Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Safety of Complex Pedicle Screw Trajectories Using Patient-Specific Guides (MySpine, Medacta)

This retrospective, single-center observational study evaluates the clinical safety and neurophysiological performance of patient-specific MySpine guides (Medacta International) for pedicle screw placement in patients undergoing instrumented spinal surgery. Particular attention is focused on anatomically complex trajectories identified during preoperative planning as "Red Screws," in which complete osseous containment of the planned screw trajectory cannot be ensured because of dysplastic, hypoplastic, or otherwise challenging pedicle anatomy. The study includes 130 patients treated between January 2015 and January 2026, encompassing a total of 2,626 pedicle screws. The primary objective is to compare the incidence of positive triggered electromyography responses, defined as a stimulation threshold \<8 mA, between standard screws and Red Screws. Secondary objectives are to compare absolute stimulation thresholds, screw-related intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts, the need for screw repositioning or removal, and postoperative neurological deficits considered related to screw placement. An exploratory analysis will also investigate whether a planned medial cortical breach is associated with an increased risk of neurophysiological warning signals or other intraoperative screw-related events.

Effectiveness of a Horse Riding Simulator in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity associated with impaired respiratory muscle strength, balance, postural control, body image, and health-related quality of life. Core stabilization exercises are widely used in the conservative management of AIS. Horse riding simulator training reproduces the multidirectional rhythmic movements of horseback riding while eliminating the potential risks associated with conventional hippotherapy and may provide additional benefits for postural control and trunk muscle activation. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of adding horse riding simulator training to a core stabilization exercise program on respiratory muscle strength, balance, health-related quality of life, and perceived cosmetic deformity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving horse riding simulator training combined with core stabilization exercises or a control group receiving core stabilization exercises alone. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention.

Quality of Life, Psychosocial Burden, and Structural-functional Status in Adults With Spinal Deformity.

This study examines which factors influence quality of life in adults with a spinal deformity. It looks at imaging findings together with pain, daily functioning, psychosocial factors, and frailty to support more person-centred care. A total of 320 adults will participate in three groups: conservative treatment, first corrective surgery, or reoperation. All care follows standard practice; no experimental treatments are added. Participants complete questionnaires, and routine FASD tests and existing EOS/X-ray images may be used. Follow-up lasts up to 2 years, with scheduled assessments depending on whether treatment is surgical or conservative.

Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Combined With Scoliosis-Specific Three-Dimensional Exercises in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercises combined with pelvic floor muscle training on scoliosis severity and spinopelvic parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the addition of pelvic floor muscle training to scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercises improve scoliosis severity compared with scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercises alone? * Does the addition of pelvic floor muscle training improve spinopelvic parameters compared with scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercises alone? Researchers will compare a scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercise plus pelvic floor muscle training group with a scoliosis-specific three-dimensional exercise group to determine whether the combined intervention provides additional clinical benefits. Participants will: * undergo baseline clinical and radiographic assessments; * be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups; * receive supervised treatment for 3 months according to the assigned intervention; * undergo follow-up clinical and radiographic assessments at the end of the intervention period.

Efficacy of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has a relatively high prevalence in adolescents. Exercise is the most common conservative therapy for mild AIS patients. There are increasing evidences suggesting that physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) can halt the curve progression. Nevertheless, the evidence concerning PSSE is inadequate and low quality. The aim of this study is to identify the efficacy of PSSE on Cobb's angle, rotation angle, fall index, pulmonary function, bone quality, and health related quality-of-life (HRQoL) for mild AIS patients, and to promote PSSE's application in Shanghai. Prior to inclusion, all subjects will be examined by the physiatrists. A parent of each subject will be asked to sign an informed consent form before the subject participate in the study. Eligible subjects will be randomized by a 1:1 allocation ratio by computer either to the intervention group, in which they will perform PSSEs; or the control group, in which they will perform generalised physiotherapy exercises. All subjects will be assessed at the initial visit and 6 months. A multidimensional, comprehensive evaluation including aesthetic appearance, radiographic measurement, static balance test, pulmonary function test, bone quality, and HRQoL will be used.

