COIMBATORE: Spinal deformities characterised by abnormal curvature of the spine are usually found in children below 14 years of age. However, due to lack of awareness and absence of medical screening, late presentation of the disease is a major problem in India.
In a first of its kind initiative in India, the Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) has launched a major screening programme for school children across multiple cities, including Coimbatore with an objective to increase early identification and spread awareness.
Under the project, ASSI is working with a series of schools in Coimbatore, with an objective of screening an estimated 10,000 children in the textile city. The study will help the organisation collect much-needed data on the prevalence of spinal deformity besides identifying children who need medical intervention.
"Recent advances in spine surgery including neuromonitoring, navigation, robotic technology and minimally invasive surgery have helped make spinal surgery highly safe and effective today. Innovations in spine care and deformity surgery have also helped significantly improve outcomes in affected people," says Dr. Ajoy P. Shetty, secretary of ASSI.
