High-resolution MRI of paravertebral (back) muscles in children with idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis

Paravertebral Muscles Assessment Using High-resolution MRI in Children Suffering From Idiopathic or Neuromuscular Scoliosis

NA · Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT07135765

We will use a short, extra high-resolution MRI to see if differences in the deep back muscles are linked to scoliosis in children aged 10–17 with idiopathic or neuromuscular forms.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other)
Locations1 site (Garches)
Trial IDNCT07135765 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, comparative, non-randomised single-center imaging project enrolling children with idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis who require spinal MRI. Participants undergo an additional five minutes lying in the scanner to acquire high-resolution images of the deep paravertebral muscles (multifidi and rotatores). The study compares muscle morphology between idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis and between the convex and concave sides of the spinal curve. The aim is to identify morphological patterns that could indicate a subgroup of idiopathic scoliosis patients whose onset or progression relates to muscle dysfunction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children and adolescents aged 10–17 with non-collapsing idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis, Cobb angle under 40°, who are ambulatory, MRI-compatible, and have parental consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with prior spinal surgery, collapsing scoliosis, Cobb angle ≥40°, inability to undergo or cooperate with MRI, or who are non-ambulatory are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If specific muscle changes are identified, this could point to new targets for physical therapy or other interventions to slow or prevent scoliosis progression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI studies have reported muscle asymmetry in scoliosis, but high-resolution paravertebral muscle imaging as a phenotyping tool is relatively novel and not yet proven to change clinical care.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old,
* Scoliosis (idiopathic or neuromuscular) that is not collapsing
* Cobb angle \<40°
* Female preferred
* Patient able to walk
* Average or low BMI \<20kg/m2
* Signature of informed consent by legal guardians
* Affiliation with a social security scheme (beneficiary or dependent).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal of the patient and/or parents to participate in the study
* Inability to cooperate
* Subject with a contraindication to MRI
* History of spinal surgery
* Not affiliated with a social security scheme (beneficiary or entitled person)

Where this trial is running

Garches

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Scoliosis, Scoliosis Idiopathic, Scoliosis Neuromuscular, scoliosis, MRI, spine, Children

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.