Assessing the prevalence of spinal deformities and their clinical effects in
adolescent Egyptian males: a cross-sectional study
#MMPMID41257911
Mahran DG
; Khalifa AA
; Tulib E
; Ibrahim MF
; Farouk O
J Orthop Surg Res
2025[Nov]; 20
(1
): 1011
PMID41257911
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BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence
of back deformities among Egyptian adolescent males. Secondary objectives
included identifying associated factors and assessing any relationship with back
symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2020-2021
academic year among male students aged 12-14 years attending preparatory and
secondary schools in Al-Khargah city, Egypt. A total of 532 students, having a
mean age of 12.9?±?0.5 years, were enrolled from randomly selected government
schools. Assessment included a structured self-administered questionnaire,
clinical screening for spinal deformities, and radiographic confirmation for
suspected cases. RESULTS: The clinical prevalence of back deformities was 15.4%,
with 13.5% having kyphosis and 1.9% scoliosis. Radiographic confirmation revealed
structural deformities in 6.8% of participants, while 8.6% had postural kyphosis.
Significant factors associated with clinical deformities included being
underweight (OR 6.17), prolonged mobile phone use (>?4 h daily, OR 2.67), owning
a mobile phone for >?3 years (OR 2.22), watching television regularly (OR 3.33),
and reclining/sleeping during TV viewing (OR 2.08/1.98). Rare consumption of
yogurt (OR 3.44) and cheese (OR 3.63) was also significantly associated with
spinal deformities. Students with deformities reported substantially more back
pain over the past three months (OR 2.69). CONCLUSION: Back deformities are
relatively common among adolescent males in southern Egypt and are significantly
associated with modifiable lifestyle and nutritional factors. Early screening and
targeted school-based health education may help prevent progression and reduce
associated morbidity.
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