Research Projects
Three-Dimensional Study in the Non-Operative Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine of unknown aetiology, characterised by a lateral curvature and vertebral rotation. While scoliosis may be attributable to congenital osseous abnormalities, neuromuscular disease and syndrome conditions, majority of the cases are idiopathic. Scoliosis occurs most often after the age of 10 during puberty and is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The overall prevalence of AIS from different epidemiological studies indicate a rate of 0.47-5.2%. According to the SOSORT guidelines, patients with curves of Cobb angle between 20-40 degrees are prescribed with non-operative treatment including physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises and spinal bracing. Currently, a new type of physiotherapy named Schroth exercise, developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany, is considered to be more effective in treating scoliosis as it requires a patient to recognise 3D changes shown in the patient, and restores the spinal structure and function by correcting the trunk. The most significant factor of this exercise, differentiating it from other therapies, is that it consists of rotational angular breathing (RAB), which uses the rotation of the deformed rib with breathing. We have previously demonstrated the positive relationship between frontal deformity correction and changes in the sagittal profile and apical vertebral rotation (AVR) during bracing. However, the effect of Schroth exercise on the sagittal alignment and 3D deformity in scoliosis as well as its comparative effectiveness to bracing is currently not well-understood. Hence, in this prospective clinical-radiographic study, all patients newly diagnosed with Lenke type 1 AIS who fulfil the normal criteria for either Schroth exercise or bracing or both conservative treatments are eligible for recruitment. For bracing treatment, patients will be given a new prescription for a custom made Boston type thoracic-lumbo-sacral-orthosis (TLSO) braces. All patients will undergo low dose biplanar X-rays using the EOS® machine system. Full length, orthogonal anteroposterior and lateral X-rays will be taken simultaneously in a standardised standing position, with arms folded anteriorly in 45o. All radiographs will include C7 proximally and the femoral heads distally. 3D reconstruction of the spine can be performed. X-rays will be repeated after the patients have completed several rounds of Schroth exercise or after the brace is applied, and at intervals of no fewer than 6 months until the Schroth exercise session is completed, or if brace is weaned off. Coronal, sagittal and axial parameters will be calculated from the reconstruction. 3D vertebral wedging will be calculated in the posterofrontal, sagittal and diagonal planes at the apex, 3 superior and 3 inferior vertebrae. Changes in the pre- and post-exercising or pre- and post-bracing and follow-up parameters can be calculated. Additionally, we will also look at fulcrum bending to have a comprehensive view of the 3D changes in non-operative scoliosis. Findings of the comparative effect between physiotherapy and bracing as well as the combined effect of both on the 3D deformity allows further insight into curve progression and brace effectiveness.

Professor KYH Kwan, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Professor Kenny Kwan is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Honorary Associate Consultant at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital and The University of Hong Kong. He obtained his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Oxford Medical School in 2002. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2011. His research interests are in magnetically controlled growing rods in early onset scoliosis, non-neurologic complications after surgical correction of adult spinal deformity and intraoperative changes in intraocular pressure in prone spine surgery. Professor Kwan obtained several prized and awards: Li Po Chun Charitable Trust Fund – Visiting Fellowship to Division of Spine Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, USA AOSpine East Asia Fellowship – National Centre for Spinal Disorders, Budapest, Hungary in 2014. He obtained HKOA Spine Chapter Travelling Fellowship – North American Spine Society Annual Meeting, New Orleans.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
kyhkwan@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information.