Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Males Versus Females

Abstract

Background: Treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most challenging problems for spine surgeons. Although it has been previously demonstrated that curve pattern in AIS is different between males and females, there are, however, limited studies specially focused on the differences of AIS characteristics between the two genders. Objectives: In current study, we compared the demographics and curve patterns in male and female patients with AIS. Patients and Methods: A total of 68 girls and 17 boys with AIS were included in this cross-sectional study. The magnitude of curvature, thoracic kyphosis, flexibility and pattern of the deformity were measured on x-rays and compared between the two genders. Results: Although girls were significantly younger (15.3 ± 2.5 versus 16.7 ± 2.1 years; P = 0.036), however, the Risser sign was the same. Most of the males were hypokyphotic (70.6%), while most of the girls had normal thoracic kyphosis (69.1%) (P = 0.001). The main scoliotic curve (77.2 ± 18.2 versus 59.6 ± 18.6 degrees) and flexibility (25.5% ± 18.2% versus 41.9% ± 18.6%) were significantly greater and lower in males, respectively (P < 0.05). The typical AIS pattern was present in 64.7% of boys and 95.6% of girls (P < 0.001). Conclusions:The radiographic characteristics of AIS are substantially different between genders. In male patients, AIS is more severe and rigid compared to females. Also, hypokyphosis and atypical pattern of AIS are common findings in males compared to females.