Effect of a 16-Week Physiotherapeutic Corrective Exercise Program on Spinal Deformities in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Brief Summary Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may progress during adolescence and lead to postural asymmetry, spinal rotation, pelvic imbalance, reduced spinal mobility, and decreased quality of life. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 16-week structured physiotherapeutic corrective exercise program compared with standard physiotherapy care in adolescents with mild to moderate AIS (Cobb angle 10°-40°). Participants aged 10-18 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group using stratified block randomization based on age and baseline Cobb angle. The study will be conducted under the responsibility of the University of Prishtina- Faculty of Medicine and the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, with academic collaboration from Alma Mater Europaea. The experimental group will receive a structured physiotherapeutic corrective exercise program including core stabilization, stretching, spinal self-correction, and pelvic correction exercises. The control group will receive standard physiotherapy exercises used in routine clinical practice. Both groups will undergo supervised physiotherapy sessions three times per week for 16 weeks, with additional prescribed home exercises. Primary outcomes include individual spinal alignment parameters assessed using the DIERS Formetric 3D/4D system, including lateral deviation angle and vertebral rotation. Secondary outcomes include additional postural alignment parameters, spinal mobility measured using an inclinometer, and health-related quality of life assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Revised (SRS-22r) questionnaire. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Each outcome parameter will be analyzed separately to evaluate changes over time and differences between groups. The study will provide evidence on whether a structured corrective physiotherapy program offers superior outcomes compared with standard physiotherapy care in adolescents with AIS.

Family Education for Individuals With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Yağmur KİRMİK, Investigation of the Effect of Family Education on Stress, Deformity Perception, Quality of Life, and Treatment Adherence in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Graduate Education Institute, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Master's Thesis, Gaziantep 2026. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of individual/family education on stress, deformity perception, quality of life, and exercise adherence in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total of 42 individuals with AIS participated in the study. Randomization was performed to create a study group (n=21) and a control group (n=21). The study group received Physiotherapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) in addition to individual/family education, while the control group received only PSSE.

Comparıson Of Dıfferent Exercıse Traınıng Programs In Adolescents Wıth Idıopathıc Scolıosıs Undergoıng Spınal Fusıon Surgery

This study aimed to comparatively examine the effects of different exercise training programs on kinesiophobia, functional capacity, disability level, neck injury status, balance, body health, and quality of life in adolescent individuals diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and undergoing spinal fusion planning. A total of 42 individuals were included in the spinal fusion group and divided into three regular groups (Body Awareness Therapy + Core Stabilization: n=14, Core Stabilization: n=14, Control: n=14). Exercise programs were to be implemented twice a week for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The classic exercise group received a home exercise program. Assessments were conducted before and after the examination. The following questionnaires will be used to assess: pain (McGill Short Form Pain Questionnaire), dynamic balance (Y Balance Test), disability (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)), body care (Body Awareness Questionnaire), functional capacity (6-animal gait test), kinesiophobia (Tampa Kinesiophobia Questionnaire), and quality of life (Scoliosis Research Association-30 (SRS-30) Questionnaire).

Dance-Based Exercise in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of dance-based exercises on physical fitness, body image, and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Twenty-four participants aged 10-18 years with a Cobb angle between 10° and 30° will be randomly assigned to either a dance-based exercise group or a control group. Both groups will perform conventional scoliosis exercises, while the intervention group will additionally receive dance-based exercise sessions for six weeks. Outcome measures will include body image, scoliosis-related quality of life, physical fitness, flexibility, trunk rotation, and enjoyment of physical activity.

