Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sina Coşkun, a faculty member at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, emphasized that scoliosis is more common in girls aged 10-18. For this reason, he recommended multiple scoliosis screenings for girls at ages 10 and 12, while boys should be screened once at ages 13 and 14.
According to a written statement from OMU, scoliosis is characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, which can progress into a three-dimensional deformity over time.
Dr. Coşkun explained that scoliosis initially appears as a lateral curvature but can gradually lead to spinal twisting, resulting in severe deformities. He noted that scoliosis cases in Türkiye vary between 0.5% and 6%, depending on the region.
“Scoliosis is predominantly a condition seen in adolescent girls. While it does not mean that boys are unaffected, it is more frequently observed in girls aged 10-18. Therefore, we recommend scoliosis screenings for girls ages 10 and 12 and boys at ages 13 and 14.”
Dr. Coşkun underlined that scoliosis can sometimes be an indicator of another underlying condition, stating:
“In some cases, scoliosis is mistaken for other conditions or serves as a warning sign of another disease. For instance, a child with leg length discrepancy might be suspected of having scoliosis. However, the scoliosis also resolves once we treat the leg length issue.”
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in scoliosis treatment, Dr. Coşkun stated:
“Curvatures under 10 degrees are classified as postural disorders, which have become more common due to modern lifestyle factors. Increased screen time from tablets and smartphones, along with reduced physical activity, are major contributors to poor posture. Additionally, neurological disorders can trigger scoliosis. Furthermore, individuals with a family history of scoliosis have a 30% higher likelihood of developing the condition.”
He also pointed out that while excessive screen time and poor posture contribute to spinal misalignment, it is not yet scientifically confirmed whether they directly cause scoliosis.
A young scoliosis patient, Neslihan Coşkun, who was diagnosed at an early age, shared her experience. Since her grandmother also had scoliosis, her mother took early precautions and arranged a scoliosis screening. Neslihan recounted her journey as follows:
“I met Dr. Sina two years ago. I used five different braces during my treatment. However, during one of my check-ups, it was observed that my condition had progressed, and surgery was recommended. Scoliosis has made daily activities challenging for me—I struggled with walking and carrying my school bag. But with my doctor’s support, I believe I can overcome these challenges.”
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