Prevalence of scoliosis and cost-effectiveness of screening in schools in Turkey.

The study was intended determine the prevalence of scoliosis and to assess the cost-effectiveness of a school screening program for scoliosis in Turkey. A total of 4259 children (2057 females and 2022 males aged 10-14 years old) were screened. Thirty-nine children had a positive forward bending test. The prevalence of scoliosis was 25 per 1000 in the screened population. The ratio of girls to boys with scoliosis was 2.5:1. A minor curve was detected in 72.7% of children with scoliosis (Cobb angle of 10-20 degrees), and a major curve was found in 27.3% (Cobb angle >20 degrees). The cost of screening was found to be 47 cents per child, but the cost per case of scoliosis was determined to be $236.81. School screening for scoliosis seems to be cost-effective in Turkey.