Scoliosis-Specific Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by a three-dimensional spinal deformity, affecting approximately 2-4% of adolescents worldwide and occurring more frequently in girls. Beyond spinal curvature, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis can negatively influence physical fitness, muscular strength, respiratory function, postural control, and participation in daily activities. These factors may reduce overall functional capacity and quality of life. Scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, including approaches such as Schroth and The Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, have been shown to improve postural symmetry, slow curve progression, and enhance respiratory and psychosocial outcomes. However, the effects of these exercises on physical fitness parameters-such as muscle strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance-remain insufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scoliosis-specific corrective exercises on physical fitness parameters in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Measures of strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance will be assessed before and after the intervention. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based conservative treatment protocols focusing not only on curve progression but also on functional capacity and overall fitness in adolescents with scoliosis.

The Effect of Dexamethasone Administration Route and Local Anesthetic Concentration on Pain, Inflammatory Response, and Neuromonitoring in Children Undergoing Scoliosis Correction

Scoliosis correction surgery in children is a complex procedure with significant risks, including postoperative pain, inflammatory response, and potential neurological complications. Effective pain control and minimizing inflammation are critical for faster recovery and improved patient outcomes. Dexamethasone is commonly used as an adjuvant in regional anesthesia due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to prolong analgesia. However, limited research exists on the optimal route of dexamethasone administration (intravenous vs. perineural) and the best local anesthetic concentration for pain management, inflammatory response, and neuromonitoring during surgery. This study aims to compare the effects of different dexamethasone administration routes and local anesthetic concentrations on postoperative pain, inflammation (NLR, PLR), and neuromonitoring in pediatric scoliosis surgery. Results may improve regional anesthesia protocols, enhance patient safety, and offer valuable insights for clinical practice.

Cyberchondria in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional torsional deformity of the spine and trunk characterized by alignment abnormalities in the coronal plane, the presence of axial rotation in the horizontal plane, and abnormalities in the normal spinal curves (lordosis-kyphosis) in the sagittal plane. The most common type of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), has a prevalence of approximately 3%. AIS accounts for 85% of all scoliosis types. AIS is the name given to scoliosis diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 18. Because they are actively engaged with the internet, young people have begun researching health-related topics online due to the ease of access to such information. The internet has overshadowed traditional sources of health information, such as social circles, mass media (television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc.), and medical and non-medical health professionals; searching for medical information online has become a popular activity. Searching for medical information online appears to offer various advantages in terms of anonymity, cost-effectiveness, potential for interaction, opportunities for social support, and the amount of accessible information. However, it also carries significant drawbacks due to the risk of exposure to contradictory, confusing, unreliable, inaccurate, or outdated information. Cyberchondria is when a person's desire to research health-related symptoms online turns into excessive anxiety and repeated online searches. This can increase a person's health-related worries and fears and lead to mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. In today's information age, adolescents spend a large part of their day on the internet using smartphones and researching the symptoms of their current illnesses online before consulting a doctor or when they receive a diagnosis. This tendency can increase their anxiety levels due to misinformation. Cyberchondria is the reflection of anxiety in the digital age. Comorbidity in psychiatric disorders has generally been evaluated, but there are only a limited number of studies investigating the level of cyberchondria in a specific disease. There are no studies examining the relationship between cyberchondria and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study aims to investigate the levels of cyberchondria and related factors in patients diagnosed with scoliosis and compare them with a control group.

Reliability and Validity of the Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis - Truncal Anterior Asymmetry Scoliosis Questionnaire (TAASQ)

The survey examines how individuals with scoliosis define themselves and their physical appearance. Our aim in this study was to translate this survey into Turkish and demonstrate its reliability and validity.

Reliability of the Scoliosis Caregiver Response and Emotional Scale (SCaRES) Questionnaire

The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Scoliosis Caregiver Response and Emotional Scale (SCaRES) questionnaire; to evaluate the reliability of the Turkish form and to ensure its usability in clinical and research fields.

IntraVenous Iron in Kids With Iron Deficiency and Scoliosis Study

Adolescents and young adults undergoing spinal fusion surgery for the correction of scoliosis and other spinal deformity are at high risk of perioperative iron deficiency and anemia, yet the means and evidence for optimizing iron status have not been described in this setting. The proposed study is a randomized controlled trial of preoperative intravenous iron supplementation, to identify whether iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes such as red blood cell transfusion and diminished postoperative cognitive and physical capacity in this vulnerable population. Building evidence for patient blood management interventions such as iron supplementation is vital to ensuring high quality care of surgical patients and may reduce unnecessary transfusions amid recent blood shortages.

