FRI0685 Hand functions are affected depending on the curve pattern in idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: G. Yagci, D. A. Ozcan, C. Ayhan, Y. Yakut
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background:</h3> Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional deformity and causes postural distortions in head, trunk, scapular region and upper extremities. Hand functions have not been evaluated in relation to lateral curvature of the spine in IS previously. There is a need to evaluate possible changes in hand functions with scoliotic curve in idiopathic scoliosis. <h3>Objectives:</h3> The aim of this study was to investigate hand functions in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. <h3>Methods:</h3> Ninety-four individuals with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle range: 10° – 45°) were included. Curves were classified as single thoracic (n= 18), single thoracolumbar (n= 33), single lumbar (n= 22) and double curves (n= 21). Assessments included hand dexterity with Minnesota test, hand reaction time with Nelson test, hand-eye coordination with finger-to-nose test, throwing accuracy with Functional Throwing Performance Test, and upper extremity stability with the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. One-way ANOVA was used to compare continuous variables between different curve pattern groups and a Tukey9s hsd means comparison was used to examine the nature of the significant difference found by ANOVA. In addition, Student9s t test was used to compare the parameters between the convex and concave side of the curve for each group. <h3>Results:</h3> Hand-eye coordination and throwing accuracy was significantly worse in thoracic curve pattern group than lumbar ones for both convex and concave sides of the curve. There was no difference between curve patterns in terms of hand dexterity, hand reaction time and upper extremity stability. When compared with concave side, hand dexterity was greater in the convex side for thoracic curves (p&lt;.05). For double curves, convex side had better hand dexterity and reaction time than concave side (p&lt;.05). But there was no difference between convex and concave side for thoracolumbar and lumbar curve patterns (p &gt;.05). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This study showed that hand function is affected, depending on the curve pattern in idiopathic scoliosis. There is no knowledge about how hand function is affected in patients with scoliosis in the literature. Further research following these findings may lead to an understanding of the change in hand functions and its relation with scoliosis-related characteristics, such as age, curve magnitude and trunk deformity. <h3>References</h3> 1. Cook SD, Harding AF, Burke SW, Whitecloud TS, Barrack RL, Leinhardt TM. Upper extremity proprioception in idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical orthopaedics and related research1986;213:118–24. 2. Beaulieu M, Toulotte C, Gatto L, Rivard CH, Teasdale N, Simoneau M, et al. Postural imbalance in non-treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at different periods of progression. European Spine Journal2009;18:38–44. 3. Veldhuizen AG, Wever DJ, Webb PJ. The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis: biomechanical and neuromuscular factors. European spine journal2000;9:178–84. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. <h3>Disclosure of Interest:</h3> None declared