The present and future of the scoliosis screening in the school medical examination for locomotive organ

Abstract

In 2016, the school medical examination for locomotive organ was started. The purpose is to lead to lifelong health promotion by early detection of diseases and abnormalities of the spine, ribcage, limbs, bones, and joints of children and students who are in the process of growth and development. Another purpose is to encourage people to take an interest in their locomotive organs by filling out the locomotive health questionnaire at home. With reference to the questionnaire, the school doctor conducts a medical examination for locomotive organ. If an abnormality is suspected, an orthopedic consultation is recommended.

Looking at the results of school medical examination for locomotive organ, the most common reason for recommending orthopedic consultation is suspicion of scoliosis. However school doctors are mainly internists and pediatricians who do not specialize in locomotive organ. There is a problem of undressing at the school medical examination. Accurate examination cannot be performed without undressing. It is necessary to consider reducing the burden on school doctors by introducing auxiliary inspection equipment such as moire.

It is also a problem that there are many children who do not receive a medical examination even if they are recommended to see a doctor.

It is necessary to devise a school medical examination for locomotive organ system.