had an abnormal response.

This study showed greater variations in dynamic SVV, greater values of posturography parameters, and some abnormal VEMP responses in patients with IS. It is not yet known if vestibular rehabilitation can improve these abnormal functions.