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early detection

Scoliosis Screening: A Review of Current Evidence, Worldwide Practices, and Recommendations for Implementation Across Canada

Teaser: 

Caitlyn Dunphy, MPT, 1 Marie Anne Keenan, BSc candidate,2 Hunter Cole David Arulpragasam, BSc candidate,3 Jean Albert Ouellet, MD, FRCS(C),4 Kevin Smit, MD, FRCS(C),5 Ron El-Hawary, MD, MSc, FRCS(C),6 Andrea Mary Simmonds, MD, MHSc, FRCS(C),7

1BC Children’s Hospital Orthopaedic Spine Clinic.
2University of Victoria, Research Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital.
3University of Toronto, Research Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital.
4McGill University Health Centre/ Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada.
5Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, CHEO, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Surgeon Scientist, CHEO Research Institute.
6Professor of Surgery (Orthopedics, Neurosurgery) Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, IWK Health.
7 Paediatric Spine & Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Clinical Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Orthopaedics.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: There is a lack of consensus about the merits of scoliosis screening and whether it is a beneficial strategy for both the patients and the healthcare system. With mounting concerns about long wait times across Canada for surgical correction of scoliosis, interest has grown in maximizing non-operative care. We have investigated the history of scoliosis screening and the controversies surrounding implementation of screening in a Canadian setting. We propose an optimal screening strategy.
Key Words: Scoliosis, scoliosis screening, early detection, conservative strategies.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

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Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
Screening can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis.
Early diagnosis of scoliosis increases opportunities for successful conservative treatment.
Conservative strategies may prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Scoliosis screening may improve access to care and reduce health care costs.
Early detection of scoliosis through school screenings is recommended for initiating timely and effective conservative treatments, such as bracing and physical therapy. This can significantly reduce the need for surgical interventions and associated healthcare costs.
A standardized, evidence-based screening protocol should be developed and implemented across all Canadian schools. This protocol should include clear guidelines on the use of screening tools, referral criteria, and follow-up procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy in detecting scoliosis.
School nurses, physical education teachers, and other relevant personnel should receive adequate resources and support for proper training in scoliosis screening.
Educational campaigns must raise awareness about the signs of scoliosis and the importance of school screenings for early detection among parents, teachers, and the general public.
Ongoing research and evaluation of the screening program should be conducted to assess its effectiveness, cost-benefit ratio, and impact on health outcomes.
Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and scoliosis advocacy groups is essential to create a comprehensive and sustainable screening program.
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Related Terms: Back Health, Scoliosis, scoliosis screening, early detection, conservative strategies

Why Sooner is Better--The Importance of Early Detection in Alzheimer’s Disease

Why Sooner is Better--The Importance of Early Detection in Alzheimer’s Disease

Teaser: 

Miriam Vale
Bachelor of Journalism

The early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the hottest research topics in the field. Studies are being conducted around the world with the goal of discovering methods to improve the early detection of AD. Six researchers presented their data on this topic at the Congress on July 10. The bulk of their research focuses on the use of various neuroimaging techniques to detect the areas of the brain which appear to atrophy with disease progression and for the monitoring of metabolic function in the brain. These methods exist as 'stand-alone' techniques but are also used in conjunction with other indicators or predictors of AD, such as the presence of the ApoE e4 allele. Other methods involve the use of neuropsychological testing to try and discriminate between mild cognitive impairment and the onset of AD.

Dr. Marilyn S. Albert from Harvard Medical School presented her team's work on the use of neuropsychological testing for the early detection of AD. The group, which also included Mark B. Moss, from the Boston University School of Medicine and Kenneth Jones of Brandeis University, is studying the prodromal phase of AD before a diagnosis has been made. A total of 146 people (average age=72) were given 17 neuropsychological tests yearly, over a three-year period.

Related Terms: Dementia, Alzheimer, early detection