Asymmetric loading of lower limbs as an early indicator of spine deformities

Abstract

Introduction: Disorders of musculoskeletal system in the process of growth and development of the child's body are dangerous because they are likely to be irreversible if not timely detected. That’s why it is important to diagnose them in time and do everything possible to minimize the health harm. Incorrect posture and scoliosis are widespread pathologies in children and adolescents. Untreated they may lead to respiratory and cardiac disfunctions, huge cosmetic defects, psychological disorders. The method of determining the load of both legs can be used for early diagnosis of spine deformities. It identifies biomechanical asymmetry parameters before the onset of visible changes in the spine. Materials and methods: Loading of the lower extremities was examined in 56 children aged 7-12 years ( 32 girls and 24 boys) during school spinal screening. We used floor scales embedded in a special support being on one level. The body mass was weighted, then degree of the foothold of the lower limbs was determined in statics. Measurements were carried out separately for the left and right leg. Results: The children were divided in two groups. In the first group (n = 36) the difference in the loading of the legs was up to 10% that was considered as normal. There were no pathological findings during the orthopedic examination of the spine in this group. In the second group (n = 20), the difference was more than 10%. Children had poor posture (round back, hunch back, flat back, scoliotic posture, etc.). These deviations were combined with some kinds of bone disorders of the lower limbs (n=13) congenital hip dysplasia, knee deformations, and different types of foot pathology (flat feet, flatvalgus, flattened arch). Analysis of school health records showed that seven children hadn\t problems with the musculoskeletal system, but at the time of the examination they presented incorrect posture. Conclusions: The method of determining the load of both legs is very simple, cheap and non dangerous, it can used for early diagnosis of spine deformities in children. Pupils with the differences in the loading of the legs more than 10% were included in the group of risk due to incorrect posture and the high probability of scoliosis. Definitive diagnosis of spine deformities in the development of the musculoskeletal system requires a more careful examination.