Exploring the Visual Profile in Pediatric Scoliosis: Insights from a Controlled Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Idiopathic scoliosis is a complex spinal deformity with multifactorial causes.
• Visual disturbances may influence postural alignment and spinal curvature.
• The link between visual impairments and S-shaped scoliosis requires further understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between visual disturbances and spinal curvature in pediatric double major idiopathic scoliosis.
• To explore correlations between visual status and metabolic biomarkers.
• To assess the potential role of visual screening in scoliosis management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective controlled study of 73 pediatric patients (<16 years) with double major idiopathic scoliosis.
• Comparison of patients with (n=38) and without (n=35) visual disturbances.
• Analysis of radiographic parameters, clinical characteristics, and biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• Patients with visual disturbances showed a more cranial thoracic apical vertebra level (T6 vs. T8) and greater thoracic Cobb angles.
• Lower mean serum calcium and magnesium levels were observed in patients with visual disturbances.
• Hypomagnesemia and an earlier thoracic apical vertebra level were independently associated with visual disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Visual disturbances are associated with specific spinal and metabolic characteristics in pediatric idiopathic double-curve scoliosis.
• Findings suggest visual and metabolic screening may be valuable in scoliosis evaluation.
• Further research is warranted to explore causal relationships and optimize screening strategies.