Investigating Proprioceptive Impairment in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) (SCOLIO-PROPRIO)

The goal of this interventionnal study is to learn if teenagers who have severe scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) have trouble sensing their body's position in space (this sense is called proprioception), which are directly linked to abnormalities in the part of the brain that controls movement and/or caused by the muscles on each side of the spine not being the same size or not developing in the same way. The main question the investigators aim to answer are : * Do adolescents with severe scoliosis have problems with their sense of body position (proprioception)? * If so, are these proprioceptive issues linked to specific problems in the part of the brain that controls movement? * Are these proprioceptive issues also possibly linked to an uneven muscle structure on either side of the spinal curve? Researchers will compare the part of the brain that controls movement (ensorimotor brain network) of healthy subjects to that of the participants that will enroll in this study. Participants will only have to do one more MRI that is not included in the routine of clinical management of scoliosis before surgery. Data will also be retrieved from clinical practice Participants will answer questionnaires after the day of the surgery

Frontal/Axial and Self Body Image In Scoliosis

What is the relationship between frontal and axial back asymmetric parameters with self body image in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Age This study will investigate the relationship between frontal and axial back asymmetry with self body image in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Delimitations : patients will be diagnosed by orthopedic surgeon with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Delimitations Age 11 to 18 years BMI fron 20 to 24.9kg/m2 Moderate cobbs angle 25-45 degrees Major thoacic curve Self body image will be ass by TAPS questionnaire which evaluate self image and satisfaction

Sagittal Spine Balance in Patients With Chest Wall Deformity

Does the funnel deformity affects the sagittal balance of the spine? This question is a result of a Principal Investigator's novel observation, that in some cases restoring the correct balance reduce the distance between the retracted sternum and the spine. The aim of the study was to assess that sagittal balance of the spine change 6 months after surgical treatment? We assess: 1. Deviations in sagittal balance in patients before the procedure by X-ray. 2. Change in the distance between the sternum and the anterior part of the nearest vertebral body after virtual reproduction of the correct sagittal balance by AI. 3. Change in the distance between the sternum and the anterior part of the nearest vertebral body 6 months after the Nuss procedure by X-ray.

Augmented Reality-Assisted Physiotherapy for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study

This study aims to explore the effects of augmented reality (AR)-supported physiotherapy on body awareness, motivation, and exercise adherence in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study will involve semi-structured interviews with adolescents who have completed at least four weeks of AR-based physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. The goal is to understand participants' lived experiences with AR-enhanced rehabilitation and to inform the development of adolescent-centered, technology-integrated physiotherapy strategies in conservative scoliosis care.

Investigation on the Prevalence and Etiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Nanchang Region

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the Nanchang region. Elementary and middle school students who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study and school-based scoliosis screening was conducted. Diagnosis of suspected scoliosis was determined by physical examination, Adams forward bend test, measurement of trunk rotation angle, and Standing Anteroposterior X-ray of the Spine. The prevalence of suspected scoliosis among elementary and middle school students was calculated. At the same time, the researchers kept detailed records of all costs incurred in the school screening.

Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

The effectiveness of kinesiotaping application in addition to exercise in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis will be compared on the pain level with the numerical rating scale, the Cobb angle and scoliometer measurements, the quality of life with the Scoliosis Research Association-22 quality of life scale, and the patient's visual perception level with the Walter Reed visual assessment scale. Research Group: In addition to the regular exercise program, kinesio taping will be applied to patients diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Kinesio taping will be applied for 5 days on and 2 days off for 4 weeks. Control Group: Patients diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis will continue their regular exercise program. No intervention will be applied. Patients will be evaluated before and 3 months after treatment in terms of pain level with numerical rating scale, Cobb angle measurement and Scoliometer measurement, quality of life with Scoliosis Research Association-22 quality of life scale and Walter Reed visual assessment scale.